The Sonoma Diet was developed by Connie Guttersen and is a derivation of the Mediterranean diet. The diet plan consists managing portion sizes and eating approved foods centered around 10 items known as the "power foods". According to the creator of the diet these foods were chosen for their nutritional value and intense flavors. The power foods are: Whole grains, Almonds, Bell peppers, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Grapes, Spinach, Blueberries, Strawberries, Olive oil.
Similar to the Atkins Diet, Zone diet and South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet has three distinct stages known as waves. The first phase which lasts 10 days is the most restrictive phase with the smallest number of foods allowed with the smallest portion sizes. During this stage sugar intake is greatly reduced. During the next wave a wider variety of foods are allowed and weight loss slows to a more gradual pace. Wave two continues until the target weight is reached. Wave three is known as the maintenance stage with a wider range of foods being allowed including the occasional dessert.
This diet is not classified as a low-carbohydrate diet or low sugar diet. People following the diet are allowed to eat whole grains, breads and cereals during all three stages of the diet. The plan does recommend avoiding white flour, saturated fats, and recipes with additional sugar. One of the tools used to teach portion management is plate size. For breakfast the diet recommends using an 18 cm (7 inch) plate and for lunch and dinner a 23 cm (9 inch) plate is recommended.
The Sonoma Diet, July 11, 2007 Reviewer: Rachel from WA
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Established by Connie Guttersen, R.D., Ph.D., the Sonoma Diet has been touted as the the most powerful weight-loss plan under the sun, according to the New York Times. The Sonoma Diets tenet is that you dont have to starve to lose weight, that you can consume a variety of foods without the guilt, and that it will improve your health.<br />
An offshoot of the Mediterranean Diet, The Sonoma Diet incorporates fresh foods that are easy to prepare that will help you lose weight. Known as the 3 Waves of Weight Loss, this diet begins in three segments. <br />
The first segment lasts 10 days wherein you begin to eat healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. To help you in this endeavor, you are provided with an online meal planner and recipe database. The second segment is the plan by which you will begin to lose weight. Included in this segment is a large variety in preparing your meals, which consist of fresh foods. The last segment begins the day you reach your goal, and at this point you can maintain your new figure and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.<br />
The Sonoma Diet is $5 a week, billed every 13 weeks, with a 5-week minimum commitment. Your credit card will be charged $65 when you subscribe and at the beginning of each following quarter. You may cancel at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your subscription, other than the minimum 5-week charge of $25, which is nonrefundable.<br />
Given that the cost is affordable, there is much more to this diet than meets the eye. Their website is filled with a plethora of information including: a meal planner, printable shopping lists, over 500 recipes, food diary, a weight tracker, recipe search, eating guides, a wine guide, a portion guide, day-by-day support, message boards, weekly Q&A, exclusive e-mails, and online dietitians.<br />
There is no downside to this program. It has everything you need and more. Check out The Sonoma Diet and ascertain if this is the diet program you have been searching for.
