This higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet is supposed to decrease hunger, then weight.
An exact meal plan based upon each person's gender, activity level and current percentage of body fat is designed to include 40 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, 30 from protein and 30 from fat. All meals and snacks follow this 40-30-30 distribution ratio, causing the body to work within its peak performance "zone" for maximum energy and weight loss.
Upside of the Zone Diet
- Rapid weight loss without severe calorie restriction.
- Enjoyable for meat eaters, with roast beef and steaks included.
- Some specific meal plans ease some of the complexity of the Zone and the different phases of the diet plan.
Downside of the Zone Diet
- The 40-30-30 ratio for every meal and snack can be difficult to attain.
- Very low carbohydrates means very low energy levels.
- Also low in some vitamins and minerals.
- Low-fiber diet may increase constipation .
Is the Zone Diet for You?
This chart can help you see how the Zone Diet fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Restaurants | Yes |
| Alcohol | In moderation |
| Caffeine | No |
| Special Foods | No |
| Family Friendly | Only if your family is willing to give up many types of foods high in carbohydrates |
| Vegetarian Friendly | No |
Sample Zone Diet Menu
A day on the Zone Diet might look like this:
Breakfast:
- Egg-white vegetable omelet, or steel-cut oatmeal with walnuts and ground flaxseed
- Half a cup of grapes or half a grapefruit
- Herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee
- Water
Lunch:
- Lentil-chicken soup
- Green salad with avocado and dressing of olive oil and vinegar
- Pear or plum
- Water
Dinner:
- Broiled tuna filet
- Lightly sautéed or steamed broccoli and cauliflower
- Slices of fresh tomato drizzled with olive oil
- Almonds or macadamia nuts
- Water
Snacks:
- Celery sticks with natural peanut butter
- Deviled egg with scoop of hummus instead of yolk
- Slice of turkey
- Water
