The Zone Diet is most popular diet among celebrity. It is more like a healthy lifestyle than an unhealthy diet. It was developed by Dr. Barry Sears, who says that the key element of this diet is choosing the right combination of foods.

More specifically, one’s daily intake of calories should be 40% from carbohydrates, 30% from proteins, and 30% from fat. Long-term, this results in burning more fat, increasing energy levels, curbing the appetite, and losing weight.

To control our hormonal levels and preserve our health, says Dr. Sears, we need to feed our body an approximate ratios of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fats. This will reduce the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and enhance the glucagon level. Glucagon is a hormone which behaves in precisely the opposite to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone which helps regulate our blood sugar; actually it lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating cells to absorb any excess sugar from the blood. The problem with insulin is it also causes fat cells to take up excess fatty acids from the blood. There is an established theory that if one can control insulin levels then one can control how much fat the body will store from each and every meal. Fat can only be stored when insulin is present, and insulin is only released when blood sugar levels become elevated.

Cutting high glycemic foods reduces the sugar level in our blood, so there is no further need for insulin. Processing proteins and mono saturated fats does not involve insulin. Dr. Sears' theory says that "dietary fat alone can't make you fat", as fat slows down the entry of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. Keeping a low calorie intake forces the body to supply energy from resources already stored in the body. Glucagon helps here, by breaking amino-acid chains and transforming them into simple carbs that can now be burned in tissues to release energy. It is clear that you lose weight by burning fat instead of glucose.

The Zone is considered a low-carb diet. It also encourages you to eat small meals at least six times a day. This programs the body’s insulin levels, and trains it to burn fat, and lose extra weight. The Zone Diet balances three (all important) macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fat at every meal and snack.

The Zone Diet Basics

* Eat the correct ratio of 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 30% fat at every meal;
* Eat five times a day, whether you feel hungry or not: have three Zone meals and two Zone snacks;
* Don't let more than five hours pass without eating;
* Eat preferably when you are not so hungry, and your brain activity and concentration level are good. When you are hungry, your insulin level is too low. You are not in the Zone any longer.
* Drink eight glasses of water every day (1 glass equals 8 ounces);
* Eat only low fat protein, keep fruits and vegetables as your favorite source of carbohydrates, and add a dash of mono saturated fat (e.g. olive oil) to every meal;
* A Zone diet meal should not lead to a calorie intake higher than 500kcal. A Zone Diet snack should provide 100kcal.
* Use pasta, bread and other grain-foods only as a “condiment” for your meals.
* Exercise moderately to keep your body in a good shape.
* Don't worry if you leave the diet once, Dr. Sears says. With the next 40-30-30 meal you'll get right back into the Zone.

40-30-30 example

If your daily caloric intake is 2000 calories, it should be:
40% calories from Carbohydrates - that is 800 calories (or in grams: 200 grams)
30% calories from Proteins - that is 600 calories (150 grams)
30% calories from Fats - that is 600 calories (67 grams)

Dr. Sears defines the zone as an ideal state of body and mind, in which we feel fresh and energized, and function to our maximum efficiency. Eating a 40-30-30 ratio of carbs, proteins and fats at one meal helps the body reach and stay in The Zone for approximately five hours.

This diet has famous fans like Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, Elle McPherson, Sandra Bullock, Cindy Crawford, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. While you can follow the plan on your own, by cooking Zone-friendly recipes and monitoring your intake of carbs, proteins, and fats; you can also opt to have pre-packaged Zone-approved meals and snacks delivered to your home each day. This diet makes it a great option for the movie star and the soccer mom alike.