Zone Diet Food

What You Can Eat

With no phases, levels or stages, followers of the Zone Diet basically eat the same types of meals and foods throughout the diet. Nearly every type of carb will fulfill the 40 percent requirement at every meal, though the diet does break them into "favorable" and "unfavorable" categories. Some favorable choices include low-glycemic veggies and fruits like spinach, beans, berries, cucumbers, celery, salsa and green peppers, as well as whole-grain foods like oatmeal and barley. Unfavorable carbs (allowed in limited amounts) are bread, sugar, bagels, rice, pasta, cereals and other white-flour products, grains and starches. High-glycemic fruits and vegetables including dried fruits, peas, mangoes, corn, raisins, bananas, potatoes and carrots are also allowed in smaller portions.

For protein, the Zone suggests fish, low-fat, lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef and pork; and non-animal sources such as egg whites, cheeses, and an assortment of soy products. They even suggest using protein powder as a supplement.

The remaining 30 percent of your diet will include good-fat foods, from almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts to avocados, all-natural peanut butter and olives. Certain cooking oils and condiments are also allowed, including olive oil, guacamole and mayonnaise made from canola or olive oil.

Caffeinated beverages are considered a no-no on the Zone, because they can spike insulin levels and offset the hormonal balance that the diet claims to put the body in.

• Read the Zone Diet Review
• See the Zone Diet at a Glance