The Zone Diet Review
Review At A Glance
The Zone Diet introduces its practitioners to protein control, a new skill for most people. The Zone is a "protein adequate" approach. While high-protein diets recommend unlimited protein and fat and strictly limit carbs, the Zone suggests eating only enough protein to satisfy the body's needs. All in all, a balanced approach to controlled eating leading to weight loss.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Sears suggests that by consuming the right amounts of these components, you can control your body's insulin production. There is also a concentration on avoiding "bad" carbohydrates whenever possible. The Zone's food plan consists of 40% of your daily caloric intake in the form of carbohydrate, 30% of protein, with fat making up the final 30%.
Who Is It Good For?
People who do not wish to forego eating on the run, e.g. frozen and fast or "convenience" foods. Challenging for carb-lovers because of the emphasis on laying off breads and pastas. As with some other programs, more of a lifestyle change than a diet. Also works for diabetics. Vegetarians can easily substitute soy products for protein.
Keys: Blocks
- A Zone block is made up of a 1:1:1 ratio of protein/carbs/fats, so you can easily attain the proper caloric ratio of 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat without having to measure grams.
Pros
- Promotes "mindful eating", moderation and balance
- Encourages snacking
- Online ordering and home delivery
- Focus on reducing sugars
- Variety in the choice of foods
- Avoids dangers of ketosis found in high-protein diets.
- Designed to be safe for both type I and type II diabetics.
Cons
- Allows fast food
- Some complain of needing to perform too much advance planning
- May not focus enough on vegetables
- Has come under some negative media scrutiny
Further Thoughts
Based on the book by Barry Sears, The Zone: Revolutionary Life Plan to Put Your Body in Total Balance for Permanent Weight Loss (1995). There is also a new book out called A Week in the Zone.
