I feel like an idiot because I'm reading how easy this diet is and I'm on day three and still quite don't get it. Sure, I understand the premise and how it is supposed to work, but I find the book layout confusing and also I keep finding inconsistencies. I feel like I'm missing something.

For example: No artichokes until wave 2, yet they are in a meal plan for wave 1, day 1. No yogurt in wave 1, yet it is tandoori chicken- another meal in the wave 1 meal plan.

Finally, don't you think life would be esier if each recipe had a percentage breakdown. When people say "no math", don't we need to figure out how much of a recipe is veg, how much protein, how much grain?

Example: Wave 1, day 6 breakfast- Spanish Eggs. The recipe has eggs and almonds(protein) and tomatoes and peppers (veg). Yet the plate chart for Wave 1 doesn't have a % of veggies. I thought that meant no veggies for breakfast. Wouldn't 2 eggs and a handfull of chopped spinach be healthier than 2 eggs and diced ham?

Lucky for me I am losing weight based on reduced portion size, because I can't get the knack of the food distirubtion. I am worried about when I have to go back to work in 10 days and work out dinners AND lunches the night before. Love the food, love the portion sizes and slow relaxed dinners, but........

Welcome to the forum. A lot of people are confused at first so don't worry about that.

First bit of advice is to relax a little. The only purpose of not having things during Wave 1, but allowing them during Wave 2 is to help reduce sugar cravings. If you aren't having those, then don't worry about what is or isn't allowed during the first Wave. The purpose of Sonoma is to get people used to eating whole foods as opposed to the prepacked fast food that a lot of people are eating these days. it is also to re-educate us on what portion sizes are because those have gotten WAY out of hand!

I generally try and fill my plate with half veggies, 1/4 grain and 1/4 protein. If you have 1/3 protein, 1/3 grain and 1/3 veggies at some meals, that is okay too. All the plate guidelines are is way to control portions, just like WW people count points and calorie counters count calories. It's all just a different way to control portions.

You eventually will get a better feel for what you have on your plate, but I usually shoot for 1/2 cup cooked grain, 4-5 ounces meat (weight before cooking) and the rest veggies.