Traditional diet and weight loss plans have tackled this problem looking at our caloric intake (how much we eat). Dr Barry Sears
introduced the Zone Diet through a bestselling book in 1995. Dr Sears is considered a pioneer in nutritional research and holds
several patents for the treatment of cancer and hormonal therapies. Numerous celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Anniston have been
known to follow the Zone diet.
The Zone Diet plan is centered around a 40:30:30 ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat. The Zone Diet works
through this right ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in order to control the insulin in the bloodstream. As a matter of fact,
Zone refers to an ideal hormonal balance of insulin levels in the body being neither too high nor too low. This ideal
state is believed by Dr Sears to be key for using stored bodyfat for energy, hence resulting in the loss of excess weight.
Most people get the majority of their calories through carbohydrates. Research by Dr Barry Sears shows that the excessive consumption
of carbohydrates creates a hormonal paradox where the low-fat, high carbo diets lead to an increase in the hormone insulin.
Insulin in turn has been shown to cause the human body to store more fat. The Zone Diet suggests reducing
carbohydrate intake and
eating more protein and fat. The fat would ideally be from healthy monosaturated sources, to receive 30% of the body's caloric needs.
These healthy fats also increase the production of another hormone, glucogen which increases the use of stored fat in the
body.
What can you eat?
The Zone diet does not really prohibit you from eating certain foods, though it does stress the importance of maintaining the
40:30:30 ratio. As a practical matter, very high carbohydrate foods like breads and pastas end up being removed from most diets and
we see an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables as the primary sources of carbohydrates. The protein portion of the
Zone diet should be met with lean meats products. Even though it suggests 30% of caloric intake to be in the form of fat, the diet
does not endorse the consumption of foods high in saturated fats. Healthy (monounsaturated) fats are recommended.
The good and the bad
Even though the Zone Diet proposes a balanced approach to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, it is not the easiest diet plan to
follow. It can lead to steady weight loss but can be somewhat cumbersome to track and maintain. Another drawback against the diet
is that it can lead to higher food costs. "Cheap" foods like pastas, breads and rice are de-emphasized in favor of somewhat more
expensive leaner cuts of meat, fruits, nuts, oils and vegetables.
Zone Do's and Don'ts
Eat within an hour of waking up in the morning.
Eat five Zone meals a day - breakfast, lunch, dinner meals and two 'Zone' snacks.
Eat on a regular basis - never go more than five hours without eating anything.
