Copyright 2006 Adam Waxler
Dr. Barry Sears, a former researcher at MIT, originally
developed the Zone Diet. The Zone Diet is based on maintaining
insulin levels by striking a balance between carbohydrates and
proteins at each meal
Barry Sears contends that most diets currently recommended are
high in carbohydrates and low in fats. Sears argues that this is
a combination that contributes to the production of too much
insulin. And, according to Barry Sears, the major cause of
obesity is an imbalance of insulin in the body.
The Zone Diet is based on the concept of achieving a balance
between insulin and eicosanoids. By controlling the balance of
insulin and eicosanoids with the Zone Diet, you increase the
loss of fat (weight loss), increase blood flow, increase your
physical and mental stamina, and decrease the likelihood of
heart disease and diabetes. The Zone Diet advises a moderate
intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in order to control
insulin. The Zone Diet is designed to balance your intake of
protein and carbohydrates at 1 part protein to 4 parts
carbohydrates. The Zone Diet prescribes a maximum amount of
low-fat protein to 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 of the fat intake with the Zone Diet should come
from monounsaturated fats like olive oil, safflower oil, and
other 'heart healthy' oils.
Many people believe the Zone Diet sounds much like the Atkins
diet due to the restricting of carbohydrates. However, the
differences between the Zone Diet and the Atkins diet are quite
clear. Atkins recommends a diet high in protein without regard
to fat, with the intent of provoking ketosis, a potentially
unhealthy condition. According to Barry Sears, the Atkins diet,
by increasing carbohydrate levels without regard to fat intake,
will force the body to induce the production of insulin which,
maintains Sears, increases weight gain. Instead, the Zone Diet
recommends achieving a balance of nutrients with moderate
amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fat all playing a part.
The Zone Diet also recommends the supplementation of diet with
fish oil. 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 oil and
omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.
A sample meal on the Zone Diet Plan might include: • 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 Zone Diet Plan combines small portions of low fat proteins,
fats and fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. The Zone Diet 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? Is the Zone Diet safe?
As always, you should consult a physician before embarking on
any diet plan that substantially changes your eating habits.
There are significant differences between the Zone Diet and
diets recommended for diabetics and heart patients. However, in
general, the recommended portions of foods and the balance
between them with the Zone Diet is healthy and is maintainable
for life.
About the author:
Adam Waxler publishes the Weight-Loss-Power-Package...a
collection of six weight loss ebooks guaranteed to help you lose
weight. For more information on the Zone Diet check out the
complete package here:
http://www.weight-loss-power-package.com
and check out his blog for free weight loss tips here:
http://www.weight-loss-machine.com/blog
