In the realm of a health regime, diets often come and go. No matter how surprising it may sound, but it is a fact that many diet forms are not really the best options to start with. Some even tend to become a fad. However, the zone diet meal plan stands slightly apart from the rest of its counterparts. As a weight loss plan, the zone diet was developed by Dr. Barry Seer more than three decades ago.
What is the Zone Diet?
Well, have you ever experienced a state of complete calmness and focus? A phase where you are in a flow state with absolute attention without any confusion, distraction, or even stress; pure attention – and nothing else. The zone diet does exactly this to your body. It is a very simple dietary method where one resorts to lean healthy meals to maintain the body’s natural balance. It does this by keeping the metabolism in constant flow and thus the body devoid of any kind of stress and tension.
Types of Zone Diet Meal Plan And Ways To Follow Them
There are two major types of zone diet also known as zone diet blocks:
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The Hand-Eye Method
It is the easiest way to get started. It is flexible as it allows you to eat out. Your hand determines the portion sizes. Your five fingers remind you to take 5 meals a day. You shouldn’t go without food for five hours. Your eyes help you to estimate the portions on your plate. One-third of your plate should have lean proteins, roughly the size, and thickness of your palm. Two-thirds should be carbs with a low-glycaemic index. Also, add a little of monounsaturated fats.
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The Food Block Method
Zone diet blocks determine the ratio of macronutrients you should consume. The average male eats 14 blocks while an average female 11 blocks per day. A protein block contains 7 gms of protein, a carb block 9 gms, and 1.5 gms of fat in the fat block. The main meal should contain 3-5 blocks while a snack contains 1 block.
While there are no specific ways to follow zone diet plans, however in most cases people start with the hand-eye method and then usually graduate to the block method.
What To Eat And Not To Eat
Just like any other dietary regime, there is a certain food that one can consume while on a zone diet. These include the following:
Low-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and yogurt, soy products like tofu.
Good options for fats include avocadoes, peanut butter, and tahini. You can use nuts like macadamia, peanuts, cashews, avocadoes, and pistachios. You can only use oils such as canola, sesame, peanut, and olives.
Carbs should have fruits like berries, apples, oranges, and plums. Grains can be oatmeal and barley. Vegetables should consist of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and yellow squash.
When it comes to exclusions, one must consider avoiding starchy fruits and veggies like bananas and potatoes. Don’t consume processed foods like breakfast cereals and white-flour products. Foods with added sugar like candies, cakes and cookies, soft drinks, and coffee and tea are also not recommended.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Zone Diet
Some of the benefits of the zone diet include the following:
- Lose weight at a faster rate,
- Maintain wellness throughout life,
- Boosts overall health,
- Flexibility
However, the zone diet regime is not absolutely without its drawbacks. Among some limitations include little scientific evidence to back it. You can also check with a professional nutritionist whether a keto diet plan works alongside zone diet meal plan or if you can combine both and have the best result in the shortest time.
