The Zone Diet

The Zone Diet was developed by Barry Sears, a former researcher in biotechnology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

What is the Zone?

The Zone is a physiological state in which the hormones (insulin and eicosanoids) regulated by the food you eat is maintained within the correct levels.

The benefits of controlling insulin are increased fat loss, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and greater physical and mental capabilities.

The benefits of controlling eicosanoids are decreased inflammation and increased blood flow, which will helps to improve nearly every chronic disease symptoms and increase physical performance.

The blood tests that define the Zone are the same tests that can be used to define wellness. Dr Sears calls this evidence-based wellness which is the foundation for 21st century health care.

The Zone Dietary Program

The Zone dietary program is based on control of insulin levels and supplementation of fish oil in order to regulate the synthesis of arachidonic acid.

Insulin control is achieved by balancing protein and carbohydrate with each meal. This is acomplished through a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and moderate-fat dietary program. The maximum amount of low-fat protein at a meal should be no bigger than the size and thickness of the palm of the hand (approx. 3 oz. for females and 4 oz. for males). Most carbohydrates should come from vegetables and fruits, with starchy foods (such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta) used very little. Most fat should consist of heart healthy monounsaturated fat.

The insulin control component of the OmegaZone dietary program is based on balance and moderation at each meal, unlike the high-protein diets(that induce ketosis or the high-carbohydrate diets that elevate insulin levels.

The second component of the Zone dietary program is the use of high-dose fish oil supplements. This has only become possible with the arrival of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil allows the use of high doses without severe gastric disturbances.

The goal of the Zone diet is to keep a hormonal balance between the hormones insulin and glucagon. Glucagon is responsible for releasing stored glucose from the liver when it is needed. Keeping a balance between these two hormones is achieved by limiting the amount of certain foods types. It can be thought ofas keeping the hormone insulin in the right zone, which is not too high, not too low. The Zone Diet is a life-long hormone control strategy.

The Zone's eating plan is a combination of a small amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Proteins should be low-fat and eaten with every meal and snack. Carbohydrates should be mainly fiber-rich vegetables and fruits and consist of twice the portion size of the protein.

See more information about the Zone Diet .