Diet Sonoma

Considered one of the most balanced diets to hit the market, the Diet Sonoma created by Connie Guttersen does not focus on the restriction of food items or calorie counting. The meals that you will be consuming while on this diet deal with cuisine from the Mediterranean. The name of the diet comes from a region located in California, which is filled with vineyards. Connie has spent a lot of time studying wine and olive production and coupled with her knowledge on nutrition, she was able to write a book that focused on weight loss through a balanced and healthy eating plan.

Most diets require the counting of calories or restrict food items and food groups, but the Diet Sonoma allows participants to eat the foods that they enjoy. The diet presents the concept referred to as “Plate and Bowl,” where each meal is measured by a designated plate size. Directions on how to measure the contents of your meal are also included. This allows you to eat some of your favorite foods, while exercising portion control techniques.

The Diet Sonoma is broken down into three phases, also referred to as “waves.”


Wave 1 will last for 10 days, where the dieter will follow an approach that is supposed to lessen the desire for foods that you normally crave. Straying from most diets, this method does not restrict the intake of carbohydrates. A dieter will be allowed to eat whole grain cereals, as well as breads, but fruits are not allowed at this time because of its association with sugar. Various vegetables, lean meats, some dairy, seafood, black coffee, tea and a small amount of nuts will dominate the meal plan.


The main weight loss phase can be found within Wave 2. Dieters will add fruit, a wider variety of vegetable, fat-free yogurt, some sugar-free sweets, as well as the occasional treat, such as dark chocolate, honey or some wine. This phase is meant to last until the dieter has reached their desired weight. Wave 3 takes over once you have reached your ideal weight. This phase will take you into the maintenance part of the program, which should develop life-long healthy habits.


In the Diet Sonoma book, you will find 300 recipes that can be followed while on the diet. When using the online program, an additional 500 recipes can be added to your repertoire. Basically, the diet utilizes ten foods that are called “power foods.” These foods are: almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, whole grains and tomatoes.


From the beginning of the program, you will be able to eat cereals and whole grain breads, which is usually not allowed in other weight loss plans. Some restricted foods on this diet plan are those that contain saturated fat, sugar, as well as refined white flour.


To get an idea of some of the meals you will be able to eat while following the Diet Sonoma, you may start off your day with a Broccoli-Pepper Frittata, Buckwheat and Pear Pancakes, Mushroom Omelet, as well as Scrambled Eggs with Feta and Dill. When looking for a lunch meal, you may choose to prepare a Greek Pizza, Chicken-Veggie Pita Sandwich, Chile-Mint Burgers or Tangy Black Bean Soup. Dinner ideas include Marinated Flank Steak, Roasted Vegetable Medley, Grilled Bass with Strawberry Salsa, as well as Bistro Chicken and Garlic. When you are interested in dessert, recipes for Peachy Berry Cobbler, Apple-Blueberry Tart and Tropical Fruit Pops.