Special precaution should also be taken when con-
suming alcohol. The AmericanHeart Association recom-
mends that if a person decides to drink wine, that they do
so in moderation, which means one to two drinks per day
for men and only one drink per day for women. Con-
suming more than this can increase the risk of health
problems such as high blood pressure,obesity, stroke,
and breast cancer. Women who are pregnant or breast-
feeding should not consume alcohol. Dieters should con-
sult their physician before beginning to consume alcohol.
RisksWith any diet plan there are some risks. It is often
difficult to get enough of some vitamins and minerals
when eating a limited diet. Anyone beginning a diet
may want to consult their physician about whether
taking a vitamin or supplement might help them reduce
this risk. Consuming wine in greater than moderate
amounts can also increase the risk of alcoholism, high
blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, as well as
automobile and other fatal accidents. The American
Heart Association recommends that if a person does
not already drink alcohol, that they do not start.
Research and general acceptanceRecently introduced, the Sonoma diet has not
been the subject of any significant scholarly research.
However, moderately limiting caloric intake, eating a
diet low in fats andcarbohydratesand high in vegeta-
ble and plant products is generally accepted as a
healthy diet for most people. No direct comparison
studies have conclusively demonstrated any health
benefits associated with drinking wine.
Some critics have noted that the Sonoma diet is
not likely to be practical for the average American
because of the expense of the ingredients and the
amount of cooking involved. Olive oil is generally
more expensive than butter and fresh fruits and vege-
tables can cost more than frozen or canned ones. In
addition, many dieters may find that they will need to
spend more time preparing meals following the
Sonoma diet than they did before they began the diet.
Although the Sonoma diet is intended as a lifestyle
change, its main focus is food and wine. The plan does
not include any specific recommendations for exercise.
As of 2007, the U.S. Center for Disease Control recom-
mended a minimum of 30 minutes a day of light to
moderate exercise for healthy adults. Following the
Sonoma diet without supplementing it with an exercise
routine would not meet these recommendations.Resources
BOOKS
Guttersen, Connie.The Sonoma Diet Cookbook.Des
Moines, IA: Meredith Books, 2006.
Guttersen, Connie.The Sonoma Diet: Trimmer Waist, Better
Health in Just 10 Days!.Des Moines, IA: Meredith
Books, 2005.
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.New
York: Nova Science, 2007.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
Guttersen, Connie.The Sonoma Diet2006.<http://
http://www.sonomadiet.com>(March 25, 2007).
Zamora, Dulce. ‘‘The Sonoma Diet: Promoting a Lifestyle.’’
WebMD.2007.<http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/
sonoma-diet-promoting-lifestyle>(March 29, 2007).Helen DavidsonSouth American diet
Definition
South America is the fourth largest continent on
the planet, making up 12% of the earth’s surface. It
contains twelve independent nations: Argentina, Brazil,QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
Does this diet pose any special risk for me that I
should be aware of?
Would a multivitamin or other dietary
supplement be appropriate for me if I were to
begin this diet?
Is it safe for me to consume moderate amounts of
wine?
Is this diet appropriate for my entire family?
Is it safe for me to follow this diet over a long
period of time?
Are there any sign or symptoms that might
indicate a problem while on this diet?South American diet