The Zone Diet

Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston might all be big in Hollywood, but their celebrity status isn't the only thing they have in common. All these stars claim to have followed the Zone Diet to help them get - and keep - their famous figures. But just what does ‘Being in the Zone' involve and more importantly, is it a healthy way to shift those pounds?

What is it?

The basis for the Zone diet, by Barry Sears, is that if a person eats the correct ratio of carbohydrate to protein to fat (40/30/30), he/she will improve his or her health, weight, and performance because certain hormones like insulin will be balanced and therefore will be in the preferred "zone."

How does it work?

The idea is that to reach ‘The Zone', every meal and snack should provide 40 percent of calories from carbohydrate, 30 per cent from protein and 30 per cent from fat. This is what is called the 40:30:30 ratio. To help with this, ‘Zone Food Blocks' have been developed, where each ‘block' contains a standardised amount of carbohydrate, protein or fat. To lose weight, a certain number of blocks are allocated for each meal and snack. The number of Zone Food Blocks you should have each day is calculated according to your weight, height and waist and hip circumferences. Generally, the bigger you are, the more blocks you are allowed.

Advantages of Zone Diet

• The Zone Diet generally has fewer dietary restrictions.
• It encourages you to cut out a lot of the 'junk' or low-nutrient carbs.
• It recommends Eating fewer fatty foods and swapping foods that are high in saturates for those containing monounsaturates which is sensible, heart-healthy advice.

Disadvantages of Zone Diet

• It is very complicated and time-consuming to follow.
• It recommends eliminating some very nutritious foods, which are not only a good source of carbohydrate but are also packed with fibre and important vitamins and minerals.
• It can also be really expensive to follow.

'The Zone' is complex and has a substantial list of "forbidden" foods. However there are a number of web sites with programs that have substantially simplified the Zone. At its basic principles it is a good program and would be a great improvement for anyone who currently wants to lose weight.