The Zone Diet

The Zone Diet

• Created by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears. Barry has been conducting research for the past 30 years and introduced The Zone book in 1995.
• The basis for the program is how diet affects hormones, gene expression, and cellular inflammation.
• The Zone diet is designed to reduce the cellular inflammation that contributes to weight gain. The concept is that cellular inflammation is the initiating cause of chronic disease because it disrupts hormonal signaling networks throughout the body.
• The goal is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet with adequate protein using low-glycemic load carbohydrates and fats very low in omega-6 fatty acids, but adequate in monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.
• Dr. Sears’ company Zone Labs provides omega-3 and polyphenol supplements as well as patented food products.
• The program is based on hormonal balance versus calorie counting because if hormones are balanced then appetite is suppressed naturally.
• On one-third of the plate put some low-fat protein that is no bigger or thicker than the palm of your hand. Then fill the other two-thirds of the plate with color carbohydrates (vegetables and fruits). Finally add a dash (that’s a small amount) of fat that is low in omega-6 and saturated fats such as olive oil.
• The ratio is 40:30:30 of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• Zone Foods brand include traditional breads, pastas, cereals etc. that have 14g protein per serving to increase people’s adherence to the program.
• Promotes the addition of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA supplements to further reduce cellular inflammation. To maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acid, it is always recommended to take an adequate dose of purified polyphenols to protect the omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation in the body as well as inhibit the master switch for inflammation.
• Famous weight loss from the program includes a morbidly obese man who has gone from 1234 lbs down to 829lbs in 2 years and is continuing to lose weight.
• Some criticism of the program includes its high intake of protein as meat, which is higher in saturated fat, although Dr. Sears promotes other protein sources as well, including soy.
• Program considered safe for diabetics.