What Is the Zone Diet and Is It Healthy?

What Is the Zone Diet and Is It Healthy? The Zone Diet promises decreased inflammation, little to no hunger, and optimal wellness. Carbs, protein, and fat are all allowed on the Zone Diet, but in very specific ratios. "You eat 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat at each meal and snack," explains Julie Upton, M.S., R.D. No foods are completely off-limits, but many common ingredients are given a general ranking of "best," "fair," and "poor." Zone Diet followers limit carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic index, as well as sources of saturated fat. Some dietitians say the Zone Diet is a little too restrictive. For example, fruits like prunes, bananas, and mangoes are labeled as "poor." The diet does encourage solid health concepts, but might have unrealistic portion size suggestions for some people, another dietician told us. If you find that a strict diet causes more stress than success, you may want to seek out other options.