The program "the Zone" or "the system of balance" is undoubtedly the "trendy" at the beginning of this century, adopted by the vast majority of American stars (Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford ...). Discover the secrets of this method.

Developed in 1995 by a certain Barry Sears, a former researcher at the prestigious MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the The Zone is on the rise. The book of B. Sears, "Enter the Zone diet", was published in various languages. In France, we are now in paperback under the title "The system of Stars".
The principle of the Zone

The zoneL objectif regime "of balance" is to maintain stable blood sugar levels through a diet low in carbohydrates and calories. To achieve an ideal balance, the theory of Dr. Sears uses to regulate two types of hormones: insulin secreted by the pancreas after eating carbohydrates to regulate blood sugar and eicosanoids, hormones produced by all cells that are involved in the metabolism of fat.

To keep in an ideal area for the health and slimming, Barry Sears advocates not only regular meals (three meals a day and two snacks) but also the precise relationship between dietary energy molecules. Thus, when one eats 4 g carbohydrate, it must be 3 g protein, and for every gram of protein ingested, it is necessary to eat 0.4 grams of fat ... Similarly, each meal should not exceed 500 kcal and a snack must remain below 100 kcal!

The Zone regime in practice

The scheme includes menus with 5 taken daily food. They shall take place at regular intervals of not more than 5 hours and 30% of energy intake should be in the form of protein (chicken, fish, egg white, soy ...), 35% as fat ( only unsaturated fats from vegetable oil, almonds, lawyers ...) and 35% in the form of carbohydrates (bread, fruits, pulses ...). To simplify the lives of followers of the diet, Dr. Sears has developed a system of equivalence between the food portions and such reports to be respected. The hand of the individual to the "regime" is used as visual landmarks to the portions of meat, cereals, fruits ...

Although the "Zone" prohibits any food, some are regarded as less good for health or the balance between the two types of hormones (insulin and eicosanoids): all refined sugars and white flour, juices and sodas (even light), alcohol, caffeine-rich drinks, bananas, figs, grapes, potatoes, carrots, peas and corn are avoided.

There are menus in the book, such as: breakfast, bread with cheese and scrambled eggs, a snack, a yogurt, an apple and almond paste, at lunch, a fillet of sole mustard with green lentils and beans, a snack, raw vegetable sticks dipped in mayonnaise with olive oil, at dinner, a chicken cutlet with broccoli steam. There is also a web site offering American products stamped "The Zone" whose composition between the molecules is adequate energy in the plan: boxes of cereal, energy bars flavored, milk, protein powder, and kits with Menu ready to follow the scheme on 30 days!

The effectiveness of the scheme area

The author predicts a loss of 500 g to 1.5 kg per week, which is true the first few weeks. But very quickly, the weight is stagnant and there is a yo-yo effect, this "regime" is not an exception to the rule!
Advantages and disadvantages of the scheme The Zone

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method? Petit panorama:

Advantages: This system creates a calorie deficit and thus weight loss the first few days, which is motivating. Some principles seem quite interesting, such as leaving a fairly consistent protein. The latter makes it possible to feed the muscle to avoid fatigue. The scheme also proposes to drink plenty of water throughout the day, including a glass before dinner. This, coupled with the fiber in food company often cited, can be satisfied quickly. Make five smaller meals per day is also well to avoid compulsions or cravings, and it also helps promote digestion. Finally, foods are often recommended actually interesting for health (fruits, vegetables, foods rich in omega 3, fish ...).

Cons: This system does not really the official dietary recommendations, which suggest 50% to 55% of calories as carbohydrate, 15% to 20% in the form of protein and not more than 30% as lipids. There is also no rehabilitation support. It does not take sufficient account of the taste and it is not really suitable for life. Binding, this system requires a lot of calculations and planning: no improvisation or invitation is possible, which can lead to frustration. After ending the program, weight gain seems inevitable.

In conclusion, the scheme is for people wanting to find out what the stars have to endure as Bratt, Cindy and half to be slim ... But attention, it involves too many constraints and frustrations.