I've actually ended up on something like The Zone but with a greater emphasis on drinking BEER. So for every carbohydrate block I drink beer. My lunch is typically-piece of chicken, guacamole and A BIG BROWN BEER. It's really kind of like the Atkins with respect to the protein and fat but I add BEER. I tried the Atkins thing and couldn't make it for longer than 2 days because it wanted me to quite drinking, you guessed it, BEER and more importantly COFFEE. Anyway, I'm eating lots of soy these days, natural fats (butter instead of margarine), and vegetables. I've really cut down on the breads and sugars. I don't think I've lost any weight but I feel good.
Yes, it is like those people too lazy to quit smoking, alcoholics too weak to say no to that 3rd drink, or addicts without enough resolve to just say no to injecting their bodies with herion. If only life were that simple. Instead I think it is more helpful to look at reality. To look at diet and exercise plans that work for most people and/or for most people of a certain type (blood lipids or body fat or whatever is their concern). If the bottom line is you want improvement for most people seeking lifestyle-related health changes instead of just telling them to get off their lazy butt such aids as methodone, nicotene replacement, natural supplements or drugs, and specific proscribed diet and exercise plans (be it Atkins, Zone, ADA, weight watchers, --there is no type that fits all) may be helpful for them.
Backward, last night my Zone snack was two pieces of natural turkey jerky, 3 almonds and a beer--nothing wrong with that at all. But I wouldn't proscribe subing beer for all carbs--probably instead of pasta and grains (which you should eat moderately anyway) it is fine but not for fruits and vegies. Beer is not bad at all for you in moderation and may even be good for you--the Trappists monks were right all along. Also I don't think butter and natural saturated fats from dairly or most meats are going to help you get towards any dietary goal. You can substantitue Olive Oil w/wo balsalmic most fo the time for butter and there are margarines without hydrogenated oils that are also better bets if you want something like butter.
