The Sonoma Diet

hey I just came across your site and really like it! i'm bookmarking it right now =)

keep it up!

What a great idea - another low glycemic Zone Diet rip off.

These people should be ashamed of themselves.

Hopefully it will reach some of those people the other almost identicle diets have not reached.

http://www.antiagingatlanta.com/lowglycemicdiet.htm

I really love this website too!

Yet another fad diet, in my opinion. According to research, 90% of all people following various types of fad diets not only regained their weight within 18 months, but actually got some extra, too.

Perhaps it's just me, but I'm highly sceptical of any miracle diets that publishing agencies seem to be releasing on a daily basis. Cutting down on calorie intake, increasing physical activities and setting realistic expectations - to me, that's all there is to a successful diet.

The diet always looks greener on the other side. There is generally good information you can take from any book. You just have to read critically and only take the best out of .

Worst case scenario, they may have interesting recipes which actually include a calorie count.

I need to lose ten pounds and was at the grocery store, when the book caught my eye- it appealed to me visually; based upon what I have seen on various online reviews, I'll probably go back and buy it.
So what if the basic concepts are similar to other diets? I only needed to lose 5 pounds when Zone and South Beach came out. It's all about the marketing, and I am hoping this one works for me.

Remarkable! Dr. Guttersen has created a program that makes weightloss an exciting adventure. The meals are filled with mouthwatering recipes and flavors, but are easy to follow and prepare. We're looking into promoting this at our healthclub!! Quick Note: not real impressed by the previous slams written above - have you even read the book?! Putting MD after your name only serves to discredit your ability to heal/help people naturally, without drugs!! This program seems to be results driven, which requires the elements of ease, fun and success! Not many others offer that package!!!

I just got this book - based on good reviews on amazon - and am actually pretty impressed. I looked into Zone some while back and south beach, but neither really caught my eye. This one shows that it's been written by a nutritionist; the focus is on portions, enjoying your food, and eating a variety of foods. Whole grains, lean meats, vegetarian proteins available in the diet, lots of fruits and veggies, dairy and wine options, and a built-in cooking class on how to prepare good food at home. This is bad?

Just bought this book , I have a lot of weight to lose, and was really impressed on a trip to Italy recently when I saw how they ate. basics of this book. most are thin there, and being italian this is how I ate before the fad diets told me it was wrong. also note that when i ate this way (as a child and thru my mid 20s) I WAS THIN!! I have done more damage to my metabolism by listening to no carbs, high carbs, low fat no fat, instead of common sense and portion control. most of my weight was gained after 3 children and laziness....fast foods etc. looking for a quick fix was my mistake, now its back to basics for me. Planning to begin this journey Monday. Long journey, small steps.

I'd love to try this diet but hate to cook. Especially since I'd probably be making 2 meals, one for my kids and one for me. Are there any quick and easy meals in the book?

I am excited for those of you trying the Sonoma Diet, if cooking is a challenge, begin with the Sonoma Express meals, pages 125 to 128. Thats a great intro to easy and quick meal preparations. Here's to your best health in good Taste.

This sounds like a wonderful program to me. I just bought the book today and am already half way through it. I lived in Italy for almost 4 years and this is truly the way they eat aside from the whole grains (I did not see alot of that).
If I had stuck with that way of eating back then I would not be trying to lose 95 pounds now. I am excited to get started.

I'm so excited! I am going to buy the book and join the website! This is my kind of diet and I know I can stick with it!

Again..thank you!

Last night was "day two" of my Sonoma Diet, and up until then I wasn't sure how far I'd make it in the program. But, I made the reccomended dinner recipe (it was lean flank steak) and it was unbelievable. I'm a bit of a kitchen novice, but I got a kick out of putting it all together - and it was so flavorful and delicious - I couldn't believe I made it (neither could my girlfriend). If the rest of the diet is this fun, I know I'm gonna make it.

Now, if I can only get off the couch and onto the treadmill...

This is day one for me and I'm also excited about the wonderful recipes. I think half the reason I've failed on other plans is that I just love great food and other diets "punish" you with bland, boring foods which push me off the wagon. I am also finally in the right place in my head for a slow, steady process. God knows I've been trying to lose the weight quickly for 20 years... hasn't worked yet!

Just bought the book last night after being burned out on counting weight watchers points and watching the scale creep up and up. I made a vow that 2006 would be my year! I read the book and I'm very excited and can't wait to go shopping. This is a diet that I can really do with my family (we all need to lose a few pound) and have fun doing it. I'm not much of a cook, but I think we will all have a blast in the kitchen playing "Emeril" with all those herbs and spices. Just looking at the recipes, it's hard to realize this is a "diet" book. Since our roots are Mediterraneian, we get a lesson in both culture and healthy eating. And wine too! How could you go wrong with this diet? I highly recommend the book, if even for the recipes. And if the weight don't come off....well, at least I still have the wine to fall back on. :) Here's to feasting and celebrating...salute!

I will give it a try.

Just heard about the diet on Joan Hamburg's morning program...I am so excited (a bit skeptical) to start it. Afflicted with scoliosis, it's hard to get around so my sister is going to Barnes and Noble to buy the book. Yes, I, too, have tried them all..Can't seem to make any long term headway. WW Core program was the best of the rest but,once again, temptation got in the way..what with the holidays..... Maybe this time?????? I'm praying for some solution! Whan I start this, does anyone want to be my "buddy"????? Having someone in the same boat should help.....(lol)

I only have ten pounds to lose, but it seems like an impossible mission. I've tried the no carb diet, in fact I rarely eat white carbs, and still seem to keep the extra pounds. I also want to limit my cooking time, but I'm anxious to try a more realistic diet, since I enjoy eating a variety of meals.

It's about darn time they came out with something like this! I haven't read the book but plan on buying it. I've never dieted before and hate being told I can't eat my pasta or pizza. I lived in Italy for 3 months and ate just like the Italians and ended up losing weight! It's all about portion size...give me my darn pasta and wine and back off my carbs!!! I know it works cause I lost weight in Italy and ate like a pig (not all the time mostly dinner but breakfast and lunch were always small)!!! Which is another disbelief of when to eat the bigger meals. The other benefit of living in Italy and the smaller portions were walking everywhere. I was walking about 40 minutes or more a day (normal walking nothing hard)getting around Florence. The portion sizes in America are horrible. Charge me less and give me less!!! I always end up having to take half the stuff home anyway.

I eat horrible, hamburger helper, frozen pizza or frozen Chicken patties heated up on toast. Lunch is just a Healthy Choice frozen meal (when on sale) or can of soup. Breakfast is Pop tarts. I am a single mother of 2 teenagers and have very little extra cash. Does anyone think someone like me can afford to go out and buy the ingrediants for this diet and eat this way? Most diets that want you to eat good food means you have to be able to afford plenty of fruits, veggies, lean meats and wholesome foods. The cheaper the food the worse it is for you.

Terri, if you want to eat good food on a limited budget, you are gonna have to sacrifice a bit of personal time. I struggle with the same thing. It helps if you have a freezer too (not just the little one on top of the fridge, but a bigger one).

I get fruits and vegetables at a small grocery store or at the farmer's market on Saturday morning, and buy what is in season. The more expensive ones, like berries, I freeze some to eat year-long during the only month where they are $1.50 a pound. I buy staples in bulk at Sam's Club, and split them with a friend - we get 10 pounds of brown rice at once, much cheaper, and so on. I also buy meat and chicken in bulk, portion them and freeze them. I can't afford skinless boneless chicken, so I buy the whole breasts or the whole chicken when the breasts are too expensive (for the brown meat, I remove the skin, then boil it to reduce the fat, then cook on the George Foreman grill to get rid of any leftover fat), and de-bone and remove the skins myself (it is a couple hours wasted, but only once every 2 months). I save the bones to make chicken broth, so that I can make vegetable soup. I can't afford the super lean meat cuts either, so I just buy the regular ones and remove the fatty parts myself.

It takes a bit of management but it can be done. For instance, I buy fresh chicken-filled raviolli in bulk (not whole-wheat, but I can't afford to eat 100% whole grains all the time) and freeze the portions, and each portion comes out cheaper than a pack of ramen. I use a bit extra chicken with tomato sauce to top, then whatever vegetables I have, and it is a much better meal for the same amount of money, with lots of protein, low-fat, and not that much carb.

Thanks Jan - I don't have a large freezer in my apartment and I don't have a Sam's card (but I would like one again!). I do realize that if I really care about losing the weight and eating right I will have to take some time out to do some of these types of things. Thank you for giving me some great ideas!!

Enjoyed reading all the comments. I just saw the Book and writer on Fox & Friends and it looks real good. I need to loose 50ish lbs. and think this might be the right way to go. The best thing is its a way of eating forever not just while the diet lasts. That is the problem with temp. diets, you gain it all back again after the diet stops. This way, seems we'd learn a whole new way of eating to maintain the weight loss and good health. I will go to Borders tomorrow and buy the book.....I can't wait :)

I only have a few pounds to lose (bet 7-10). I'm more interested in controlling my portion sizes and more importantly eat healthier (unprocessed whole foods, etc)I'm very interested in the book and following it's guidelines..I also purchase the Ladies Home Journal which gave a very good overview and a few sample menus..my concern is the fact that I'm a vegetarian and it seems from the surface that there may be few vegetarian options..especially with the pecentage of protein required at each meal. Before I invest in the book or join the on-line program I was wondering if it would be worth my while to purchase the book if I unable to follow the diet because of limited vegetarian options.

Terri, it is going to be better for your health too, you'll have more energy - and after you get the hang of it, it is actually cheaper. You'll have a bit of extra money to put in savings.

Wow. Omigod. Last night we made the Sicilian tuna steak, and I think it may have been the best thing I've ever eaten in my whole life. It was well and truely amazing.

Peggy,

I started a week ago and it is awesome. It is probably one of the most veggie friendly of the recent diets. Like all of veggiehood you have to make some adjustments, but I am finding it easy to do with Sonoma

I started the program Tuesday and I have lost 3.8 lbs. I am so excited and I don't feel deprived at all. I hope and pray this is the one for me. I, like so many have tried EVERYTHING and I have never lost more than 35 pounds at a time before I start gaining it back. That is not so good since I need to lose about 95-100 lbs.
I love hearing other people like this, because even though I do not know anybody it feels like a support group. Thanks everyone!

Just wondering how you all feel about using just the book or going online too. Sometimes I think following book is easier (cheaper too) Did go online to check out South Beach but plan to cancel.

I have diverticulosis and was recently hospitalized with an attack of acute diverticulitis (I'm 35). I am recovered now, and want to improve my life. This diet includes so many things I enjoy, but I'm afraid -- with diverticulosis -- that I may suffer ill effects from almonds, and blueberries, and strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, and bell peppers (all things I adore). Since Ms. Gutterson has posted, I was wondering, what are your thoughts?

I have every diet book in the world - I've tried them all - I did 3 stints on the LA Weight Loss diet, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. I lost but gained it all back with interest! I'm 54 years old and have 4 grandchildren and one on the way. I want to be able to play with them for a long time but at almost 190 pounds on my 5'5" frame, this is difficult! For me it's about my health. I have hypothyroidism and high cholesterol and I'm scared. I started the 10 day phase on January 2nd and have lost about 5 pounds. I feel better because I'm a sugar addict and I needed to clean the sugar out of my system. The best part is, yes, there are some wonderful recipes in the book, but I don't use them all the time. A grilled chicken breast dipped in a side of salsa and a caesar salad with light dressing is easy! And tasty! I have cereal usually for breakfast and a chef's salad or grilled chicken caesar for lunch. For dinner, I have a stir fry with low sodium soy sauce or good old meat and vegetables - maybe with some cheese melted on top. Good luck to everyone who has done the diet merry-go-round like I have. Maybe communication will be a key to our successes as well as the healthy basis for this diet.

Randy Smith, the MD must stand for mentally deficient. This "way of life" eating plan is as healthy as weight watchers only you can recognize portion size with a plate not having to weigh things. You probably right though. Fresh fruits and veggies with whole grain is a fad for most americans. Don't knock it till you try it DOC!!

My friend and I ordered this book because it seems to the fit our need to enjoy life, enjoy our food and to be healthy. We have already committed to do at least 30 minutes per day of walking or alternative excersize six days a week. We both already liked the mediterranean style of eating so we knew that this would fit us! For the woman who thought she had to cook a second meal for her children, I would ask, why? Shouldn't they adopt a healthy eating lifestyle too? This plan is far from "fad". It seems straightforward and liveable!

Can't wait to get my book!

I have never been a huge meat eater (only ate chicken & fish if any) therefore last week I decided to finally become vegetarian. Is the Sonoma diet vegetarian friendly?

Thanks Jenny!

I'll read the book and give a try. In fact I went to my local library and they ordered a copy of the book for me. So what do I have to lose???

I started the Sonoma Diet as outlined on the website (bought the book too) and have enjoyed some of the best food I have ever prepared. Its "healthy" food but is so flavorful. I am 49 years old and this is my first attempt using a "diet"... guess what? I have been on the diet for about 8 days now and have lost 7 pounds without ever really being hungry! Being able to button my Levis again tells the story even better! :>)
Sure, its not the mac and cheese comfort food many of us like, and it is a lot of prep work and cooking time, but it works. I hope to eat like this forever!

I started the diet this week and so far so good. Fortunately, I enjoy all the principle foods listed in the book. Before this diet I didn't cook at all but the recipes are easy to follow, healthy, and delicious. So far I've lost 5 pounds and remain positive. I've added exercise to the plan (40 minutes) every other night ... I plan to increase the time next week!

I bought the book yesterday, 20% off at B&N. I read it all last night. The book seems very vegetarian (and organic) friendly; in fact, just very friendly all round. There seemed to be a lot of repetition in the first few chapters on how good this way of eating is for you. For me, I've already committed to becoming more healthy, so I didn't need the extra encouragement, but for others it is probably helpful.
This healthy way of eating is DEFINITELY NOT the typical American diet. We've known for years that white sugar and white bread are not good for us, yet we still continue to eat them. I also have eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet, which this book says you can enjoy in moderation. I am thrilled to find a healthy, easy diet to follow and am also foisting it upon my 5 yr old. The toughest thing I think I face is making sure those around her don't feed her food that I consider toxic. (Check the labels of almost every "kid" food available; high fructose corn syrup, too much sodium and lots of fat. UGH!) The entire food/meal system mindset (for most, especially the media) in this country is loony, unhealthy, and expensive. The Sonoma Diet is a great reality check and I am excited to start feeling more energetic and fit.

Hi, I just bought the book and starting reading it today. I'm actually excited to start this diet; unlike all the rest of the diets out there. I like the part about adapting to a life time of eating style which will not only help me to lose weight but to keep it off for good. I'm glad there are people just like me with the same struggle, the more the merrier.