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When you think of a diet, do you see visions of
plain rice cakes and steamed cabbage?
For those of us who love the taste of good food, the idea of
going on a diet may make us cringe. So when a diet comes along that
emphasizes enjoying food, it's almost certain to be a hit.
One such diet is the Sonoma Diet. Conceived by Connie Guttersen, who is
a registered dietician, the diet takes its name from California's Sonoma
Valley. Sonoma Valley is well known for its wine industry and
Mediterranean style. Similarly, the Sonoma Diet has a distinct
Mediterranean flavor and allows the consumption of wine.
Concepts of the Sonoma Diet
At the core of the Sonoma Diet are ten so-called "power foods." These
foods are used heavily in the diet due to their superior nutritional
value. They are:
* Almonds - These tasty nuts are a good source of protein and
heart-healthy fats.
* Bell peppers - Bell peppers are low in calories, but high in vitamins
and flavor.
* Blueberries - Included on many lists of the most nutritious foods,
blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants.
* Broccoli - This vegetable is high in vitamin C and calcium.
* Grapes - Grapes are loaded with phytonutrients, both in fruit and wine
form.
* Extra-virgin olive oil - Unlike most oils, this oil has lots of
antioxidants and may lower cholesterol.
* Spinach - This is another low-calorie food that is packed with
vitamins and minerals.
* Strawberries - The strawberry, a favorite fruit to eat raw, contains
lots of antioxidants and is quite filling.
* Tomatoes – Is always a popular food and also high in nutritional
value.
* Whole grains - Whole grains give us energy and raise metabolism.
The Sonoma Diet is divided into three phases. The first phase is the
most restrictive, but only lasts 10 days. The second phase increases
calorie intake by 200-300 calories and allows more foods. The third
phase is the maintenance phase, and is intended to be followed for life.
Unlike most diets, the Sonoma Diet does not encourage counting calories.
Instead, dieters are required to control portion sizes. Breakfast is
limited to the amount of food that will fit in a 7-inch bowl or plate,
while lunch and dinner are served on a 9-inch plate.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Sonoma Diet encourages the consumption of flavorful foods, something
that many diets fail to do. It is also high in nutritional value,
incorporating many healthy raw foods. In addition to the Sonoma Diet
book, dieters can also take advantage of an online meal planner and
community.
Critics say that the Sonoma Diet is too low on calories for the average
dieter. There are also a number of forbidden foods and little
flexibility. Although the Sonoma Diet is not purported to be a low-carb
diet, it does not contain very many carbs, particularly in the first
phase.
The Sonoma Diet offers something different for dieters who are not
impressed with standard diet foods. The method of portion control is
easy to understand, and the emphasis is on the foods you can eat rather
than the ones you can't. If you enjoy cooking and eating flavorful
foods, this might be the diet for you.
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