Get in the Super Sexy Zone With the Zone Diet
BY Callie Armstrong
Hollywood top celebrities like Madonna, Demi Moore and Jennifer Aniston stand by the Zone Diet because of its good results! Created by Dr. Barry Sears, he designed the Zone Diet to contain 40%25 carbohydrate, 30%25 protein and 30%25 fat (that is why it is also known as the 40-30-30 plan).
The Zone Diet is founded on the premise that ten centuries ago, humans were basically meat-eaters therefore justifying that our bodies are designed to handle meat meals. When we evolved, our diet did too. Large amounts of carbohydrates have been introduced into our daily diet, causing an imbalance. Sears believes that case of being overweight and obese of our generation can be attributed to the many grains and starches in our diet like pasta, rice, breads, and potatoes. The Zone Diet's strategy calls for a return to our ancestors' eating style where meat, fruits and vegetables are the main dietary items.
How The Zone Diet Works
The Zone Diet works by working the right ratio of carbohydrates to proteins and fats in order to control the insulin in the bloodstream. Too much of the hormone insulin can increase fat storage and inflammation in the body (conditions that are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease). Sears asserts that by using the Zone Diet, you are actually optimising the body's metabolic function. Through the regulation of blood sugar, you allow your body to burn excess body fat.
The Zone Diet does not actually prohibit you from any particular food group; however food with high fat and carbohydrates such as grains, starches, and pastas should be avoided. Fruits and vegetables are the preferred source of carbs and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil, almonds, avocados) are the ideal choice of fats. The Zone Diet claims to use food as a drug for overall good health, weight loss and prevention or management of heart disease and diabetes.
Sears says that you can test to see whether you are 'hormonally' correct through eating by the Zone diet and see how you feel four hours later. To simplify the Zone Diet, fill one-third of a plate with low-fat protein, and then two-thirds with fruits and vegetables.
Advocates of the Zone Diet
Advocates for the Zone Diet include celebrities and also some health experts who say that the Zone's recommendations don't stray far from the USDA's (United States Dietary Association) dietary guidelines. Critics have argued that the Zone Diet has flawed ratios but Sears argues that the Zone diet is really a low glycemic-load diet that has adequate protein. Sears also defends the criticism that Zone Diet is too complicated. He believes this is a misconception because his first book on the Zone Diet was targeted to cardiologists who were more scientifically-oriented.
Critics of the Zone Diet
The AHA (American Heart Association) classifies the Zone Diet as high protein and does not recommend the Zone Diet for weight loss. They assert that the Zone Diet has not been proven effective in the long term for weight loss. They issued an official recommendation warning against diets like the Zone Diet.
They believe that the Zone Diet is hazardous as it restricts the intake of essential vitamins and minerals present in certain foods.
They are concerned that the protein ratio in the Zone diet is too high even if the minimal fat ratio is good. Robert H. Ecker M.D of the A.H.A., finds the Zone Diet's theory on insulin flawed and argues that there is no scientific proof that the hormone insulin plays a big role in weight regulation.
ABOUTH THE AUTHORCallie Armstrong is a writer for http://www.AllergyHero.com. Her insights on dieting, exercise and health can be read at http://www.body4beach.com |
