About the Sonoma Diet Plan

The Sonoma Diet plan is a low-fat program that focuses on the healing power of certain foods to help dieters shed pounds while getting healthier.

Types

The Sonoma plan suggests that the key to health, weight loss and a long life is in 10 power foods, which should be consumed as often as possible and include broccoli, almonds, blueberries, spinach, strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, bell peppers, olive oil and whole grains.

Time Frame

The Sonoma plan takes dieters through three phases, or "waves," which are meant as a jump-start (strict and lots of forbidden foods), an ongoing weight loss period (no sweets allowed) and a maintenance plan (for life).

Considerations

Portion control is key to the success of this diet, and followers are encouraged to use a 7-inch plate (for breakfast) and a 9-inch plate (for lunch and dinner) to avoid larger portions and overeating.

Expert Insight

The Sonoma diet plan was created by Connie Guttersen, Ph.D., R.D., a registered dietitian who believes the eating patterns followed by those on Mediterranean and Sonoma Valley diets live longer and experience fewer heart conditions than the average American.

Features

Foods high in saturated fats (such as meats, eggs and full-fat dairy), sweets and refined white flour should be eliminated from the diet when following the Sonoma plan, although desserts are allowed occasionally once dieters reach the maintenance phase.