The zone diet is really well-known. It is reported that famous people like Tiger Woods, Charlie Sheen, and Cindy Crawford have also followed the diet.

You might notice that those individuals are not obese in any way. Followers of the popular diet claim that that's because the zone method of dieting isn't just about how to lose weight, but on how to live a healthy life style, as well.

Essentially, the zone diet recommends an intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the following ratio: 40% / 30% / 30%. Obviously, this is a low carbohydrate diet. As you may be aware, low carb (or carb-free) diets are quite popular. However, the zone diet is not as restrictive as many other low carb diets such as the Atkins diet.

Nonetheless, many nutritional experts and organizations such as the American Heart Foundation do not approve of the zone diet because it recommends a high protein diet. They point to the lack of scientific research to back the claims, as well as the fact that no long term study on the effects of the zone diet has been scientifically carried out.

Since the zone diet consists of a high meat diet, a Soy Zone diet is also available for vegetarians. This diet uses a soy base for its source of protein.

Once someone discontinues a fad diet, they are likely to put back on the weight they lost. You can't function properly with restricted carbohydrate intake as the zone diet recommends. Once you return to your normal diet, you may gain more weight than you had prior to starting the fad diet.

Many people swear that the zone diet worked for them. So it's best to see your physician to find out if the diet might work for you, as well.