Sonoma Diet Reviews
Diet Plan Facts
Overview The Sonoma Diet is a great weight loss program option for those who enjoy their food. The idea behind this program is that foods should be enjoyed in moderation, and should be savoured at each meal. It is as much a lifestyle as it is a way of eating. The guru behind this program [...]
Overview
The Sonoma Diet is a great weight loss program option for those who enjoy their food. The idea behind this program is that foods should be enjoyed in moderation, and should be savoured at each meal. It is as much a lifestyle as it is a way of eating.
The guru behind this program is Connie Guttersen, PhD, RD, a registered dietitian who designed this weight loss plan for those who need to lose weight, but who do not want to give up the enjoyment of food.
Connie advises dieters to embrace whole foods, while eliminating processed foods, simple sugars and saturated fats. She recognizes that deprivation in a meal plan does not necessarily have to occur in order to achieve weight loss if core principles are followed.
The Sonoma Diet is named after the inspiration of the program – California’s Sonoma and Napa Valleys. This area is abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, herbs, spices, and healthy olive oil. By using fresh, aromatic and flavourful ingredients such as these, dieting can be enjoyable, rather than a test of willpower.
Portion control is of utmost importance. However, this diet program takes a unique approach to portion control: rather than estimating and weighing foods, portion sizes are measured by plate size instead of weighing the ingredients themselves. This approach to portion control is easier and more user-friendly, since you can see when your plate is full, translating into the proper size meal.
The actual diet itself is categorized into three “waves”, which helps the dieter achieve their goals in steps rather than in one overwhelming feat.
Dieters on this program will receive a meal planner, eating guide, wine guide, portion guide, weight tracker, food diary, shopping lists, recipe search, and more.
Diet
Dr. Connie Guttersen emphasizes certain foods as having amazing nutritional properties. These foods include blueberries, broccoli, grapes, almonds, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries and olive oil, just to name a few. These foods are incorporated into 3 phases of this diet:
Wave 1 – The first “wave” lasts for 10 days, and is the phase that helps to cleanse the body of toxins and re-program the body to get rid of bad eating habits and develop healthy habits. There aren’t necessarily any definitive diet meals, but rather a collection of wonderful low-calorie recipes. These meals provide optimal nutrition while providing the energy required to perform daily activities. This wave may be tough for the first few days, but the results will be well worth the wait.
Wave 2 – The second “wave” is the crust of the program, and lasts the entire duration of the diet until all the weight is lost. During this time, you will be consuming healthy foods, while still enjoying every flavourful meal. In addition, a more active lifestyle is encouraged through exercise.
Wave 3 – The third “wave” involves the maintenance portion of the program, where the weight that is lost is kept off, and major lifestyle changes learned on the diet are maintained and carried on throughout every day life. The consumption of healthy food is still encouraged, as well as remaining active. The focus on these good habits is done to ensure that your target weight is maintained for the long run.
Costs and Expenses
The costs to take part in the Sonoma Diet is $5 per week, which is billed quarterly (every 13 weeks), with a five-week minimum online commitment.
With this program, you will receive a daily meal planner, day-by-day plan, support from an online registered dietitian, weight tracker and other tools, not to mention over 500 recipes.
Advantages
Very simple to follow
Emphasis is on what you can eat rather than what you cannot
Emphasis on variety and nutrition
Emphasis on a healthy and energetic lifestyle
Structured
Encourages indulgence in the healthy pleasures of food
Disadvantages
Many forbidden foods
First wave may be too restrictive
No emphasis placed on exercise
Overall Rating
With a motto that promises a “trimmer waist and better health in just 10 days,” the Sonoma Diet is quite promising, and can provide such benefits if followed properly. The emphasis on food enjoyment creates a foundation that leads to healthy eating, rather than classifying food as something that must be restricted in order to maintain a certain figure.
The Sonoma Diet is a great option for those who enjoy their food. A solid 2 pound per week weight loss can be achieved if the diet is followed closely and properly. Overall, this diet is wonderful for the simple fact that food is celebrated.
