The only diet I've ever actually been on other than Atkins. About 8 years ago I borrowed the book and, being one of those type O carnivores, it really appealed to me, so I actually implemented some relaxed version of it.
It seemed to work; I lost a little weight and generally had more energy. However at the time I was about 29, had a starting body fat percentage of probably 11% (yeah, and I still wanted to lose weight, believe me, it blows my mind too), and worked out like a maniac four or five times a week.
I remember that the theory was appealing, though I can't remember much of it now, and the restrictions were easier to deal with than those of Atkins. The zone is based on getting 30% of your calories from protein, 30% from fat, and 40% from low glycemic index carbs. One thing that impressed me was that in the book, Barry Sears actually cited a study he did with athletes in which the ones on his diet performed better.
Balance bars, which are zone-friendly, are still my favorite energy bars, but they of course are verboten for the Atkinsite.
For more info:
http://www.zoneperfect.com/Site/Content/index.asp
http://www.drsears.com/drsearspages/
Copyright © 2004 Vince Cavasin. All rights reserved.