The zone diet

The Zone Diet plan is all about ‘meal ratios’. It can be considered ‘low carb’, due to the fact that the average person consumes about 50-60% carbohydrates in their diet. The good thing about the Zone diet is that it encourages a combination of all the nutrients in each meal - and it stresses the risks of processed carbohydrates (white pastas and breads etc).
A closer look at the Zone Diet shows that it is a low(er) carbohydrate diet - with a low calorie count - at times possibly too low. Exercise is not a part of the formula (but always recommended). It does seem complex requiring dedication and discipline. It is also a diet that may be difficult to work around eating with family and friends.
The Zone diet also has assisted many in improving general health (not just weight loss). Due to the levels of proteins, it is possible to gain muscle on this diet (but only with the right weights and exercise training). However be warned that the calorie recommendations may be too low for an active person.
The Zone is complex and has a substantial list of “forbidden” foods - however there are a number of web sites with programs that have substantially simplified the Zone. At its basic principles it is a good program and would be a great improvement for anyone who currently has a typical western diet.