Diet Program Review: Zone Diet
Zach Bashore
June 13, 2006
Many people opt to lose weight by using the Zone diet. This diet is different from diets such as Atkins and South Beach Diet because of the fact that Zone emphasizes a ratio which consists of the three main nutrients (carbs, proteins, fats). Is this diet the one you want to follow or is it just another fad diet that will disappear after another year or so?
The basis for the Zone diet is that if a person eats the right amount of carbs, proteins, and fats, then the person will improve their health drastically. This diet calls for a ratio of 40/30/30 (carbs, proteins, fats) because certain hormones will be balanced to give you the body of your dreams. The founder of this diet, Ph.D Barry Sears states, "The American public is overweight due to a high intake of carbohydrates, and that this style of eating causes an overproduction of insulin. The solution is to eat a lower carb, higher protein, and moderate fat diet to balance these hormones within the preferred zone."
So how does the Zone diet compare with other diets? The Zone diet is quick to point out that this diet works primarily because of its low calories, not their magic ratio of macronutrients. This diet does not prohibit any foods, but restricts foods that are high in fat and carbs such as starches, grains, and pastas. Other diets either emphasize a low carb or low fat option, the Zone diet simply uses both nutrients, just in a smaller percentage.
This diet is actually not bad compared to some of the lower carb diets available. The Zone diet does have its weak areas considering some of the recipes are full of nutritional misinformation. Another problem Zone has is that it suggests impractical food combinations such as beer and cottage cheese in one meal. Despite these prolems, go ahead and try Zone for yourself and find out if it works for you. Until next time, later.
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Managing your Cholesterol
Zach Bashore
June 12, 2006
If you are living an unhealthy lifestyle, you are increasing the risk of developing high cholesterol. Having high cholesterol is bad because it increases the risk of you having a heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure. This article will explain the basics of cholesterol. You will learn what cholesterol is, what causes high cholesterol, and ways to manage it. After reading, you should then be able to take small steps in decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol in your body.
Cholesterol is a white crystalline substance found in animal tissues that is normally synthesized by the liver. It is important as a constituent of cell membranes, and a precursor to steroid hormones. Cholesterol is made by the body and consumed in food products that come from animals. It primarily travels in the blood as two compounds: high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is often referred to as the good cholesterol, while LDL is considered the bad cholesterol.
The primary cause of high cholesterol comes from the unhealthy foods you eat. Foods that are high in saturated fat such as butter, cheese, and whole milk are the most prone to giving a person high cholesterol. As you eat, cholesterol from food is absorbed by your digestive tract. The food then travels into your liver and circulates through your body in the bloodstream. Generally, all foods that are of animal origin have the highest amount of cholesterol.
If you currently have high cholesterol or have a family history of this illness, then there are healthy steps you can take to manage it.
*Lifestream LSP3200 Cholesterol Test Strips for Lifestream Cholesterol Monitors allow you to monitor your cholesterol levels.
* If you smoke, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to quit.
* Get routine health checkups and cholesterol screenings.
* Choose foods that are low in saturated fat.
* Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
* Lose weight if you are overweight.
High cholesterol makes you feel tired, moody, and irritable. The hardest part about managing your cholesterol is refraining from the good fattening foods that we`ve enjoyed for years. Don`t get discouraged if you don`t notice lower cholesterol after the first day. Improving your health is a marathon, not a sprint. Until next time, later.
