Zone Diet–Balancing Your Way to Weight Loss

Throughout the years, more and more diet programs center mostly on the intake reduction and minimization of carbohydrates and calories. Though most of them have claimed to be successful in their goals, it is also important to note that these body components are essential to the body. A known diet which has taken consideration of the intake of carbohydrates and other calories is the Zone diet. So, what is the zone diet? Simply stated, this is a diet that centers upon balance and proportionality.

The zone diet was popularized by a biochemist named Barry Sears. Unlike the rest of the diets, the zone diet has proved that the intake of carbohydrates, protein and fats at a certain ratio is very beneficial to human health. According to Sears, the proper proportion comes at 40:30:30 (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fats) respectively. The proper ratio of these components can produce a commendable rate of weight loss. The Zone diet concept centers mostly on proper hormonal balance.

With a balanced level of insulin in our body, coupled with not too high levels of glucagon, our body releases some anti-inflammatory chemicals such as eiconasoids. Based on the Zone diet, these eiconasoids are hormones which control silent inflammations in the body, and also indirectly set an array of hormonal systems in the body.

According to Sears, the 40:30 ratios of carbohydrates to protein cause this effect. In addition to this, the zone diet creates a balance of caloric levels. This makes calories to be more efficient, preventing the conversion of excess calories to fat. Do note that our body cannot burn and store fat at the same time. Changing from burning to storing and vice-versa takes a decent amount of time to take effect. And because of such, using stored fat as energy causes a considerable weight loss.

Although the zone diet plan doesn’t require strict abstinence of high carbohydrate intake as what other diet programs have established, the zone diet still attains the goal through the theory of hormonal balance. This makes the zone diet program definitely different from the rest of its counterparts. Doesn’t really matter if you eat some fatty foods, as long as you maintain and preserve the balance and proportion of the diet, you will still be on your way towards proper weight loss. This diet, like some other programs, is not an overnight solution to weight problems but the thing that makes it different is that it gives the client more freedom of choice on foods and lesser restriction and limitations.

Overall, the zone diet meals cater mostly on moderation with low-fat protein, low glyceric-load carbohydrates, which are found on fruits and vegetables, and the heart-friendly monounsaturated fats. So, if you’re new to dieting and don’t want to be overly stressed with high limitations of food as stated by some other diets, this diet might just work for you.

Moderate carbohydrate, moderate amount of protein and fat, seeking hormonal balance is what makes up the entire zone diet plan.

Weight Loss-The Zone Diet

The Zone Diet is similar to the South Beach diet in some ways. But here the emphasis is less on adjusting the Glycemic Index by adjusting the types of carbohydrates and fats consumed and more on the proper ratio of these with proteins.

The basic idea of the Zone Diet is to adjust the ratio of carbohydrates: proteins: fats to 40:30:30. This means that 40% of calories consumed should be in the form of carbs, 30% from proteins and 30% as fats. Some studies suggest that 30% of proteins is far higher than is healthy for some individuals, particularly those with kidney ailments. The American Heart Association recommends about 10%.

Like the South Beach Diet, one important goal is to adjust insulin levels. But it goes beyond this in attempting to achieve a well-balanced hormone system in general.

One reason is the view that excess insulin production tends to cause the body to convert carbs to stored fat, contrary to most dieter’s goals. By contrast, proteins help stimulate the release of glucagon, which stimulates the liver to shed stored carbs. That in turn leads to a feeling of satiation and a person naturally stops eating, according to the theory.

Unlike South Beach, however, there is a strict emphasis on calorie counting. No more than 500 calories should be consumed during any meal, and no snack with more than 100 calories should be eaten between meals. Balancing carb intake with 3-4 ounces of proteins helps achieve that desired glucagon-insulin balance.

The Zone Diet emphasizes eating fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the dieting period. Nuts, leafy greens and mono-unsaturated fats are preferred. Meals are consumed on a regular schedule, with breakfast consumed within an hour of waking. Carbs from fruits and vegetables are preferred over those from starchy foods like potatoes and pasta.

Alcohol is allowed, but it’s recognized as high glycemic, high-sugar carbohydrates. So, a 4-oz glass of wine would require a trade-off for a ‘block’ of food carbs (36-40 grams). Coffee is discouraged, since it is a stimulant that causes insulin resistance. Water is the beverage of choice in the Zone Diet.

Still, no specific food or drink is expressly forbidden. The idea is to achieve a balance in order to regulate hormone levels. Like any diet, it will need to be adjusted to a particular individual’s circumstances and needs.

The net result of following the diet, according to practitioners, is the desired weight loss while maintaining healthy nutrition. Many report that any cravings disappear in a couple of days. It’s often recommended for those with diabetes by some nutritionists, since it works to adjust insulin levels.

As with any new diet, seeking the advice of your physician is wise. He or she can help you tailor the Zone Diet to your specific situation.