The actual amount of dietary protein allowed in this diet is not as high as it may initially appear. In fact, the amount of fat allowed in an entire day on a Zone diet is less than many Australians eat in a single meal. This is well below what is considered necessary for the provision of sufficient energy and nutrients. It is impossible to be well nourished on such low food intakes. Risks of low carbohydrate diets These diets will cause weight loss in the short-term but at a cost to your health.
Bad breath is also common once ketosis occurs.
These can be warning signs that the diet is having a detrimental effect on the body. Inadequate and imbalanced levels of many important micronutrients will be consumed too. Where ketosis occurs, the blood becomes more acidic, and upsets the body's chemical imbalance which can be particularly dangerous, and even fatal in severe cases, for people with diabetes, pregnant women and the unborn child. These diets are low in fibre, and high in cholesterol and total dietary fat, especially saturated fat. This is because high protein foods are commonly high in fat.