The Zone Diet Plan is a healthy and nutritionally balanced anti aging diet/ low carb diet plan

The Zone Diet Plan is a popular and effective low carb diet plan for weight loss, health maintenance, and longevity. The goal of the diet technology is to achieve permanent fat loss and better physical performance while reducing the likelihood of disease. THE ZONE is a balanced state where body and mind function at peak levels and blood sugar, energy stores, hormones, weight, and overall health are optimal.

The portal to achieve this health nirvana "involves using the most powerful and ubiquitous drug we have, food." Food should be eaten "in a controlled fashion and in the proper proportions." The Zone Diet Plan carefully explains the theory and walks the reader through an assessment of their personal body to determine how much food they should eat to enter their personal zone.

A Doctor-developed diet therapy program that has been tested by world-class athletes. The Zone Diet Plan was developed by Barry Sears, Ph. D., a holder of twelve patents for dietary control of hormonal responses and cancer treatments. Dr. Sears developed the diet as a therapy to reset his own familial genetic code that predicted a fatal heart attack by mid-fifties. His diet technology has empowered numerous athletes to win Olympic medals and professional athletes to achieve new performance levels. The diet technology also is effective in weight loss and health maintenance for amateur athletes and average people.

About the diet. The Zone Diet Plan balances the ratios between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and determines the correct amount to eat for your activity level. The diet combines food type restriction with calorie restriction to keep blood sugar and hormone levels properly regulated by the diet. At the same time the diet does not rob food of its flavor, and even allows eating in fast food restaurants. Zone Diet Recipes are delicious and nutritious food that provide optimal nutrition.

Summary of the diet. The "portal to the zone" is keeping blood sugar levels in balance between the extremes of high blood sugar and low blood sugar. This is done by eating smaller meals with the correct balance of protein to carbohydrate, and eating a snack in mid-afternoon and before bed to maintain blood sugar levels.

The caloric composition of the so called "healthy diet" is 70% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 15% fats (70-15-15). The caloric composition of the American Diabetes Association diet is 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20% fat (60-20-20).

The caloric composition of the Zone Diet Plan is 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat (40-30-30). The diet is somewhat flexible in these ratios, provided you don't exceed the carb percentage. It is permissible to eat fewer carbs and more protein, up to a one to one ratio (35-35-30). Less refined carbohydrates are preferred, like whole wheat bread and brown rice. The goal is to eat low glycemic foods to control blood sugar naturally. The diet partially restricts bad fats (saturated fat and fats from red meat), and egg yolks, but recommends mono unsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados.

The Zone Diet Plan is a true longevity diet that has anti aging properties due to calorie restriction and excellent nutrition. Total caloric intake on the diet for an average person is 800 to 1200 calories per day, yet if you follow the dietary guidelines you will feel satisfied.

My personal experience with the Zone Diet was favorable. I tried the diet on the recommendation of my Doctor, and lost about 20# in six months. During this time I was fairly active and athletic, including actively cross country skiing, and I had good energy and was satisfied with my diet.

I learned that I did not need to eat nearly as much food as I had always believed was necessary. I also learned that it is important to think about what you eat, and its composition; i.e., the content and ratio of carbs to protein particularly. I also found I was adding way too many "empty" (non-nutritious) carb calories in by diet by having an extra beer or glass of wine.

I now eat a modified version of the Zone Diet Plan, and I am keeping my weight down. The book taught me a lot about diet theory and the balance between carb and protein calories. It was valuable to learn that I could become healthier and stronger with a greatly restricted calorie intake, provided it was nutritionally balanced. I also learned that restricting the "empty" calories from alcohol was very helpful for fat loss.

Please note. This article on diet is in no way intended as medical advice. It is recommended that you check with your doctor or other medical professional before making major changes in your diet. Some diet plans may not be appropriate for certain individuals.

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