The Sonoma Diet

Hello to all, I too am very interested in this diet. But like Sondi, I am eager to find anyone that has stayed on this diet past 30 days. Has anyone met their goal? I am a mother of two and work full-time. I have over 90 lbs to lose. One concern is how can I modify the diet to serve a family of four and make sure there are leftovers for lunch the following day. Anyone out there in my situation? If so, how are the kids doing? In order for me to make it, I must keep it interesting for all. I do feel that I finally found the new way of eating for our household. Now all I need is some answers and help from a few new friends.

Thanks a bunch.

I have been on Sonoma for two months and have lost 20 pounds. My goal is to lose 20 more, but realistically, I would be happy to keep off this 20 and keep control of my eating habits.

My experience so far: Wave one was real tough- if you eat for pleasure/comfort like me, you need to find other pleasurable activities to replace your comfort eating during the first 10 days. I am comfortable now in wave 2 with some cheating, but always trying to stay in control of what I eat and most importantly- how much I eat.

I am a classic overeater/closet eater and LOVE carbs. I have found that by replacing all or most of my white flour-based carbs with whole grains that I am able to feel full while eating less. Whole grains are definitely the way to go- yes- they may be more expensive, but the additional cost is nothing when compared to the medical costs you will end up with if you remain overweight. (At least that is how I justify it!)

I have also learned that most of my overeating problem has to do with the enjoyment of the actual chewing and tasting. I have cut down on a lot of daily calories by making salads the main item on my plate, so I still get a lot of chewing, but the food is more healthy.

The number one thing you need to take from this diet is PORTION CONTROL. Fill your plate up once for every meal and make sure not to skip breakfast. EAT SLOWLY during at least one meal per day. Do not eat in front of the TV or computer and try to do something other than eating when you are stressed. When you have the munchies - first drink a full glass of water and then try eating bell peppers or other crunchy veggies. When you have to cheat, try to do so in moderation.

Finally, you won't lose any weight unless you are active, so stopping reading this blog and get out and exercise.

Good Luck!

Hello Fellow Sonoma Diet Fans,

I have been on Sonoma since January. I only had to lose about 10lbs. I chose Sonoma because it is based in on whole healthy flavorful foods, not too mention the RED wine!! I only lost about 6-7lbs but what I can tell you is that I lost weight in places where I tend to hold weight which is my upper body. We recently went to Florida and it was the FIRST time in a long time I put on a bathing suit and felt GOOD about how I looked. I felt as though what I call "FAT BACK" was gone!!
I have not followed the diet to the "T" except for no white stuff and always try to incorporate the 10 superfoods on a daily basis. The only time I REALLY cheat is when I have standard pizza on Friday's and maybe a bit extra red wine :-)
I recommend this diet all the time. On vacation, I received several compliments on how I looked and friends we were curious as to how I lost my weight. One friend said she was going to get the book as soon as she got home.

Good luck to all! I am sticking with it as it is not hard to follow and is making me a healthier person while transitioning my body as well!!

Barbara

Hi Everyone,

I posted a while ago, that my husband and I both wanted to lose 50 pounds and started the diet. So, it's been a couple months now and we're both about 25 pounds down.

It's really no fault of the diet. I've gotten a couple end-of-season colds/flus which made me less inclined to go to the effort to cook dinner. And, now that the weather is nice, we're travelling more, and I have a baaaaaad habit of snacking while I drive. So our progress could be described as losing 20 pounds in a month, screwing around for another month, with colds and other stuff, and then getting back on the diet (and packing baby carrots for those driving snacks) and dropping five more pounds in the past two weeks.

So, we've been on the diet for more than a month. I really like it because it does teach you how to make a healthy meal and the changes in portion sizes decrease your stomach size and make you feel fuller sooner. The guidelines in the book really help you get rid of the snacks that can drive you off course, so you're kind of forced to snack well.

Before you say, geez, only 25 pounds, I have to say that we have not yet started exercising. We keep saying that we'll start, but there never seems to be enough time in the schedule. If you could start this diet and then do the good old 30 minutes, 3 times a week, thing, I'm sure you'd see better results. Our goal is still the total loss of 50 pounds, but I don't think I've seen that since middle school, so I'm not completely sold on my target weight. I'll be happy to be within 10 pounds of it, especially with some exercise to tone up - I swear I'm going to start that soon!!!!

-Danielle

Hi everyone,
I have started the diet only 2 days ago and I have a few questions:

1. How "vertically full" can I make my plate and still be sure I am not eating too much?

2. Is it ok to snack carrots, celery and fennel during the day whenever I have a craving for food?

3. How long does it take to see the first results? I would like to loose 17 pounds...

Thanks for your reply.

So far I am pretty excited about the diet, I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing!

Hi Prinx-

Vertical stacking is one of those reasons why your portions may be too big and you wouldn't get the results you're looking for. With each recipe, she has a "number of servings" listed, so I use that as my guidelines. There are only two of us, so if the recipes are for "4 Servings," I dish up two plates and two Gladware containers, saving the leftovers for when my husband has to work late.

She has recommended snacks in the book. I snack on carrots when driving simply because I have a need to chew something to stay awake on long trips. I don't have the book in front of me, but you may want to be careful with carrots because of the sugar content.

I think most people see results in the first week. The first ten days are the hardest, but also show a rapid drop in weight, if you're following the guidelines.

Good luck with it, Prinx - looking at most people's posts on this topic, you could lose your 17 pounds within a month.

-Danielle

I have been on many diets and my number one issue is dairy. I LOVE dairy! Cheese, milk, yogart, cottage cheese, the list goes on and on. I'm going to check this book out, but is there any info. on dairy that I should know?

Danielle,
Thanks a lot for your reply.

I found the first day after the weekend pretty hard also because I realised that having eggs at 7 am is not my thing. So I skipt breakfast and struggled all morning until lunch :) !

I now bought wholewheat cereals from an organic shop and I think I will have to stick to them for the rest of the diet. I do not drink milk either so I guess I will have to chew them alone!?

Apart from that, I am still happy. My colleagues were very jealous of my salad at lunch...I also realised that I will end up saving money this way as sandwiches in London are &£%"$$"$ expensive!

Ah, I gave up on the idea of carrots as well and I am sticking to raw fennel and celery for my snack.

I will let you know my drop in weight,if any, on saturday!

Ciao

Did anyone else attend the talk and book signing tonight at Borders in Dallas? Connie was fantastic in every aspect of understanding how to relate with the group and give a real world answer to a difficult question. I would really like to see her do more talks about TSD and healthy cooking. Rumor has it she may be scheduled for another national show. Please share when and where if anyone has details?

I just started and have a few questions. The book says that some vegetables are unlimited and then it tells you how to fill your plate. If you're not full - can you have another plate of the unlimited veggies or a salad???
Thanx for any help, Johanna

I am so excited to try this diet after reading all the comments. My husband and I eat pretty similarly to this, except for the portion control. The recipes sound really good.

I'm not sure why people are saying this sounds like the South Beach Diet. I read through that book and the food sounded awful. Lots of fake foods (diet jello?), lots of cheese.

Someone awhile back posted asking about pizza. I'm not sure if you have access to a Trader Joe's, but they have homemade whole wheat dough that is delicious. It's very easy to make and you can pile on the veggies. Friday night is pizza night at our house too. ;-)

Looking forward to trying this! Good luck everyone!

E

It was me with the PIZZA!! If I do not do the Friday night cheat. I have made Whole Wheat pizza with dough made at our local Organic Grocer. I put fresh mozz on it and fresh sauce. The kids actually like it!!

Good Luck to you!
Barbara

Thanks Barbara! Tomorrow's my first pizza night on the Sonoma Diet, so I'm glad it can work. :-)

I thought I'd check back in and leave my feeback now that I've been on the diet a whopping 4 days. I have lost 3 pounds (I'd like to loose another 5). I am following the diet except I still have 2 pears every day (I have IBS) on Wave 1. I don't think I've ever eaten so well.

So far, I've tried the Spinach Pesto (made it with feta, it was the BEST pesto I've ever had), Black Bean and Chicken Wraps (really good, I'd leave the water out of the spread next time), and the Chile Mint Burgers (YUM! And spicy!) My husband loves the food.

The prep time per meal seems to be about 10-15 minutes (mostly chopping time) then you toss stuff on the grill or in the blender/food processor and you're done. Washing the blender does take awhile. Other than that, it's not that much different than making other, fattier dinners.

My only gripe is that joining the website is not worth the money. The recipes are the same in the book, on the website the sauces and marinades are just listed individually. That makes it seem like there are more recipes. Worse, the website is buggy as heck. Other than that, I am definitely happy with the food and the results.

I Just got the book yesterday and finished it about 1 hour ago. I made my shopping list up for the week and I wonder what the cost of this diet will be? I have a weekly shopping budget. Any helpful tips would be appreciated.

I am in my 30's and have 3 children. I have been on every "diet" OUT THERE and they work until I get board. I like this concept and I do not believe I will get board with the 3 wave system. I already eat most of these foods. I have to be more mindful of the servings. Also I am not a big water drinker.{big Problem to get in 64oz daily}

Hi Diane-

Welcome aboard. The nice thing about the waves is that just as you get bored of Wave 1, you're on to Wave 2. There are plenty of recipes in the book to keep you going, but by the time you've gotten sick of them, you'll have figured out how to put your own together, I'm sure. Also, there was a little paperback companion in the grocery stores about a month ago: "The Sonoma Diet Recipes" from Better Your Home. There is a great recipe in there for Braised Pork Tenderloin with Olives, that was a life-saver for leftover ham from Easter.

I found that this diet does not break the bank - ONCE you've purchased all the spices that you may not already have in your cupboards. The first week or two cost more because of that, but once the spices came in, I found that we just transferred the cost from boxed foods to fresh ones.

Some tips, if you have a big freezer - buy frozen veggies and buy your meats in bulk and freeze them in batches that are the right size for your family. To save prep-time, I buy frozen diced onions and peppers - that way they're right there to be tossed into a recipe and I don't have to worry about them going bad on the counter or in the crisper.

Oh, and for the pizza lovers out there, there is a Greek Pizza recipe in Wave 2 using the whole wheat Boboli crust - I'm sure you could substitute your favorite real whole wheat pizza dough instead.

Good luck on the diet. The foods are very flavorful and this is a great way to teach good eating habits to your kids. I won't make any promises about your kids loving them though - I'm having a terrible two wrestling match with my daughter over just about anything I try to get her to eat.

-Danielle

i would like to say that i am a student and have to analys a diet and it would be great if you gave a clear outline of what is to be eaten and not eaten and how much exercise is recommended with this diet. i only did a quick scan so it might be there!

I have had a weight problem all my life and then it really got out of control, I've tried other diet's and I have to say, I read the Sonoma Book and also listened to what my daughter had been telling me for yrs. Cut out the sugar, flour and eat healthy. I started the Sonoma diet on Jan 9th and as of today I have lost 70 pounds, This is the only thing that has ever worked for me. And my husband has lost weight also. I feel better, I dont crave sweets, or flour products. And I feeling so good.

Pam
Colorado Springs, Co

I should be sleeping... but instead I'm reading everyone's comments on the Sonoma way of eating, and getting optimistic again about being able to get healthy and lose weight! My husband and I both need to lose about 40 lbs, and tried the 6 Week Body Makeover. We lasted less than 6 weeks on the diet - - mainly because of food selection limitations. We visited Italy a few years ago, and noticed that their pizza was very simply made, and not loaded with cheese and sausage, like American; their portions were much smaller; and they walked a LOT! Seems like the Sonoma diet is more a way of choosing and enjoying good food. I'll have to see if my husband will go for it; he wants to know the details first- - what "whole grains" includes, for instance.

Hi Chris-

I can only say good things about the Sonoma Diet. I've lost 30 pounds so far, kind of plateued because we're having a really busy month and I'm too overwhelmed to think about menus right now (we've got to move, sell our house, are buying a new car, running a small businesss, oh, and my daughter turns two tomorrow - just a little stress). So, we've been ordering out quite a bit lately. In spite of that, I haven't gained any weight, just been holding at 30 pounds lost (I really want to lose another 10 to 15, and I've heard those are the hardest).

Anyway, the whole grains aren't bad. We get whole wheat wraps, breads that are whole wheat or made with whole wheat flour, brown rice, quinoa (which I haven't tried yet), there's even a recipe in Wave II for a Greek Pizza on a whole wheat Boboli - really yummy, by the way. My husband has lost 20 pounds, but he cheats, so I haven't gotten him any lower than that. However, he is a good sport about most of the diet, because it really is flavorful and I think he knows it's good for him.

Good luck convincing your hubby. I hope this diet works for you!

-Danielle

Hey everyone!
I went to the SAG Awards Nominations in LA and got the book as a gift.
I started reading and became really attracted to it. I will start doing the Sonoma Diet on monday and will let you all know in about 2 weeks how it's going.
By the way, I think that the book is enough. No need to join the website.

If everyone (who is trying to lose weight) would realize the very simple fact that eating too much coupled with inactivity is why people gain weight AND then stop making excuses we wouldn'r need diets. It would just be eating healthy. At least this diet is preaching flavoful and healthy ways to maintain or decrease weight. Eat healthy and move your body! There really isn't any secret! FIGURE IT OUT.

Salt? Are we allowed salt on the diet? I read some things earlier that seemed to imply that I shouldn't be eating salt on the diet. Anyone?

I had the same question when I was started the diet. I have since found out that Kosher salt and Sea salt are OK. You can have salt and it is important for flavor in many of the recipes.

for George. im not sure if you know how mediterranean/french people look, but theyre stunning. they dont get fat, because they eat pretty much according to this diet. its about metabolism. if you want to eat what you choose, then clearly sceptisism is your only route. we werent created to have sugar in everything that we eat, and if we limit ourselves, like we're supposed to, we wont get fat, and this diet will prove true.

Today is Thursday, been on since Monday. Have lost 7 lbs!
I'm 55, and all of a sudden, eating well and exercising don't do a darn thing. Tried them all, WW, Atkins, etc, and this is working! I really love everything in Wave 1 so far...the marinated flank steak even impressed my husband. Luckily, right now, veggies are affordable, but come winter, will have to make adjustments. Miss chocolate right now, but can have some in Wave 3. Recommend Wave 1 especially for anyone looking for instant results.

I just started this diet two weeks ago and have lost six pounds. At first I was put off at having to do all the planning for shopping, and taking time for cooking, but the food is so good--better than 95% of all the restaurants in my town, and certainly much better and more satisfying than all the processed stuff at the grocery store--that I am willing to make time to do it. One can always find time for cooking by spending less time in front of the television or less time going shopping. And I'm seeing better results and I don't have a feeling of being deprived. I also feel like I have more energy. This is a lifestyle change I can live with!

I just started Wave 1 a couple of days ago, but I had a rocky start. Will I still lose weight even if I had 2 slip-ups on the first 2 days? I lost weight on South Beach the first time, but when I tried it again, I didn't lose anything. I only have about 10 pounds to lose, and I exercise, but nothing is really working. If anyone has any tips to get through Wave 1, I would appreciate it. I automatically cheat when I know I am not supposed to have something.

Yeah, I tried this diet and lasted about 7 hours. Just like every other diet... The limit on the dairy was the worst part. I naturally eat a lot of fruits and veggies and all wheat, but my portions are too big. Maybe next diet. Good luck everyone.

I started the diet last week. I had been doing the paleo diet and that was great. My diabetes went into remission and I lost about 9 pounds. It's boring though. So after 29 days I couldn't do it any more. I switched to this diet about 7 days ago. I've lost 2.5 pounds and my sugar remains in the normal range. My husband loves all the food and though I hate to cook I find the recipes simple, prep time short and substituting dried spices for fresh when I have to works fine. Hoping this group will help keep me going.

Pam, you have to give yourself at least 2 more weeks. Wave 1 is the hardest part and everything is much easier after that. Keep looking for short cuts to the prep for cooking. I found many of the recipes can use the same veggies you prep today for tomorrow. Good luck.

To Terri, who eats terribly. You can't afford not to eat healthy, if you want to live! processes foods (anything in packages or cans) is full of chemicals that will make you ill or give you cancer. Processed meats are full of sodium nitrate which will absolutely give you cancer. Those processed foods are expensive. Shop the outside walls of your grocery store where the food is live food, not dead food. Of course we can't avoid the anitbiotic injections and growth hormones of meats & poultry unless we go organic. We all have to come to the realization that it's a greed conspiracy. They pump the food with ingredients to make us fat and sick, then give us drugs to make us sicker!!! Eating healthy and nutritious is a personal responsibilty and the fight against FDA & drug administration is a battle we all need to fight - FOR OUR LIVES!!!!! This diet is fundamentally good sense, good eating (I question the dairy) but used food combining to achieve results... proven results I might add!! Diane

I just started diet yesterday. I don't have a lot of weight to lose, but this year (45 y.o. now) my waist is just getting bigger and bigger. I can't start my morning without coffee with cream and sugar, but have been trying to modify with 1 packet of splenda and soy milk. Is this acceptable? I've only been at it two days so no weight loss yet, and I've been really tired both days. I took a nap today -- something I never, ever do, but I couldn't keep going. I also had an iced espresso with soy this afternoon after my nap and now I feel fine (ha ha). Will the tiredneses pass? Will I be able to break the sugar habit if I'm using Splenda (a sugar substitute). I'm not worried about pounds, I am worried about breaking my sugar habit because I believe if I can break that, the pounds will follow. Thanks for any feedback. It sounds like there are lots of success stories. Good luck to all.

Thanks Eliza. It was nice to get a comment from someone. I am sticking with the diet. The 10 day was easy for me because the paleo is carb free so I'd already beaten the sugar addiction. That was the hardest part at the beginning. Now the hard part is especially busy days and the fast food versus good food problem. I try to make things ahead but honestly it's not part of my routine yet. Plus eating out is such a social thing to do where I work. Sigh.

Tina here's the deal with your coffee. If you have it with 1 T. of half & half and a teaspoon of sugar you're talking 30 calories. 1 or even 2 cups is not going to derail your diet. Feeling deprived might be worse. Because that latte you buy at Starbucks later in the day, because you were so darn good that morning, has almost 300 calories and that's what is going to get you. So after you get through the first 10 days go back to your coffee habit, enjoy it, and make up the 30-60 calories, if you feel you have to, by taking a walk around the block.

I just purchased the book, mostly to get back on track eating healthy. My diet is terrible although I'm not overweight. I want to get my mom on it too,(she does need to lose weight) but she absolutely HATES whole wheat anything. Any suggestions?

I am so encouraged. I have been on this site for the past two days reading all of your posts. Today is my first day on the Sonoma Diet and I feel that I can succeed. I have a huge going away party to attend in 11 days and am excited to to see the results of wave 1 by then. I already exercise 45 minutes a day 4 or 5 days a week,so this is just an added bonus! I'll keep everyone posted.

For Beth: I have the same issues with my mom so here is what worked with her-I basically tricked her! If you overcook it a little bit (the pasta) it develops a comprable texture to regular pasta. Be sure to use a sauce she really enjoys, then just don't tell her the pasta is whole wheat. Bread is trickier but if she likes the pasta, that is a good starting point as you can remind her that she ate the pasta and liked it. Hopefully this helps. If all else fails, remind her of the health aspects. Good luck!

everyone is saying how they bought the book and how good this site is but not said if they have gone on the diet and if it works

Hi everyone I have just bought the book and plan to start tomorrow--I love everything about it! I weigh 175 and wanna lose 50 pounds. I recently lost 8 pounds doing a cleanse and would like to continue before falling back on old habits. I also work out like crazy--I run about 2 miles every other day and yoga and kickboxing in between. Hopefully it won't take too long to lose. I am pretty tight and toned, but just wanna be smaller. I also need to eat healthier--anyone else have tips for this plan--I have tried them all and they all work but they are tough to stick to--this one seems mroe realistic. Let me knwo if anyone needs a buddy!

I started the Sonoma diet about 4 weeks ago and have already lost 19 pounds. But it isn't just about losing weight. It is about eating healthy food.