A researcher at Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Developed by Barry Sears, the Zone Diet is an eating plan that focuses on an ideal state of body and mind. It is a state of mind where the body will feel refreshed and will be at its peak of energy and performance. The term zone was borrowed from what athletes often refer to as the zone peak of performance in which they achieve their body’s optimum degree of performance.
Dr. Sears, who has studied lipids and its role in the development of chronic diseases in the then body, conceptualized the diet after his father died of a heart attack in the 1970s. But the concept was still raw, not until 1982 when the Nobel Prize jury awarded a research grant to study the relationship of hormones called eicosanoids and the development of certain diseases, including diabetes, heart problems, and even cancer.
In 1995, the doctor completed his research and compiled it into a book titled “Enter the Zone”. It became an international bestseller, topping lists worldwide. To date, it has sold over four million copies. The book was so successful that Dr. Sears published 10 more books on the subject.
Despite this, critics still point out that the theory does not have much merit as there is no scientific evidence for it. However, the Zone Diet is really effective at shedding pounds. Some actually continue to lose 1.5 pounds each week. There have even been people who haven’t lost any pounds with other diets but have lost weight with the Zone Diet.
The diet encourages the consumption of grilled meats, lots of fruits, and of course, vegetables. People under the program will eat some food that is made up of one piece of meat and two-thirds of fruits and vegetables. The diet consists primarily of 40 percent carbohydrate, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat in the form of monosaturated fat, found in fruits such as avocados, guacamole and macadamia nuts.
Carbohydrates are taken in through fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes pasta, rice and bread are allowed but only small portions. Protein on the other hand is best taken through lean cuts of meat and poultry such as chicken and turkey. Along with fish, soy products can also be eaten.
Source by Low Jeremy
