Zone Diet

Biochemist Barry Sears, who founded Zone, claims that food is similar to medicine. You must administer the proper dosage at the appropriate time. The obesity epidemic, in Sears' opinion, is mostly caused by hormones that promote inflammation, which are produced when raised insulin levels and omega-6 fatty acids are combined.

The Zone diet is not a weight loss plan, though; it's an anti-inflammatory diet. The goal of the Zone diet is to maintain appropriate levels of insulin and other pro-inflammatory hormones by eating meals at each meal in the recommended ratios of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.

These figures are not absolute, even though they represent the average for a typical Zone meal. According to Sears, the body requires the proper ratio of essential nutrients to maintain health and perform at its best.

Pros:

• Filling – it's rich in high-fiber foods.

• No off-limit foods or food groups.

• A clearly defined plan with recipes.

• Diverse foods and flavors.

Cons:

• Tedious portioning, meal planning or prep.

• Lots of rules to remember.

• Little research to back it up.