Check out all the Zone friendly food, especially the Nanaimo bars… Yum!
- Check out all the Zone friendly food, especially the Nanaimo bars… Yum!
The Zone Blog Series:Part 4 – Why Should I Try The Zone Diet?
Taken from an article by Dace Schreck from www.zonediet.com
It seems everyone these days is telling us to “Eat more carbs and consume less fat;” And when that fails to help us keep excess weight off, the experts suggest we try, “Eating less and exercising more,” which often fails 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.
As you’ve already heard, the basic rule to eating in the Zone is consuming lean proteins, low-glycemic vegetables and fruits and a dash of monounsaturated fat at every meal and snack.
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. 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.
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.
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 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!
We will be holding a Nutrition Seminar on Wednesday May 27th…. keep checking the blog for more details!
Today’s Workout:
3 Rounds:
- Run 800 Meters
- 25 Kettlebell Swings
