The Zone diet is a low-carb diet that has been popularized by celebrities losing baby weight, reshaping their bodies and creating a sleek and svelte body. The Zone diet can be compared to the Atkins Weight Loss Program and the South Beach Diet. The difference between the Zone diet and other low-carb weight loss programs are the ratios that are adhered to when one begins the weight loss program.
The ratios of carbohydrates to protein to fat are 40:30:30 in all aspects of the Zone diet. This ratio has been theorized to regulate hormones within the body thereby decreasing the amount of insulin that is produced and reducing the amount of fat which is accumulated within the body.
The amount of insulin that is produced within the body is reduced by reducing the amount of foods that we consume that are full of glucose. Foods that are high in glucose include; processed foods, complex carbohydrates and sugars. Avoiding high amounts of these foods in our diet can result in successful weight loss.
Dr. Barry Sears is the creator of the Zone diet and has theorized that our body requires regulated hormones to experience successful weight loss. Reducing the amount of glucose that we consume helps to keep these hormones in check.
The Zone diet has proven successful as a low carbohydrate diet, but is also considered to be a low calorie diet. The average daily recommended caloric intake for those following the Zone diet regime is 1,700 calories. This is lower than the average recommended caloric intake for a regular adult – but when whole grains, fruit and vegetables are consumed as well as lean protein and combined with exercise this diet has proven as a successful means for weight loss.
How do you get your daily recommended foods? Proteins are recommended of lean meats and fish and should compose thirty percent of the daily diet. Olive oil is recommended as a natural fat and oil within the diet. Carbohydrates are introduced into the diet through the use of natural and fresh vegetables and fruit and through the use of whole grains. Refined sugars and foods high on the glycemic index should be avoided as they can raise the level of insulin within the blood. Fats should be mono saturated – this is where the olive oil comes in. this is a healthy fat and oil which can contribute healthy amounts of oil into the body without the detrimental effects that many other fats and oils have. Other sources of healthy mono saturated fats include avocados, almonds and macadamia nuts. These foods all have positive effects on the health.
The Zone diet has been popularized for weight loss, but also comes with many other health benefits. Those suffering from diabetes can often see improvements or even eradicate the disorder by following the diet carefully. High cholesterol problems seem to vanish after the diet has been followed for a period of time.
The Zone encourages weight loss in a healthy manner with the average participant losing from one to two pounds per week. At this rate, the healthy weight loss can easily become permanent when lifestyle changes are made.
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