Are You in the Zone?

I am taking on the zone, The Zone Diet that is, by Dr. Barry Sears. Part of my training at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition involves learning about different dietary theories.

What is the Zone Diet?

I first heard about the Zone Diet when Jennifer Aniston used it to let go of some extra weight. The zone diet is based the idea that we are not an obese nation but rather an inflamed nation. This inflammation is silent, yet deadly because it just sits inside our organs and eventually attacks in the form of heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. Since insulin, glucagon and eicostnoid hormones are unbalanced, the inflammation just grows. As a result we need an anti-inflammatory diet that balances these 3 hormones, give us energy and allows us to decrease inflammation. We also release weight.

How do you live in the Zone?

According to the book, it is actually as easy as a 1-2-3 ratio. So, 1 gram of fat to 2 grams of carbohydrate to 3 grams of protein. Since that doesn't really sound all that easy, lets try percentages. For each meal, make sure you have:

* 40% Carbohydrates

* 30% Protein

* 30% Fat

To make this work, divide your plate into thirds. Fill 2/3 of this plate with fruit and vegetables, 1/3 of the plate with lean protein and dash on some monounsaturated fats such as olive oil.

How Often Do You Eat on the Zone Diet:

Since our goal is to stabilize your blood sugar and thus your hormones, you never want to go more than 5 hours without eating. Here is an example:

1. Breakfast within 1 hour of waking

2. Lunch

3. Afternoon snack

4. Dinner

5. late night snack to balance out blood sugar while sleeping

What kinds of foods do You Eat on the Zone Diet?:

Proteins: skinless chicken, eggs whites, fish, legumes, substitute soy products, turkey, tofu and dairy

Carbohydrates: Certain Fruits, vegetables,

Fats: avocados, olive oil, almonds

Foods to avoid:

Trans fats, bananas, corn, peas, grains, pasta, rice and fruit juices and sugar.

What is so great about the Zone Diet?

The zone diet claims to fight heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes by turning off the cells which cause them and turning on the cells which fight the disease. It is also promotes cellular repair.

What is not so great:

Well, following this 40-30-30 sounds easy but implementing would take some time. Also, cutting out grains concerns me. I would recommend a slow weaning into the 40-30-30 plate to see how your body reacts. In addition, vegetarians are left to use soy products for protein which can be highly processed.

So, what do you think? Are you willing to move into the zone?

Maureen Wielansky owns Making It all Fit, LLC, a Health Coaching business where she teaches women how to heal their bodies and transform their lives. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1987 with a Bachelors in Psychology. She decided to stay home with her children for 20 years, working part time as a professional organizer. Maureen now is in the process of finishing her certification at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where she will have a degree as a Holistic Health Coach. Maureen is also an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion is working with women helping them heal their bodies so that they may carry the message of a healthy lifestyle to their families and eventually to the country. You can reach Maureen at maureen@makingitallfit.com. Be sure to visit http://www.maureenwielansky.org.