My naturopath has recommended that I go on the zone diet/eating plan. Has anyone tried this? I am a bit sceptical about these things...I always wrote it off as a fad, but she eats this way and was very convincing in talking about the health benefits of eating low carb. Any advice?

Thanks http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I have been on the Zone PLAN not diet(not too strictly though) and have lost 35 lbs. It will almost be 5 months that I am on the plan(with exercise).

I really enjoy those Zone bars(or the Balance Bars) as snacks or breakfast...Although I am now eating more of the bad carbs(bread and fries, sometimes) I still try to keep my exercise...At least keep the weight off. But I will surely be starting on strictly Zone, because I sure do feel healthier when I am in the ZONE.

Hope it helps, and I am sure you will love it...

I have been following the Zone Plan for over 2 years and I really love it. It makes a lot of sense because it teaches you how to balance your carbs, protien and fat 40/30/30. I lost 33 pounds and have been maintaining my weight. I am not perfect, but I try. There is a web page you can look up which is very helpful. I also have a cassette tape by Dr.Barry Sears which has helped a lot because I find the books confusing. It is a very healthy way to eat everyday and even helps with premenopause and menopause symptoms!

From what I can tell, there's nothing really to be concerned about. The Zone isn't advocating anything loony like some programs. It's simply trying to get people to eat in a more balance way. There's no doubt that carbs are one of the big factors in the ever expanding waistlines around the planet, but there's also no need to reduce carb gram consumption down to levels that will be almost impossible for the average person to stick to.

I read about people trying to get their carb levels down levels under 50 grams in a day. These same people were probably previously consuming 300,400+ grams of carbs in a day. Everything doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I'm not on the Zone plan, but I find it principles interesting. But like a lot of these plans, having the time to prepare your own food would make following these plans a lot easier.

But what it really comes down to, is the overconsumption of food. Especially the habit of very large calorie dense meals. Even if you follow the 40/30/30 principles of the Zone, if people insist on knocking back 800, 1200, 2000 calorie meals at one sitting, they have a good chance of getting fat or fatter.