The Mediterranean diet is derived from the eating habits and patterns of the people who populate the countries of Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Morocco. With so many countries being represented the Mediterranean diet actually includes a large variety of delicious foods. The Sonoma diet is based on the Mediterranean diet.
The core of the Mediterranean diet is foods and beverages that are indigenous to the geographic landmass surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The people of the region naturally and understandably ate foods and drank beverages that were easily accessible around their homes.
The foods and drinks that are part of the Mediterranean diet are not only healthy but help with weight loss and weight loss maintenance. There are three parts to a loosing weight successfully:
Part one-fast weight loss, confidence is built, portions controlled, and eating habits changed.
Part two-slow steady weight loss, portions increased, and target weight reached
Part three-weight stabilized, indulgencies allowed
Portions are based on plate and bowl size. The foods include a balance of foods that are fresh and unprocessed. This is one of the few diets that allow wine. The food list can include the following:
- Whole grains
- Lean meats
- Vegetables
- Olive oil
- Wine
- Nuts
- Seafood
This is a good diet for those who enjoy their meals, food is an important part of celebrations, and enjoy entertaining for meals. It is a satisfying diet and fits in with an active lifestyle as well as eating out. Using a specified bowl size or plate makes portion control easy.
There is no fitness plan in the Mediterranean diet and would have to be include on your own. For a dieter who cannot control portions, the lack of structure may not work successfully for weight loss. There isn’t a specific website for support, but the Sonoma diet website can be helpful.
The fresh foods and lean meats may increase the food budget.