Zone Diet

The Zone Diet was created by Barry Sears. It works by maintaining a balance in of proteins and  carbohydrates in each meal you eat. This helps keep your insulin levels in check.

Barry Sears believes an inbalance of insulin in a person’s body is what causes weight problems. In some people that can lead to obesity. His belief is high carb diets that are low in fat produce to much insulin.

The Zone Diet works on the basis of balancing eicosanoids and insulin in your body. You increase fat loss when you control the balance of these. This will help increase your blood flow due to less inflammation.

Therefore diseases such as diabetes and heart disease will decrease as well. Your energy level will increase and you will feel better as too, Sears believes.

So how does the diet Work?

1. It works on balancing your intake of carbohydrates and protein with 4 parts carbs and 1 part protein. He advises a moderate amount of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to control insulin.

It suggests a maximum amount of low fat protein in one meal at 3 to 4 ounces, which is very close to the exact recommendation of the FDA and the USDA.

You get the majority of carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables. You will limit the amounts of bread, potatoes, grains, and rice. Most of the fat you get will come from monounsaturated fats such as heart healthy oils including olive oil and safflower oil.

How does this compare to the Atkins Diet? The primay differences lie in that Atkins recommends a high protein diet without regard to fat intake.

High carb diets recommend increasing carbohydrate levels and inducing the production of insulin. Sears feels this will cause you to gain weight. With this diet you should achieve a balance of nutrients with moderate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

2. The Zone diet recommends adding fish oil to your diet. Fish oil provides omega 3 fatty acids which are important in healthy cells. Studies in the past have confirmed the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and fish.

The Zone diet suggests combining small portions of fruits, vegetables, low fat proteins, and fats. You should also eat at least 3 meals and 2 snacks daily.

Meal preparation is very easy. Here is sample meal:

- One 3 oz grilled salmon
- Spinach salad with apples and walnuts dressed with walnut oil and lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of brown rice
- 1 glass of fruit or vegetable juice.

Should you try the Zone Diet?

If you are under your physician’s care for a medical condition you should get with them before starting a diet plan that will significantly change your eating habits. Otherwise it is up to you, but many people are having great results.