The Zone diet plan was pioneered by biochemist Barry Sears. It is based on the principle of consuming carbohydrates, protein and fat in a 40:30:30 ratio. Sears originally developed this diet plan to save himself from possible heart attack. The Zone diet plan is designed to normalize the levels of blood glucose and hormones. According to Sears, observing the 40:30:30 ratio is vital for achieving normal weight and healthy body. Caloric balance makes the body more efficient in burning food, thus preventing the accumulation of fat.

Zone diet plan reviews usually refer to several studies showing that this diet is effective. For instance, an independent study conducted by the staff of the documentary TV program Scientific American Frontiers showed that people who followed this diet lost more fat than those who used other diet plans.  The study reported that Zone dieters found the plan easy to adjust to, owing to its minimal adverse effects. Those who experienced fatigue felt better on the second or third day.

Pros:

●        The Zone diet plan is quite popular among celebrities. Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston and Tiger Wood are reportedly following this diet. Manuel Uribe, which was once regarded as the World’s Heaviest Man, lost 400lbs with the help of the Zone diet plan.

●        This diet is believed to be the driving force behind the market success of  Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which have been scientifically proven to be good for the heart.

●        The  40:30:30 rule gives dieters flexibility in choosing their foods. Unlike diet plans that severely restrict the consumption of one or more food groups, the Zone diet plan allows you to continue eating your favorite foods as long as you meet this proportion.

●        The Zone diet follows a time-tested approach to weight loss: eating fruits and low-starch vegetables and foods that are low in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates.

●        This diet is generally safe. There are no serious complications associated with the diet.

Cons:

●        Following the specific proportion of carbohydrates, fat and protein makes the Zone diet difficult to prepare for some people.

●        Your daily protein requirement determines your total calorie intake, which can end up too far below the recommended calorie intake for a healthy person. This may lead to the discontinuation of the diet plan due to fatigue and frequent food cravings.

●        The American Heart Association warned against obtaining too much calories from protein, which is a significant source of saturated fat. However, Sears argued that most of the calories from the Zone diet was derived from carbohydrates rather protein. He proposes a formula for computing the recommended intake of protein, based on activity level and body mass. AHA is also not as convinced as Sears that insulin regulation has a significant role in weight reduction.

●        So far, there is no study that directly establishes the relationship between the 40:30:30 principle and hormonal and glucose balance.