What is the Zone Diet?
Former research scientist Dr. Barry Sears developed the Zone diet. It calls for eating 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fats. While this diet is still considered low carbohydrate, it is less carbohydrate restrictive than others in the group.
How does the Zone Diet work?
Your body is in the zone when inflammation controlling hormones are maintained at just the right level, Sears explains on his site. Food types must be eaten in just the right amounts, similar to medication dosages, to achieve that balance.
What does research say?
The Zone's official site has a page that debunks myths including if the diet is linked to heart disease, is too high in protein or lacks essential nutrients. Several weight loss studies have included the Zone diet. A 2008 study compares Zone, Atkins and Ornish dieters (181 women) for 12 months concluding that regardless of the diet, those who didn't cheat had the best results. A 2005 study comparing Zone, Atkins, Weight Watchers, and Ornish had a similar conclusion.