What to Do When the Scale Won't Budge

Hit a plateau? Chances are you will no matter how strictly you follow the guidelines of The Sonoma Diet. So what can you do when the scale stares you in the face with the same nasty number two, three, or even four days in a row? Wait it out. Yes, it's hard, but if you persevere with your healthy eating habits and don't give in to frustration, it will only be a matter of time before the pounds start dropping again.

Knowing what's behind a plateau may make it easier to tolerate. A common stalling point occurs at the shift from Wave 1 to Wave 2, when you're actually adding calories and several new foods to your diet. Also, water retention and other physiological factors related to an adjustment in your blood-sugar metabolism may be keeping your weight from dropping. Hang in there — your body should soon adjust to your new regimen, and that scale needle will start moving again.

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Dr. Guttersen's Tip of the Day

Your Food Diary Tells All

If your plateau drags on for weeks, or you actually start gaining weight, check to see whether you're following The Sonoma Diet guidelines correctly. Your Food Diary is a great tool right now: It'll help you check whether you're eating fruits and vegetables from the wrong Tier list, or not sticking to the proper plate proportions. Remember, The Sonoma Diet will always work — but only if you really follow it.