Diabetes and The Zone Diet are something of a buzzword recently.
Although it has its critics, the Zone Diet is well known with an active community of dieters, both diabetics and non-diabetics.
Who started the Zone Diet?
The Zone Diet was created by Dr. Barry Sears who designed the Zone Diet to help people with cardiovascular disease and people with diabetes.
The fundamental principle is that health and weight problems are due to inflammation at a cellular level.
This can be down to a variety of factors, Sears claims, including our diet.
How does a Zone Diet work?
There are five key components of a zone diet.
The plate is divided into zones: lean proteins take up 33% of your diet, with the remainder made up of selected fruits and vegetables.
Lean proteins include fish, skinless chicke, tofu and egg whites.
So can I eat grains on a Zone Diet?
Although this diet does not exclude grains, they are limited, with the major source of carbohydrates coming from fruit and vegetables.
Monounsaturated fat such as olive oil, nuts and avocado are added to each meal.
What other elements are there to the Zone Diet?
The Zone Diet also includes Omega 3 supplements to increase the healthy effects of the diet. Polyphenal supplements, phytochemicals designed to lower inflammation in the body, are also recommended.
Do I have to exercise on a Zone Diet?
Dr. Sears recommends participants in the Zone Diet take part in moderate exercise 3-5 times per week.
What’s the purpose of the Zone Diet?
The entire goal of the Zone Diet is to lower levels of inflammation, which may cause diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The diet, combined with moderate exercise, can cause natural and sustainable weight loss, according to the originator and many participants.
Is the Zone Diet suitable for diabetes?
Insulin resistance, a primary cause of type 2 diabetes, may contribute to bodily inflammation. The Zone Diet attempts to regulate the hormonal systems that lead to weight gain.
So why is the Zone Diet criticised?
Critics claim that the Zone Diet has no scientific evidence behind it, and overplays the beneficial effects of reducing inflammation.
However, because the Zone Diet supports lean protein and healthy fruit and vegetable consumptio, it is critically acclaimed. Others warn that the Zone Diet is expensive.
