The Sonoma Diet was created by Dr.
Connie Guttersen who teaches nutrition at the Culinary Institute of America.
As its name indicates, this is a wine-country diet inspired by the foods and wines of Sonoma County and environs north of San Francisco.
While no food categories are off limits, this diet emphasizes a balance of whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and produce.
It claims to provide easy-to-prepare gourmet meals.
In Dr.
Guttersen's own words: "The Sonoma Diet is like no other.
You will lose every ounce of excess weight that you need to.
But at the same time, you will enjoy eating more than you ever have in your life.
Meals are a celebration, not deprivation.
" This diet is based on ten powerhouse foods, each of which has special properties: 1.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
This food helps keep your heart healthy and is said to lower blood pressure.
2.
Almonds.
They are appetite suppressants and help protect one from diabetes and cancer and are said to block cholesterol.
These may be eaten raw or in recipes as well as a healthy snack.
3.
Bell Peppers are antioxidants and fight cancer.
4.
Tomatoes fight cancer and are heart-friendly.
5.
Broccoli possesses antioxidant properties.
6.
Spinach is high in folic acid, calcium, and Vitamin A.
7.
Naturally sweet fruits such as strawberries.
Strawberries are high in vitamin C and are anti-inflammatory.
8.
Blueberries are supposed to be great for one's memory.
9.
Grapes, both fresh and fermented into wine are heart-friendly.
10.
Whole grains such as breads, cereals, and brown rice.
Whole grains are said to be the key to weight loss.
They boost metabolism and are rich in fibers.
The diet is structured into three phases which Guttersen calls waves.
The first wave lasts ten days and is the most restrictive.
The second wave is the major weight loss phase, and the third wave is the lifelong maintenance phase.
Rather than counting calories and carbs or measuring amounts you fill plates.
Breakfast means a 7-inch (less than 18 centimeter) plate.
Lunch and dinner call for a 9-inch (23 centimeter) plate.
The plates are filled differently during different diet phases.
The Sonoma Diet book contains some 500 recipes, while an online version has over 900.
There is a weekly charge for the online version that comes with many goodies including meal planners and shopping lists.
So what about wine in this diet? As befits its name, the Sonoma Diet places a heavy accent on wine.
Once you get to wave 2, wine is definitely on the menu.
And when they say wine they are talking about red, white, or sparkling.
This diet even helps you select the wine.
And recently Windsor Vineyards brought out its Sonoma Diet Wine Collection.
Now just in case you don't care for wine, please remember that unfermented grapes are one of the diet's ten powerhouse foods.