The Sonoma Diet is however, says the author Dr Connie Gutterson, "inspired by our local wine country cuisine". It is a diet that is intended to be a life-long lifestyle, and it is developed for optimal health benefits. Some of the fun parts of this plan is the allowance of wine, and the ideology that one should really enjoy their meals.On this plan, you'll eat a lot of healthy oils, lean proteins and lots and lots of fresh, delicious vegetables and fruits. In fact, the hopes are that this diet is so enjoyable, the dieter won't want to give up this way of eating, and will stay on it permanently. This is a diet made for people that love to eat! If you join the Sonoma Diet online, you'll have access to over 500 recipes to keep your stomach happy. You'll also get a wine guide, if you choose to drink wine with your meals. Also, you'll have access to Registered Dieticians that will answer any question or stumbling block that you might encounter. Joining Sonoma Diet online also increases your chances that you will lose weight by cutting out any mistakes that you might make in portion sizes or ingredients that aren't allowed.

The Sonoma Diet is strongly influenced by 10 Power Foods. They are blueberries, strawberries, grapes, broccoli, almonds, bell peppers, spinach, whole grains, olive oil and tomatoes. These foods are believed to have more antioxidants and nutrients than other foods. This diet is all about balance, and it is not in any way a low carb or low fat diet. It's about the healthiest food available, in reasonable portions.The Sonoma Diet book is full of delicious recipes that you'll enjoy with these ingredients. If that isn't enough for you, as mentioned previously you'll also have access to over 500 recipes -many of which also contain these Power Foods- at The Sonoma Diet Online.

Like many other diets, the Sonoma Diet has different phases. There are 3 'waves' on the Sonoma Diet. In each of the waves, you are allowed certain types of foods, and in certain portions. Overall, your plate will be designed around grains and vegetables, with less emphasis on protein, in the form of lean meats. Your plate and bowl sizes will be specific. Bowls hold 2 cups, and breakfast plates are 7 inches, while lunch and dinner plates are 9 inches. You won't count calories on the Sonoma Diet. Also, if you join the Sonoma Diet Online, they will tell you exactly how much to put on your plate, based on your personal information. You just pick out which food you want to eat today, and they tell you how much to eat of it. It doesn't get much easier than this.

Wave 1 of the Sonoma Diet knocks out starchy vegetables, and fruits. You'll get to add these in later, though. One great thing about this Wave is that you still get whole grains! You won't find that on the starting phases of Atkins or South Beach. This is a 10-Day wave, and it will cleanse you of your cravings for refined flour and sugar. This wave is geared towards cleansing, and boosting your motivation for the 2nd and longest wave in the weight loss portion of the Sonoma Diet. You should knock off quite a few pounds in this first wave.

[Continue to part two of the Sonoma Diet review - including sample menus!]