The ZONE Diet Plan
The Zone Diet, sometimes called the 40-30-30 Diet, focuses on the macronutrients protein, carbohydrates, and fats, and the percentages of these nutrients in the diet. This diet uses calorie counting as a secondary component and relies heavily on the right percentage of macronutrients. This focus is thought to help control insulin release and balance it with glucagon (a hormone that tells the liver to release stored glucose and leads to a signal to stop eating.)
The ZONE Coupons
The breakdown of macronutrients in the Zone Diet is 40 percent of the calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein and 30 percent from fats. The Zone Diet is based on the theory that obesity and weight issues are due to inflammation of the fat cells. This inflammation causes an increase in fat stores. It also leads to a systemic response and causes issues such as cardiovascular inflammation, joint and muscular issues, and nervous system complications. The inflammation is thought to be caused by an increase in insulin secretion due to a diet high in simple, processed carbohydrates. To reverse this inflammation the Zone Diet looks to reduce insulin production and level the hormone balances.
Like the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet looks at the effect of refined and processed carbohydrates. Both diets recommend leafy, fibrous vegetables and an avoidance of processed flour and sugars. The Zone Diet allows more fruits and starchy vegetables. The increased protein and fat intake leads to a full feeling quicker and dieters feel satisfied after a meal. The allowance of more carbohydrates makes this diet easier to follow than the Atkins Diet.
The Zone Diet also stresses the importance of omega fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, just like the Mediterranean diet. The Zone does call for more grains and pasta than the Mediterranean. Fish, nuts and oils provide the essential fats needed while on this diet. The importance of water intake (at least eight glasses a day) is also stressed with the Zone Diet.
Calories are watched a little closer with the Zone Diet than with some of the other diet plans. It is recommended that meals not exceed 500 calories and snacks not exceed 100 calories. This is based on the assumption that the body can only process and use a certain number of calories in a sitting. This also helps keep blood sugar levels even and avoid the insulin spike associated with some meals.
There are many supporters of the Zone Diet, but as with any diet, there are many critics as well. Eating "in the Zone" may keep insulin levels under control and act to free some of the energy stored in fat deposits. This diet plan calls for the use of exercise, as well, to increase caloric burn and to aid in overall weight loss. Increasing protein and fat intake, while lowering carbohydrates, on the Zone Diet may lead to more satisfaction at the meal table and help avoid some of the cravings associated with dieting. The inclusion of an occasional sweet treat will also help dieters to make it through those cravings. The Zone Diet is another weapon in the battle against the growing epidemic that is obesity. |
