The Zone Diet Review
“The Zone” is based on the premise that we need to exist in a certain “zone” in order to achieve optimal wellness. Barry Sears, PhD, is the founder of The Zone diet plan, which promises to revamp your metabolism to not only help you lose weight, but conquer certain chronic health issues and diseases. By combining proper ratios of food groups, dieters can successfully lose weight and lower their risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. Barry Sears says that eating a diet that does not have proper portions of food groups can set a person up for weight gain and serious illness.
Nutrition
Dieters on this diet program are encouraged to consume a meal plan that is 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrates. Sears says that this type of ratio will boost one’s metabolism, and therefore speed up the weight loss process. When one is in “the zone”, the body’s metabolism is working at maximum efficiency.
The Zone diet does not ask dieters to reduce the number of calories eaten on a daily basis, but rather change the type of calories consumed. Here is a simplified summary of how to eat on this diet:
- Small protein portions (about the size of the palm of your hand) are to be consumed at every meal and snack on a daily basis
- Recommended carbohydrates (including veggies, whole grains and fruit) can be eaten, which should be twice the size of the protein portion
- Unfavourable carbs, such as pasta, cereal or bananas, can be eaten, but in smaller smaller proportions
Every dieter will have their very own unique proportions of protein/fats/carbohydrates based on weight, age and activity level, but it is roughly 30/30/40, respectively.
Healthy fats are allowed, such as olive oil, nuts and avocados. Sears actually promotes these kinds of monounsaturated fats because he believes that they hinder the absorption of carbohydrates into the body. However, it is important to limit these fats to a half cup per day.
Pros
Carbohydrates are encouraged on this diet, which makes it easier for many carb addicts to follow. Dieters will be glad to know that refined sugars found in desserts are allowed in minimal amounts. Whereas most other diets strictly forbid these types of foods, The Zone diet allows dieters to have a little dessert, therefore cutting down on deprivation and ultimate cravings for these types of foods.
The amount of lean proteins, legumes and vegetables recommended on this diet plan provide for proper nutrition. This diet seems to be well rounded, and does not eliminate certain vital foods that many other fad diets restrict.
Cons
Some critics of this diet plan will say that the idea of being allowed to eat certain sweets such as ice cream – which is allowed on this diet plan – will counter weight loss efforts and raise blood sugar levels since there are refined sugars and saturated fats in this food. In addition, there is no hard-core scientific evidence that this plan is medically sound, though there are thousands of success stories of dieters who have lost plenty of weight from this diet program.
The Bottom Line
This diet is definitely worth a try. The idea that all foods groups are included allows dieters to consume all the necessary and vital vitamins and minerals. The Zone diet is based on some sound weight loss tips and advice, which should help dieters be successful in their weight loss efforts.
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