There are so many diets in the world that your fingertips would fall short if you start counting! Almost every month, we wake up to a new raging diet with different dietary guidelines and benefits. Many people blindly follow such diets to earn health rewards such as weight loss, metabolic boost, leaner body, etc. Honestly, every diet has some pros and cons. The result depends upon an individual’s body mechanics. One may get fab results while the other one may not, it varies.
Zone Diet is gaining popularity these days and many people are still figuring out what is this diet, how it works, what are the dietary restrictions, etc. being some of the commonly-asked questions. All the answers are given here in this article, read to know if this diet actually works or is another fad.
What Is Zone Diet?
This diet is not new. It was developed over 30 years ago by Dr. Barry Sears. Surprisingly, unlike other fad diets, this diet is clinically proven to aid weight gain and better physical and mental performance along. This diet aims to lower down the diet-induced inflammation which helps in bringing health back on track.
In zone diet, you are advised to consume a specific ratio of 40% carb, 30% protein and 30% fat. One needs to strictly abide by the dietary guidelines where the food you consume should have a low glycemic index, lean protein and monounsaturated fat in carbs. Zone diet can help you slow down the symptoms of obesity, inflammation and aging and reduce the risk of many diseases.
How does the zone diet work?
In the zone diet, you have to eat 5 times a day, which includes eating 3 meals and 2 snacks. It is necessary to have 40% carb, 30% protein and 30% healthy fat in every meal.
One-third of lean protein: One-third of your plate should be lean protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, egg whites, low-fat dairy and tofu.
Also Read: Drink One Glass Cumin-Ginger Water In The Morning To Melt Belly Fat
Two-thirds of carbs: Two-thirds of your plate should be filled with carbs with a low glycemic index. Such as non-starchy vegetables and limited amounts of fruits.
One-third fat: Include monounsaturated fat in your plate, including olive oil, avocado, or almonds.
Some Benefits of the Zone diet
- Zone diet helps in inculcating good eating habits and it helps you to cut down on sugar intake. Sweet consumption is the root cause of most health problems including diabetes, weight gain, cholesterol, etc.
- Zone diet helps you to curb unhealthy food cravings.
- Zone diet helps in living a healthy and fit lifestyle.
- This diet is also helpful in keeping your weight under control.
- This diet improves physical performance.
- Zone diet boosts mental health and brings focus and clarity.
Food Restrictions in Zone Diet
Do not consume these things in a zone diet:
- Bananas, Grapes, Raisins, Dried Nuts.
- High sugar or starchy fruits - vegetables such as peas, corn, carrots and potatoes.
- Processed foods
- Sugar Foods and Drinks
- Restrict coffee or tea intake.
Read More In Weight Management