The Sonoma Diet Daily

Get Over the Hump

It happens to almost everyone: You get to Wave 2 and you stop losing weight. Don't be discouraged — this plateau is a common part of any diet plan, and it usually just means you need to shake up your routine a little. Try some of the following suggestions for a week or so to jump-start your weight loss:

1. Limit most of your vegetable choices to Tier 1, retaining just enough Tier 2 and 3 vegetables to maintain variety. Tier 1 vegetables are more nutrient-dense, with fewer calories.
2. Similarly, choose most of your fruits from Tier 2, leaving Tier 3 fruits only for special occasions. Tier 2 fruits have less natural sugar and fewer calories.
3. Slow down! Take your time during meals, and be mindful of each and every bite — you'll be more likely to eat just until the point at which you feel satisfied.
4. Eat more chicken and fish for protein than red meat, beans, or eggs.
5. Decrease your portions slightly. You shouldn't starve yourself, but there's also no rule saying you have to load your plate to the point of overflow. Smaller portions will pay off over the long run.

Dr. Guttersen's Tip of the Day
Take a Look Back
Sometimes a plateau can be a wake-up call. Are you really sticking to the guidelines? Are you using the right plates and choosing the right snacks? If you start gaining weight, review the diet's core principles — you might be bending the rules without even realizing it!

For more on the Sonoma Diet, go to: www.sonomadiet.com