What Is The Zone Diet?

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Article Title: What Is The Zone Diet?

Author: Kirsten Hawkins

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The Zone Diet is one of the five most discussed diets currently

being endorsed. Developed by Barry Sears, a former researcher at

MIT, it is based on maintaining insulin levels by striking a

balance between carbohydrates and proteins at each meal.

Sears suggests that the major cause of obesity is an imbalance

of insulin in the body. He maintains that the diet currently

recommended by most medical institutions is high in

carbohydrates and low in fats - a combination which he contends

contributes to the production of too much insulin, and results

in obesity.

The Zone Diet is based on the concept of achieving a

physiological state in which insulin and eicosanoids, two

hormones, are maintained in zones that are carefully balanced.

By controlling the balance of insulin and eicosanoids, you

increase the loss of fat, and decrease the likelihood of heart

disease and diabetes, decrease inflammation and increase blood

flow, and increase your physical and mental stamina.

The Zone Diet

The diet program of The Zone is designed to balance your intake

of protein and carbohydrate at 1 part protein to 4 parts

carbohydrate. It advises a moderate intake of carbohydrates,

proteins and fat in order to control insulin. It prescribes a

maximum amount of low-fat protein at one meal at 3-4 ounces,

which is nearly exactly the recommendation of the USDA and the

FDA. The majority of carbohydrates on the Zone diet come from

vegetables and fruits, with limited amounts of bread, rice,

potatoes and grains. Most fat intake should be from

monounsaturated fats like olive oil, safflower oil and other

'heart healthy' oils.

While this sounds a good deal like the Atkins diet (restricting

carbohydrates), the differences are very clear. Atkins

recommends a diet high in protein without regard to fat, with

the intent of provoking ketosis, a potentially unhealthy

condition. High carbohydrate diets recommend increasing

carbohydrate levels and inducing the production of insulin

which, maintains Sears, increases weight gain. Instead, the

Zone Diet recommends achieving an optimal balance of nutrients

with moderate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fat all

playing a part.

The other component of the Zone diet worthy of note is the

supplementation of diet with fish oil. Fish oil, particularly

pharmaceutical grade fish oil, provides omega 3 fatty acids

which are an important component in healthy cells. Study after

study in the past five years has confirmed the importance of

fish and omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.

A sample meal on The Zone's eating plan might include:

1 3 oz portion of broiled salmon

Spinach salad with apples and walnuts dressed with walnut oil

and lemon juice

1/2 cup of brown rice

1 glass fruit or vegetable juice

The eating plan recommended by The Zone diet combines small

portions of low fat proteins, fats and fiber-rich vegetables

and fruits. It also suggests eating some protein with each meal

or snack, and at least 3 meals and 2 snacks daily.

Who should use the Zone Diet?

As always, if you're under the care of a physician for any

chronic medical condition, you should consult them before

embarking on any diet plan that substantially changes your

eating habits. There are significant differences between the

Zone Diet and that recommended for diabetics and heart

patients, for instance. Overall, the recommended portions of

foods and the balance between them is consistent with a healthy

diet, and is maintainable for a lifetime.

About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health

expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/

for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well

as reviews and comments on popular diets.

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