|
|
The Zone Diet
Popularized in a series of books by Dr. Barry Sears, the Zone is essentially having a state of hormonal balance achieved through diet. More particularly, it is keeping the hormone insulin in a tight zone on a level that is neither too high nor too low. The Zone Diet is a continuous and life-long hormonal control strategy. Dr. Sears believes that the growing epidemic of obesity is not caused by excess fat consumption but because of increased carbohydrate consumption which results in excessive levels of insulin. The only thing known to medical science that can help keep insulin in a zone where optimal performance is achieved is FOOD. Dr. Sears maintains that specific anti-inflammatory chemicals are released when insulin and glucagons levels are on the right level. These chemicals have effects similar to aspirin without the known downsides. The diet centers on a “40:30:30” ratio of calories obtained daily from carbohydrates, proteins and fats respectively, although the exact formula is always under debate. Another key feature of the Zone Diet is the intake of the proper ratio of Omega 3: Omega 6 fatty acid which has popularized the taking of expensive pharmaceutical grade Omega 3 fish oils.
|
|
|
|
||
The Zone Diet is not primarily a weight-loss diet but rather a way of eating. It is the intake of food that produces the best results within the human body. It advocates balancing protein and carbohydrate ratios instead of caloric thinking. However, it can be used quite successfully to attain weight loss while achieving proper hormone balance.