The Zone Diet Versus the Atkins Diet

The Zone and Atkins diets aim to achieve lower levels of insulin in the bloodstream. The Zone diet reduces carbohydrates by structuring calorie intake to a 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, 30% fat ratio. The ratio decreases the amount of carbohydrates consumed, inturn lowering overall insulin levels. The Atkins diet also lowers insulin levels by lowering the quantity of carbohydrates ingested. This four phase diet begins with extreme limitation and gradually allows small amounts of carbohydrates. Though these diets implement different approaches they both reduce the insulin levels in the bloodstream.

The Zone diet’s main concern is a lifelong optimization of the body’s metabolic function by regulation of levels of insulin in the bloodstream. These insulin levels are largely affected by the types of food consumed. Studies have shown that the consumption of foods high in carbohydrates lead to an increased level of insulin in the bloodstream. This increase in insulin levels is believed to lead to increased hunger and possibly obesity. In order to decrease the levels of insulin in the bloodstream, the Zone diet follows a strict formula of types and amount of food ingested. This one phase diet follows the notion that a diet should have a balance and avoid ketosis, or causing the body to think it is starving. This balance limits meals to a 40-30-30 composition. 40-30-30 means that 40 percent of a meal’s calories should be fiber rich carbohydrates, 30 percent should be low-fat protein, and 30 percent should be fats. Contrary to the Food Pyramid, the Zone diet decreases the amount of carbohydrates and increases the amount of protein. This decrease in carbohydrates lowers the levels of insulin and alth...

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... The Zone and Atkins diets share the same main goal to regulate insulin levels in the bloodstream. Each has a unique way of achieving this goal. The Zone diet focuses on a strict calorie intake breakdown of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fats. This structure of calorie consumption causes a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates ingested. The diet is not only strict in the proportions of the types of food consumed but also requires six precisely spaced Zone meals throughout the day. The Zone diet requires close adherence to guidelines, but the Atkins diet is in ways more flexible. The Atkins diet begins with an extreme limitation of carbohydrates and gradually allows small quantities, but has no other restrictions. Through balance or severe limitation of carbohydrates, the Zone and Atkins diets aim to reduce large insulin levels in the bloodstream.