The Zone Diet: An Overview

A short intro to the Zone Diet, including what it is and how it can help you...

The Zone Diet is an eating plan designed to control your body's biochemistry - mainly the production of powerful hormones like insulin and cortisol - in order to help you lose weight and become healthier. Eating the right types of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the proper ratio (40% carb - 30% protein - 30% fat) is what puts you into "The Zone" - an optimal balance of body hormones.

In terms of food, the Zone Diet focuses on lean proteins combined with vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. A small amount of starchy carbs can also be included in a Zone meal. Anything made with white flour, white sugar, saturated fats, etc. is totally avoided.

There is increasing evidence that The Zone diet and other similar diets really do have a profound effect on your body chemistry. Whether or not a Zone-style eating plan is the best choice for weight loss is still unclear. But, without a doubt, the basic components of the plan can dramatically improve your overall health and, in the process, help you lose weight.

For instance, avoiding "bad" carbs (white flour, white sugar, etc.) and focusing on fresh vegetables and fruits is definitely one of the best things you can do for your body. Also, including healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, flax oil, fish and nuts is a must, no matter what diet you're on.

For fat loss and long-term weight maintenance (and health), the Zone Diet may be one of your best options. The biggest challenge is learning to create Zone meals with the right balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Also, if you're a junk food addict, trying to jump into the Zone Diet may be a little overwhelming at first since pretty much all processed foods are forbidden. Fortunately, there are many good guides for Zone-newbies available on and off the Web.

The The-Zone-Diet-Plan.com web site is a good place to begin.

You can also view some basic Zone Diet tips here.