This diet plan was developed by Dr. Connie Guttersen, R.D. and PhD, a leading nutritional and dietary expert. It is inspired by the healthy eating and active lifestyles of people who live on or near the Mediterranean Sea. It gets its name from Sonoma county in California. People who follow this diet enjoy nutritious and delicious fresh foods including vegetables, whole grains, and wine with variety of flavors.

According to the creator of the diet it is based on 10 power foods which are:

• whole grains- barley, brown rice, whole-wheat flour, oats etc
• almonds- for heart healthy fats
• bell pepper- for healthy nutrients
• tomatoes- for its versatility and cancer fighting elements
• broccoli- for calcium, vitamin c and its ability to clear toxins
• grapes- for phytonutrients
• spinach- for iron, vitamin k, vitamin b9, calcium, antioxidants
• blueberries- for antioxidants that strengthen heart
• strawberries- for sweet flavor along with nutrients it provides
• olive oil- for antioxidants and its ability to lower bad cholesterol

Sonoma diet has three stages. First phase is the most rigorous one and lasts for about 10 days or so. In this phase very few foods are allowed with very few portions. Sugar is restricted in this phase. Other two phases have added additional foods.

Sonoma Diet