The ZONE

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The Zone Diet

  Written by US biochemist Barry Sears, the Zone Diet is one of the most well known low-carb, high-protein diets. To enter 'The Zone' 40 percent of your daily calories must come from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fat and 30 percent from protein. According to Sears, such a diet produces optimum fat-burning and weight loss.

   Zone Diet Eating Plan advises you to follow the Zone diet calculation exactly. It is advised that you eat a small amount of protein at every meal and at every snack. "Favorable" carbohydrates include most vegetables and lentils, beans, whole grains, and most fruits. Eat a smaller amount of carbs if you have chosen "unfavorable" carbs like brown rice, pasta, banana, dry breakfast cereal, breads, carrots, and fruit juices.

   According to Sears, you are in the Zone when hormones (insulin and eicosanoids) determined by the food you eat are maintained within zones that are not too high, nor too low. The benefits of controlling insulin are increased fat loss, decreased likelihood of cardiovascular disease and greater physical and mental performance. The benefits of controlling eicosanoids are decreased inflammation and increased blood flow, which will help improve virtually every chronic disease condition and improve physical performance.

   The positive part about the Zone diet is that it encourages its followers to eat often throughout the day — at least every five hours. It also eliminates foods many people overeat, such as sweets, chips, certain starches, and, of course, junk food. It concentrates on including a number of healthful foods — low glycemic fruits and grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and monounsaturated and omega-3 fats. The Zone diet works for its followers because it is actually a low calorie diet. For instance, the sample meal plans for an average woman totaled approximately 1200 - 1300 calories per day.

How The Zone Diet Helps You Lose Weight

   For most dieters, entering the "Zone" requires a significant reduction in calories to order to lose weight.

Most people start because they want to lose weight. Plus, people who follow a Zone nutrition plan report these benefits:

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