Criticism of the Zone Diet

The Zone Diet is a complex diet strategy that relies on limiting carbohydrates for weight loss. While the overall concept of the Zone Diet may be logical, a variety of criticisms surround the diet plan.

Complicated System

• Although the Zone Diet attempts to use an easy-to-understand system of "Food Blocks," many people are unable to grasp the concept. To follow the diet plan, you will need to research and understand the concept of "zoning."

Strict Guidelines

• The Zone Diet maintains a very strict calorie allotment. Every meal and snack should get 40 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein and 30 percent from fat. Following the strict guidelines of the Zone diet plan becomes increasingly hard when eating outside of the home.

Time-Consuming

• The strict and complicated regiment of the Zone Diet also makes it an extremely time-consuming diet plan to follow. Preparing foods around the Zoning principles is an exact and time-consuming science.

Cost

• Creators of the diet plan offer pre-packaged Zone diet foods that you can purchase. Although this does eliminate the hassle associated with preparing your own foods, the cost tends to be much higher.

Results

• According to AskMen.com, the American Heart Association criticizes any diet that limits carbohydrates, such as the Zone Diet. Apparently, these low-carbohydrate diets not only feature inconsistent results, but also increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.