ZONE DIET
The Zone Diet was created by Dr. Barry Sears, who researched biotechnology at MIT. There is an actual ‘zone’ according to Sears, who describes it as a physiological state exhibited by balanced hormones and insulin. Reaching this zone should decrease inflammation and disease and is considered an optimal state of wellness. The dietary program is meant to help people reach this zone and can be achieved by eating a low carbohydrate, moderate fat, and high protein plan, and resulting in insulin control.
Foods Emphasized: Raw almonds, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, white meat chicken, white fish, and egg whites
Foods Restricted: Grains, breads, noodles, and rice
Premise and Guidelines: Dr. Barry Sears is a Ph.D. who spent time as a researcher in Biochemistry, leading him to develop the Zone diet. Some of his research focused on the causes of heart disease, and how certain foods can affect the body. Using the results of his research, Dr. Sears constructed the Zone diet to control blood sugar levels and stabilize hormones. When this stabilization occurs, your body is in a state of wellness called a ‘zone’, and this zone is the most efficient for weight loss. Reaching this zone means every meal should contain a macronutrient balance of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 30% protein. This is what is referred to in the diet plan as ‘The Ratio’. To make eating in this fashion easier, the Zone has a meal plan outlining three meals a day with two snacks that conform to the Ratio. Staying with the plan helps control hunger during the day.
Sears believes that people are overweight mainly because they consume the wrong carbohydrates and they are consuming them in excess amounts. This overproduction of a hormone called insulin, which most people are familiar with- it’s the hormone that is associated with diabetes. Normally, insulin helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. An excess of carbohydrate consumption causes overproduction of insulin and results in health issues such as weight gain, heart conditions and diabetes. Determining portion sizes for each meal is calculated by how many Zone food blocks a person needs. Food blocks are determined personally, with each dieter using their BMI and other body circumference measurements to come up with a certain number of blocks to be eaten each day. Every designated block will contain the proper amount of carbs, protein and fat for each meal. Similar to the point system that Weight Watchers uses, a dieter is given so many blocks each day to use, and can apportion them as they see fit.
Some may find the terms in the Zone Diet book can get quite technical and confusing, but the overall premise is to keep the body in balance. As an alternative to figuring out the confusing Ratio and Food Block system, the Zone conveniently offers in-home delivery of bars, shakes and prepackaged meals. Celebrities such as Jennifer Anniston and Sandra Bullock are said to be fans and participants of the meals. This would certainly be easy for them, considering their lifestyle. If you are extremely time-challenged and don’t mind spending a lot of money on the meals services, then the Zone might be a good option for you.