What It Is

The Sonoma diet. Does the phrase conjure images of plum-dark wine and succulent salmon enjoyed overlooking verdant grape vines?

If so, that may be the aim of Connie Guttersen, PhD, RD. The author of The Sonoma Diet hopes you'll see her diet plan as marrying pleasure with health, where every meal is about "celebration, not deprivation."

The secret to losing weight forever, says Guttersen, a registered dietitian and dietary consultant, is not in avoiding foods you love but enjoying the right foods in the right amounts.

Even in the most restrictive phase of the diet -- the 10-day induction period -- whole grains and cereals, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nuts are on the menu. And after the induction period almost nothing is forbidden, including wine and occasional sweets.

Almost nothing is forbidden. What's limited at the start, and discouraged throughout this diet plan, are foods with saturated fats, refined white flour, and added sugar. As a matter of fact, if you're not ready to literally purge your pantry of processed foods, you may not be ready for this diet.

However, the Sonoma diet would be ideal for those with a love of fruits, veggies, wine, and healthy foods.

It would also suit people motivated to follow the restrictions of a structured plan, who have the time and desire to cook, and who are willing to stock a pantry free of sugar and trans fats, adds Elisa Zied, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, and author of So What Can I Eat?!