The Zone
The Gist: Another meal-delivery plan backed by celebrities, The Zone Diet encourages healthy eating and eating in moderation by following a low-calorie, scientific 40 (carbs)/30 (fat)/30 (protein) formula. To lose the average one to two pounds per week, grazing throughout the day is encouraged, along with chugging water, doing some exercise and choosing lean meats, seafood, unsaturated fats, veggies and fruit vs. certain grains, sugars and saturated fats.
Pros: Many people report results without feeling famished. No food is completely off-limits, though some are limited. Pre-packaged and pre-portioned meals make eating hassle-free. And there’s a “ZoneFast” plan for people who want to lose weight fast in two weeks.
Cons: Um, Tiger Woods can afford $100 a week. The rest of us, maybe not. If you want this way of eating long-term, learning how to make perfectly 40/30/30-balanced meals may require some time and dedication. Oh, and the American Heart Association reportedly has expressed concern that this diet doesn’t give you enough essential vitamins and minerals and may not necessarily protect your heart — just something to be aware of.
Next: eDiets
