Zone Diet

The Zone Diet is a low-carbohydrate diet advocated by biochemist Barry Sears. This diet lays stress on maintaining an ideal hormonal balance by promoting the consumption of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the ratio of 40:30:30. Barry Sears claimed that the protein: carbohydrate ratio of 30:40 triggers anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body, which are good for the heart and improves general health. Here are some details of the workings and limitations of the Zone Diet.

What Happens When You Are In The “Zone”?
According to Barry Sears book, once you start eating on the 40:30:30 ratio, your body will be able to balance out the production of insulin by producing glucagon, which actually encourages the body to burn fat instead of storing it. This results in a leaner body with less fat and more muscle mass. However, there have not been any scientific studies to validate this claim, although high profile Hollywood stars such as Sandra Bullock and Tom Cruise swear by the Zone Diet.

What Can You Munch In The “Zone”?
The Zone Diet recommends that your protein intake should be approximately based on the size of the palm of your hand and should be eaten during every meal and snack. You will also be encouraged to eat lentils, whole grains, beans and many other vegetables and fruits. You will also be allowed to eat egg whites, chicken and low fat or not fat milk and cheese. However, some foods such as papaya, banana, pasta, brown rice, bagel, bread, breakfast cereals, carrots, tortilla and fruit juices are discouraged since they have unfavorable carbohydrates. Surprisingly, the diet also allows you to have half a cup of high-fat ice cream since Barry Sears believes that this could slow down the rate of absorption of carbohydrates into the body. You can also have canola, avocados, and macadamia nuts, but in limited quantity. The diet book will provide you with the details on how to divide your meals into blocks based on your weight.

Pros And Cons Of Living In The “Zone”.
While there are many that appreciate the fewer dietary restrictions of this diet as compared to other low-carbohydrate diets along with the fact that you could consume more vegetables, fruits and even an occasional ice-cream, there are others that feel that this diet is too complicated and requires one to purchase measuring scales, bowls and spoons. The diet also forbids the intake of some foods that are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals like carrots and whole grain cereals. The diet also places great difficulty in implementation when you eat out, although most diets do the same. Many critics also point out that no scientific studies have been conducted to prove the good or more importantly, the bad effects of this diet.

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