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"      this diet to other popular diets.   Overview Think simple, natural foods that are full of nutrients. Touted by its creator, Connie Guttersen, Ph.D., R.D., as the Western Hemisphere&amp;#039;s Mediterranean diet, it puts the focus on food selection and portion control, but rejects calorie counting and food weighing. You&amp;#039;ll drop most of your weight in the first two weeks, with slower weight loss thereafter. The main tenet is consuming meals with the appropriate nutrient ratio of protein, whole grain, fruit, and vegetables, which varies for each of the diet&amp;#039;s three waves. And instead of calorie counting, measuring, and weighing, Guttersen redefines the American plate, suggesting that dieters swap out their dinnerware for 9-inch tasting plates. What you will eat The diet emphasizes vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and good fats (like olive oil), and discourages sugar and processed foods. The first wave is an aggressive 10-day pantry purge that shuns sugar, flour, fruit, oils that aren&amp;#039;t extra-virgin olive oil, nut oil, or canola oil, and high-sugar vegetables. Wave 2 adds fruit, more vegetables, fat-free yogurt, some sugar-free sweets, dark chocolate, honey, and, of course, wine (any variety is fine). Wave 3 is a maintenance phase emphasizing power foods like almonds, blueberries, grapes, and spinach. Alcohol and Caffeine Alcohol is forbidden for the first 10 days. Coffee is allowed throughout, but no cream or sugar at the outset. Dining Out Not a problem as long as you follow the appropriate nutrient ratios. Family Friendly Yes! The diet&amp;#039;s emphasis on enjoying food slowly teaches children (and your husband) healthful habits. You&amp;#039;ll also enjoy sitting down to a meal and relaxing with a glass of wine. Amount of Cooking A lot. Ever heard the term slow food? It&amp;#039;s a movement that discourages a fast-paced, fast-food culture. This diet is similar. Recipes in this diet can be time-intensive and often require several ingredients. Best for Wine lovers and food aficionados who like to cook, particularly if they like using high-quality ingredients -- lean cuts of meat, fresh fish, organic and seasonal produce, herbs, and spices. Setbacks to Watch Out for Your grocery bill may skyrocket. Power foods like berries can be pricey out of season. Going cold turkey on processed foods like your favorite cereal could prove challenging. Success Story Traci Reason lost 110 pounds by giving up carbs. For More Information SonomaDiet.com "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/advice/a18707/sonoma-diet-1/>