The Zone

The Philosophy

Carbohydrate consumption is restricted and balanced with calculated amounts of protein and fat. Diet principles are based on the book "Mastering the Zone ''.

Our View

Does it meet the basic food groups? No. This diet includes very little grain products, some fruits and vegetables & plenty of meats & alternates. Foods are mislabeled as good or bad. Examples of bad foods to avoid include fatty cuts of meat, organ meats, egg yolks, pasta, juices, rice, and white bread.

What about balance and variety? Appropriate balance and variety in food choices are not recommended here. A high protein intake is encouraged and important carbohydrate sources are eliminated.

Risks? Because carbohydrate consumption is restricted, daily intakes of dietary fiber, essential vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, anti-oxidants, potassium & calcium, just to name a few are restricted as well. Also, this diet may not meet total daily energy (calorie) requirements. The body needs the appropriate amount of energy, even for weight loss.

Our Philosophy

• This diet method uses a complicated and scientifically unfounded system to calculate the protein and carbohydrate portions for every meal.
• The brain needs a minimum of 150g of carbohydrate per day. If carbohydrate intake is too restricted, the body may degrade lean muscle mass to make up for its requirements in carbohydrates especially since fat cannot generate the form of carbohydrate (i.e. glucose) that the brain needs. To spare and protect lean muscle mass, the body needs appropriate amounts of carbohydrates and 1gram of protein per kg of body weight. We don't want to lose lean muscle mass: it gives us power and keeps us healthy longer. After all, if we need to lose weight, we should aim for losing body fat.
• Decreasing calorie intake by restricting carbohydrates may lead to the production of chemicals called ketones. These are released into the bloodstream and may cause headaches, dizzy spells, fatigue, nausea and bad breath. If these symptoms occur, these are definite signs that there is something wrong.
• Overall, this diet does not favor heart health. It promotes increased protein intake, possibly a higher fat intake, and poor fruit, vegetable and dietary fiber intake.
• Large quantities of protein may also overwork the kidneys and cause damage.
• Weight loss on this diet is due to a calorie restriction from limiting carbohydrates.
• Unfortunately, other essential nutrients are restricted as well and the body may be losing more water weight than actual body fat.