The Zone Diet Review

Low Carb

Home | Site Map | Lowcarb Facts | Low Fat - High Carb Diets

Dieting For Weddings | What Are Net Carbs? | Weight Loss For Men

The Zone Diet

Many weight loss programs are patterned after the philosophy of the Zone diet, made popular by Dr. Barry Sears' bestseller diet book. At least 5 or 6 diet food home delivery services use the Zone diet approach in their meal plans (Zone Chefs, Zone Diet At Home, Zone Delivery USA, Zone Across America, etc.). The name is widely used because no trademark has been obtained.

The Zone Diet, which was originally developed by Barry Sears, PhD, is a science-based nutrition program that claims to harnesses the powerful and almost drug-like effects of food, to position your body within a hormonally controlled "Zone" 24 hours a day.

This is not really a LOW carb weight loss program. It's really more of a moderate carb plan. With this diet plan, the ideal ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is 40-30-30%. The ideal Zone meal or snack will have this macronutrient ratio every time you eat. It is not necessary, however, to do math at every meal. Using the "eyeball" method, it's easy to figure out the right serving size of each macronutrient (carbs, protein, fat) by simply using your hand, thus producing a healthy diet.

Barry Sears believes that significant swings in insulin levels affect mood, endurance, mental acuity, and weight gain or loss. Over time, uncontrolled insulin levels will have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being.

Every meal begins with a protein. The question is: "How much protein to I need in each meal?" Your hand is a good guideline. The size of your hand is relative to the size of your body and, therefore, your protein needs. The correct protein portion should be equal to the size and thickness of your palm.

Carbohydrates... The Zone Diet plan classifies carbs as either favorable, or unfavorable. If you choose favorable carbs, you get two big fists worth of it. If you choose unfavorable carbs like pasta, you get only one tight fist worth. Highly refined foods (pasta, white breads and bagels) are considered unfavorable.

Protein... During your first few weeks, use your hand. Just gauge the size of a chicken breast or a piece of fish by the size and thickness of your palm. Once you determine the amount of protein that you should have at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you need to determine how much carbohydrate goes along with it. The amount of carbohydrates is determined by the size of your fist.

Fat... The last macronutrient of this plan is dietary fat. Fat is easy. Just add a few nuts, some olive oil, or a couple of olives to balance your meal. If your protein source is high in fat, don’t add any extra dietary fat.

Eat Five Times a Day… With this plan you eat at least five times a day--three meals and two snacks. Dr. Sears wants you to try to eat your first meal or snack within an hour of waking and your last meal or snack an hour before going to sleep. Your hand also reminds you to never let more than five hours pass between a meal or snack.

Low Carb

The information on this web site is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Before starting any weight loss program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other health care professional.