The Zone Diet Plan

The Zone diet plan was created several years ago by Barry Sears, PhD. It's basically a low-carbohydrate diet that attempts to regulate the body's insulin output and, therefore, lower body fat levels and improve overall health. When you're on the Zone diet you eat a balance of carbs, protein, and fat in a 40:30:30 ratio. Every Zone diet meal consists of a small amount of low-fat protein, some healthy fat, and a decent amount of "favorable" carbohydrates (mostly high-fiber vegetables and fruits).

The main criticism of the Zone diet plan is that it's too hard to follow. Keeping every meal within the 40:30:30 carb:protein:fat ratio can definitely be a little difficult. Fortunately Dr. Sears has developed new and easier ways to measure proper food amounts. Also, several companies now offer packaged Zone meals and Zone meal-replacement bars which can make the transition to "The Zone" much easier.

Learn more about The Zone Diet Plan here

Pros and Cons of the Zone Diet Plan

Let's look at some of the basic pro's and con's of choosing The Zone as your eating program:

Pros

Pro: Portion control leads to a significant calorie reduction for just about anyone. So, even if you don't choose to continue following The Zone program, learning the skills of balance and moderation will serve you well, regardless of your eating plan.

Pro: There is a good focus on reducing sugars, something we could all probably stand to do. Again, this is a skill you can apply to your lifestyle, even if you don't follow this plan.

Pro: You will learn to practice mindful eating by monitoring your food intake.

Pro: You can still have a lot of variety in your diet following this program. Choosing foods from the different lists and mixing and matching them will help keep you from getting bored. The recipes in the book and at Dr. Sears' Web site are varied.

Pro: Most people find an improvement in their energy levels and general alertness. Any fatigue you may feel the first few days will likely dissipate and be replaced with renewed vigor.

Pro: Many Zone dieters have said their cravings for sweets and junk food are much less of a problem after their bodies adjust to this new way of life.

Cons

Con: Most people lose weight rather quickly, which is good if you need to lose the weight by a certain date, but which may be a con if you want to keep it off. Often, weight lost quickly returns just as speedily. However, many successful Zone dieters say staying "in The Zone" ensures weight maintenance.

Con: The Zone is not always practical for many people. It may take too much advance planning for the average dieter.

Con: Requires commitment -- if you're not ready to monitor your diet and devote a significant amount of time to planning your meals, this diet probably isn't for you.

Con: Some experts have suggested that not enough vegetables are included in this diet (even though it does incorporate some), and that by reducing "bad" carbohydrates, we as a result may miss out on "good" ones as well.

Con: This diet has not been without its opponents in the media, either. For example, Self magazine rated The Zone as a D+ in its "Ultimate Diet Guide".

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