The+Zone+Diet

Goal is to maintain a normal blood sugar (glucose) level and by extension a normal insulin level needed to absorb the glucose.

Basic Principles
40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fats

Emphasizes choosing good fats (mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated, including omega-3), good carbohydrates (low glycemic index) and good sources of protein (low in fat).

This means limiting fatty meats, deli meats, whole eggs, hard cheeses, potatoes, beets, carrots, squash, corn, bananas, dried fruit, fruit juice, grain products, sugars, deserts, snacks, condiments, butter and cream

"visual" method: 3/4 of the plate covered in vegetables, amount of protein equals the size of the palm of your hand, including thickness, Very small amount of whole grains or root vegetables (tubers); and 2 soup spoons of extra-virgin olive oil

Advantages
If followed 80% of the time it can: -Regulate glycemia -Attenuate symptoms of inflammatory dis-eases by decreasing pro-inflammatory PGE2 -Help you attain healthy weight -Prevent chronic dis-ease -Reinforce the immune system -Increase physical and mental performance -Increase longevity

Disadvantages
Can be difficult to follow unless you use the "visual" method

Links
[|zoneliving.com]