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 have been on the diet for 4 days and have lost 3 lbs. However I find it difficult to drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water a day as I feel too full so I have cut back. Even cutting back on the water I still cannot eat everything on the suggested menus. Too much food for me!!! Also I am having a hard time finding some of the foods (i.e. - sugar free yogurt and fat free parmesan cheese) which is a little frustrating. I am going to stick with it though and see where I am after the first cycle .
posted Jan 23rd, 2012 11:58 pm
Lisa Emerson
This diet sounds worth trying. But I have a thyroid condition (underactive) for which I take synthroid. Could I still do the diet ? Thanks!
posted Jan 22nd, 2012 9:19 pm
DEBRA
BEING 50 AND GAINING SO MUCH WEIGHT FROM EATTING CARBS I WAS SO SAD DEPRESSED BUT THANKS TO THS FANTASTIC WAY OF LIFE THE 17 DAY DIET I HAVE LOST 15 IN 20 DAYS. THIS IS THE BEST OF THE BEST DIET .HE BEST LIFE STYLE CHANGE EVER . MIKE YOU GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK I WILL LIVE BY YOUR BOOK . ANY ONE THAT NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT AND CANT DO THIS WELL BETTER FORGET IT THIS IS THE EASIEST DIET IN THE WORLD AND GREAT TO FEEL GOOD AGAIN AND LIVE.
posted Jan 22nd, 2012 7:39 pm
Sue
I think the 17-day diet is great. I'm not a diet person and have never gone for "diet plans," but when I turned 50 and my usual means of losing 10 lbs. stopped working and the 10 became 20+ and I heard about this diet, I decided to try it. I did the first two cycles with only slight modifications and lost 10 lbs. in those 34 days last summer, not 15+ as they say you can, but I was very happy to lose those 10 lbs. after several years of only gaining weight, especially when it wasn't very difficult to follow the eating plan. Since then I have made the principles of the 17 day diet a way of eating for me and, although I haven't gone back to restart phase 1, as I might, I have continued to slowly lose additional weight, without really trying. I lost an additional 6 lbs. in the fall by simply following the principles of eating lean protein, vegetables, limited good fats, fruit, yogurt and other pre and probiotics (I eat a Breakstone liveactive and a no fat plain greek yogurt every day for morning and afternoon snacks), green tea and limited good carbs. I have virtually eliminated bread (and gluten, coincidentally) and refined sugar from my diet, and I have never felt better. I do have a sweet tooth, so I sweeten the yogurt with a little all fruit jam and fresh fruit or a small bit of agave based chocolate topping now that I'm on "maintenance" and I don't really miss the frozen yogurt and other desserts and bread that I used to eat regularly. I believe the minimization of sugar and other carbs has reduced my cravings for these foods and my prior tendency to over consume, especially in the evenings. I used to think calories are calories, so all that matters is reducing calories, but the 17 day diet has convinced me that what you eat helps to determine how many calories you eat, so by eating the right things you will naturally want less to eat and will consume fewer calories (without counting them). This way of eating also provided the first effective treatment for my IBS since they took Zelnorm off the market -- I'm much happier with this vs. taking prescription drugs that weren't that effective. I occasionally fall off the wagon, but only slightly and I easily get right back to eating according to the principles of this diet and continue to slowly drop additional weight. I can't recommend this strongly enough.
posted Jan 20th, 2012 9:36 pm
Meg
+
I am in LOVE with this program. This morning I weighed in at 209, an 18.5 lb weight loss in my first 16 days! Tomorrow is the final weigh in for cycle 1. At 5'9 I still have a way to go, (with a goal of 145). However I now know that I can do whatever I set my mind to!
posted Jan 19th, 2012 3:40 am
Gracie
I have been on the 17 day diet for 17 days and have lost 12 lbs! And I am not that far from my goal weight! It's a great diet! Thanks Dr. Moreno! ..Gracie
posted Jan 18th, 2012 6:33 pm
Sally
+
I have been following the diet since May 2011 and have lost 43 lbs. total. I feel really good and workout now almost every day for 30 to 120 minutes a day. Love it!
posted Jan 16th, 2012 5:18 pm
didi
?
Is there anywhere I can get the first weeks of the 17 Day Diet plan for free?
Just waiting for my book to arrive SO IM VERY EXCITED to start this. Im 21 years old and waight almost 160 and am 5'5. I just ordered the book and was just wondering is there anywhere i can get the first few days meal plan ? Any web sites that show the first 2 or 3 day plans for free?
How does the 17 Day Diet work if you have a lot of weight to lose?
The 17day diet and big weight loss -- What if you need tob lose lots of weight? I.c. 40 kilo's. Do you go from cycle 1 through 4 and back, or alternate beween one and two, or one, two three?
I could not find the answer in you book.
Thank you
the finest diet i have ever been on i'm losing rapidly eat enough not to be too hungry and with 17 day diet recipe club where everyone sends in their recipes and saying the cycle its for you nerver run out of good recipes to make.
posted Jan 8th, 2012 5:26 am
Melinda
I started the 17 diet after a friend posted on facebook that she had lost 25 pounds. I was tired of feeling sluggish and having to buy bigger and bigger clothes. I have since met my goal and lost 25 pounds! I was able to maintain during the holidays and have never felt so in control of my eating habits. I have more confidence and have referred family, friends and co-workers. This has been the easiest diet I have ever done and now it doesn't really feel like a diet. I don't feel deprived anymore!
posted Jan 6th, 2012 5:26 pm
jackiebrownii
Love this diet, it is easy to follow. I lost 12 pounds the first 10 days then on to lose a total on 25. I kept it off thru the holidays and now ready to start over to lose 10 more.
The 17 Day Diet was the first one I have really tried. It was easy to follow, especially as the food was added to every 17 days so you don't get bored. I lost 20 pounds and have kept it off for a year. The daily exercise is very important. I heghly recommend this diet.
posted Jan 5th, 2012 12:09 am
Pam
?
Are snacks ok on the first cycle of the 17 Day Diet?
I am on day 2 of cycle one and find myself hungry all the time.... Are there any snacks that are ok?
I am 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. Everyone asks me how i lost weight and want to know more about this diet. I know several people have started this diet and are so inspired just because they see that it works!! Thank you Dr Mike!!!
posted Dec 31st, 2011 3:35 am
Lori Miller
?
Is 17 Day Diet good for runners?
I'm a runner, 15-25 miles/week. I need a certain amount of carbs to give me the energy for long runs. Will this diet plan work for me?
It was a good program worked very well i lost a lot of weight without exercise probably would have lost more if i exercised with it.
posted Dec 29th, 2011 8:49 pm
Lola Clark
I started on this Diet full of enthusiasim on day 5 I was so ill and could not work out why. The reason, Sulphur Dioxide in the Balsamic Vinegar, has anyon else experienced this, and if so what can I use to replace this. This has really been very dangerous as I did not even see the small Allergy warning on the Bottle to me vinegar is vinegar made out of Grapes, but it is not is is full of Sulphides
posted Dec 27th, 2011 11:29 am
geraldine
please let me know if there is any special excercise to reduce my lower body size as i am so thin from upper part and so fat from lower part although my weight is 132 lb and my height is 169 cm eager to know the answer
thanks
posted Dec 16th, 2011 1:28 pm
Tammy
+
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. I got all my friends doing it with me. The BOOK is essential to following this diet. I carry it everywhere with me!
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 8 of 56, 1103 total comments)Sue
I have been on the diet for 4 days and have lost 3 lbs. However I find it difficult to drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water a day as I feel too full so I have cut back. Even cutting back on the water I still cannot eat everything on the suggested menus. Too much food for me!!! Also I am having a hard time finding some of the foods (i.e. - sugar free yogurt and fat free parmesan cheese) which is a little frustrating. I am going to stick with it though and see where I am after the first cycle .
posted Jan 23rd, 2012 11:58 pmLisa Emerson
This diet sounds worth trying. But I have a thyroid condition (underactive) for which I take synthroid. Could I still do the diet ? Thanks!
posted Jan 22nd, 2012 9:19 pmDEBRA
BEING 50 AND GAINING SO MUCH WEIGHT FROM EATTING CARBS I WAS SO SAD DEPRESSED BUT THANKS TO THS FANTASTIC WAY OF LIFE THE 17 DAY DIET I HAVE LOST 15 IN 20 DAYS. THIS IS THE BEST OF THE BEST DIET .HE BEST LIFE STYLE CHANGE EVER . MIKE YOU GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK I WILL LIVE BY YOUR BOOK . ANY ONE THAT NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT AND CANT DO THIS WELL BETTER FORGET IT THIS IS THE EASIEST DIET IN THE WORLD AND GREAT TO FEEL GOOD AGAIN AND LIVE.
posted Jan 22nd, 2012 7:39 pmSue
I think the 17-day diet is great. I'm not a diet person and have never gone for "diet plans," but when I turned 50 and my usual means of losing 10 lbs. stopped working and the 10 became 20+ and I heard about this diet, I decided to try it. I did the first two cycles with only slight modifications and lost 10 lbs. in those 34 days last summer, not 15+ as they say you can, but I was very happy to lose those 10 lbs. after several years of only gaining weight, especially when it wasn't very difficult to follow the eating plan. Since then I have made the principles of the 17 day diet a way of eating for me and, although I haven't gone back to restart phase 1, as I might, I have continued to slowly lose additional weight, without really trying. I lost an additional 6 lbs. in the fall by simply following the principles of eating lean protein, vegetables, limited good fats, fruit, yogurt and other pre and probiotics (I eat a Breakstone liveactive and a no fat plain greek yogurt every day for morning and afternoon snacks), green tea and limited good carbs. I have virtually eliminated bread (and gluten, coincidentally) and refined sugar from my diet, and I have never felt better. I do have a sweet tooth, so I sweeten the yogurt with a little all fruit jam and fresh fruit or a small bit of agave based chocolate topping now that I'm on "maintenance" and I don't really miss the frozen yogurt and other desserts and bread that I used to eat regularly. I believe the minimization of sugar and other carbs has reduced my cravings for these foods and my prior tendency to over consume, especially in the evenings. I used to think calories are calories, so all that matters is reducing calories, but the 17 day diet has convinced me that what you eat helps to determine how many calories you eat, so by eating the right things you will naturally want less to eat and will consume fewer calories (without counting them). This way of eating also provided the first effective treatment for my IBS since they took Zelnorm off the market -- I'm much happier with this vs. taking prescription drugs that weren't that effective. I occasionally fall off the wagon, but only slightly and I easily get right back to eating according to the principles of this diet and continue to slowly drop additional weight. I can't recommend this strongly enough.
posted Jan 20th, 2012 9:36 pmMeg
+I am in LOVE with this program. This morning I weighed in at 209, an 18.5 lb weight loss in my first 16 days! Tomorrow is the final weigh in for cycle 1. At 5'9 I still have a way to go, (with a goal of 145). However I now know that I can do whatever I set my mind to!
posted Jan 19th, 2012 3:40 amGracie
I have been on the 17 day diet for 17 days and have lost 12 lbs! And I am not that far from my goal weight! It's a great diet! Thanks Dr. Moreno! ..Gracie
posted Jan 18th, 2012 6:33 pmSally
+I have been following the diet since May 2011 and have lost 43 lbs. total. I feel really good and workout now almost every day for 30 to 120 minutes a day. Love it!
posted Jan 16th, 2012 5:18 pmdidi
?Is there anywhere I can get the first weeks of the 17 Day Diet plan for free? Just waiting for my book to arrive SO IM VERY EXCITED to start this. Im 21 years old and waight almost 160 and am 5'5. I just ordered the book and was just wondering is there anywhere i can get the first few days meal plan ? Any web sites that show the first 2 or 3 day plans for free?
Sylvia
?How does the 17 Day Diet work if you have a lot of weight to lose? The 17day diet and big weight loss -- What if you need tob lose lots of weight? I.c. 40 kilo's. Do you go from cycle 1 through 4 and back, or alternate beween one and two, or one, two three? I could not find the answer in you book. Thank you
judy
the finest diet i have ever been on i'm losing rapidly eat enough not to be too hungry and with 17 day diet recipe club where everyone sends in their recipes and saying the cycle its for you nerver run out of good recipes to make.
posted Jan 8th, 2012 5:26 amMelinda
I started the 17 diet after a friend posted on facebook that she had lost 25 pounds. I was tired of feeling sluggish and having to buy bigger and bigger clothes. I have since met my goal and lost 25 pounds! I was able to maintain during the holidays and have never felt so in control of my eating habits. I have more confidence and have referred family, friends and co-workers. This has been the easiest diet I have ever done and now it doesn't really feel like a diet. I don't feel deprived anymore!
posted Jan 6th, 2012 5:26 pmjackiebrownii
Love this diet, it is easy to follow. I lost 12 pounds the first 10 days then on to lose a total on 25. I kept it off thru the holidays and now ready to start over to lose 10 more.
posted Jan 6th, 2012 4:03 pmSue
The 17 Day Diet was the first one I have really tried. It was easy to follow, especially as the food was added to every 17 days so you don't get bored. I lost 20 pounds and have kept it off for a year. The daily exercise is very important. I heghly recommend this diet.
posted Jan 5th, 2012 12:09 amPam
?Are snacks ok on the first cycle of the 17 Day Diet? I am on day 2 of cycle one and find myself hungry all the time.... Are there any snacks that are ok?
Tessa Letzinger
+I am 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. Everyone asks me how i lost weight and want to know more about this diet. I know several people have started this diet and are so inspired just because they see that it works!! Thank you Dr Mike!!!
posted Dec 31st, 2011 3:35 amLori Miller
?Is 17 Day Diet good for runners? I'm a runner, 15-25 miles/week. I need a certain amount of carbs to give me the energy for long runs. Will this diet plan work for me?
Audrey Phillips
+It was a good program worked very well i lost a lot of weight without exercise probably would have lost more if i exercised with it.
posted Dec 29th, 2011 8:49 pmLola Clark
I started on this Diet full of enthusiasim on day 5 I was so ill and could not work out why. The reason, Sulphur Dioxide in the Balsamic Vinegar, has anyon else experienced this, and if so what can I use to replace this. This has really been very dangerous as I did not even see the small Allergy warning on the Bottle to me vinegar is vinegar made out of Grapes, but it is not is is full of Sulphides
posted Dec 27th, 2011 11:29 amgeraldine
please let me know if there is any special excercise to reduce my lower body size as i am so thin from upper part and so fat from lower part although my weight is 132 lb and my height is 169 cm eager to know the answer
posted Dec 16th, 2011 1:28 pmthanks
Tammy
+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. I got all my friends doing it with me. The BOOK is essential to following this diet. I carry it everywhere with me!
posted Dec 13th, 2011 3:52 pm