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The Sonoma Diet, also called the California Diet, is inspired by the eating habits of people on the Mediterranean and in Sonoma County. Most of the time you'll be eating vegetables and vegetable products. Sonoma County is wine country, and this diet suggests that you enjoy a glass of wine with your meals. The diet is divided into three phases.
The first phase lasts ten days. During this phase you will change your eating habits and go for more healthy nutrition, eat less, reduce your sugar dependence, and start physical exercise. No fruits, wine, or second helpings during this phase. In the second phase your choice of food is expanded. Fruits and wine are now allowed. The grapes in wine have an antioxidant effect, which is said to be good for the heart. Those who don't want to drink wine may enjoy unfermented grapes. The third phase is the life-long maintenance phase. Continue to avoid foods such as fatty meat, fruit juice, potatoes, whole milk, hydrogenated fats, and refined cereals. You'll need a book to master the extensive list of suggested foods and forbidden ones.
A major advantage of the Sonoma Diet is the wide variety of permitted foods. This diet expands many dieters' food horizon. It is said to be quite efficient in the long term. A major disadvantage is the constant need to reference portion sizes. The first phase is difficult for many sugar addicts.
Here are two sample menus:
Menu 1 (Phase 1)
Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with skim milk. A cup of tea or coffee.
Lunch: Chicken salad with white beans.
Supper: Tuna steak with black olives and red peppers. Spinach salad.
Evening snack: For men, 33 almonds. For women, 11 almonds.
Menu 2 (Phase 2)
Breakfast: 2 eggs with a slice of whole grain bread and a tablespoon of peanut butter. A cup of tea or coffee.
Lunch: Chicken and rice salad. Green beans.
Supper: Pork filet with a grilled quinoa pilaf. Cauliflower. A half cup of cantaloupe. A glass of wine is optional.
Evening snack: 180 grams (about 5 ounces) of skim-milk yogurt, a half cup of strawberries, a half cup of carrots, and a portion of melted light cheese. For men, 33 almonds. For women, no almonds.
Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French. For more information consult the publisher's website www.amerik-media.com.
