Sonoma Diet

The Sonoma Diet was developed by Dr. Connie Gutterson who shaped the weight loss plan around enjoyment of the right foods at the right amounts, which comes down to eating nutrient-dense "power foods."c

Sonoma Diet Power Foods

According to WebMD, the top 10 foods Dr. Gutterson has deemed "power foods" include:

1. Almonds (heart-healthy fats)

2. Bell peppers (health-imparting nutrients)

3. Blueberries (heart-strengthening antioxidants)

4. Broccoli (vitamin C, calcium and fighter of carcinogenic toxins)

5. Extra-virgin olive oil (antioxidant-rich with the ability to lower

"bad" LDL cholesterol)

6. Grapes (phytonutrients)

7. Spinach (iron, calcium, vitamin K, folate and antioxidants)

8. Strawberries (nutrient-rich)

9. Tomatoes (cancer-fighting)

10. Whole grains (metabolism boosters and cancer risk reducers)c

Wave 1: The Induction Phase

During the first 10 days of the Sonoma Diet, you will wean yourself off of sugary, highly processed foods. The first step is to remove all processed foods and hydrogenated fatty foods from your home. Examples include:

White rice
Potato chips
Butter
Fruit juice
Sausage
Baconc

In addition, natural sugars, wine, fruit and some vegetables are off-limits for Wave 1. Allowable foods include:

Lean beef
Eggs
Asparagus
Eggplant
Low-fat cottage cheese
Soba noodles
Olive oil
Almonds
Walnuts
Herbs and spicesc

Wave 2: Weight Loss

During the second Wave, you'll be eating the same foods as Wave 1, plus more than two dozen fruits, vegetables, sugar-free sweets and up to six ounces of wine a day.

There is no time limit on Wave 2. Stay with the second Wave until you reach your target weight.c

Wave 3: Permanent Lifestyle

During the third phase, you are encouraged to find exotic fruits and vegetables, rare sweets and to continue to stay away from refined foods and hydrogenated fats.

Dr. Gutterson also recommends exercise, but there are few details in the Sonoma Diet about what types of exercise you should be doing. WebMD recommends looking at other exercise regimens outside of the Sonoma Diet to add to your lifestyle.c