My problem with paleo is that it focuses so much on the means, it loses sight of the ends. In the end, the idea is to eat whole, unprocessed foods in a balanced, healthy diet. I can eat nothing but steak all day, and it may be unprocessed, but it isn't balanced.

I like zone dieting more because I know that I am able to eat a certain amount of whole grain, but that the amount must be limited and offset with proteins and healthy fats, or my diet will be unbalanced. If I eat a big steak, I have to offset that protein with healthy carbs and fats.

I don't believe in the BS mumbo jumbo about the magical effects of eating "within the zone," (anti-inflammatory effects or hormonal harmony or whatever) only that if I focus on where my calories come from, I'll get a balanced diet. I also don't believe that you can eat whatever you want as long as you're in your zone. I'm a big proponent of eating whole fresh foods whenever possible.

Oh, for those who don't know - zone diets are diets where you determine how many calories you'll eat a day and what percentage of those calories will come from carbohydrates, protein, or fats. A common ratio is 30 fats:30 protein:40 carbs. I usually go 25 fats:35-40 protein:35-40 carbs.