Dr. Barry Sears' mega-bestseller The Zone ( A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently, Reset Your Genetic Code, Prevent Disease, Achieve Maximum Physical Performance) about metabolism and nutritional balance, has spawned a lifestyle/wellness empire. Zone Labs Inc. has grown to become a leading purveyor of foods, dietary supplements and skin care products. Sears, a Phd and former bio-technology researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is regarded as an authority on inflammation, which is acknowledged as a prime factor in the development of many chronic illnesses.
The Zone Diet is advertised as a clinically proven lifestyle program for weight loss, fighting the effects of aging, reducing the risk of chronic illness and improving mental and physical agility. All of this goodness can be achieved by retooling your metabolism with a diet that is 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrates in strictly controlled portions. Sears is a scientist, and as such he devotes considerable time to explaining the science on which he based his theory. According to Sears, the Zone is a "metabolic state in which the body works at peak efficiency," and that metabolic state is created by adhering to the aforementioned dietary guidelines.
The science behind the Zone is the impact hormones have on our metabolism. Sears asserts that most people are resistant to insulin (a hormone), and that carbohydrate consumption produces insulin, and an abundance of insulin causes too many calories to be stored as fat. Reduce your insulin production, and the pounds will come off. Additionally, Sears believes that a diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fats contributes to our risk of contracting serious ailments like heart disease, diabetes, and even possibly cancer. Sears contends that in addition to weight loss, living The Zone will help you ward off heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. In his more recent book, "The Anti-Inflammation Zone", Sears examines disease and how his diet combats the inflammation he says is an underlying factor behind the development of these serious illnesses. He claims that the Zone diet is based on his 15 years of research in bio nutrition, but bear in mind that no scientific evidence is provided to prove that his program works.
Interestingly, The Zone diet draws mixed reviews from nutrition experts. Experts think that carbs are restricted too much, and are troubled by the fact that no direct studies prove out Sears "scientific" conclusions. Still, the diet is relatively easy to follow, a broad range of whole, healthy foods are recommended and there are no points or schedules or other requirements to complicate the program.
Jillian Michaels- This impressive online weight loss program was designed by the world-class fitness trainer from the popular TV shows Losing it with Jillian and The Biggest Loser. The program focuses on what works in the long term: motivation to lose weight the right way and keep it off. Her inexpensive diet and exercise plans are personalized to your comfort level as you get in shape and lose weight. Jillian Michaels has created quite a buzz and she deserves it. Her program is free to try.
Copyright 2001-2010 Chase Freedom Inc. "Chase Freedom" is a registered trademark of Chase Freedom Inc. All diet reviews are opinion and unscientific and should not be substituted for the advice of a doctor or registered dietitian. We do endorse and maintain affiliate status with weight loss companies and programs that conform to our opinion that sensible weight loss is best. This opinion includes the following traits: inexpensive, based on traditional strategies of diet and exercise, and independent. Companies and programs include eDiets, Nutrisystem, Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin, Diet Power Software, Sonoma Diet, Joy's Life Diet, among others.
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