The Sonoma Diet

Originally modeled after the Mediterranean Diet, the Sonoma Diet utilizes ten, heart-healthy power foods that are known to be flavorful, pleasurable, and loaded with nutrition. Additionally, the diet employs portion control and is structured as a three-wave diet.

Wave 1: Day 1 through 10

The first wave of the diet serves as a detoxification from the high carbohydrate, highly refined sugars known to cause weight gain. This stage of the diet helps reset the body and breaks sugar cravings. Dieters will experience the most rapid weight loss in this stage of the eating plan.

Wave 2: Reintroduction

The second wave of the diet reintroduces some of the sugars that were eliminated in Wave 1. In addition, this phase of the diet plan focuses on the manners of eating, encouraging dieters to eat slowly, with attention to flavor and pleasure.

Wave 3: Maintenance

This phase of the diet maintains the integrity the eating plan and starts once health and weight goals are accomplished. However, this phase of the diet plan allows indulgences such as snacks and desserts.

Portion Control

American portions are known for their size and high calorie and fat content. One of the mainstays of the Sonoma Diet is retraining the eye to understand appropriate portion sizes. For breakfast, dieters use a 7-inch plate, or a 2-cup bowl, and for lunch and dinner, increase to a 9-inch plate. The diet directs proportion of grains, vegetables and lean meats within these measurements.

Wine with Dinner

Because pleasure is one of the keystones of the Sonoma Diet, this diet offers a rare opportunity to utilize heart healthy alcohol, in moderation to increase the pleasure of your meal.

About the Author

Connie Guttersen, R.D., PhD. is an expert on Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American styles of cuisine. The Culinary Institute of America has utilized her expertise as a nutritional instructor. Additionally, a variety of America's top service based companies, such as Panera Bakery and Cafe, Sodexho, Kraft, Marriott Hotels, Nestle, and Radisson Hotels, consult with Dr. Guttersen for her fresh approach to healthy and satisfying nutrition.