Zone dieting, developed by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears, is comprised of a meal plan based on a hormonally-balanced ratio of carbohydrates (40 percent), fats (30 percent) and proteins (30 percent), all of which are part of a specific calorie count, with meals not exceeding 500 calories and snacks 100 calories and under.cAs WebMD puts it, the Zone Diet is simply "a metabolic state in which the body works at peak efficiency," created by eating the aforementioned ratio of carbs, protein and fat.c
Why Zone Diet?
Those who opt for the Zone Diet do so for many reasons, including weight loss, enhanced health, improved energy and better mental clarity. Those with Type II diabetes are perfect candidates for the zone diet as it is high in protein and low in sugar, encouraging the consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and eight glasses of water daily.cAmong the benefits Dr. Sears touts are:
- Better fitting clothing as you lose body far, not water or muscle.
- Improved mental clarity as blood sugar levels stabilize.
- Heightened energy as stored fat is released and converted to chemical energy.
- Improved stress handling capabilities.
- Decreased blood sugar, blood lipid and blood pressure levels.c
What To Expect
Day OneYour appetite will be suppressed for four to six hours after your first meal.
Day Three
You will have greater physical energy as stored fat is released and cellular inflammation is reduced as well.
Day Seven
After the first week, you may start to notice your clothes are fitting better since you are 
beginning to lose primarily belly fat.
beginning to lose primarily belly fat.Day 14
After two weeks, you should notice that you are able to handle stress better than you did before the diet.
Day 30
Your blood pressure will be reduced due to the loss of extra body fat.c
Zone Shopping List
Vegetables
Artichoke- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
Cucumber- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Mushroom
- Okra
- Onion
- Radishes
- Red and Green Peppers
- Snow Peas
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Tomato
- Zucchini
Canned Vegetables (not in oil)
- Artichoke Hearts
- Capers
- Roasted Red Peppers
Leafy Greens
- Arugula
- Endive
- Lettuce
- Radicchio
- Watercress
Legumes
- Black Beans
- Chickpeas
- Hummus
- Kidney Beans
- Lentils
Fruits- Apple
- Boysenberries
- Grapefruit
- Pear
- Nectarine
- Applesauce
- Grapes
- Pear
- Raspberries
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Kiwi
- Peach
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Mandarin Oranges
- Plum
- Tangerine
- Blueberries
- Fruit Cocktail
- Orange
- Pomegranate
Dairy
- 2% Milk
- 2% Natural Yogurt
- 2% Greek Yogurt
- Low-fat Cheese
- 2% Cottage Cheese
Condiments
- Almond, Cashew or Natural Peanut Butter
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Butter
- Cashews
- Light Cream Cheese
- Yellow or Dijon Mustard
- Olives
- Olive Oil
- Peanuts
- Salsac
References
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are about to embark on the Zone Diet, please consult your doctor.
