Sonoma Diet: Another View

 

I love the name Sonoma Diet - I like what it says to me. Images of breathtakingly beautiful California Wine Country, lovely glasses of wine and sourdough baguettes. Apparently author Connie Guttersen, PhD, RD chose this name in hopes it would conjure that reaction - because her definition of healthy eating is "celebration, not deprivation" in meals. The trick is to find the right foods in the right amounts.

Sonoma is clearly inspired by the Mediterranan Diet - fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish, olive oil and nuts are the backbone.

Wine and occasional sweets are allowed at later stages. Processed foods, saturated fats, white flour and added sugar are limited. Portion control reigns over calorie counting.

Like South Beach and Atkins, Sonoma is a multi-phase program which kicks off with a restrictive induction period. Sonoma calls this Wave 1, and it's a 10 day detox from sugar and processed food. You're instructed to purge your kitchen and restock with lean proteins, vegetables like asparagus and eggplant, whole grains, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nuts. Wine and fruits and veggies high in sugar are banned, but are allowed in later phases. This is

The Wave 2 is the weight loss phase, and you're instructed to stick with it until you reach your goal weight. You're allowed all of the foods from Wave 1, along with wine and an expanded list of fruits and vegetables.

Once you've reached your goal weight you transition to the Wave 3, which is living the Sonoma Diet lifestyle for life. At this stage, Guttersen recommends expanding your culinary horizons and trying more exotic fruits and vegetables to keep life interesting.

The book includes multiple recipes for each Wave - many of which look delicious - but be aware that they are more targeted to people who enjoy and/or have time to cook. Overall, Sonoma Diet is about good nutrition while still enjoying food. Its approach to weight loss by encouraging healthy eating habits is comprehensive, sensible and at times delicious. Our only criticism is the total lack of emphasis on exercise or any kind of physical activity as a vehicle for weight loss, weight maintenance and long term health. You need both.