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Zone Diet: Carbohydrates
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The main difference between the Zone Diet and Atkins is the more uniform diet, and the allowance of "good carbs". Atkins tries to get you to voluntarily put your body into ketosis. Ketosis is not a natural state and can be very hard on your body. The Zone Diet minimizes this risk by keeping carbohydrates in your diet, the Zone just limits the types of carbohydrates you consume.
The Zone Diet is similar to the South Beach Diet in that it encourages the differentiation between what are considered good foods and bad foods. This is with respect to their carbohydrate types. The zone diet encourages the use of complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, instead of simple carbohydrates, such as refined white bread, which upset blood sugar levels at a faster rate.
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The Zone diet draws mixed reviews from nutrition experts. Researchers at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which rated several fad diets, recently put it on their acceptable list, unlike Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Sugar Busters!, The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, and Protein Power. "If you ignore the scientific rhetoric, the diet isn't bad," says Bonnie Liebman, MS, nutrition director for the center's publication, Nutrition Action Healthletter. As a caveat, she points out the diet restricts carbohydrates more than necessary. "You are getting carbohydrates from fruit and vegetables on the diet, but a lot of the science is bunk," she says. What she likes is that the diet is relatively easy to follow: "You have a piece of protein the size of your palm, and you fill the rest of your plate up with fruits and vegetables."
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The biggest advantage to the Zone diet is that it can lead to significant weight loss. It is ... healthier than some diets, since it eliminates non-nutritious carbohydrates and emphasizes fruits and vegetables. The diet encourages people to eat oftenat least every five hours. It is also a low-calorie diet; the typical female dieter will consume only about 1300 calories at most following the Zone. Another positive aspect of the Zone is that it discourages consumption of junk food, which may be the basis of much weight gain.
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The Zone diet as specified is calorie-deficient by any standard and, as with any diet that induces a calorie deficit, will result in weight loss. This is fine if weight loss is the only consideration, but what about the suitability of the diet for training? The Zone diet is low in carbohydrate both as a percentage of total energy and as an absolute amount. There is abundant and reliable scientific evidence to refute the suggestion that a low-carb diet can even support, let alone improve athletic performance. Here's one recent example from among many.
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A closer look at the Zone Diet shows that it is a low(er) carbohydrate diet - with a low calorie count - at times possibly too low. Exercise is not a part of the formula (but always recommended). It does seem complex requiring dedication and discipline. It is ... a diet that may be difficult to work around eating with family and friends. The bars, snacks, and mixes that you can buy do help out, as they contain the correct formula.
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