Sonoma Diet and the Mediterranean Diet - Sonoma (the book) for us Mediterraneans

I just posted this on the Sonoma forum as I promised to go back after I'd finished reading the book. I am reposting here so we can discuss the Sonoma book and how it compares to our own Mediterranean plans.
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I finished reading the Sonoma book and have to say that I am very impressed. It is a good template for someone who wants to eat more Mediterranean and is written in a smooth enjoyable style. I am excited to try some of the recipes also.

The only thing that I wasn't comfortable with was the menu plans. Most of the dinners seem to be centered around meat. I realize that the portion sizes are smaller than what most American households eat now, but it still seems a bit much for Mediterranean.

Still, I like the flexibility of the plan. It is rigid enough for people who need to have everything set out for them, yet flexible for those who want to take the basic idea and plan their own meals.

It was worth the $25. I only wish a similar book had been available years ago as it would have made a perfect present for someone I know.

Thanks Jayde! Its nice to have a review by a "real" person! I've been hemming and hawing about buying the book...I really don't *need* another diet book but I may cave and buy this one. I wish I could lose weight just eating healthy food and getting my exercise in but it seems I need the extra guidance on an actual "plan"...I hate that and I really think its mostly a psychological thing.

We'll see...I'll probably change my mind six more times before I actually breakdown and buy it though. Or maybe I'll just check the library first...if I can order it in that would be better.

Casey

I have the Sonoma book and LOVE it; however I dont follow the plan. I do use the tips and tools in my diet. The book that changed my dieting is "French women dont get fat" , when I was a lurker I saw it somewhere on the board. The book is FULL of wonderful tips and tools. It has really taught me that i dont have to give up m favorite foods.

The Sonoma book is good; but I dont like the structure of the diet; I think many dieters try and fit there diet into that structure and fail.
I created a structure for myself.

I love the Med. diet; I have many recipes that are wonderful and tasty and HEALTHY.

I guess I should have posted the link to the post in Sonoma. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1267430&posted=1#post1267430

Casey, I’m reading one more book that also might be good. It is Willett’s newest book. After I read it I’ll be sure to tell you about it. I am looking for a book to recommend to someone who needs this information in a simple form. Willett’s first book was amazing to me. One of the best written influences on changing my habits, but it was just too technical for a relative of mine. Anyhoo.. I digress. 

Adeela, I’ve read French Women too. It sure gave me a lot to think about.

I love Med. too. Actually, I’m more MediterrAsian than just Med.

I loved French Women Don't Get Fat too...very common sense. But SO hard to change eating habits that have been ingrained since you started eating. I told my Mom and Grandma last week that I'm not making my boys clear their plates, I'm sure they know when they have had enough to eat...I think they were both horrified and think I am going to screw up my kids forever. And this was right after we finished talking about how we keep eating once we we're full...gotta clear that plate!

I also really liked The Okinawa Program...I think the logic behind it is good...but we have a hard time eating more authentic Asian food...its just a bigger adjustment from what we are used to than say a more Med based diet. But it is still something I try to do because I feel like it is worth it and if I can raise my kids on it then they won't be 30 and trying to adjust.

Jayde...I'm not sure I know who Willette is...what is the name of the book you are reading? Actually I prefer technical in a diet book...if its not I think they might be making it up. Of course I did have great luck with Suzanne Somers plan and its not particullarly technical...but then it drives me crazy that it works so well since I think there is no reason that just separataing carbs and protien should have an effect. Ahhh well! There is just so much chemistry involved...I know that in the end its calories in vs. calories out but I know from experience that subtle things that *shouldn't* make a difference often do!

Casey

I'm pretty much following the Sonoma Diet right now, though I have strayed a bit and am trying to get back to it. To me, the most valuable part of the book is the recipes. Most of them are very quick and I have had no problem getting family members to eat what I prepare. In fact, everyone has been very enthusiastic about them. That is important to me because I am attempting a lifestyle change and refuse to eat food that is different from everyone else. It's better to change them to a healthier way of eating! :D

Casey, I understand about needing structure but not wanting to make too drastic a change. Sonoma Diet just happened to work for me, is many of the foods I prefer, and I actually find it fairly unstructured. Wave 1, the first 10 days, is the most structured, and if you don't have sugar or refined carb cravings you can skip right to Wave 2, which is pretty flexible, I think. You are given guidance on foods and portion sizes, but what you eat is pretty much up to you. You can follow the meal plans or not, whatever you choose.

The meat issue was discussed pretty well on the Sonoma Board, and I want to add that I have cut my consumption from that recommended in the food plans. We eat smaller portions per meal. And we eat a number of non-meat meals per week, getting protein from alternate sources such as certain grains, legumes, and eggs. Don't do soy because hubby has thyroid issues. But overall, I like the plan. :)

Its really great to hear what other people think of different plans and how they make them work for them! I've ordered the Sonoma book from the library so hopefully it gets here soon!

Casey

Casey, so glad to hear that you are allowing your children to not clean their plates. I bet they are glad too. I think we should start a thread about family nutrition or something like that. I sure have a lot to say .. and can say it with confidence now that my children are grown up.

I like many aspects of the Okinawa program also (not all of it though), my family enjoys Asian foods because my husband was raised on it and I was exposed to authentic cooking and eating at an early age. So it really is not an adjustment for us.

Willett.... Walter Willett, he is chairman of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard and a professor at Harvard Medical School. He's also my hero! His technical nutrition book "Eat, Drink, and be Healthy" was published in 2001 and released early in 2002. I bought it the day it came out. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have stumbled upon it when I did.

His new book, "Eat, Drink, and Weigh Less" was just released in December. I hadn't known he was writing it so was delighted to hear about it a month ago. I plan to start a thread on both as soon as I finish reading it.

Those books do sound good...and I have heard of Eat, Drink and Be Healthy. Looks like I'll be making another trip to the library!

I like the idea about a family nutrition thread...in fact I'm going to start one now!

Casey