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• Zone DietAlthough we joke
about it, The Zone Diet Plan is not some magical, mystical place like the
Twilight Zone. You’re in the desirable Zone when your body enters into a state
of hormonal balance by keeping your insulin level at just the right spot that
can be achieved by eating the right diet. The program is a lifelong hormonal
control strategy conceived by Dr. Barry Sears who spent 30 years studying lipids
and how they relate to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. • Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is “The Zone”? A: The diet is a balanced diet of 40% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, and 30% fats. This is a typical “hunter/gatherer” type diet that humans are genetically programmed to react best to. When you are “in the Zone” you will have more energy, less hunger and cravings, better mental focus, and ultimately you will achieve your optimum weight. Q: Can I eat carbohydrates on the diet? A: Yes, you can but only the good carbs. On the diet, every meal is comprised of 2/3 good carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables are considered good carbohydrates. Bad carbs are white flour products, white rice, potatoes, pasta, sugar, popcorn, corn, carrots, bananas, and raisins. Q: I’m dying for a pizza and a chocolate sundae. What are the chances of that happening? A: The program realizes that no one is perfect and once a month you are encouraged to go to hog heaven in the carb department. Why? Because the morning after, you will have an insulin hangover and simply be miserable. The point is to reinforce that you are eating in The Zone for a reason and also to let you have your way with carbohydrates once every 30 days. Q: The diet seems to be very popular in Hollywood. Why do you think celebrities prefer it to other diets? A: There are many caterers and personal chefs who cater to the celebrity crowd and eating on this plan is all about eating real food. You can also be a vegetarian and get your low-fat protein from soy products. Celebs know a good thing when they see it and what could be better than eating fruits and vegetables, protein, and a little dab of good fat now and then. Q: Why is insulin so important to the diet plan? A: When the body has an ongoing balance of insulin then you benefit by weight loss, reduced risk of heart disease, less likely to develop adult onset of diabetes, and may reduce the risk of cancer. Q: Are there any good fats out there? A: Like good and bad carbs, there are also good and bad fats. On the plan, a good fat (no, that’s not an oxymoron), is necessary at every meal because it takes fat to burn fat in your body. Good fats are monounsaturated like olive oil, avocados, almonds and macadamia nuts and omega-3 fats from fish and fish oils. Bad fats are trans fats, fatty red meats, organ meats, egg yolks, and palm oil usually found in processed foods. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CUSTOMIZED ZONE DIET PLAN Q: What’s a typical day’s menu? A: Be prepared to eat a 6-egg white omelet with 2 tsp. olive oil and sautéed asparagus, 2/3 cup oatmeal, and 1 cup of strawberries for breakfast. For lunch dig into a salad with 3 oz of grilled chicken and greens, olive oil vinaigrette, and fresh fruit. Enjoy a snack of two hard-boiled eggs with the yolks scooped out and replaced by spicy hummus (chickpea spread). Dine on 5 oz of grilled salmon sprinkled with 1 tablespoon slivered almonds, 2 cups steamed veggies, and 1 cup of mixed berries for dinner. While relaxing in front of the television, sip a glass of wine and 1 oz soft cheese. Feeling deprived? We didn’t think so. Q: Do I have to buy special products? A: No. Unlike some other weight loss plans, the plan does not require purchases of extra products such as menu items, books, etc. However, there are books and products available that may help you, such as the ZonePerfect Bars. Q: Why do I have to eat so many times a day on this diet plan? A: On the Zone diet, timing is everything. When you eat frequent small meals (with no more than 4-5 hours in between meals and 2.5 hours after a snack whether hungry or not) your body is programming its insulin levels. It’s preferable to eat when you are not hungry. You know you’re in The Zone your mental focus is heightened and you’re not starving. Being hungry detracts from mental focus. Eating the same time every day trains your body to the fine art of insulin balance. Q: What should I drink while following the program? A: Water should be your beverage of choice. You should consume 64oz (eight 8oz glasses) per day. Not only will water keep your body hydrated and running more efficiently, it also helps cleanse your body during weight loss. Zone Diet Articles:
Ultimate Weight Loss Diet
Atkins Diet
Diabetes Diet
Hypoglycemic Diet
Please consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise plan. Copyright 2005 Custom Diet Plans |
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