The Zone. A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently . Reset Your Genetic Code . Prevent Disease . Achieve Maximum Physical Performance

The Zone is a good instructional manual for people who have extremely poor diets, but for the average person with a modicum of common sense, its quite useless. This is the first diet manual Ive read and no doubt it will be my last. I picked up a lot of good information reading The Zone, and indeed, I did loose three pounds in about three weeks. Many of the recipes are tasty - if you have an hour to cut up eight cups of fresh broccolli, that is. But counting out the various blocks took an inordinate amount of time and energy from my already busy schedule. Once I replaced the time I spent planning Zone menus, grocery shopping, prepping my meals, and other minutiae with daily cardio exercise, *thats* when I started to notice results. Now I just follow a simple routine of limiting my caloric intake. One thing that was very misleading about The Zone is that the authors claim that the dieter should not feel hungry. Not so. Make no mistake. this diet hinges on portion control and calorie counting, and I, like many people I know who are on the Zone diet, was famished beyond belief, particularly during the first two weeks. Bottom line is, if one is healthy and fit, nixing carbs from your diet doesnt matter, cause ultimately, its about how many calories you put in your body and how many you work off.

The great thing about the Zone is that you CAN have carbs, just as long as you balance them with protein and fat. Everything in the 40-30-30 ratio. Every meal, every snack. Sounds simple enough. I read the book and found it all very informative. They discuss insulin levels and balancing your hormones. A lot if it was geared toward physical performance, like that of Olympic swimmers who got better times when they were in the Zone. I didnt feel like the book was confusing. But putting it all together and actually doing the diet was another story. It requires a lot of planning and seems to require a lot of math. The ratio business sounds easy, but trying to use it when eating an actual meal and not just a cup of this and 3 ounces of that is very difficult. If youre truly committed to the principles and theories presented here, then you can make it work, lose weight, and look great. But I think that the average reader will get too frustrated to really make a go of the Zone.

dont know about the rest of you but I myself obey the laws of physics. If you take in less calories than you burn you will lose weight. Period. The Zone diet is a severely calorie restricted diet and that is why you will lose weight on it, not because of any magical hormones that will be released while you follow it. The problem for me is that although this may be a short term solution I cannot subsist on less than 1000 calories a day for the rest of my life, and I cant eat more calories and still follow the plan. Do the math yourself if you dont believe me. In addition, I think Sears description of good and bad eicosanoids is disturbingly oversimplified as all of these subtances are essential for life. One point that is well taken from this book is that many Americans have gone overboard with the low fat high carbohydrate diet. They avoid all fats like the plague and think they can eat unlimited carbohydrates without gaining weight. But of course it all comes back to the calorie... eat too many of them and you will gain weight. It doesnt matter which macronutrients they are derived from, a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. Its simple physics and you dont need a diet book to tell you that.

I have been following the diet over a year now, and have lost 25 pounds and generally feel very good and am more energized. As I looked through these reveiws, it is clear that some people actually read the book and followed the diet, and others did not. (Among these comments, note the one who thinks the only fat to eat is in cottage cheese -- she missed the recommendation of macadamia nuts as a great source for the necessary fat. and the guy who thinks Sears says eat uncooked meat and drink unpasturized milk obviously is very poor at speedreading and probably shouldnt try it .) It is definitely not a no-carb diet, nor even lo-carb, since it suggests we get 40pct. of our calories from carbohydrates. In fact, eating a balanced diet is the key to its success. The trick for me was figuring out how to have my cake and eat it too, literally .) That is, finding the sources of protein to include to satisfy my desire for such carbohydrates as sweets and popcorn and pizza (yep, I eat that stuff regularly, and stay in the Zone). Just let your mind be creative once you understand the 40-30-30 principles. I use the gram method of figuring my 40-30-30 ratios since I eat mostly frozen food items -- and that makes it very easy for me since all the information is on the package in those little nutritional analyses. If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask.

Like many people, I was looking for a practical way to lose a few pounds when someone suggested this book. As I began to read it, I saw immediately that weight loss was more of an automatic side-effect of biological understanding than the main goal. Sears, like most medical or research people was following the popular road of looking for DRUGS that would solve the problems. His research led him to the conclusion that if you fuel the machine properly, it operates more efficiently, lasts longer, develops fewer problems. I took the eyeball approach rather than the rigid one (some people like to measure stuff..I dont) and the transformation began. better metabolism, more energy, stamina, alertness, weight loss, strength. Also stopped having certain symptoms I had attributed to my age - symptoms that may have been early warnngs of more serious problems coming. My cardiovascular wellness is better now than it was 18 years ago...and I thought I was physically fit then. I eat food I love, never go hungry, dont even think about my weight any more. Im pretty consistently a size 8 and Im over 57 tall...not bad for hardly even trying. This book is a must-read for anyone, for any reason. Weight loss will be an automatic and happy side effect of better health.

The way of eating advocated in this book is NOT high-protein, it will NOT promote ketosis, it will NOT make you hungry, it will NOT produce eating disorders, etc. etc. Its obvious that some people have either misunderstood the book (it IS based on simple concepts but theyre explained so thoroughly that they can seem overwhelming and confusing) or, as appears to be the case with some folks, they have not even read the book and are making false assumptions about it.

The premise of the book is simple.

1. Virtually all functions in your body are controlled by a group of hormones called eicosanoids. (See the 1982 Nobel Prize - winning research on these hormones.)

2. Hormones work in pairs that counterbalance each other so you dont get too much of any kind of activity in the body. (For example, insulin and glycogen--if you have too much of one/not enough of the other, your blood sugar will be out of control.)

3. These hormone pairs get out of balance if we dont eat balanced meals, and eat them frequently enough.

4. Dr. Sears figures the best balance is this. figure out your individual protein needs, then eat approximately this ratio at every meal. for every 7 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbohydrate (preferably fruits andamp. vegetables rather than starches), and 1 1/2 grams of monounsaturated fat. He believes this to be the ideal ratio for maintaining balance of your eicosanoids, and thus, all functions in your body.

5. If you follow this eating style, according to Dr. Sears, you will lose body fat and gain muscle mass until you reach your bodys ideal balance. Then you will hold steady.

6. Since eicosanoids control every body system, an imbalance may contribute to virtually every problem in the human body, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, insomnia, cancer, heart disease, etc. Therefore, keeping (or returning to) proper balance of eicosanoids is extremely important to all aspects of health. This may sound like an inappropriately sweeping statement, and it hasnt been tested, but it is the logical, inescapable conclusion based on how eicosanoids affect us.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 months ago, and have been researching every book and medical journal I can get my hands on since then, and when I read Dr. Searss book a couple days ago, all my knowledge gained from that research began clicking into place. I immediately decided that his theory explains everything Ive been reading and suddenly all these seemingly disparate pieces of the puzzle all fit together. And I am willing to stake my future health, possibly my life, on this book.

Also, I normally have terrible cravings for carbohydrates. Im a chocoholic and eat virtually nothing but breads, cereals, and pasta at meals. But, perhaps because Im so utterly convinced that I cant afford NOT to follow these dietary principles, or perhaps because Dr. Searss explanation of how cravings arise is exactly true, I have not felt the urge to touch starch or sugar since my first meal on the plan.

I am not hungry, I do not feel deprived, and Im starting to regain energy after radiation exhausted me, exacerbating my previously existing chronic fatigue. I feel real hope for many areas that have been a problem in recent years for me, including cancer, weight gain, fatigue, mental fogginess, etc. Also I am usually way too tired to exercise, although I know its critical to good health, but the Zone program is already--after less than two days--helping combat that.

Some people may not have the patience or (this may sound harsh, but its true) the intelligence to wade through the complexities of this book, and therefore may misunderstand and therefore dismiss it out of ignorance. And its obvious many of the critics (e.g., those who claim it is high-protein) have not even read the book. But dont let those people mislead you into missing out on what may very well not only help you feel better and lose weight, but may literally save your life. It takes some real work to figure out how to apply to your own diet, but you wont regret it.

Dr. Searss theories on different types of food and how they are processed by the body are interesting, but misguided. Actually, people lose weight on this diet because they end up cutting calories like crazy, even past what can be considered a sane amount. Also, there are a lot of psychological factors at play here, especially Dr. Searss marketing skills, which are excellent. This is one big infomercial. I would be concerned about the long term effects of so much protein and the strain placed upon the kidneys in dealing with it. IMHO, mindset is everything. If you believe you will feel better, exercise more and lose weight, you will because you believe that you will. It is not for nothing that bread is known as The staff of life, and a mainstay of the human race from time immemorial. I wonder how Dr. Sears would explain my weight loss of 15 pounds in less then 4 weeks when we were very poor and subsisting mainly on pasta and canned sauce because it was a lot of food for little money. Ditto rice. Throughout all this, I exercised religiously and the weight dropped off. BTW, his insinuation about the Chinese (and Japanese) having high rates of heart attacks due to high rice consumption is ridiculous. These two people had extremely low heart disease, body fat and breast cancer etc. for centuries subsisting on a LOT of rice, fish and vegetables. They now have the same or higher rates of heart disease as Americans because unfortunately they have adopted the American high fat diet. This has been proven by following Orientals who move to the US and give up their traditional diets. Their rates of heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes soared. Dr. Sears needs to refine his research a bit. Another fad diet that promises the world.

In development for nearly twenty years, the 1995 debut of The Zone has caused much ridicule, outrage, confusion, and enlightenment, and in its wake a whole following of similar evolutionary/insulin-moderating diet books. Where these others fail, however, is the Zones greatest achievement--to be able to control the bodys hormonal systems everytime you open your mouth to eat. From limiting red meat and egg yolks to having an occasional bowl of oatmeal, the Zone Diet provides the tools for achieving increased energy, mental sharpness, better athletic performance and optimal health--all without being too restrictive. Ive been on this program for a year and a half--lifetime seasonal allergies are a thing of the past, moles are dissolving, wounds/injuries heal twice as fast--truly a life-changing experience. Bottom line--Dr. Sears research is so right on its scary...

Ignore the ketosis criticism of this book - its crazy. The book goes out of its way to explain why ketosis is bad and how to avoid it by eating enough carbohydrates. Also, this isnt a low-carb diet, its a balanced-carb way of eating for life. Mainly its about avoiding insulin resistance by eating lots of vegetables and balancing it with protein and small amounts of healthy fats. You still get more cals from carbos than anything else, you still get no more than 30pct. of your diet from fats, and this is NOT like the atkins or other low-carbo ketosis diets. The difference is that it controls your insulin (fat storing hormone) much more closely than other diets. Its sad to see some members of our medical profession so entrenched in their sadly misinformed view that lowfat high-carb diets are the best way to eat. I know that plan hasnt worked for me - it gave me triglycerides andgt.500 and HDL

Dr. Sears follows the current trend with staying away from most grain products (except oatmeal) which does seem to work for weight loss, yet he rationalizes his opinion on the fact that primitive man was a hunter and not a farmer. Then can he explain how come red meat is so bad for us (I doubt that cavemen were only hunting lean white meat chicken and turkey.) He also recommends NO egg yolks (also sound advice) yet in the Appendix that has his recommended recipes, almost ALL of them contain either grain products or 1 WHOLE egg. Did I miss something here He might be correct about not juicing fruits and vegetables but eating them whole to include the fiber (I still find it hard to believe that carrots are not good for you at all, as he contends) but I have found that sticking with a fish/lean white poultry/fruits and vegetables diet with a little whole wheat (or perhaps oatmeal) goes a long way to giving you a balanced meal and helps keep the weight off and NOT feeling hungry.

A few months ago, my husband was diagnosed with diabetes, at 31. This was a huge wakeup call for us. I have been overweight and dieting since early childhood, and my husband has been overweight for most of his adulthood. We just finished our 16th week on the zone. In that time, I have lost 43 pounds and my husband has lost 58. Incidentally, after 2 weeks on the zone my husbands blood sugar was back within normal limits and the doctor changed his diagnosis from diabetes to diabetes-prone. My husband asked the doctor if the zone was safe for us, and the doctor said it seemed to be working for us and he had no hesitation. It amazes me that people will balk at the plan and point out that its not healthy to eat protein at every meal, but arent lots of people currently eating the triple cheeseburgers anyway I never eat more than a chicken breasts worth of protein at a meal. I now am healthier because I dont eat egg yolks, and I eat lower fat meats and cheeses. Doing something is better than doing nothing, and we dont have to be perfect. I agree that the book isnt the easiest to read, but its worth the effort. We probably eat more of the not so good carbs than good carbs, but of course we follow the portions, and we figure this is better than before when we ate supersized portions of bad carbs. Well take small steps.

We find the plan very convenient. We have no trouble eating out. We make the best choices we can and forget about it. If Im going to a friends house I pack my own lunch (a small to pay), and we have found ways to eat everything we like...pizza, mashed potatoes, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. Its amazing, too, that by reading labels I have found that sometimes just switching brands of a product will make it fit into the plan more easily, like bread, ice cream, and pizza sauce. Ive heard people say that the plan is a quack because once you go off it you will gain the weight back. I wholeheartedly agree that this would happen...I became overweight because I overate. We have decided to make this way of eating a lifetime change. I have never been successful on other plans, and Ive tried them all. Ive never lost more than 20 pounds before and have never been able to stick to any diet. I have never felt hungry on this plan, and I dont get cravings that often. When I do, I have that food as part of my next meal or snack...in proportion. Overall, the zone has changed our lives for the better, and I cant recommend it highly enough. For us, its not a diet, its a lifestyle change...for the better.

My wife and I both began eating in The Zone after being introduced to the concept by my wifes doctor and reading Dr. Barry Sears books. Over the course of the past eight months I have dropped from over 220 pounds to 166. My wife has also just passed the fifty pound weight loss milestone. We are no longer hooked on the carbohydrate fix as we used to be because of the work Dr. Sears has done in explaining how food really works in our bodies. We eat exactly what our bodies need and want. We are also more fit than weve been in twenty years. Excellent stuff.

The Zone has changed my life. Since April I have gone from 165- 130lbs. I was never an overeater and I have always done step class at least 2-3 x a week but couldnt loose weight until I read this book.The bagel, cereal, and rice that i thought was good for me was keeping me fat. I read Atkins, Summersizing, but this is the best. I wouldnt recommend it to everyone. Just all the high domes out there since it is a little tough to read at times.Also I dont think Vegans could be very happy with this diet. Face it people the low fat diet does not and never did work. People are fatter now than they ever were before the stupid food pyramid Now our children are obese too. The Zone explains it perfectly... our digestive systems have not evolved since our ancestors were cavemen and there was no bread or pasta. What do you give a cow to make it fatGRAIN.. We should be eating like the cavemen and not the cow. The best part is I dont crave carbs anymore..

Sears premise is a relatively easy one to understand. eating protein with every meal helps to regulate your insulin output and hence helps the body avoid a constant craving for fattening carbohydrate intake.

I purchased this book when it first came out in 1995, used it on and off with adequate results, and was dismayed when various news magazines and dieticians panned the premise. I thought, how could regulating hormones NOT be involved in the dieting puzzle

Recently I was reaquainted with Sears ideas after seeing an alternative physician in my quest for better health. The doctor recommended using Sears hormone-regulating formula and portion guidelines with Peter DAdamos ER4YT Blood Type Diet. So far, I have had fairly good overall health-benefit results--and this with no intention of losing weight--although this has occurred.

Although Sears comes off as being a little too commercial for my taste--just check out the Zoneperfect website and you will be bombarded with all sorts of prepackaged goodies--- his premise of eating a certain amount and a certain combination of the three basic nutritional elements seems to be quite wise. In a nutshell, ones hand is utilized to decide just how much one needs to put away during one meal. The protein should be the size of ones palm--thickness taken into account. The fat is represented by the size of the fleshy part of the thumb--about a tablespoon. Carbohydrates are monitored in this way. if eating a grain, a closed fist-sized amount should be consumed. If eating a green vegetable, two handfuls are advised.
As much as I find this advice feasible, I have some criticism with regard to Sears premise and format. Firstly most of the recipes in the book seemed to be geared for bachelors who have little time for food preparation. Anyone wanting to make a Zone meal for a family would be pretty much out of luck if using the book as a guideline. The good news here is that the website provides many many recipes to help balance out those fats, proteins and carbs and there is an Excel based tool offered online at no-cost which actually calculates a meals components down to the gram---if you want to get that specific. Secondly, Sears reports that one could lose weight with any combination, although he suggests for example that red meat and butter are poor choices when compared to other protein and fat choices. I believe that since this book has been written,Sears has come out with other breakthrough diets--one revolving around soy and one around Omega-3 fats. I can only charitably think that as his theories evolve more books will ensue. But, what he doesnt seem to cover is the fact that some people simply do not do well when eating certain foods. His one-size fits all diet, does not work for everyone. There is a dieting stall reached after awhile and the optimum results that he proports one will achieve are not achieved. Case in point, when I started the Zone vigorously, 3 years ago, I found that I had to incorporate more protein with every meal. I turned to dairy as I did not feel inclined to cook a chicken breast each and every time I wanted a snack. Unfortunately, no matter what Sears says, I do not metabolize dairy well and I found that no matter how many glasses of water I drank, no matter how many fish oil capsules I consummed, or how simple and abundant my carbohydrates were, I was still constipated. After adding a fiber supplement, I found I no longer lost weight--but stayed at a plateau for so long a period of time, I eventually tried another dieting plan. After all, no one feels well if their digestive system is no working correctly. Sears speaks of the digetive hormones, but he neglects to mention the changing hormonal interplay of estrogen and progesterone in women, especially as they get older. Nevertheless, I believe that Sears book can be the cornerstone for many who do not understand that food must be balanced to achieve a hormonally balanced body. In the same sense, in order to be a certain size, you must eat a certain amount. My advise is to use this as your springboard, then decide which combinations work best for you, perhaps, as my physician advised,try the DAdamo blood type diet as a guideline for foods one should and shouldnt eat. I have found that since doing this, I no longer need my fiber supplement, I have lost weight, I do feel better. (Oddly enough, for my type A blood, I am to gorge myself on soy products and Omega-3 rich fish. Sounds like Dr. Sears may be a blood type A himself as his latest books plug both as highly beneficial.) Bottom line. if I feel better, I must be on the right track.

I read The Zone and followed what he said. I lost 20 pounds in less than 3 months and have maintained my weight for 1 month. My biggest surprise was the outstanding decrease in my cholesterol/HDL ratio, tested through work. My ratio dropped from 6.24 to 3.2 in 4 months (doctors want it less than 4.0). I eat like he says and exercise like he says, except I do eat ice cream at night frequently. I try to ride a stationary bike every 3 or 4 days. I do not feel I am dieting. I used to have orange juice and bananas for breakfast and was hungry before 11 am. Now I have 10 ounces of 1pct. milk, 1 oz peanuts, 1 oz cheese and crackers and eat lunch 45 minutes later than I used to. Peanuts remain in the stomach a long time and the fat content satisfies me. Instead of potatoes, I have broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. Ive talked enough. It worked for me. Good luck to you.

The Zone is really a low-calorie diet in a high-protein disguise. The reason you lose weight is because theres really only 1500 - 2000 calories per day, although Sears doesnt focus on that.

I tried it and found it too complex. I agreed with much of the concept - Im hypoglycemic and know what the impact of high-glycemic foods has on me. But aspects of it didnt make much sense to me - and some of the science seemed a bit far fetched. I lost a little weight, but couldnt stay with it and never got past my carb cravings and hunger.

What worked for me was Richard and Rachael Hellers book on Carbohydrate Addicts. The approach is similar. balancing insulin andamp. restricting high-glycemic carbs. But its far easier to manage. My weight loss was slow and steady, but recognizable and encouraging. And most important, I seem to have gotten over the carb cravings and constant hunger.

If you find the Zone too difficult to manage (and many do) check out the Carbohydrate Addict series. Go with the most recent, theyve refined their approach.

The Zone isnt a diet in the weight loss sense that other books use where you must eat this and eat that and follow the instruction sheet to a T. Diet, in The Zone, refers to the original meaning of simply how and what you eat. Its a methodology of knowing what the requirements of your body are so that you can meet them in a way that works best for your body. It starts out by explaining HOW your body works and WHY it works that way, then it introduces the principles so that you can determine for yourself which foods to eat so that you feel your best.

In a nutshell, the whole premise of the book is that you need to keep your body nourished but not over-nourished. As you use your muscles throughout the day, your body requires protein to maintain your muscle mass. How much protein YOU require is determined by your lean body weight (ie. without fat) as well as your activity level. An athlete will naturally need more protein than your average couch potato. If you want to decrease your muscle mass, decrease your protein intake. If youd like to maintain the muscles you have, only eat as much protein as is required to do so. And if youre into body building and want to increase your muscles, eat a little more protein so that you can maintain your current mass and that you have enough additional protein so that your body is able to create new muscle. The book rightly recommends that you never eat more protein than your body can handle.

On top of protein, everybody needs carbohydrates. Most people erroneously think of carbohydrates as being pasta, rice, bread, and sugars and thats one place they can make mistakes. Carbohydrates encompass the entire range of fruits and vegetables (in other words, stuff that you plant in the ground). Apples, oranges, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, mango, tomatoes, potatoes, rice, wheat, blueberries, etc. Pasta is a carbohydrate in that it is a processed form of wheat (durum semolina usually). Bread is exactly the same. Sugar is derived from the sugar cane plant.

The difference between each of them is in how much carbohydrates are packed into each food. A pound of lettuce, which is over 90pct. water content, doesnt have as much carbohydrates as a pound of pasta. You can verify this for yourself next time you go to the grocery store. Pick up those packaged salads and look at the nutrition information panel. Note how many grams of carbs there are in the package. Find an equal weight package of pasta and note how many grams of carbs there are. Youd likely have to eat several heads of lettuce to equal a handful of pasta. Regardless of which source of carbohydrates you choose, youll still need the same number of grams. The important thing to remember is that the number of grams of the particular food is NOT equal to the number of grams of carbohydrates in the food.

So protein maintains your muscles and carbohydrates gives you the energy as it gets converted into glucose to fuel your brain and muscle system. Where does fat come into play The Zone recommends you eat only natural monounsaturated fats and that you steer clear away from all saturated fats (especially those derived from animal products). Extra virgin olive oil is promoted, as are avocados and flax seed oil. These are both excellent sources of high-quality, non-artery-clogging fat. How much you need depends on how much protein and carbohydrates you eat. To give you an idea, the typical amount of fat an average person should eat with a meal would be the equivalent of three whole cashews or a couple tablespoons of avocado. Again, the book stresses moderation. Eat too much fat and dont be surprised if you gain weight.

What you end up with is a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. How much you eat depends on your body. If you feel yourself sapped of energy after a meal, then chances are youve eaten too many carbs, so you should cut back the amount in the next meal. If youre hungry after a meal, then you might need to eat more carbs next time. Thats where this book shines. It gives you a great starting point of eating healthy foods and then recommends that you adjust how much you eat to suit your individual body. The Zone differs from other books in that its not a rigid structure. Rather, its a framework that you use and modify to derive the best results.

Its amazing how many reviews posted here are ignorant of the basic concepts presented in the book. Those who have read the book know that 1 block of protein refers simply to 7 grams of protein. Similarly, 1 block of carbohydrates refers to 9 grams of carbohydrates. If a recipe calls for 3 ounces of chicken breast, some people misinterpret that and think Okay, 3 ounces is about 85 gramsi wow, thats a lot of protein. In reality, chicken breast usually has about a 20pct. protein content. This means that 3 ounces of chicken breast will have only about 17 grams of actual protein. For carbohydrates, if you get out a weigh scale and measure 27 grams of alfalfa sprouts, youll be seriously hungry and very irate. Thats because youd need to eat 33 CUPS of alfalfa sprouts to get 27 grams of carbohydrates. (Remember, alfalfa sprouts are 99pct. water.) A better way of getting 27 grams of carbs would be to eat about a dozen spears of steamed asparagus with 2 tomatoes and a cup of strawberries.

The Zone can be best summed up by quoting the opening paragraph in the first chapter. i its very similar to the advice your grandmother gave you about eating. Eat everything in moderation, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and have some protein at every meal.

Dr. Sears has done exceptional research on his Zone Diet however, the unfortunate things is that you do not need this book. The book is attempt to sell you on the zone diet and really you do not need to buy the book to be sold on it. Just read the first chapter in the book and you will be sold on it, however the information you need to be successfull on the diet is his other books. This is book is nothing but a sales book. Though it is full of information on what the Zone diet has done for different people, the only information that you need from it is that you need to adjust your diet to 40pct. protein, 30pct. fat, and 30pct. carbohydrates. There you go--thats it. In the back of the book is a little list of things that are favorable to eat, but that is limited (not worth buying it for that). If you are interested in eating like this (and changing your paradigm on food health) then you need to purchase his other books which gives you the vital information you need to be successful on this diet. As for me, I am very enthusiastic of this diet. I am not overweight, and in fact only weighed 140 at the start of the diet. I rode my bicycle on a 14 mile commute to and from work, but never quite felt truly healthy. Using this diet I actually gained body mass (I now weigh 165 now with less than 10pct. fat)), sleep less, and ride faster than I ever have before at the age of 29. The diet (if you stick to it) is successful, and remember that it changes base on your activity. The information in the books will lead you to control insulin and eicosanoids for healthy living. Do get his other books--not this one.

For the last 10 years, Ive struggled with my weight, always needing to lose between 10-20 pounds of fat. About two months ago, I started eating more vegetarian meals. I did start to feel better and experienced reductions in sugar cravings. However, my weight wasnt coming off as quickly as I wanted even though I was exercising 4-5 times a week and was not eating that much junk. Then I discovered the Zone. What a difference. My sugar cravings are gone (I still enjoy chocolate but dont eat much of it), and my energy levels have sky-rocketed. I dont use a scale, but people have asked me if Ive lost about 10 pounds, and this is only after two+ weeks on the diet. And I can lift heavier weights in the gym and exercise for longer periods of time. Best of all, I am no longer a slave to constant hunger. I am now in control. THANK YOU, Dr. Sears. I will never eat a protein-free meal again. Just say no to pasta, bread, cereal, rice, and sugar-laden, refined foods. By the way, the naysayers either didnt read or understand the book, havent tried the Zone, or did not follow it correctly (you need to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables).

After a lot of encouragement from my mother, who has been following the Zone for two years, I decided to try this diet. Ive been on it for 3 months and Ive lost 28 pounds and 2 clothing sizes without really changing my modest exercise habits. I eat half as many calories as I used to, but Im not hungry. I used to have terrible insomnia, often getting no more than 4 hours of sleep a night - that has vanished along with my nearly-constant heartburn. After two months, my blood cholesterol dropped from 200 to 180. I have energy to burn. I take a Cheat Day on Sundays when I eat all the evil things Ive been craving that week - croissants, Nutella, McDs sausage biscuits, creamy desserts - and by the end of the day I feel so draggy, dehydrated, sinus-y, that its a relief to wake up Monday morning and go back onto the plan.

So, why dont I recommend this book It was the first book Barry Sears (co-)wrote about the Zone, and it reads like an infomercial. The writing style is... loud. It is also poorly organized, jumping around from biochemical jargon to little tidbits of practical advice to anecdotal evidence to health claims for different conditions. And finally, this book doesnt provide any information beyond the very basics about how to actually follow the plan. If you are already convinced (perhaps by all these glowing reviews) of the benefits of the Zone and want to jump right in, the more comprehensive Mastering the Zone with its tons of practical tips is a much better place to start. If after beginning the diet you want more background information about how it works, then pick up this book. The one good thing about the early book is the more gourmet recipes (like the lamb with herbed cheese on zucchini-and-squash pasta - mmmm.). There are more recipes in Mastering the Zone, but for my taste they stick too strictly to the glycemic-index guide and also try too hard for one-pot meals. Ive never used them.

An issue to look out for. I found that the body fat tables in the back way overestimated my fat weight, which meant an artificially low food intake level. After a couple of weeks hovering on the edge of hunger, I got my body fat percentage measured on a machine at the employee wellness office at work and got a result of ten percentage points less. I raised my food intake and continued losing weight at a healthy clip, with no more hunger pangs. I suspect that the bodyfat-table problem may be why a few reviewers here felt hungry on the Zone. The tables probably underestimated their lean weight, resulting in recommended food intakes that were too low.

The bottom line. even if all the health claims arent sound, this is a balanced low-calorie diet thats easy to follow indefinitely without hunger, and what can be wrong with that - unless you are Nabisco Foods or something Just try to start with Mastering the Zone instead.

am a 23 year old female who exercises 3-5 times a week, cardio and weights.

One thing Ive noticed from reading these reviews is that many, if not most, of the reviewers have only recently read the book and begun to apply the concepts. (with a high rate of success, not to doubt.) I am adding my experience because I have been attempting to follow this eating plan for 5+ years for the purpose of losing body fat.

I read THE ZONE when it was first published and went on the diet hard-core, because it made so much sense to me. I had previously had NO success trying to lose weight on the traditional low fat/protein - high carbohydrate diet illustrated by the ridiculous, industry driven food guide pyramid. (Lets face it- do you think Nabisco would be very happy if the U.S. Surgeon General made an announcement that Wheat Thins really arent good for you)

I did lose weight when I began to follow The Zone eating plan strictly. I was absolutely thrilled. I must say, I was a bit obsessive. However, over the past five years, I have struggled with my weight fluctuating 15 lbs. I have a hard time with what Dr. Sears protests regarding two things, now that Ive been familiar with applying the concepts in this book for so long.

1) Lack of hunger/ food cravings. Even when following The Zone to a *T*, I experience intense carbohydrate cravings and get hungry between meals, usually after 3 hours at most. It is not my so-called improved hormonal balance that Dr. Sears speaks of that keeps me on track, but my sheer willpower.

2) Permanent weight loss. I was 18 when I began The Zone. I am now 23. As stated earlier, my weight has fluctuated +-15 lbs. over the past five years. It must be noted that over this time, there has not been *one single thing* that Ive put into my mouth that Ive not considered the Zone repercussions of. The bottom line is, that if I slip a bit, I readily re-gain weight. This is easy to do, because The Zone is in essence a very calorie restricted diet. Although Dr. Sears says that no foods are forbidden, the Zone sharply limits several foods that many people really like.

In sum, I am very happy for the many people who have recently gained considerable success following The Zone balanced eating plan. However, my caveat is that I have doubts regarding the ability of most people to follow it for the rest of their lives. I know I have, thus far. I never feel really fulfilled. I am not satisfied by the size of the fat blocks which the diet prescribes for my height/ body weight. If I follow the Zone very closely (and Ive had a LOT of pracice) Im very frequently half hungry and miss many specific foods.

Good luck to all. If youve had a similar experience, Id be interested in hearing about it.

Barry Sears looks at why Americans still have dietary problems in spite of following the advice of experts. Challenging the current recommendations for a high carbohydrate diet, Sears looks into mans history as well as the diets athletes succeed best on, to build a new dietary picture. Anyone looking for better health through an improved relationship to what they eat should put this book on their list.

From Publishers Weekly
Ciao pasta, good-bye bread, rice and other bad carbohydrates, which can include carrots, cranberries and corn. Its time to truck in the proteins. Sears, a biochemist, crowns years worth of research into the effects of food on hormone production and metabolic activity with a program that will lead to optimal health, peak performance (the zone of the title) and, not incidentally, weight control. Citing the importance of eicosanoids, a class of hormones that figures critically in metabolism, Sears has worked out an approach to eating that reduces ones daily production of insulin and, at the same time, draws on stored body fat for energy. A formula for calculating an individuals Lean Body Mass is tied to an estimated Physical-Activity Factor and used to establish ones daily protein requirement, which can easily be as much as 70 grams for a moderately active, middle-aged woman with 25-35pct. body fat. Recommending a diet that tightly balances the intake of protein, good (low-glycemic) carbohydrates and a moderate amount of monounsaturated fats, Sears is among those current weight-control specialists (e.g., Drs. Rachael and Richard Heller and Stephen Gullo see Notes below) who observe that there are many insulin-resistant Americans for whom the new food pyramid recommendations, heavily weighted with high-density, high-glycemic carbohydrates, can be unhealthy. Zone-favorable recipes and food-count tables are included. BOMC and QPC alternates. author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Based on Nobel Prize-winning research, the message is that being fit and feeling good are goals we can reach by eating the right combinations of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Though its hard to think that noodles and bread can make anyone sick or miserable, the author makes a good case that eating too many carbohydrates can mess up the healthy hormone patterns that affect virtually every major bodily function. Dr. Sears is a former M.I.T. biochemical researcher and consultant for chronically ill patients, but the audios focus is on the practical eating habits of ordinary people. He explains some pretty complex metabolic relationships in a way that sounds easy to apply to ones life. An accessible program with powerful, lifesaving information. T.W. AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright AudioFile, Portland, Maine--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Teresa Olson, celebrity trainer, in People
Ive never had the progress with my clients that Ive had since theyve started doing the Zone. Theyre less hungry, less fatigued, and more productive. Ive seen it work.

Muscle Media 2000
Its powerful how-to information based on very complex science, approaching the subject of food in a way that has not been done before. ... After reading this, you will have gone a long way to getting your own prescription for food.

Brntwd
Why is the nation that follows the popular dietary rules continuing to get fatter Dr. Barry Sears believes he has the answer, and his recent best-seller, Enter the Zone, gives a detailed and convincing explanation. ... The exciting truth of the controversial diet is that it really just calls for balance and a lot of common sense ... the information and scientific approach just may convince you.

Richard Quick, Stanford swim coach, in Swim Magazine
I am convinced that his program was the difference in helping us take our performance to a higher level.

The Light Connection
In this scientific and revolutionary book, based on Nobel Prize-winning research, medical visionary and former MIT researcher Dr. Barry Sears makes permanent fat loss and peak physical and mental performance simple for you to understand and achieve.

Gary Morgan, celebrity trainer, in Globe
You can lose up to five pounds a week on the Zone Diet.

Bill Potter, professional cyclist, in Health andamp. Fitness
I noticed a difference in two weeks. My weight and muscle mass didnt change, but I was dropping fat. My clothes were looser and I could see the change in my shape.

Playboy
Sears advice flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but recent studies support his radical theories, and his credentials are solid. ... It simply takes us back to the good old days, before carbo-mania swept the land.

Donalsonville, GA News
In this book Dr. Sears provides you with a vast new array of tools, techniques, and tricks that will help you achieve superhealth. ... In following the guidelines you will look trimmer and feel more alert, and your health will be better than ever before -- and you will do it effortlessly.

The Ellenville Press
Dr. Sears, a former MIT researcher, followed some Nobel prize-winning research and developed a dietary roadmap that causes permanent weight loss, is anti-aging and healthful ... These books are well worth reading, and no surprise they have sold over three million copies and just stay on the bestseller lists.

Book Description
For years experts have been telling Americans what to eat and what not to eat. Fat, they told us, was the enemy. Then it was salt, then sugar, then cholesterol... and on it goes.

Americans listened and they lost -- but not their excess fat. What they lost was their health and waistlines. Americans are the fattest people on earth... and why Mainly because of the food they eat.

In this scientific and revolutionary book, based on Nobel Prize-winning research, medical visionary and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Barry Sears makes peak physical and mental performance, as well as permanent fat loss, simple for you to understand and achieve.

With lists of good and bad carbohydrates, easy-to-follow food blocks and delicious recipes, The Zone provides all you need to begin your journey toward permanent fat loss, great health and all-round peak performance. In balance, your body will not only burn fat, but youll fight heart disease, diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue, depression and cancer, as well as alleviate the painful symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and HIV.

This Zone state of exceptional health is well-known to champion athletes. Your own journey toward it can begin with your next meal. You will no longer think of food as merely an item of pleasure or a means to appease hunger. Food is your medicine and your ticket to that state of ultimate body balance, strength and great health. the Zone.

Download Description

For years experts have been telling Americans what to eat and what not to eat. Fat, they told us, was the enemy. Then it was salt, then sugar, then cholesterol... and on it goes.

Americans listened and they lost -- but not their excess fat. What they lost was their health and waistlines. Americans are the fattest people on earth... and why Mainly because of the food they eat.

In this scientific and revolutionary book, based on Nobel Prize-winning research, medical visionary and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Barry Sears makes peak physical and mental performance, as well as permanent fat loss, simple for you to understand and achieve.

With lists of good and bad carbohydrates, easy-to-follow food blocks and delicious recipes, The Zone provides all you need to begin your journey toward permanent fat loss, great health and all-round peak performance. In balance, your body will not only burn fat, but youll fight heart disease, diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue, depression and cancer, as well as alleviate the painful symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and HIV.

This Zone state of exceptional health is well-known to champion athletes. Your own journey toward it can begin with your next meal. You will no longer think of food as merely an item of pleasure or a means to appease hunger. Food is your medicine and your ticket to that state of ultimate body balance, strength and great health. the Zone. --This text refers to the Digital edition.

From the Publisher
What do our Olympic heroes, the cast of Baywatch, Madonna, and thousands of other trim and healthy people around the country have in common Theyre all in The Zone.

According to Dr. Barry Sears, The Zone is that mysterious but very real state in which your body and mind work together at their ultimate best. Based on Nobel Prize-winning research, this book helps readers reach this state by teaching them groundbreaking nutritional principles. The basic premise is simple. calorie counting doesnt work. Maintaining the correct ratio of fats (yes, fats), proteins, and carbohydrates is whats important.

Designed to take the reader beyond wellness and into truly optimal health, Dr. Sears life plan helps people lose weight permanently, avoid disease, enhance mental productivity, achieve maximum physical performance, and balance and control hormone and insulin levels. The plan is easy to follow--there are no rigid menus, just clear, sensible guidelines on how to create a personal nutrition program. With sample recipes (such as old-fashioned oatmeal and salmon mousse), a list of good and bad carbohydrates, recommendations on convenience foods, and tips on eating out are also included.

Whos in The Zone

Carl Lewis, Alvin Harrison, Leroy Burrell

Sinjin Smith, Alicia Silverstone, Tori Spelling

Janet Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many more--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author
Barry Spears, Ph.D.,is a widely published scientist and researcher who holds thirteen U.S. patents in drug delivery and hormonal control technology. He is the author of The Zone, Mastering the Zone, Zone-Perfect Meals in Minutes, Zone Food Blocks, A Week in the Zone, The Anti-Aging Zone, The Top 100 Zone Foods, and The Soy Zone. His books have sold more than four million copies and have been translated into twenty-two languages in forty countries. He lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts, with his wife and two daughters.