The Zone

­A diet that helps you lose weight, improve your concentration and increase your energy -- what's not to love? Not so fast. There are two sides to every coin and this is no different. Despite the claims that Dr. Barry Sears has made about the effectiveness of the Zone diet, there is no scientific evidence to back it up at this time.

Many people experience quick weight loss when starting the Zone diet. This is often seen as affirmation. What they don't realize is that diets like this one that are low in carbohydrates result in a large amount of fluid loss. Carbohydrates hold fluids and when we reduce the amount we consume, we also reduce our capacity for those fluids. Don't mistake this initial loss of water weight as true weight loss.

By following the ratio that is laid out by the Zone diet, many people end up decreasing the amount of calories they take in daily. This could result in losing lean muscle mass. The purpose of any diet should be to get rid of fat and/or improve health. Make sure you're getting enough calories, and if you aren't, adjust the diet accordingly.

Another danger associated with any low carbohydrate diet is ketosis. Ketosis is what happens to diabetics who don't have enough insulin in their system. If it isn't taken care of promptly, it can result in diabetic shock. We need insulin to break down carbohydrates; if we don't have enough, our bodies can't function properly.

Aside from all that, there are many who believe the Zone diet puts people at risk by lowering the amount of fruits and vegetables they are eating. People who eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables generally have much lower cancer rates. Diets low in carbohydrates are also often associated with high blood pressure and a greater risk of stroke. [Abbess, Elizabeth. "Zone Diet: What You Need to Know"]

Another problem is that The Zone is outdated. Since the book was written in the 1990s, consumers and products made for them have evolved to better choices. Instead of referring to fats as a single, broad entity, we now know to distinguish between good (unsaturated, from plants and fish) and bad (saturated, from beef, chicken, pork and dairy) fats. Carbohydrate products made with whole grains--breads, pastas, even pizza crusts--present an entirely different nutritional profile than the refined flour versions popularized in the 20th century. The effect of these newer products on blood sugar is less troublesome.

Taking advice from this out-of-date diet may help you to lose [water] weight initially, but it won't last and it won't benefit your health. Stick to lifestyle change, and when you're approached by a fad diet, run the other direction!

Post Title : The Zone

The Zone,

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The Zone