The Sonoma Diet claims to be a revolutionary program in the field of Weight Loss. It bases itself around the latest in nutritional science to provide both weight loss, as well as a lifestyle to follow and maintain long after the dieter has met their target weight. In order to understand what this means we need to understand how the truth Sonoma Diet works. This article will analyse the process of losing weight on the Sonoma Diet, by critically evaluating its “Wave” process, as well as their acclaimed application of portion control.
How does the Sonoma Diet work?
New members participate in an initial meeting as part of the Sonoma Diet to determine their goals both in weight loss and lifestyle. Once a target weight and timeline for meeting the goals are established the dieter begins the structured system. This is relatively standard way for commercial diets to begin and its effectiveness depends upon how realistic the goals and timeline are.
The Sonoma Diet's system is divided into what they call, three distinct “Waves”. These Waves are designed help the dieter adjustment maintaining the new way of eating, which is the toughest aspect for any dieter.
Wave 1 of the Sonoma Diet is the first ten days of the diet in which dieters overcome their bad eating habits that contribute mostly to putting on unwanted weight. It is a natural recalibration of the body, and a challenge strategically placed at the start of the program when enthusiasm and confidence are highest for the dieter. There are less foods allowed and smallest portions offerred in this phase, but dieters will experience the fastest weight loss. This phase works for those who have the will power to handle a lack of eating, however it is certainly not an easy adjustment.
Wave 2 is the major section of the Sonoma Diet. Dieters will stay within this section until they meet their target weights. The food portions and choices increase in Wave 2, however the weight loss is not as fast, rather coming is a steady stream. Again there are some concerns by experts that the diet's small portions are not enough for the average person to maintain.
Finally, Wave 3 of the Sonoma Diet is the maintenance of results. It begins once the dieter has met their target weight and/or other health goals as part of the diet. Continuing to enjoy the delicious and nutritional Sonoma foods this part of the diet ensures that you do not relapse and put on unwanted weight, while also allowing occasional pleasures such as sweets.
What is the Sonoma Diet Portion Control?
One of the biggest forms of control utilised by the Sonoma Diet is its portion control. It is what makes it such a structured diet. While there is a significant degree of flexibility with the foods dieters may eat, the portion sizes are very strict. The Sonoma Diet portion control uses the application of their “Sonoma Diet Plate & Bowl Concept.” This method removes any confusion dieters may have by applying the most recent nutritional science to your plate size. Redefining the common size of Westernised Culture plate sizes that have recently received so much criticism for being too large, with incredible amounts of calories and fat, the Sonoma Diet members are provided with specifically sized cutlery.
The Sonoma Dieter is to have a 7-inch plate or a 2-cup bowl for breakfast and a 9-inch plate for lunch and dinner. Then as a member the Sonoma Diet programs (available online) provide accurate instructions on how to fill these plates/bowls with the right amount of food for each Wave of the diet. One of the biggest issues to consider here is whether or not this is enough? Several critiques of the diet have found that the portions and servings are too small for the average person and will leave them constantly hungry and there is the risk of "carb crash" (particularly in Wave One). Furthermore the diet lacks any tips to combat hunger.
In concluding the Sonoma Diet provides the dieter with both a step-by-step plan that is simple to follow, and produces successful results. However it does not have a great deal of flexibility, and at times appears to have portion sizes that will leave dieters hungry and with no clue on how to combat this hunger. All prospective dieters should consider these issues when deciding if this is the best diet for them.
Tobius Whitman
Tobius Whitman is an expert in the feild of Health & Nutrition, particularly diet techniques and weight loss programs. He has an extensive knowledge and experience with the Sonoma Diet and the way it works. As a result has produced several detailed reviews covering each aspect of the program.
For more details refer to his site at http://www.sonomadietreviewed.com
