Many hormone replacement therapy programs promote healthy nutrition and exercise leading to improved heart and cardiovascular function. Diet is an integral part of a successful hormone therapy program.
The Zone's eating plan is a combination of a small amount of low-fat protein, fats, and carbohydrates in the form of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. Proteins should be eaten in every meal and snack. Carbohydrates should be twice the size of the protein portion. These include vegetables, beans, and whole-grains. "Unfavorable carbohydrates" such as brown rice, pasta, bananas, bagels, etc. should be eaten in smaller portions.
The main problem with the zone diet is that the 40%-30%-30% ratio is very strict and hard to follow especially as the meals also have to be split into blocks within your own unique combination. As this plan is so complicated it has over the years been simplified. However, Barry Sears is quite adamant about having the correct amount so by doing a simplified version you are not really following the zone. The whole diet plan is low in calories (typically 800-1200) which is probably the most likely cause for weight loss rather than regulating insulin levels.
Zone Diet: Reasons for
Good amounts of fruits and low starch vegetables
Low in saturated fats
Restricts low nutrition carbohydrates
Steady weight loss if followed exactly
Zone Diet: Reasons against
Restricted calorie intake means it is difficult to stay on it
Eliminates some highly nutritious foods and is low in whole grain and calcium
Expensive to follow if you purchase all the pre packaged zone products
Time consuming as you should have six meals a day
Zone Diet: Verdict
The diet tricky at first to follow and most weight loss is due to the low calorie intake. The higher calorie versions of this diet are safe although all versions are low on some nutrients. It can be a worthwhile short-term diet for those dieters that enjoy a bit of routine in their diet.
Visit the official Zone Diet website |
Hormone Therapy Friendly Diets
