The Zone diet was thought of by Barry Sears, a US Biochemist. This weight loss program is classified as a high protein, low carb diet. This diet program can be a little complicated because of the calculations that you have to follow exactly. According to Sears, for you to be able to get to “the zone” you must make sure that your daily calorie intake will come in the following ratio: 40 percent from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein and the remaining 40 percent from fat.
Spears said this is effective because it enhances fat burning which results to rapid weight loss.

Through the years, other dieters have actually simplified the calculation of the food-calorie intake. They would include a small amount of protein for every meal. Also, two snacks which will be eaten on the late afternoon and late evening must have a small amount of protein. There are two kinds of carbohydrates; the favorable and unfavorable carbs. If you would want to eat those included in the unfavorable carbs namely pasta, brown rice, cereals, banana, mango, papaya, bread, carrots and other fruit juices, you must eat them in small amounts. The favorable carbs are safer for your diet. They include most vegetables and beans, as well as fruits.

The down side of the Zone diet is that, it does not encourage the inclusion of dairy products on your diet. This means that you are not getting a full nutrition. You may lack vitamins and minerals which you can only obtain from eating dairy products. These are Vitamins D and E, as well as calcium. The zone diet is a long term diet program. So the accumulation of minerals and vitamins deficiency might have a long term effect that could be dangerous to your overall health. Because of the fewer amounts of carbohydrates you take in everyday, you may lesser energy throughout your day. This could also mean that incorporating daily exercise might not actually be favorable for you.

Because you have to do calculations per meal, you might eventually find it boring, or might get tired of doing it. In the process, you lose the joy you feel when you eat. But, if you are the type of person who enjoys making a list of your daily expenses or checkbook balancing and finds it very easy, then the Zone diet might actually work for you. If you are the type of person who does not want to spend more time thinking of what to eat, then this diet may be too stressful for you.