The Zone Diet as a weight loss program has been discussed in detail by Dr. Barry Sears in his book The Zone: Revolutionary Life Plan to Put Your Body in Total Balance for Permanent Weight Loss.
What does ‘Being in the Zone’ involve and more importantly, is it a healthy weight loss regime? Barry Sears, as creator of The Zone Diet was of the opinion that if a person eats carbohydrate, protein and fat in the right ratio of 40:30:30 then he or she will improve his or her health, weight, and performance, because certain hormones will be balanced and therefore be in the preferred “zone.”
The hormones focused here are insulin (necessary for glucose to enter our cells) and eicosanoids (hormone-like substances that regulate inflammation). The Zone Diet is a popular choice for some, as it is believed to be a scientific weight loss program.
The Zone Diet works on the theory that excess insulin, a hormone that helps control our blood sugar levels, makes us over weight. So Zone Diet can be defined as keeping the hormone insulin in a ‘tight zone’. Zone diet regulates our blood sugar levels by regulating insulin levels thereby burning body fat more efficiently so that we lose weight.
To control blood sugar and consequently insulin levels, maintaining a perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in every meal is essential. Zone Diet is all about a low carb – high protein diet.
The Zone diet encourages meals every five hours. It also eliminates foods people tend to overeat; such as sweets, chips, certain starches, and other junk food. It concentrates on including a number of healthful foods – low glycemic fruits and grains (such as cherries, grapefruit, nuts, and lentils which help maintain blood sugar levels), vegetables, lean proteins, monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.
Sometimes it may feel difficult to mathematically calculate the food requirements in your diet. This is where the block system comes in. A 1:1:1 ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats constitute what is known as a Zone Block.
Food like white potatoes, corn flakes, and dates are a no-no. The Zone diet works because it is actually a low calorie diet. For instance, the sample meal plans for an average person totaled approximately 1800-2000 calories per day. Most people (men) would lose weight at this level of caloric intake if the zone diet is followed. The Zone diet is best for hypothyroid patients.
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