Sonoma Diet and the Mediterranean Diet - Questions about Sonoma/Mediterranean diet plans

I've been told by my physician that I am insulin resistant, and she has recommended that I follow a Mediterranean-type diet. To that end, she had me meet with the dietitian and the plan she has given me seems to follow the Sonoma diet pretty closely, without the Wave I restrictions.

This seems to be a good plan for me, as I have already eliminated a lot of refined sugars from my diet. My biggest challenge will be the switch to whole grains and the elimination of potatoes, which are my two biggest food cravings. I also love a glass of wine in the evening, and my doctor had already suggested that I switch from white to red. This also seems to be right in line with the Sonoma Diet.

I'd love to hear from others who are finding the Sonoma/Mediterranean plans effective. I'm curious as to what you like/dislike about them, as well as how it compares to your previous weight loss efforts using other methods.

I am a calorie counter. My plan incorporates the basics of the S/M diet, though I have incorporated some aspects of other ways of eating as well.

I have found that it works well for me. It is definitely a plan that one can stick to, and it is effective :)
It is flexible enough that it can indeed be a WOE (way of eating) that becomes a lifestyle change.

Thanks for your reply, CountingDown.

I lost weight many years ago (my first diet, actually) by strictly counting calories. I was a freshman in college and when I look back on it I am still amazed at my self-control. I had to eat in the commons so it was very hard to really know how many calories were in the food, but apparently I was fairly accurate, as the pounds did come off. My friends used to be amazed that I would break an ice-cream sandwich bar in half and eat only that half, either throwing the other half away or, more often than not, giving it to someone else at the table! :smug:

Unfortunately at that point in my life I didn't understand the idea of lifestyle change, so eventually the weight went back on. But it was a very effective method for me, and probably my only real option as I had very little control of my food choices. And it did teach me some valuable lessons about setting a goal and reaching it.

BTW, I've looked at your pictures and read your story - both are very inspiring! Thank you for taking the time to help others; it would be so easy to just slip away. You're a good role model for others who are still on their journey.