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.
can you eat cereal in cycle 2 (like special k). and can you have low fat milk?
posted Mar 25th, 2011 1:02 pm
ReeseNMS
Mary Pelozo Coats, you never stick with the same cycle when you've completed it. That defeats the purpose of switching up every 17 days. You can switch beteween cycle 1 and 2. I'm like you, I've still got more to lose, so I havent gone on to cycle 3. I'm on cycle 1 for the 3rd time now. In 3 more days I'll be in cycle 2 for the 3rd time. I just go back and forth between the two cycles and have lost 36 lbs in 81 days.
posted Mar 25th, 2011 10:42 am
Alexa
I lost 5 pounds in two days!!! so happy!
posted Mar 25th, 2011 9:32 am
Greg
I have been on it for 5 days now and lost 9 lbs. I know that will slow down some, but I truly expect to have lost 15 lbs by the end of the first 17 day cycle.
posted Mar 25th, 2011 7:24 am
Sylvia
+
I like it because it's teaching me how to eat properly and making the right choices even when i eat out.
posted Mar 24th, 2011 2:33 pm
Kristy
We are on our 5 day and I've lost 5 lbs and my husband has lost 7 lbs. I love the Chicken Vegetable soup in the book, but I'm getting bored with the diet, so I went looking for additional receipes. I found some by looking up the foods we can eat and eliminating some ingredients that we can't. I made stuffed peppers last night, with ground turkey and lots of veggies and no rice. Tonight is turkey burgers with spinach and veggies as lettuce as the bun. I am soo looking forward to that. Be creative and you will love this diet!
I am from Canada and ordered a book because this website said it would not be sold elsewhere. Believing this I ordered a book which cost me $42. something. Today I saw it in Shopper's for 25% off 18.99 which is $14.24. I feel totally ripped off. Can I send my copy back?
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 7:16 pm
brandy johnson
lose 4 pounds in 3 days
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 6:45 pm
shirley jackson
I paid over $40 for this book because it wasn't supposed to be distributed through
any stores!!! You can buy this book at
walmart and Kroger for $17.99 with 25% off. Even Dr. Phil stated it could only be ordered on line. Don't get ripped off !!!
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 6:01 pm
Shannon
I have lost 19 pounds in six weeks and my husband has lost 12 pounds in three weeks. Love this program! Would like some additional recipes though, we are very tired of salad and chicken breast.
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 3:11 pm
Maureen Graham
Funny it is suppose to be ONLY available at the Website, but I came across my book at Walmart here in Canada...I was sooooooooo happy.....
posted Mar 22nd, 2011 11:29 pm
Tisha Mastin Adair
+
Day 1 of phase 1 and so far so good...have ate quite a bit...I know you don't have to count calories, but I did, and I only consumed around 1000 cals..and not even hungry....wow! Can't wait for the weight to start falling off!!!
posted Mar 22nd, 2011 6:16 pm
Kathy Kaiser
Follow it and it works|
posted Mar 21st, 2011 9:22 pm
Debby
I received my book Friday (b&n.com) and actually started the diet on Sunday. I lost 3 pounds on the first day. Although I'm only one day in, it seems pretty simple to follow. I will let you know how I do at the end of Cyle 1.
posted Mar 21st, 2011 1:56 pm
Mary Pelezo Coats
I just finished the second phase and lost 17lbs. I want to lose 15-20 more. Don't feel ready to eat pasta and berad. Can I just do phase 2 again?
I have been on the 17 day diet 20 days and have lost 12 lbs.. Tons of energy and very easy to follow.. Thank you Dr. Merino
posted Mar 20th, 2011 1:21 pm
Helen
I have lost 103 lbs so far. I had lost 77 lbs before I started on this diet an was at a stand still for 3 months, then I got the 17 Day Book an started on it christmas day, have been losing since. Good luck everyone.I have about 40 more lbs to go.
posted Mar 20th, 2011 12:00 pm
wendy
+
I needed to lose some pounds quickly before my holiday to the Dominican - lost 18 pounds in 17 days. Was never hungry and very easy to follow
posted Mar 19th, 2011 11:29 pm
Sarah
+
Have been using this diet since seen on Dr. Phil. Have gotten 30-pounds off spouse in 51 days.
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 32 of 56, 1103 total comments)christina
can you eat cereal in cycle 2 (like special k). and can you have low fat milk?
posted Mar 25th, 2011 1:02 pmReeseNMS
Mary Pelozo Coats, you never stick with the same cycle when you've completed it. That defeats the purpose of switching up every 17 days. You can switch beteween cycle 1 and 2. I'm like you, I've still got more to lose, so I havent gone on to cycle 3. I'm on cycle 1 for the 3rd time now. In 3 more days I'll be in cycle 2 for the 3rd time. I just go back and forth between the two cycles and have lost 36 lbs in 81 days.
posted Mar 25th, 2011 10:42 amAlexa
I lost 5 pounds in two days!!! so happy!
posted Mar 25th, 2011 9:32 amGreg
I have been on it for 5 days now and lost 9 lbs. I know that will slow down some, but I truly expect to have lost 15 lbs by the end of the first 17 day cycle.
posted Mar 25th, 2011 7:24 amSylvia
+I like it because it's teaching me how to eat properly and making the right choices even when i eat out.
posted Mar 24th, 2011 2:33 pmKristy
We are on our 5 day and I've lost 5 lbs and my husband has lost 7 lbs. I love the Chicken Vegetable soup in the book, but I'm getting bored with the diet, so I went looking for additional receipes. I found some by looking up the foods we can eat and eliminating some ingredients that we can't. I made stuffed peppers last night, with ground turkey and lots of veggies and no rice. Tonight is turkey burgers with spinach and veggies as lettuce as the bun. I am soo looking forward to that. Be creative and you will love this diet!
posted Mar 24th, 2011 12:14 pmTamara Cross
I'm on day 16 lost 13lbs still have 40lbs to go.
posted Mar 24th, 2011 9:47 amJudy Collins
I am from Canada and ordered a book because this website said it would not be sold elsewhere. Believing this I ordered a book which cost me $42. something. Today I saw it in Shopper's for 25% off 18.99 which is $14.24. I feel totally ripped off. Can I send my copy back?
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 7:16 pmbrandy johnson
lose 4 pounds in 3 days
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 6:45 pmshirley jackson
I paid over $40 for this book because it wasn't supposed to be distributed through
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 6:01 pmany stores!!! You can buy this book at
walmart and Kroger for $17.99 with 25% off. Even Dr. Phil stated it could only be ordered on line. Don't get ripped off !!!
Shannon
I have lost 19 pounds in six weeks and my husband has lost 12 pounds in three weeks. Love this program! Would like some additional recipes though, we are very tired of salad and chicken breast.
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 3:11 pmMaureen Graham
Funny it is suppose to be ONLY available at the Website, but I came across my book at Walmart here in Canada...I was sooooooooo happy.....
posted Mar 22nd, 2011 11:29 pmTisha Mastin Adair
+Day 1 of phase 1 and so far so good...have ate quite a bit...I know you don't have to count calories, but I did, and I only consumed around 1000 cals..and not even hungry....wow! Can't wait for the weight to start falling off!!!
posted Mar 22nd, 2011 6:16 pmKathy Kaiser
Follow it and it works|
posted Mar 21st, 2011 9:22 pmDebby
I received my book Friday (b&n.com) and actually started the diet on Sunday. I lost 3 pounds on the first day. Although I'm only one day in, it seems pretty simple to follow. I will let you know how I do at the end of Cyle 1.
posted Mar 21st, 2011 1:56 pmMary Pelezo Coats
I just finished the second phase and lost 17lbs. I want to lose 15-20 more. Don't feel ready to eat pasta and berad. Can I just do phase 2 again?
posted Mar 21st, 2011 11:44 amNancy Archer
I have been on the 17 day diet 20 days and have lost 12 lbs.. Tons of energy and very easy to follow.. Thank you Dr. Merino
posted Mar 20th, 2011 1:21 pmHelen
I have lost 103 lbs so far. I had lost 77 lbs before I started on this diet an was at a stand still for 3 months, then I got the 17 Day Book an started on it christmas day, have been losing since. Good luck everyone.I have about 40 more lbs to go.
posted Mar 20th, 2011 12:00 pmwendy
+I needed to lose some pounds quickly before my holiday to the Dominican - lost 18 pounds in 17 days. Was never hungry and very easy to follow
posted Mar 19th, 2011 11:29 pmSarah
+Have been using this diet since seen on Dr. Phil. Have gotten 30-pounds off spouse in 51 days.
posted Mar 18th, 2011 1:41 pm