Zone Diet

The Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears operates on a philosophy of insulin imbalances in the body and recommends a low-carbohydrate meal plan. The diet is founded on a claim that high levels of 'toxic fat' in the body cause 'silent inflammation' which reduce energy levels and cause long-term health problems. The goal of this diet is to achieve a perfect level of insulin in the body which is most effective for the individual, placing them in the 'zone' of having more energy and better health.

The diet claims that an ideal ratio of nutrients is 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent protein and 30 per cent fat. All vegetables are allowed except for corn. Fruits and grains such as oatmeal and barley are permissible, except for raisins and bananas. Cereal, bread, pasta and potatoes are avoided. Recommended sources of protein include skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and egg whites, and Omega-3 fat sources from fish oils are emphasized. The diet recommends that just small amounts of protein are eaten at every meal – just three or four ounces, or the size of one's palm.

The diet is marketed to athletes as well as the obese. Marketing for the diet uses a large number of celebrity endorsements to prove its effectiveness, but no proper scientific studies. The line of products associated with The Zone Diet include diet books, multivitamins and supplements, as well as prepackaged meals. The Zone Diet can also be adapted for vegetarians.

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