How Does Zone Diet Work?
The Zone Diet advocates eating carbohydrates, proteins and fats in a fixed ratio.
Carbohydrates are required to maintain mental clarity because the brain runs on glucose. However, consuming large amounts of carbohydrates produces too much insulin. Insulin signals the body to pile up nutrients. This insulin overload prompts the body to convert the carbohydrates into fat and store them in the body.
On the contrary, proteins stir up the hormone glucagon, which signals the body to utilize the carbohydrates that are stored in the liver. When these carbohydrates are freed, the brain, signals the body to stop eating as its energy supplies are fulfilled.
Thus, limiting the type of carbohydrate consumption and balancing them with 3-4 ounces of protein at every meal keeps the insulin and glucagon balanced. This also controls the hunger with lesser calorie intake.
Fat consumption is also important. It is essential for ‘burning’ fat. Monounsaturated fats give a feeling of fullness and decrease the rate of carbohydrate absorption into the bloodstream. Slower carbohydrate absorption means lower insulin levels. Low levels of insulin means less stored fat and a faster transition to fat burning.
All these eventually result in fat loss and weight loss.
