Each year, American diet trends become more and more extreme -- from the raw-food craze to the zero-carb regimen -- with no impact on our losing battle against obesity. But on the other side of the Atlantic, the timeless Mediterranean approach has consistently been linked with weight management and excellent overall health. Now the science behind these miracle foods has at last been translated to another sun-drenched locale closer to home: Sonoma County, known for its distinctive wines and bountiful, farm-fresh produce. The result is a proven, sane, and completely savory way to stay fit for life: THE SONOMA DIET (Meredith Books/$24.95/January 2006) by Dr. Connie Guttersen, R.D., Ph.D.
This is the book Dr. Guttersen was truly destined to write: she was a weight-loss counselor and nutrition researcher for many years, but she is also on the faculty of the renowned Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. This inspired her to develop a cutting-edge program that would reflect and perfect the Mediterranean way of eating, a feast for the senses and a boon to overall health. THE SONOMA DIET doesn't call for any diet foods -- just satisfying, easy-to-prepare meals that will actually program your body to lose weight. "THE SONOMA DIET is based on the very latest discoveries about nutrition, health, and weight loss," Dr. Guttersen writes. "You'll never be asked to track calories or keep score of any 'points.' You'll barely remember you're on a diet."
The reason you can enjoy such a carefree experience on THE SONOMA DIET is that Dr. Guttersen has done all the science for you, down to the last detail. Her recommended meals offer a range of delicious "power foods" that deliver maximum disease-fighting nutrients, infused with robust flavors and plenty of variety. Eaten in the correct combinations, these power meals will keep you feeling full while shifting your body's metabolic levels into high gear.
The diet is divided into three phases. Wave 1 lasts 10 days and triggers the most rapid weight loss. This phase is designed to help you eliminate cravings for unhealthy foods while still filling up on rich meals -- with whole-grain bread or cereal, meat or fish, and plenty of vegetables. Wave 2 adds an even broader range of food options and comprises the main leg of the diet; wine can be added at this stage, as well as a broad array of fruit. Wave 3 begins the day you reach your target weight, when you're able to customize the diet, based on your individual experience, in ways you can enjoy for a lifetime.
In addition to more than 300 delectable recipes, such as zesty Orange Roughy with Cilantro Pesto and hearty Chicken en Papillote with Vegetables, THE SONOMA DIET includes balanced, invigorating menus -- many with suggested wine pairings. Eye-opening research findings are also included, debunking diet myths and revealing the science behind 10 nutrient-rich power foods -- from the genius of phytonutrients to the skinny on olive oil (so treasured in Sonoma County that a special Blessing of the Olives festival is held there each year). Dr. Guttersen takes these power foods to new, high-impact levels, creating "smart combinations" of key ingredients -- and ramping up the metabolic benefits of every meal.
THE SONOMA DIET also offers friendly, one-on-one advice, including a Diet 911 chapter (your personal hotline for beating bad habits) and tips for fast- tracking your diet when the scale just doesn't seem to budge. Dr. Guttersen even provides specific menu guides for restaurants-including fast-food chains. And forget about calculating amounts; the book includes a stress-free measuring system that only requires an ordinary plate and bowl.
Dr. Guttersen believes that "to lose weight, you have to love to eat." THE SONOMA DIET is poised to take America by storm, introducing readers coast-to- coast to the joy of looking lean while eating well.
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