The 17 Day Diet is a weight loss diet claiming to offer up to 12 pounds of weight loss within the first 17 days. It’s said to help people lose weight by confusing the body, keeping metabolism in a fat burning state.
No pre-packaged foods or supplements are required. Foods are to come from whole foods found in grocery stores. There’s 4 different cycles one has to follow, each one lasting 17 days, except the final phase which is followed for the entirety of one’s life, if one happens to not gain any more weight:
• Accelerate: This part of the diet promises fast results, as well as nutrients to help get rid of fat in stubborn areas. It’s said that digestive health will be improved, and sugar will be removed from one’s diet in to further decrease fat storage.
Only 1,200 calories are allowed per day. This phase promises between 10 to 12 pounds of weight loss. It's likely most of the weight loss in this phase is not fat but water. Carbohydrates are strictly restricted, which is the reason why water weight is lost, as they are known to hold unto water.
A low calorie diet of just 1,200 calories might be unhealthy according to Live Strong.com:
“Do not attempt a low-calorie diet unless you are under the strict supervision of your doctor”
“Some symptoms of severe calorie restriction are weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, irregular menstrual periods, dizziness, constipation and swelling”
It may also promote more serious issues such as gout caused by high uric acid in the blood. The same group adds:
“not taking in the proper amounts of vitamins, protein and electrolytes, you are at risk for malnutrition disorders”
Since much less food is allowed, this places the body not just in a deficit of calories, but also less nutrients due to the loss of many foods.
They also point out the flaws of long term dieting like this:
“You are more likely to burn muscle than fat”
It’s believed that because of the reduction of calories and carbohydrates that most of the weight loss will only be water. Live Strong.com adds:
“It’s possible to lose as much as 20 pounds of body during one week, most of which is water”
This initial loss of water will likely return once one reintroduces carbohydrates. There are possible symptoms caused by a lack of carbohydrates as well, since they are the brain’s primary fuel source via its glucose. This can lead to side effects such as:
Brain fog, loss of focus, and difficulty thinking.
Reduced reaction time, fatigue, and difficulty exercising.
Nausea, mood swings, and issues with regulating temperature.
• Activate: This changes from the low calorie planning found in the first phase, alongside a much higher calorie allowance. 5 to 6 pounds of weight loss is said to be possible.
The intention of this plan is to help the body’s metabolism constantly be confused, so it activates at a higher level. There’s no proof however that this is actually true. No clinical studies have shown that metabolism is changed for the better when one reduces and suddenly raises calories.
• Achieve: Another 2 to 3 pounds of weight loss are said to be possible. One also introduced better eating habits to stick with in this phase. Things like portion control are taught. A 17 minute spot reduction workout is offered, which is meant to be a way to target specific areas that have body fat. Though this claim has been disproven according to Examine.com:
“Spot-reduction (losing fat in one place) is not possible”
• Arrive: By this point all eating habits should be established to allow for continuing this diet for the rest of one’s live. Some occasional cheat meals are allowed on the weekend. This point is intended to help one keep their weight steady.
US News had this to say about the diet:
“no studies have specifically evaluated the 17-day-diet- and “body confusion” has not been scientifically proven”
This diet is similar in fact to other low carbohydrate diets which offer quick weight loss. Examine.com adds:
“people on low-carb diets lose weight because they naturally eat less and avoid the large binges caused by carbohydrate cravings”
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
The 17 Day Diet Quality of Ingredients
The kinds of ingredients used are wholesome since only grocery foods that are unprocessed are allowed. The issue is that the diet itself has not been proven to be any different than any other low carbohydrate diets.
There’s also a suggested 17 day cycle for 3 of the phases. There’s no evidence that 17 days are needed for metabolism to be confused and working at a high level. The diet also emphasizes spot reduction which also has not been scientifically proven.
The Price and Quality of the 17 Day Diet
The book itself sells for $18.88 on Amazon.com, though there are also cookbooks, new editions, and reduction plans offered under the same basic diet strategy. There are also optional supplements, DVD’s, and workout gear offered.
Other process to consider is the costs for grocery shopping, as meals need to be cooked at home to prepare them the right way.
Business of The 17 Day Diet
The creator of the book is Dr. Mike Moreno, a family medicine practitioner. He has no background in nutrition or weight loss.
Here are some reviews from users who posted their reviews online:
“couldn’t make it past a couple of days because of how hungry I was”
“highly disappointed and disgusted that U had wasted my money on a book with concepts that I already knew”
“it’s really difficult to keep up, long term. It isn’t really 17 days”
“I found this book similar to common sense previous diets… no sugar, no white anything”
The common concern from most users was that there wasn’t anything in this diet but common sense weight loss tips. This includes not eating processed foods, white and refined grains, sugar, and other unwanted foods.
There were also issues with people having it really difficult to keep up with the diet long term, since there are many restrictions and extreme calorie restrictions. People also added that they regained all their weight when they reintroduced carbohydrates into their diets.
Before making a final decision on the 17 Day Diet, it’s important to look over all the available facts. Many people who used it say they found it to be hard to maintain due to the extreme calorie restrictions in the first 17 days. This 1,200 calorie limit is not advised to be followed without the help of a doctor, according to health websites. There’s also an extreme limit on carbohydrates to start with, which is likely the reason there’s any weight loss, which is mostly water weight and not fat.
The 2024 best diet of the year is called the 18Shake Diet. It offers a combination of two all-natural diet supplements. A diet pill that raises metabolism with no added stimulants, and a nutritionally well rounded meal replacement that customers say helps suppress appetite, all while having a pleasant taste. Many people have left testimonials and positive reviews saying how effective this diet is for sustained weight loss.
I am on day 9 of this diet and have lost 8.5 lbs. My goal was 15-20, and When I first started it seemed so unbelievable that I would have a chance at reaching it because I have been trying to do this for years, But nothing would really work, I would get down 10 lbs cuz of some fad diet or super strict starvation plan and then gain it back a month later. On this diet, however, it is SO easy to follow and for those of you who say you are still hungry, that's impossible because this plan let's you eat until you feel satisfied. Combined with the snacks, you are eating every few hours. Just fill up on a variety of veggies and greens, be creative! U can stirfry, roast, bake, broil. Use your friendly fats! And EAT SLOW! That way you can tell if you really are full or just craving more because you are used to big portions like I was. If you aren't full, nothing wrong with putting another piece of meat or more salad. Some of you are confused about the snacks. Your snacks are there to help fullfill the required fruit and probiotic servings. I use one snack between breakfast and lunch and another after dinner for dessert. Now since you can't have fruit after 2 pm, guess what your snack after breakfast will be?? If I DONT have the kefir smoothie for breakfast, (which will take care of both first fruit and probiotic serving) I have a 2 egg omelet, piece of fruit, & black coffee then the kefir smoothie for the snack which would be my second fruit serving and 1st yogurt serving. For dessert (2nd snack) I have 6oz. Plain yogurt mixed with a little sugarfree fruit jam (no, doesn't count as fruit, it works as a sweetener) and it's like having a yoplait yogurt but way healthier. As far as coffee, No creamer or even MILK. Milk isn't allowed until a later cycle. Only thing you can do with coffee is add truvia BUT I guess a tiny teaspoon of milk won't mess anything up for you stubborn ones:) For green tea, u can always sweeten with truvia, but flavored should be ok if there's no sugar. BTW, I never did black coffee before but I do now and it's not that bad, especially if you have good quality coffee, not the cheap stuff. As far as cheeses, fat free like Parmesan is fine. There is fat free feta too, just don't do more than a tablespoon. Even low fat blue cheese is ok, I use a Tbsp on my salad sometimes. Anyways, I LOVE this diet and it seems like I wont even have to go further than the second cycle at this rate and skip to the maintenance cycle 4 when you get to enjoy some of the foods you had to give up. As far as exercise, I have only been doing 30 min. On the treadmill and walking the dog for 20 min after 5 days/wk and I used to do 1.5-2 hours of exercise before 5 days/wk and would not even lose weight!! My advice to everyone: stick to it, all three cycles don't even take 2 months!!!! Even if you need to repeat cycles 1-3 a few times to lose major weight, it's still way faster than other diets And will teach you life long healthy choices that you will want to maintain. Everything I've said is in the book, I'm no expert, I've just read the whole book through in the beginning BEFORE I started rather than reading about first cycle then waiting until you get to the next before you read again and it answered any questions that came up for me. That's how I knew about the milk. I just can't believe people are starving on this when there are no set measurements when it comes to protein and veggies. But as I said eat slow. Last night, I had a big plate of my own version of taco salad from the book and it was so good, I wanted more but realized I was technically satisfied and full and better avoid the extra calories so I stopped. As far as giving up sweets, i have a HUGE sweet tooth and its not easy but i just keep looking forward to the maintenance cycle when I will get to indulge a bit. Good luck to everyone and enjoy fitting into the half of your closet that has been untouched for the past god knows how long. I know I am!! :)
posted Apr 6th, 2011 4:41 pm
Amanda
I started this diet three days and I have GAINED 2 pounds. Does anyone know why this is?
posted Apr 6th, 2011 4:39 pm
kz
For everyone who says they are hungry on cycle 1 or 2; you can eat an unlimited amount of the listed veggies and proteins. If you're hungry than add a little more of these to each meal.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 2:49 pm
Lillian
+
I'm on day 4 of the diet and I'm down 5 pounds. The food choices are very limited and to be honest, I'm very hungry but the results outweight all the negtive. I'll try to keep going. I'm really looking to the 2nd phase where I can have add more foods.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 11:50 am
Vickie Gaines
On the menus the items that are in italic are in the back of the book in the receipes except for the Lean Granola. It is in italic but not in the receipe section. Can you give me the receipe?
posted Apr 6th, 2011 9:41 am
Glenn Gaines
My wife and I have been on the diet since Jan 2nd and we have both met our goals. I ate things I had never tried before and liked them. The receipes are great. I have tried lots of diets, but this one showed great results in a few months.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 9:37 am
Laura
I'm on day 3 of the diet. I haven't lost any weight, and I'm starving. Guess I'll just drink some more water. Plus, I was so crabby yesterday from low blood sugar. Also, there are a lot of contradictions in the book. Should I eat 4 egg whites or 2? Should I have 2 yogurts or 1 a day? Should I eat my fruit in the morning or in the evening at snack time?
posted Apr 5th, 2011 10:05 pm
cindy gollnick
I just finished Cycle 1 and have lost 11lbs so far, I had areal hard time letting go of my Sweet Tooth, but after a few days you forget all about it. Tomorrow starts cycle 2 day 1 lots of luck to me and all the rest of you losers.
posted Apr 5th, 2011 9:21 pm
Desi F.
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Hungry on 17 Day Diet?
Today is day 1 of Cycle 1 for me. I felt fine all day until dinner time. I ate dinner between 4 and 5. I had a pro-biotic snack around 6:45 this evening. Yet, I'M STILL HUNGRY. I've looked in the book and couldn't find anything on if your still hungry what should you do. Are their any suggestions? Has anyone else had this happen to them?
Dear Michelle, Check out pg. 224 of the book. It talks about the green tea. Like I said, "as long as there's no sugar." Sheena, I was not able to find anything in the book about creamers for coffee. My guess would be to add skim milk and as little as possible or to find a non-fat, non-sugar creamer. (I don't drink coffee so I don't know if such a thing exists.) Maybe you can ween yourself off the creamer completely. Remember, the coffee does not count toward your 8 glasses of water. It is called a negative water in the book. I myself indulge in a diet soda once a day but have still managed to lose 30 lbs. in 3 months. And I AM THRILLED!
Hi, I'm vegetarian, can I substitute lean proteins for tofu?
posted Apr 5th, 2011 4:31 pm
Lisa
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Is anyone using fat free cheese in the first cycle?
I bought the Diet Lipton citrus Green tea. It has a great taste and there are no sugars. I am also excited to make the lettuce wraps that are listed in the book, they sound pretty good! One question I have is "Is anyone using fat free cheese"?
Favored green tea is fine just so it doesn't have sugar. I eat a piece of fruit for my first snack as soon as I get home from work and I eat my second snack, a yogurt, in the evening.
Michelle I believe it suppose to be plain green tea and as far as my snack time, I usually do a am snack 9:00 & 3:00 pm. This is only day 6 (1st cycle) for me but 4lbs down :) good luck!
I began this 17 day diet 3 days ago. So far, I love it! The results are as promised.
I just wanted to make a comment to those who think they have dropped carbs from their diet and are perhaps scared of 'adding them back in'. Vegetables DO have carbs, you have been eating them...it's just not your usual white bread. Make smart choices when the time comes and choose whole grains/ short grain brown rice, etc. It's a matter of clean eating from now on in for me. This 17 day has given me the clean slate I needed. Can't wait to see what the next 14 days brings, let alone the rest of the cycles!
Sure wish I had a doc to walk with like in the book, but for now, it's all about my dogs and the 3 mile a day walk!!
posted Apr 5th, 2011 12:54 am
Michelle
Hi There Fellow Dieters!!! My hubby and I just started the 17 day diet and we are wondering a few things.....Is everyone out there having 2 snacks a day and when are you eating them?? Also, Is flavored Green Tea ok?? Or just plain old green tea the trick?? Thanks for your help....Hope everyone LOSES BIG!!!!
posted Apr 4th, 2011 8:49 pm
Sheena
Anyone know what the deal is with milk cycle 1? It says you can have coffee but nothing about creamers. I have a brand new carton of the the Skim Plus half and half I use in my coffee. If any form of milk is a no no then what about Soy creamer? Powdered creamer? I need my cup of coffee a day and I will not drink it black. Besides simply not have a cup ( which is not an option) what can I do?
posted Apr 4th, 2011 1:14 pm
Heather
+
Today is day 9 for me and I have lost a total of 12.5 pounds so far. I had one day where I would have hurt someone to get my hands on some carbs. Other then that, it has been really easy. There are good recipes in the book and a number of forums online have their own suggested recipes too. None of them are complicated. There is no reason anyone should get bored with the food on the first cycle other then limiting themselves. I have a LOT of weight to lose and I realize I am probably losing fast now because I am so fat and because I am eating better then I have in years but none of that really matters. What matters to me is that I am enjoying it and having results at the same time.
posted Apr 4th, 2011 1:01 pm
Donna
+
Does any one know where I can find Breakstone Cottage Cheese. I am getting ready to start the diet and can not find this .
posted Apr 3rd, 2011 7:19 pm
CB
Lost 10 pounds in 7 days so far....tons of energy and never hungry. Have been low-carbing via Atkins off and on for years....never had results like this!The 17 day diet is a healthy lifestyle that makes you feel great. The book is full of researched data and good recipes! I highly recommend this plan. I ordered my book from Amazon and it arrived in a week. The great thing about this plan is that it isn't really a diet like the book is called....there are no points like WW to count, or calorie or carb counting. If you are doing WW, the average daily points I have been consuming are 27-28 (under my daily allowance). Just eat your allowed probiotics, fruits and then unlimited lean protein and veggies and you are full! The 4th stage allows a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, unlike other low-carb plans! I am a teacher and am constantly looking into the best healthful plans that are realisitc for a busy lifestyle! This one definately is for everyone! :)
The 17 Day Diet is a weight loss plan available in a book from Dr. Mike Moreno, a family medicine practitioner in San Diego, CA. His book was born of a weight loss plan he prescribed to his overweight patients, namely as a way to manage the holidays. The friendly Dr. Mike, as he is known to his patients, is proactive in helping them manage their health and weight, and even created a program called "Walk with Your Doc" back in 2008. Two days a week he and patients meet for a walk to encourage them to exercise and keep the doctor-patient relationship thriving.
In November 2010, The 17 Day Diet debuted on an episode of Dr. Phil with a raving endorsement from the doctor. That appearance was immediately followed by one on The Doctors (the two shows are jointly produced), and a weight loss challenge between viewers of each program initiated. The self-published book was an overnight success and Moreno's supply could not keep up with the overwhelming demand.
In spring 2011, Moreno fielded multiple offers from publishing houses interested in purchasing the book's rights, and he awarded those to Simon & Schuster, who immediately ran a second printing of the book. The only difference was a revised cover. This second printing helped push The 17 Day Diet to sales of more than one million copies by the end of 2011.
During 2011, Moreno and his publishers also produced the 17 Day Diet Workbook, a Spanish-language version of the book, and started work on a 17 Day Diet Cookbook that will debut in spring 2012. They also started a partnership with Bistro M.D. to manage a 17 Day Diet meal plan, with meals suited to the diet's specifications delivered to customers at home.
How the 17 Day Diet Works
The 17 Day Diet relies on a style of weight loss known as metabolic confusion, which means you're changing up what you're doing on a regular basis to keep your body from settling in to a routine.
Like many popular diet programs, 17 Day Diet is cyclical, using four phases, or cycles, to progress people from start to goal. The diet itself does not actually last a mere 17 days, instead, that is the length of time for each of the four cycles.
Cycle 1: Accelerate. Jump start the program and facilitate rapid weight loss, cleansing, and fat burning. Discourages fat storage.
Cycle 2: Activate. During this cycle you will "reset" your metabolism.
Cycle 3: Achieve. Develop healthy eating habits, and develop a new understanding of how to eat carbs.
Cycle 4: Arrive. Considered the maintenance phase and the culmination of what was learned in the first three cycles. On weekends, you have freedom to enjoy just about anything you like.
If you make it to cycle four and have not yet reached your goal, then it is encouraged and advised that you jump back to another cycle and continue your efforts, on schedule. Cycle four is considered the maintenance phase, and is reserved for those who've reached goal by following the guidance outlined in the first three cycles.
The 17 Day Diet provides direction for a healthy way of eating that is sustainable - it's clean, includes healthy carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and eliminates processed and fried foods.
The fitness aspect is minimal, especially at the start with only 17 minutes of exercise per day proposed. However, followers are encouraged to do more as they are physically able and comfortable to expand their fitness regimen.
PRO
Created by a medical doctor who specializes in weight loss
Promotes clean eating
Possible to lose weight at a steady and healthy rate
Includes a maintenance plan
The "diet" is sustainable
Provides a clear and organized eating plan
Promotes exercise
Book is available nationally
Spanish-language version available
Vegetarian-friendly
Diabetic-friendly for types 1 and 2
Diet is flexible to suit unique dietary needs or taste
Some food specifications create confusion with users
Recommended rate of weight loss exceeds most industry standards of 1-2 pounds per week
No online community support or access to experts
Beginner exercise recommendation is lower than industry standard of 30 minutes per day
EXERCISE
The 17 Day Diet makes minimal recommendations for exercise; however, like many diet plans, it does not dismiss the necessity of a regular fitness regimen completely.
For beginners, the 17 Day Diet recommends a mere 17 minutes of exercise each day. This can be as simple as walking, you can follow along with the 17-minute workout DVD that is sold on the book's website.
As you progress through the program, become stronger and more able-bodied (for those with no prior history of exercise), the advice is still loose but encourages you to double or triple the amount of time you spend working out each day. Guidance is given to do activities that you love, with walking always being a go-to sport.
Cycle 1: 17 minutes of exercise per day
Cycle 2: 17 minutes of exercise per day
Cycle 3: 40-60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days
Cycle 4: Try to do an hour on the weekends, in addition to a regular regimen throughout the week
DIET and NUTRITION
The 17 Day Diet relies on a cycled eating plan to help you lose weight. During four cycles, each lasting 17 days (or longer in cycle four), you'll change how many servings of healthy carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats that you eat each day.
Overall, The 17 Day Diet is a clean-eating plan, with guidance to eat the "right" kind of carbs, meaning white grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, not processed "white foods," like bread, crackers, and cookies. You'll eliminate processed foods, processed sugar, and fried foods; you might balk at the thought of this, but it's guidance that any healthy eating plan is going to provide.
Each of the four cycles has its own objective, whether it be jump starting your fat burn, resetting your metabolism, teaching portion control, or recognizing true hunger. Through this process, you'll actually start to crave the foods that are nourishing your body, like a meal of roasted turkey with asparagus, rather than a burger and fries.
It's fair to want to know exactly what you'll be eating before taking on a new diet. The 17 Day Diet book outlines detailed meal plans for each day of each cycle, so all you have to do is shop and prepare, eliminating the worry and frustration over what you can or cannot eat. The following is a snapshot of what a day of meals look like on each 17 Day Day cycle:
Rate of Weight Loss*: 5-10% of total body weight; 10-20 pounds
Breakfast: Plain low-fat yogurt with fresh berries, green tea
Lunch: Green salad with a variety of vegetables like tomato and cucumber with a homemade vinaigrette, green tea
Dinner: Grilled salmon, choice of raw or steamed vegetables, green tea
Snacks: Sugar-free fruit-flavored yogurt, choice of one fruit
Cycle 2: Activate
Goal: Rest the metabolism, stimulate fat burn
Rate of Weight Loss*: Half of cycle 1; 5-10 pounds
Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites, half grapefruit or in-season fruit, green tea
Lunch: Baby spinach salad with tomatoes and feta and homemade vinaigrette, green tea
Dinner: Grilled turkey patties, side salad, green tea
Snacks: Fresh berries, plain low-fat yogurt
Cycle 3: Achieve
Goal: Nurture healthy eating habits, reintroduce more foods, move closer to goal weight
Rate of Weight Loss*: Half of cycle 2; 2.5-5 pounds
Breakfast: High-fiber cereal with skim milk, fresh berries, green tea
Lunch: Whole-wheat pita with lettuce, tomoato, feta cheese, Italian dressing; baby carrots; green tea
Dinner: Barbecued boneless chicken breast, steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, green tea
Snacks: choice of one fruit, Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich
Cycle 4: Arrive
Goal: Maintain goal weight
Brunch: Blueberry waffles with syrup, turkey sausage, orange juice Dinner: Grilled chicken breast, steam broccoli, green tea Snacks: Sugar-free fruit-flavored yogurt, raw baby carrots
These rates of weight loss were determined during an interview with Dr. Mike Moreno in 2011. This is the amount of weight he says you could safely lose within each cycle. Pounds lost are based on a 200-pound person. The industry standard rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.
The 17 Day Diet Meal Plan from Bistro MD
If you're short on time or not yet comfortable with your skills in the kitchen, the 17 Day Diet Meal Plan is available from Bistro MD, a leader in the meal delivery space. Each meal follows your progress through each cycle, each day to help keep you in line with the 17 Day Diet guidelines.
17 Day Diet Special Notes
The diet is suitable for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. In an interview with Dr. Mike Moreno in 2011, he noted some type 2 diabetics have used 17 Day Diet and reduced or eliminated their need for medications. For type 1 diabetics, he advises more diligent assessment of sugar levels.
The diet is flexible enough to meet the needs of vegetarians. You'll simply modify the protein suggestions, for instance, replacing fish and chicken with soy, dairy, and legumes.
Those who don't care for seafood or fish can also alter the diet and replace with the other lean protein of their choice, like turkey, chicken or pork.
If green tea doesn't appeal to you, this can also be skipped by replacing with a green tea supplement and/or at least one cup of the tea each day.
I and my husband have been on this diet since May and I have lost 45lbs, went from a size 16 to a size 8 and my husband has lost 40lbs so far.This is by far the best "diet" I have been on. It is so easy and such a great change in our eating habits. - Tessa Letzinger 12/31/11
I lost 7 lbs in the first week and I feel great. I will continue on until I reach my goal weight.I am really excited and I feel so much in control. Unlike other diets this is very realistic. - Tammy 12/13/11
I've been on this diet for 40 days now, and I've lost a total of 25 lbs!I love this diet, and feel so healthy on it. Its the diet plan I have been waiting for! - Beth 12/8/11
I have lost 60 lbs in 7 months.I feel great am doing things I haven't been able to do in years. My diabetes is under control. - Susan C. 10/9/11
This is the greatest diet there has been and it does WORK if you eat what he tells you to eat and don't cheat.Healthwise, it makes you feel so much better and it is because of what you are putting in your mouth. - Carol 8/15/11
The 17 Day Diet, by Dr. Mike Moreno, only debuted in 2010 and quickly rose to compete with some of the biggest and oldest names in dieting. The book comes with mostly sound nutritional and fitness guidance and is oulined in such a way that makes it easy, almost effortless, to follow and see results.
One of the best things about this weight loss plan is its design to not only help you lose weight, but set you up for sustainable weight maintenance, which is the true sign of a quality program.
It's availability via a book makes it widely accessible and affordable, so there are no on-going fees, unexpected charges, or recurring needs to re-subscribe. Purchase it once and you could use it for life.
On The 17 Day Diet you'll "re-learn" how to eat, focusing on a balanced diet of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits ad vegetables; and you'll eliminate the junk and processed foods that were no doubt a culprit in your weight and health issues.
Be sure to follow the fitness guidance, as moderate as they may be. If you're comfortable with doing more, speak with a trainer, medical professional, or continue to follow your own tried-and-true regimen of daily physical activity.
User Feedback
(Page 30 of 56, 1103 total comments)Brooke
+I am on day 9 of this diet and have lost 8.5 lbs. My goal was 15-20, and When I first started it seemed so unbelievable that I would have a chance at reaching it because I have been trying to do this for years, But nothing would really work, I would get down 10 lbs cuz of some fad diet or super strict starvation plan and then gain it back a month later. On this diet, however, it is SO easy to follow and for those of you who say you are still hungry, that's impossible because this plan let's you eat until you feel satisfied. Combined with the snacks, you are eating every few hours. Just fill up on a variety of veggies and greens, be creative! U can stirfry, roast, bake, broil. Use your friendly fats! And EAT SLOW! That way you can tell if you really are full or just craving more because you are used to big portions like I was. If you aren't full, nothing wrong with putting another piece of meat or more salad. Some of you are confused about the snacks. Your snacks are there to help fullfill the required fruit and probiotic servings. I use one snack between breakfast and lunch and another after dinner for dessert. Now since you can't have fruit after 2 pm, guess what your snack after breakfast will be?? If I DONT have the kefir smoothie for breakfast, (which will take care of both first fruit and probiotic serving) I have a 2 egg omelet, piece of fruit, & black coffee then the kefir smoothie for the snack which would be my second fruit serving and 1st yogurt serving. For dessert (2nd snack) I have 6oz. Plain yogurt mixed with a little sugarfree fruit jam (no, doesn't count as fruit, it works as a sweetener) and it's like having a yoplait yogurt but way healthier. As far as coffee, No creamer or even MILK. Milk isn't allowed until a later cycle. Only thing you can do with coffee is add truvia BUT I guess a tiny teaspoon of milk won't mess anything up for you stubborn ones:) For green tea, u can always sweeten with truvia, but flavored should be ok if there's no sugar. BTW, I never did black coffee before but I do now and it's not that bad, especially if you have good quality coffee, not the cheap stuff. As far as cheeses, fat free like Parmesan is fine. There is fat free feta too, just don't do more than a tablespoon. Even low fat blue cheese is ok, I use a Tbsp on my salad sometimes. Anyways, I LOVE this diet and it seems like I wont even have to go further than the second cycle at this rate and skip to the maintenance cycle 4 when you get to enjoy some of the foods you had to give up. As far as exercise, I have only been doing 30 min. On the treadmill and walking the dog for 20 min after 5 days/wk and I used to do 1.5-2 hours of exercise before 5 days/wk and would not even lose weight!! My advice to everyone: stick to it, all three cycles don't even take 2 months!!!! Even if you need to repeat cycles 1-3 a few times to lose major weight, it's still way faster than other diets And will teach you life long healthy choices that you will want to maintain. Everything I've said is in the book, I'm no expert, I've just read the whole book through in the beginning BEFORE I started rather than reading about first cycle then waiting until you get to the next before you read again and it answered any questions that came up for me. That's how I knew about the milk. I just can't believe people are starving on this when there are no set measurements when it comes to protein and veggies. But as I said eat slow. Last night, I had a big plate of my own version of taco salad from the book and it was so good, I wanted more but realized I was technically satisfied and full and better avoid the extra calories so I stopped. As far as giving up sweets, i have a HUGE sweet tooth and its not easy but i just keep looking forward to the maintenance cycle when I will get to indulge a bit. Good luck to everyone and enjoy fitting into the half of your closet that has been untouched for the past god knows how long. I know I am!! :)
posted Apr 6th, 2011 4:41 pmAmanda
I started this diet three days and I have GAINED 2 pounds. Does anyone know why this is?
posted Apr 6th, 2011 4:39 pmkz
For everyone who says they are hungry on cycle 1 or 2; you can eat an unlimited amount of the listed veggies and proteins. If you're hungry than add a little more of these to each meal.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 2:49 pmLillian
+I'm on day 4 of the diet and I'm down 5 pounds. The food choices are very limited and to be honest, I'm very hungry but the results outweight all the negtive. I'll try to keep going. I'm really looking to the 2nd phase where I can have add more foods.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 11:50 amVickie Gaines
On the menus the items that are in italic are in the back of the book in the receipes except for the Lean Granola. It is in italic but not in the receipe section. Can you give me the receipe?
posted Apr 6th, 2011 9:41 amGlenn Gaines
My wife and I have been on the diet since Jan 2nd and we have both met our goals. I ate things I had never tried before and liked them. The receipes are great. I have tried lots of diets, but this one showed great results in a few months.
posted Apr 6th, 2011 9:37 amLaura
I'm on day 3 of the diet. I haven't lost any weight, and I'm starving. Guess I'll just drink some more water. Plus, I was so crabby yesterday from low blood sugar. Also, there are a lot of contradictions in the book. Should I eat 4 egg whites or 2? Should I have 2 yogurts or 1 a day? Should I eat my fruit in the morning or in the evening at snack time?
posted Apr 5th, 2011 10:05 pmcindy gollnick
I just finished Cycle 1 and have lost 11lbs so far, I had areal hard time letting go of my Sweet Tooth, but after a few days you forget all about it. Tomorrow starts cycle 2 day 1 lots of luck to me and all the rest of you losers.
posted Apr 5th, 2011 9:21 pmDesi F.
?Hungry on 17 Day Diet? Today is day 1 of Cycle 1 for me. I felt fine all day until dinner time. I ate dinner between 4 and 5. I had a pro-biotic snack around 6:45 this evening. Yet, I'M STILL HUNGRY. I've looked in the book and couldn't find anything on if your still hungry what should you do. Are their any suggestions? Has anyone else had this happen to them?
Charmin
Dear Michelle, Check out pg. 224 of the book. It talks about the green tea. Like I said, "as long as there's no sugar." Sheena, I was not able to find anything in the book about creamers for coffee. My guess would be to add skim milk and as little as possible or to find a non-fat, non-sugar creamer. (I don't drink coffee so I don't know if such a thing exists.) Maybe you can ween yourself off the creamer completely. Remember, the coffee does not count toward your 8 glasses of water. It is called a negative water in the book. I myself indulge in a diet soda once a day but have still managed to lose 30 lbs. in 3 months. And I AM THRILLED!
posted Apr 5th, 2011 5:26 pmDiane
+Hi, I'm vegetarian, can I substitute lean proteins for tofu?
posted Apr 5th, 2011 4:31 pmLisa
?Is anyone using fat free cheese in the first cycle? I bought the Diet Lipton citrus Green tea. It has a great taste and there are no sugars. I am also excited to make the lettuce wraps that are listed in the book, they sound pretty good! One question I have is "Is anyone using fat free cheese"?
Charmin
Favored green tea is fine just so it doesn't have sugar. I eat a piece of fruit for my first snack as soon as I get home from work and I eat my second snack, a yogurt, in the evening.
posted Apr 5th, 2011 8:32 amsidubie
Michelle I believe it suppose to be plain green tea and as far as my snack time, I usually do a am snack 9:00 & 3:00 pm. This is only day 6 (1st cycle) for me but 4lbs down :) good luck!
posted Apr 5th, 2011 8:13 amPatty04
I began this 17 day diet 3 days ago. So far, I love it! The results are as promised.
posted Apr 5th, 2011 12:54 amI just wanted to make a comment to those who think they have dropped carbs from their diet and are perhaps scared of 'adding them back in'. Vegetables DO have carbs, you have been eating them...it's just not your usual white bread. Make smart choices when the time comes and choose whole grains/ short grain brown rice, etc. It's a matter of clean eating from now on in for me. This 17 day has given me the clean slate I needed. Can't wait to see what the next 14 days brings, let alone the rest of the cycles!
Sure wish I had a doc to walk with like in the book, but for now, it's all about my dogs and the 3 mile a day walk!!
Michelle
Hi There Fellow Dieters!!! My hubby and I just started the 17 day diet and we are wondering a few things.....Is everyone out there having 2 snacks a day and when are you eating them?? Also, Is flavored Green Tea ok?? Or just plain old green tea the trick?? Thanks for your help....Hope everyone LOSES BIG!!!!
posted Apr 4th, 2011 8:49 pmSheena
Anyone know what the deal is with milk cycle 1? It says you can have coffee but nothing about creamers. I have a brand new carton of the the Skim Plus half and half I use in my coffee. If any form of milk is a no no then what about Soy creamer? Powdered creamer? I need my cup of coffee a day and I will not drink it black. Besides simply not have a cup ( which is not an option) what can I do?
posted Apr 4th, 2011 1:14 pmHeather
+Today is day 9 for me and I have lost a total of 12.5 pounds so far. I had one day where I would have hurt someone to get my hands on some carbs. Other then that, it has been really easy. There are good recipes in the book and a number of forums online have their own suggested recipes too. None of them are complicated. There is no reason anyone should get bored with the food on the first cycle other then limiting themselves. I have a LOT of weight to lose and I realize I am probably losing fast now because I am so fat and because I am eating better then I have in years but none of that really matters. What matters to me is that I am enjoying it and having results at the same time.
posted Apr 4th, 2011 1:01 pmDonna
+Does any one know where I can find Breakstone Cottage Cheese. I am getting ready to start the diet and can not find this .
posted Apr 3rd, 2011 7:19 pmCB
Lost 10 pounds in 7 days so far....tons of energy and never hungry. Have been low-carbing via Atkins off and on for years....never had results like this!The 17 day diet is a healthy lifestyle that makes you feel great. The book is full of researched data and good recipes! I highly recommend this plan. I ordered my book from Amazon and it arrived in a week. The great thing about this plan is that it isn't really a diet like the book is called....there are no points like WW to count, or calorie or carb counting. If you are doing WW, the average daily points I have been consuming are 27-28 (under my daily allowance). Just eat your allowed probiotics, fruits and then unlimited lean protein and veggies and you are full! The 4th stage allows a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, unlike other low-carb plans! I am a teacher and am constantly looking into the best healthful plans that are realisitc for a busy lifestyle! This one definately is for everyone! :)
posted Apr 3rd, 2011 4:24 pm