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The Zone Diet Plan

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The Zone diet plan claims that weight loss is achieved through balancing protein and carbohydrate rations. It was developed by Barry Sears, who claims that "the Zone" part of The Zone diet plan is where hormones are balanced such that the body produces anti-inflammatory chemicals. When the body is in the Zone, it doesn't store fat, but burns it instead. Since the body cannot store fat and burn it at the same time, the body must therefore burn exess fat, causing weight loss. This is the key to The Zone diet plan.

In the book that introduced The Zone diet plan to the public, Sears claims that dieters should not decrease their intake of fat, as low-fat causes the body to produce insulin, which in turn causes the body to store fat. He states that eating fats causes people to feel more full, and decreases insulin production by reducing carbohydrate levels. Lower insulin production, according to Sears, means the body stores less fat and burns more of it.

A lower level of insulin also contributes heavily to fat burning while exercising, according to Sears. Should the body have a high level of insulin while exercising, a person feels tired, as they desire energy, which the body cannot give to them. This contributes to an overall feeling of tiredness and causes cravings for high-calorie foods such as junk food, which keeps the high-insulin levels up. The Zone diet plan avoids this. Followers of The Zone diet plan eat meals in which they have a serving of protein as big as the palm of their hands, raw non-starchy vegetables to satiate them, and a serving of carbohydrates that is just enough to keep the mind sharp. Monounsaturated oils and fats may also be consumed in small doses in order to produce a feeling of saturation.

So far, Sears has released at least seven books concerning The Zone diet plan. While it is a popular diet, The Zone diet plan has lasted longer than the average diet plan. Many people regard it as the best way to diet, although they acknowledge that any diet plan requires persistence and patience, along with proper exercise. The American Heart Association has come out against The Zone diet plan, due to its emphasis on a diet high in protein, and a lack of information on essential nutrient intake and long-term effects.

Always check with your doctor or physician before starting any nutrition or diet plan.