By Dave Schreck
You’re rundown, tired, your clothes are fitting tighter, your bloodwork places you at high risk and your physican says, “It’s time we start you on medication.” You panic because once you start taking drugs, you could be on them for life. And do they work? The latest study of one cholesterol-lowering drug shows no benefit and in fact actually increased one’s risk, ooops! A friend tells you to try the Zone Diet to improve your health. You do a little research, talk to a few friends and decide that this program is not for you. Why?
Well, the American Heart Association (AHA) doesn’t recommend the Zone because it’s too high in protein, lacks essentail nutrients and there’s little information on the long-term effects. Or so they say. They even issued an official warning against diets like the Zone stating that such diets have been linked to heart disease. Interesting, all the studies that Dr. Sears has reviewed actually state the opposite. The Zone lowers your risk factors for heart disease.
Plus, some dieticians charge that it is too difficult and complex, forcing you to spend too much time doing various calculations. And because of its heavy reliance on protein products, it’s costly! Or so they say.
When you get past the politics, egos and false accusations and continue your due diligence, you will find the following to be true.
High in protein? The Zone is protein adequate. Dr. Sears states, “Never eat more protein than can fit on the palm of your hand, and be sure that it’s no thicker than your palm. The amount of protein for an average female is 75 grams per day. That’s equivalent to about two six-ounce cans of tuna fish spread throughout the day. Is that high protein? It’s unfortunate that the critics never read the books!
Lacks essential nutrients? The USDA recommends about 6-9 servings of fruits and vegetables. The Zone recommends 12-15 servings of non-starchy vegetables and fruits that are vastly superior in micronutrients and polyphenols than grains. See page 27 of “The Soy Zone.” The most read magazine in the world recommends a diet of balance composed of 40 percent carbohydrates and 30 percent lean proteins and 40 percent healthy fats. Pssst, that’s the Zone. See Parade Jan. 13, ’08, page 4.
Linked to heart disease? Now that’s impressive coming from the AHA. Fortunately, you can be better informed of the Zone and how it reduces the risk of heart disease by reviewing the 75-plus archived research articles at www.drsears.com - “The Zone and Chronic Disease.” Or click here: http://drsears.com/ZoneandChronicDisorders/HeartDisease
Did you know that the Joslin Diabetes Center (affiliated with the Harvard Medical School) recommends a diet composed of 40/30/30? And Harvard is always correct. But what about that AHA statement? Too many egos and politics, and your health suffers.
It’s too difficult? The Zone is simple and easy. See our Quick Start Guide at zonediet.com or click here: http://www.zonediet.com/EATING/QuickStartGuide.
It’s too expensive? Actually, it’s not the protein but the fresh fruits and veggies. Consider frozen vegetables and fruit. They’re picked at the peak of nutritional value. Concerned that you’re not getting your 15 daily servings? Supplement your diet with SeaHealth Plus. See the polyphenols tab at zonediet.com or click here: http://www.zonediet.com/POLYPHENOLS.
The cost for day six of our Seven-Day Female Planner is $12. See zonediet.com Eating Tab or click: http://www.zonediet.com/EATING. That’s a reasonable cost considering you’re reducing your risk of chronic disease. Calculated over the next 10-15 years, it’s still less expensive than $60,000 for heart bypass surgery.
Still have reservations about the Zone? Here are two suggestions that will produce results with minimum effort.
1. Supplement with 2.5 grams of OmegaRx. More info at http://www.zonediet.com/OMEGA3. Why? Helps control silent inflammation, your worst hormonal nightmare.
2. Substitute one of your meals with a Dr. Sears Zone Bar or Zone Shake. See www.zonediet.com - Products or http://www.zonediet.com/PRODUCTS/Overview. Why? It’s convenient, cost effective and you’ll lose weight.
You can change your life.