1. The Theory Behind the Zone
The Zone diet, created by Barry Sears, became popular in the mid 1990's and is still considered an effective diet. The theory behind the Zone is that that too much insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, leads to an overweight body. By regulating blood sugar levels, we keep insulin in a healthy "zone" where the body burns fat efficiently. In order to stay in the Zone, daily food intake must include the perfect balance of low carbohydrates, high protein, and moderate amounts of healthy fats.
2. What Some Nutritionists say
Many nutritionists claim that the Zone creates vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to eliminating important foods that the diet deems "bad." A balanced diet is made of high complex carbohydrates and low fats, which are important for general health and weight loss. Nutritionists caution that a high protein, low carbohydrate diet lacks key nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid and various minerals. People with weak kidneys can be susceptible to problems due to the high protein content that the Zone diet stresses. People with heart problems can also be affected by a high intake of animal protein. Research also has shown that because the diet stresses low carbohydrates which get stored in the muscles as glycogen, many athletes on the Zone diet become overly fatigued shortly after engaging in intense exercise because muscles are without a source of energy to fuel their activity.
3. Calculating Meals
Adhering to the Zone diet means you need time to plan. Every snack and meal must consist of Zone Food Blocks, with each block containing the proper ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Dieters are allowed a certain number of blocks for each meal, which are calculated according to weight, height and waist and hip measurements, which can often be confusing. Once you have calculated your allotted blocks, you must create snacks and meals according to the blocks, requiring the aid of the Zone book for accuracy. An alternative to creating your own menu is to order prepackaged Zone snacks and meals, which is costly.
4. You've got to Stay Disciplined
If you do not have the time to plan your meals with accuracy, the diet can be hard to maintain. Having a scale and measuring spoons is critical. Many people become frustrated with the discipline it takes to commit to the kind of diligent planning that the Zone requires. For people who like to eat out, the diet is almost impossible to maintain.
5. Other Options
If you restrict your portion sizes as well as your sugar and fat intake, you can lose weight and boost energy levels without the rigorous attention to detail that the Zone diet requires. Many nutritionists feel that there are many diets that are easier to follow, providing the same and perhaps even healthier results.
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