By:
Dave Schreck
The majority of Americans struggle with their weight. Unfortunately, they followed the advice of our government: “Eat more carbs: Consume less fat;” and when that failed, they followed the latest mantra from the experts: “Eat less and exercise more” and they failed again. Maybe your problem with excess weight is not your fault. Could it be related to your genes? Genetically, we are not designed to consume even moderate amounts of grains, breads, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, chips, crackers, etc. Ten thousand years ago there were no grains. We were designed to consume lean proteins, vegetables and fruits.
The Zone has improved upon one of the best diets in the world, the Mediterranean diet, and made it the healthiest diet in the world! See www.drsears.com “What is the Zone” link.
Numerous studies have proven the following foods to have significant health benefits. To qualify for the list, two criteria had to be met. 1) They are nutrient dense with polyphenols, and 2) they help regulate insulin levels, enabling you to reduce your risk factors for chronic disease and achieve your health goals.
The basic rule to eating in the Zone is consuming lean proteins, low-glycemic vegetables and fruits and a dash of monounsaturated fat (olive oil) at every meal and snack.
Let’s begin with protein. Your body requires a constant supply of dietary protein to replace the protein that is lost on a daily basis. Along with its many functions, it stimulates the release of the hormone glucagon, signaling your body to release stored carbohydrates from your liver. Without adequate levels of glucagon, you will always feel hungry and mentally fatigued. High-quality proteins are low in heart-damaging saturated fat and high in nutrients, like zinc and calcium. The amount to consume is about the size of a deck of playing cards or the thickness and size of the palm of your hand.
The following lists come from Dr. Sears’ “The 100 Top Zone Foods.”
Top of the list: Mackerel, turkey breast, cod fish, salmon, soybean crumbles and tuna steak.
Very good Zone proteins: Chicken breast, 1 percent cottage cheese, canned tuna in water, imitation soy meat products.
Next, super size your plate with non-starchy, green vegetables and have a piece of fruit for dessert. These high-quality carbohydrates are packed with vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and fiber and have a low capacity to stimulate insulin levels.
Excellent choices: spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, broccoli
Fruits include blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, and red grapefruit.
The Zone recommends 12 to 15 serving of vegetables and fruit per day. You might want to consider SeaHealth Plus. Supplement as added insurance that you’re receiving all the benefits of the Zone.
The final ingredient in a Zone meal is monounsaturated fat. Fat acts as a control rod, slowing down the entry rate of the carbohydrates into the bloodstream, i.e. no sugar highs or lows. Fat also adds flavor and signals your brain to stop eating.
Add a dash (a small amount) of these fats to complete your Zone plate.
The best quality fats for the Zone: macadamia nuts, olive oil, avocado, and almond oil.
The Zone is based on simple dietary common sense, balance and moderation. By following these guidelines and choosing the best food choices, you’ll learn to construct a balanced meal that provides you with maximum insulin control, improving your health and longevity. In just seven days you will notice better mental focus, physical energy, fat loss, and no cravings. Accept the challenge; try the Zone for just one week!
For recipes click here.