The Zone Diet consists in adopting an eating plan that distributes macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) in a different ratio (40%,30% y 30% accordingly) than the usual (55%,15% y 30%). Therefore, consuming fewer carbohydrates and eating more fruits, vegetables and foods that are a source of lean protein and monounsaturated fats.

Also, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle with constant exercise and to stop the excessive use of toxic substances, such as liquor and tobacco, along with an increased intake of drinking water and essential fatty acids (like Omega 3 and Omega 6), which our body cannot produce.

The benefits of this diet are the following:

1.    Weight loss at a reasonable pace: people lose weight without feeling hungry, by feeling full and looking out for insulin and glycemia in the body.

2.    Controls hormonal activity in the organism, regulating their influence over metabolism and keeping insulin at optimal levels.

3.    Disappearance of inflammatory symptoms. This is the reason why it is also called the Anti Inflammatory Diet.

4.    Controls vital bodily functions.

5.    Inverts the aging process.

6.    Improves and maximizes physical and mental performance.

You can eat the following foods:

·         Starch Group (carbohydrates): Eliminates all refined foods or those elaborated with refined starches, such as breads, pastas, potatoes, pastries, sweets, candies and honey. Low absorption carbohydrates are recommended, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain products that provide more fiber and they make you feel fuller.

·         Protein Group: Those of vegetable origin are recommended, such as tofu and legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy).

·         Animal Origin: Chicken, turkey, blue fish and lean hams. All lean cuts with no visible fat. Eliminates or restricts whole dairy, like yogurt, milk and cheese, as well as red meats.

·         Fats: Monounsaturated, like olive oil, avocado, grains and dry fruits.

This diet is recommended for adults only. Children and teenagers during their natural growth process and accelerated development should not undergo this diet, neither should people with renal or hepatic problems or disease, or the elderly.

According to Marcia Perez Quesada, Nutritionist in Hospital Clínica Bíblica, “this is a low calorie diet. Therefore, it is not convenient to maintain it for long periods of time, in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies due to the low intake of certain nutrients, such as carbohydrates. People can have sugarless coffee or tea, omelets prepared with 2 egg whites and 1 yolk, with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and vegetables (onion, mushrooms), fruit, have a mid morning or mid afternoon snack and have salad, chicken and vegetables for lunch. They can also have dinner.”

For more information, please call 2522 1000