The Zone Diet
The program “The Zone” or “the system of balance” is unquestionably the system “connected” to the beginning of this century, adopted by the vast majority of American stars (Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford …). Discover the secrets of this method.
Developed in 1995 by a certain Barry Sears, a former researcher at the prestigious MIT (Institute of Technology Massachusetts), diet The Zone has the wind in its sails. The book by B. Sears, “Enter the Zone diet” has been published in various languages. In France, we are now in paperback under the title “The diet of Stars”.
Principles of The Zone diet
The zone objective diet “the balance” is to maintain stable the blood sugar through diet low in carbohydrates and calories. To achieve an ideal balance, the theory of Dr. Sears calls for regulation of two hormones: insulin, secreted by the pancreas after ingestion of carbohydrates to regulate blood sugar levels and eicosanoids, hormones produced by all cells and are involved in fat metabolism.
To keep them in an ideal area for health and thinness, Barry Sears recommends not only regular meals (three meals a day and two snacks) but also the precise relationship between different dietary energy molecules. Thus, when we ingest 4 g carbohydrate, it must provide 3 grams of protein for each gram of protein ingested should eat 0.4 grams of fat! … Similarly, each meal should not exceed 500 kcal and snacks should be kept below 100 kcal!
The Zone diet in practice
The plan includes menus with 5 daily food intake. They must take place at regular intervals of not more than 5 h, and 30% of energy intake should be in the form of protein (chicken, fish, egg white, soy …), 35% as fat ( only unsaturated fats from vegetable oil, almonds, lawyers …) and 35% as carbohydrates (bread, fruits, legumes …). To simplify the lives of followers of the diet, Dr. Sears has developed a system of equivalence between the portions of food and various reports to comply. The hand of the individual “system” is then used as visual cue for the portions of meat, cereals, fruits …
Although the “Zone” prohibits any food, some are considered less good for health or the balance between the two types of hormones (insulin and eicosanoids) all refined sugars and white flour, juices and sodas (even light), alcohol, caffeine-rich drinks, bananas, figs, grapes, potatoes, carrots, peas and corn are avoided.
There are menus in the book, like: for breakfast, whole meal bread with cheese and a scrambled egg, snacks, a yogurt, an apple and almond paste; lunch, a fillet of Sole mustard with green lentils and beans, snacks, sticks of raw vegetables dipped in mayonnaise with olive oil; dinner, a chicken breast with steamed broccoli. There is also a web site offering American products stamped “The Zone” with the composition of the molecules is adequate energy plan: boxes of cereal, energy bars, flavored, milk, protein powder, as well as kits with menus ready to follow the diet for 30 days!
Effectiveness of The Zone diet
The author predicts a loss of 500 g to 1.5 kg per week, which is true the first few weeks. But very quickly, the weight is stagnant and there is a yo-yo, this “diet” not inconsistent with the rule!
Advantages and disadvantages of The Zone diet
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Advantages: This system creates a calorie deficit and thus allows a weight loss the first few days, which is motivating. Some principles seem equally interesting, such as leaving a fairly consistent place to proteins. The latter make it possible to feed the muscle that prevents fatigue. The scheme also proposes to drink plenty of water throughout the day, including a glass before dinner. This phenomenon, coupled with the fiber contained in whole foods often cited, can be fed fast enough. Make five “small” meals a day is also good to avoid the compulsions or cravings, and it also promotes digestion. Finally, foods often recommended are actually interesting to health (fruits, vegetables, foods rich in omega 3 fish …).
Disadvantages: This system really does not stick to official nutritional guidelines that suggest 50% to 55% of calories from carbohydrates, 15% to 20% as protein and not more than 30% as fat. There is also no dietary rehabilitation. It does not take sufficient account of tastes and it is not really suited to working life. Binding, this system requires a lot of calculations and planning: no improvisation or invitation is possible, which can cause frustration. After stopping the program, the weight gain seems inevitable.
In conclusion, this scheme is for people wanting a taste of what must endure Bratt stars as Cindy and Demi to be svelte … But beware, it causes too much stress and frustration.