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The Zone Diet
The
Zone Diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears and is a balanced approach
to diet that emphasizes fighting the effects of aging, taking weight
off and keeping it off and good mental and physical fitness. His
program has five main elements to it: The Zone Diet eating plan, omega
3's,
Polyphenols, fitness and targeted supplements.
The Zone Diet meal plan
focuses on balancing three elements: low fat protein, carbohydrates
which are low in glycemic load, and the right kind of fats. A
focus of the diet is that these elements should only be eaten in the
correct proportion with each other, even at snack times. An example of
low fat protein is turkey, fish or lean beef. Glycemic load
refers to the rate or speed at which the sugars (glucose) hits the
blood stream. Foods with high glycemic load like refined
sugars,
white bread can cause a sugar spike in our blood stream and the
resultant spike in insulin levels. That is not
good. The
whole point is to eat those foods with carbs that will release the
sugars nice and evenly. It is best to eat the whole grain
foods
and less processed foods with plenty of fiber to ensure a even release
of sugars. Fats are essential to our diets, but we need to eat the
right kind of fats and in the right proportions, but more about that in
the next section.
Omega-3 fats
are a key element to the Zone Diet program. Our grandparents used to
talk about cod liver oil. They were not far off.
According
to Dr. Sears, omega 3's reduce the gradual, “silent
inflamation” that
our cells undergo that is a sign that we are not well. It also performs
many other vital functions in our mind and body.
Polyphenols are
the anti-oxidants and anti-inflamatory phytochemicals found in fruits
and vegetables. These are rich in vital nutrients and cancer
fighting substances. If taken in the right balance,
polyphenols
help to reduce greatly the effect of aging.
Fitness
is
the fourth key to this program. Dr. Sears says,
“Thirty minutes a
day-six days a week.” There are many benefits to
exercise.
One, is that you help your cells in the using of sugars.
Another
is to reduce the dangerous types of fat which accumulates in the
mid-section. As you build the lean muscle, you are able increase your
metabolism. He emphasizes the need for regular workouts with
a
medium stress load.
The
last key point is Targeted
Supplements. The
first priority is to eat a well balanced diet, however, it is very
difficult to get all that our bodies need through the food we
eat. It is best to take those supplements that not give us
those
needed nutrients, but deliver them in ways that can best be used by our
bodies.
In
Summary, a balanced approach to our health is the best
approach.
Our bodies need the key elements in correct proportions.
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