Whether you’re ready to start a weight loss journey or have reached a plateau with a diet you’re following, it may be time to change your eating habits and introduce something new. Actually, if you want long term fat loss and to increase your daily mental and physical performance, the Zone Diet, created by Dr. Barry Sears, be worth checking out. People swear by it for weight loss, and we’ve got all the details.
This diet has been around since the 90s with amazing results. “[The Zone Diet] is designed to balance macronutrient intake to regulate hormones and reduce inflammation,” explains Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LDa registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports diet who sits on our Medical Expert Board. “The [diet] emphasizes a specific ratio of macronutrients: 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat in each meal. The goal is to keep insulin levels within a “zone” that is neither too high nor too low, which proponents claim helps reduce inflammationincrease energy levels and facilitate weight loss.”
What to consider when considering the zone diet
1. The zone diet offers a balanced nutritional intake.
This special diet provides balanced meals with healthy fats, lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables and smaller amounts of fruit and whole grains.
“This can help individuals avoid overeating and improve overall health,” says Goodson. “The goal is to balance your plate at each meal with high-fiber carbohydrates, lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable.”
2. It emphasizes portion control.
The Zone Diet emphasizes portion control, which is critical to weight loss.
“Meals are designed around the ‘block’ system, with each block representing a certain amount of protein, carbohydrates or fat,” Goodson points out. “This may help individuals manage their caloric intake effectively.”
3. It requires conscious planning and measurement.
Those who prefer flexibility in their diet may not care about the strict limits of this diet. “[The Zone Diet] requires careful planning and measuring, which can be difficult for some individuals, says Goodson.
4. It is great for those who need structure in their diet.
Some individuals need precise parameters and rules in a diet to make it easier to follow. The zone diet offers exactly that. “Its focus on balanced meals can help those who struggle with overeating or making healthy food choices,” says Goodson.
5. It provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
The zone diet’s anti-inflammatory properties make it incredibly attractive, especially for those suffering from chronic inflammation. “The diet’s focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates aligns with anti-inflammatory eating patterns,” Goodson says.
6. Its durability may be difficult for some.
The zone diet is about a balanced diet, which can make the specific macronutrient ratio difficult to maintain in the long run. “Individuals considering this diet should assess whether they can maintain these conditions long-term,” suggests Goodson.
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Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
