The Sonoma Diet

[dennisw]

Once you reach a certain age, it becomes increasingly easier to put on the pounds. For a long time I avoided the idea of dieting trusting that adhering to my strict regimen of chocolate and beer would see me through. It did not.

So sometime in November I came across The Sonoma Diet book at Target. After quickly perusing the book, it seemed it was a regimen which was reasonable and something that I could actually follow. The author describes the approach as follows:

The Sonoma Diet is like no other.

You will lose every ounce of excess weight that you need to. But at the same time, you will enjoy eating more than you ever have I your life. It is a way of eating where meals are a celebration, not deprivation.

That’s because on The Sonoma Diet, you don’t lose weight by avoiding food. Instead, you lose weight by enjoying satisfying amounts of the best foods on the planet.

I don’t know about the celebration part, but she is generally right in her statement. My wife and I have been following her regimen since November. I’ve probably eaten more good meals (prepared most of them) then ever before. I’ve also lost around 35 pounds which is kind of hard to believe.

The work involved in preparing the meals is the only downside, unless you are in to cooking or want to start. I would recommend this diet to anyone. If you have kids that still live with you it may be tough. However, if it’s just you or you and your wife, it is very doable.

[incommin]

Burn more calories than you take in along with a regular exercise program is the only "diet" necessary!

It is the only one that works in the long run. It is the only one that works at any age.........


Jim

[Roycroft201]

dennisw,


I wasn't familiar with the Sonoma Diet so thanks for mentioning it and your success with it. Congratulations !

I just looked at a review of it on a medical website and any diet that would allow me an occasional piece of dark chocolate and a glass of wine can't be all bad !!


RC201

[brewmonkey]

Originally Posted by incommin

Burn more calories than you take in along with a regular exercise program is the only "diet" necessary!

It is the only one that works in the long run. It is the only one that works at any age.........


Jim

For the vast majority of people that is indeed the way to go. However you have some people that it just will not work for, myself for example. Due to an injury and subsequent nerve damage I am unable to go to the gym like I used to and walking is pure agony. If I were to eat even a 2K calorie a day diet I would look like those guys Richard Simmons gets out of the house using a crane.

While I do not use the Sonoma or any other plan for that matter, I did come up with one on my own that works. It works so well that even though I was only 190lbs at 6', I still dropped close to 20lbs before I made some adjustments. I eat whatever I want but every meal has to have some dairy in it, be it a glass of milk, cup of yogurt, cheese and so on. I then divided my calories by 6 times a day, each 4 hours apart (I do not sleep well so I am up for the midnight and 4am times) and those are the only times I eat. By staging my food like that I am not starving at some point during the day, by ensuring I have the dairy in there I make sure that I am getting the protein that I need etc... I still make regular meals and eat with my family but say I made lasagna for dinner. I simply divide my piece out into 2, maybe 3 sections and then eat those later on. I still get a full meal it is just over time.

For the past 4 years I have been unable to work out this has helped me keep my weight in check. It is simple and I only cut back the calories slightly from the 2,000 suggested. My pain management doc is also aware of my program and helps keep track by doing blood work at least 2 times a year if not more.

[incommin]

Brewmonkey,

Sounds like you have the weight issue under control........still taking in less calories than you burn in a day.........

I have some friends that also have medical problems that prevent a daily exercise program as most know it..... they divide their meal intake into six small meals a day, do what limited exercises they can; and they too have things under control.

Peace be with you,

Jim