The program that is commonly referred to as the "Zone diet" is detailed in the book The Zone: Revolutionary Life Plan to Put Your Body in Total Balance for Permanent Weight Loss by Dr. Barry Sears. Balance is the key focus of Dr. Sears' plan; more specifically, eating the correct ratio of carbs, fat, and protein.

The Zone's food plan consists of 40% of your daily caloric intake in the form of carbohydrate, 30% of protein, with fat making up the final 30%. The book provides a "dietary roadmap" to The Zone. On-line resources are also available.