Barry Sears authors popular books talking about a diet that recommends "hormonal thinking" rather than "caloric thinking" as a way to eat. The concept is that the evolution of the human body tells us that the when people consume the correct ratio of carbohydrate to protein to fat (40/30/30) they are healthier, happier and wiser overall.

The "40/30/30" refers to the ratio of calories obtained daily from carbohydrates, proteins and fats respectively. Studies have shown that this ration can result in weight loss.Sears says "The Zone" is ideal hormone balance. We need to be careful about our insulin levels making sure they remain balanced, not too high or too low. When in the zone, the body does not waste time storing excess calories as fat. Essentially Sears believes that low-fat diets will increase insulin and cause the body to store more fat. He points out that even though Western diets are filled with low-fat carbs, people are fatter than ever. The Zone Diet proclaims that fat consumption is necessary for "burning" fat. Certain fats will produce the fullness feeling and help determine the rate carbs are taken into the bloodstream. The slower carb absorption will also lower insulin levels and, thus, creates less stored fat. The resulting higher insulin levels make us feel tired. Your body metabolism will slow down and cause cravings for high-carb snacks. The Zone Diet says we create the trap of cravings that continues the cycle indefinitely.

The Zone Diet says that people eat too many carbohydrates that create far too much insulin for the body to handle efficiently. This causes a number of health problems including arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

The Zone Diet argues that a diet low in carbs and higher in protein along with lower fat consumption will create a "zone" that is optimal for human life. The problem according to The Zone Diet is that the human body is unable to store fat and burn fat at the same time. The Zone Diet tells its readers to eat every something every five hours during the day. It calls for the elimination of the foods everyone knows are problematic (chips, candy, starch).

The Zone Diet highly recommends eating vegetables, lean proteins, lentils and nuts. These are the low glycemic healthy foods. It is not surprising that The Zone Diet does perform for its adherents as it is actually low in calories. The sample meal plans call for fewer than 1500 calories intake per day.

Sears says the low-carb diets, like Atkins, miss the target. These diets produce water loss quickly and the dieter thinks he is losing fat.

The Zone Diet Do's and Don'ts

Carbohydrates are bad. These include rice, muffins, pastries, chocolate, candy bars, sugar, preserves, pasta, and breakfast cereals.

Fruits and vegetables are good. In addition, skinless chicken, turkey and fish are recommended for most meals.

Most fruit and vegetables are allowed. Low-fat protein-rich foods such as skinless chicken, turkey and fish should be eaten with every meal. Meanwhile, eating fewer foods that contain saturates and choosing foods that are rich in monounsaturates, such as olive oil, avocado and nuts, is recommended.

Think about the value of eating fruits and vegetables instead of, say, one 650 calorie McDonald's burger for lunch. If you eat a light salad with 100 calories and an apple with 60 calories for lunch that will reduce your calorie intake at least 450 calories per day. Over a year that could be 40 pounds!Weight loss: Following The Zone Diet religiously you can expect to lose over five pounds in the first two weeks and after that, about 1.5 pounds per week.

Problems with the Zone Diet

The instructions are complex. You will need to buy scales and spoons to do it right. Some fiber foods are not allowed like wholegrain cereals. Cheese, in limited portions, can be very healthful. The Food Blocks recommended by The Zone Diet make it nearly impossible to dine out at a restaurant. What fun is that? This plan is just too complicated.

The Zone Diet is not recommended by the American Heart Association because it lacks recommends high-protein consumption and it lacks required nutrients.