40/30/30 DIET FAQ
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What is a 40/30/30 Diet?
A 40/30/30 diet consists of 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, and 30% fat.

What are the nutritional standards of the 40/30/30 Diet?
Every meal should be as close as possible to the 40/30/30 ratio. However, it is ok to go a little outside the 40/30/30 boundaries and still consider yourself in the zone. Try staying within 4 grams of the target numbers.
Lean, or low fat protein sources
No partially hydrogenated (trans) fats
Mostly low glycemic carbohydrates
Emphasize monounsaturated fats
Supplement with a daily dose of purified fish oil

Can Pets follow a 40/30/30 diet?
The zone diet is now available for dogs. Dogs have a similar physiology as humans and are prone the same disease conditions; heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc. Dr. Sears and holistic veterinarian Dr. Jane Bricks have come together to create “Canine Zone,” a 40/30/30 balanced dog food. Cats on the other hand have different nutrient requirements

Do 40/30/30 food charts take into consideration the fat found in most protein sources?
Yes, the food charts assume half the fat is already in your protein choice. In other words, if your target number for fat is 9, then 4.5 grams is assumed to be within your protein choice and another 4.5 grams is added on the outside in the form of olive oil, nuts etc.

Protein and fat are both 30% of a 40/30/30 Diet meal; does this mean I should have the same amount of fat as protein in all my meals?
No, The 40/30/30 ratio is based on calories. Although protein and fat have the same percentages, the fat appears much smaller to the eye. This is because fat packs more punch at 9 calories per gram.

Why are you supposed to add twice the amount of fat if you use a fat free protein choice?
All 40/30/30 diet food charts all assume there is hidden fat within your protein choice. Therefore, if you have a fat free protein choice, you have to add 2x as much protein on the outside.

Beans are high in protein, why don’t we count them as a carbohydrate source?
Even though beans are high in protein, they contain mostly carbohydrates and therefore are only counted as a carbohydrate source. Counting every single nutrient in food would be counterproductive to the simple act of eating. Most foods fall into one of three categories; Protein carbohydrates or fats.

There are only a few foods that come naturally 40/30/30 balanced. Examples are milk, soy milk, plain low fat yogurt and edamame beans. Otherwise all other foods fall into one of three categories: Protein, carbohydrate or fat choice. USA diet plans has taken this one step further and added a “free carbohydrate” food list. These foods are technically carbohydrates; however they contain such a small amount of carbohydrates that it’s hard to eat enough of the food at one given to significantly effect blood sugar levels. Examples of free carbohydrates include lettuce, broccoli and cucumbers.

How does a 40/30/30 diet cause fat loss?
The 40/30/30 ratio of food shifts the hormonal systems of the body into the fat burning mode. Your body from a carbohydrate burning metabolism to a fat burning metabolism. Balancing blood sugar is the key to maintaining muscle on the inside and to burn fat off on the outside.

What about Juicing?
Juicing is not recommended because all you are doing is taking out the fiber and leaving the carbohydrate. When you have sugar without fiber, you increase the glycemic index or the food (rate of carbohydrate absorption). If you juice, choose from the green leafy vegetables found on the list of “free” low carbohydrate vegetables because these foods contain the least amount of carbohydrate.