17 Day Diet

I've just ordered the book and the cookbook and I can't wait for it to arrive I really need to get rid of my carb and sugar cravings =D I can't wait!

I actually did two complete cycles of 1 - 3 of the 17 Day Diet, lost 26 lbs. & felt GREAT! Then it was discovered that I had a gluten/wheat intolerance, threw me in a tailspin, gained 11 back and bloated. It was only discovered because I was eating very little carbs, went back to them and PAIN like no tomorrow!

Now that I have that back under control, its much easier to pass up those donuts, breads, and wheat-filled foods. I guess I consider that a blessing since its actually "helping" me get my head back into the diet and have lost 3.2 lbs. in 4 days. The first cycle is always the one where you'll lose the quickest, but it will slow down in cycle three, the maintaining cycle. This diet is instrumental in helping you "learn" how to eat properly and make certain food changes to keep your body healthy and happy.

I don't think this diet is extreme, but it can hurt you if you don't read the book, follow the guidelines, and he does suggest you get plenty of water, rest, little exercise in cycle 1 and build up your exercise routines as you go thru the cycles.

For those that have are are doing this diet: can you vontinue to workout everyday? My issue in the past is not being able to workout because of low energy on these diets.

I'm getting ready to start so I guess we will see - but I suspect that if you feel too slugish you could add some more veggies and lean meat - and maybe even some more fruit (as long as its before 2:00). It seems the 1st week is the only week you should have a sluggish problem - but after that if you feel you need more than I would eat more. Which is where MFP can come in as far as tracking your calories to make sure your getting a sufficient amount. I'm a big advocate of working out and am very active. So I will tweek where I need to and keep working out. But from what I am reading - you can pretty much eat unlimited amounts of lean protein and certain veggies to fill your hunger.

For those that have are are doing this diet: can you vontinue to workout everyday? My issue in the past is not being able to workout because of low energy on these diets.

Actually my energy level greatly increased once I got a few days into this diet. I wasn't weighed down by carbs and sugars. My body responds very well to this type of diet though, I know everyone is different.

My 25 year old daughter did the diet and lost 30 pounds in around 8 weeks that is all she needed to lose. She kept if off but is now pregnant. She has not gained much weight though and is eating everything. I on the other hand have a difficult time when I cut out food. I found it too difficult to stick to. It will take me longer but I do not want to fell like I have to restrict stuff....years and wisdom has shown me that FOR ME that is a path to binging.

The first cycle is the most restrictive almost no carbs.

2nd cycle you can add more meat options and a few more carbs

3rd cycle you can eat most things

then if you have hit your plan you go on maintenance which is pretty well eating anything in moderation.

Many people have had success, if you are familiar with high protein low carb eating plans then you should not have a problem

I will caution: Starving your body is one of the WORST ways lose weight. Additionally, it's FAD, not a Diet. A Diet is the regular daily NUTRITIONAL intake. I would suggest alternative methods. There are NO Healthy means of losing weight rapidly.

If you do continue...be careful.

I don't think you know what this "diet" is really about. I stayed well within 1200-1400 calories a day, I was just getting these calories from lean protein, veggies and fruits instead of carbs starches and sugars. My energy level went way up, I felt amazing, my skin cleared up...there was nothing unhealthy about this diet, and I most certainly did not starve! I never once felt hungry or ate below 1200 cals on this diet.

I do however need to stress the importance of following this diet CORRECTLY. It's the people who don't do it right who end up starving themselves or getting sick. And this type of diet won't work for everyone. It just so happened to work for me, and I don't crave carbs or sugar anymore. I do indulge every now and then though, of course

For those that have are are doing this diet: can you vontinue to workout everyday? My issue in the past is not being able to workout because of low energy on these diets.

I had ZERO energy. None. I couldn't walk a quarter mile without feeling like I was going to pass out. That's why I quit the thing.

Its a book and too lengthy to post on here. There is a lot of information that you get in the book. If you haven't read it then you shouldn't post info that is not correct. If you followed the plan and only had 600 calories a day then you didn't follow the guidelines. You chose to not eat instead of eating the healthy foods allowed. Any educated person should know that under 1000 calories a day is unhealthy and to listen to your body - if you are light headed and weak and tired, EAT MORE!

Not everything works for everyone. Some people benefit from a plan that sets out a eating plan for you (such as me). If you can jump on and log everything and stay within your calories and lose - more power to you.

I plan on logging and I plan on eating 1200 to 1400 a day depending on my needs that day. Again --- where in the book does it ever tell you to only eat 600 to 700 calories a day???

"It's so long and convoluted I couldn't post it. A sample of phase one. You can eat ultra lean chicken/turkey and salads with low carb veggies. 2 low sugar fruits but only before 2pm. Plain yogurt twice a day. 3 cups of green tea. Hot lemon water in the morning. It killed my carb cravings and I'm grateful for that but it damn near killed me too. It's possible to get so stuffed you cannot continue to eat on this diet and still only get 600 cals a day. If you want to try it, and I don't recommened it unless it's medically necessary, skip phase one. No one should eat like that unless they're supervised by a doctor. "

^^How could you not eat enough calories a day. It gives you unlimited lean proteins. Why didn't you just eat more protein - or add a few more fruits before 2:00. Or add a protein shake. There are ways to modify the plan to fit your daily needs.

I was extremely full and couldn't eat more as I stated earlier. I don't need to explain anything further. Anyone who searches for this thread in the future now has quite a few perspectives on this diet. That's what this site is for so job well done. I wish you the best on your journey!

Amen! We would all like to hear the good AND the bad. That allows a person to make up their own mind.

Something that I didn't get from the book -- and only through the FB webpage -- was we can use protein powder. Protein powder has been my best friend 'cause I can add it to smoothies and my greek yogurt (think greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, a diced up apple and sugar-free strawberry jam -- YUM!) and get the additional calories I need to make sure I get a *minimum* of 1200 calories a day. You're able to use fat-free cheeses (in moderation, of course) and that has helped me get my calories in, too.

One thing I can't stress enough is log your calories for at least a week so you can make sure you're getting in the bare minimum. Nobody should go under 1200 calories/day -- but some need more. In the book, you'll read that you don't have to really "count calories", but I think it's a great addition to the program.

I'm currently on Day 7 of the program and am down 7.8 lbs and feeling fan-freakin'-tastic! The first 3-4 days were a bit rough while I was detoxing and getting all that processed garbage out of my body -- but now I feel healthy on the inside AND out. I jump on the treadmill for 20 minutes twice a day -- once in the AM and once in the PM. I have so much energy that I don't feel the urge to take a nap in the middle of the day, heh.

This isn't a "fad diet" or a "diet" at all. It's a lifestyle change. You follow 3 cycles (17 days each) until you reach your goal weight. Once you reach your goal weight, you follow Cycle 4 -- Maintenance. This is where you be "good" for 5 days out of the week and then get to splurge a little during the weekend (trying to keep a goal of no more than 3 cheat meals). Sounds like the perfect "I get to have my cake and eat it, too" kinda life for me! ;-)

Cycle 1 (first 17 days)
This is what the first cycle food list consist of...
You can eat unlimited lean proteins n clean veggies
2 servings of low sugar fruits a day (before 2pm)
2 servings of probiotics
Drink lots of water ..lots
And do 17 mins of daily exercise
I've lost 30 lbs on this diet before and enjoyed it actually (1200-1350) cals a day I'm 5'0
17 day diet cycle one food list 
 I have compiled a list of the Foods for Cycle 1 ..Accelerate.
PROTEINS
Fish
Canned Light Tuna (water packed)
Catfish
Flounder
Salmon
Sole
Tilapia
* Opt for wild-caught rather than farm-raised fish, which may have received doses of antibiotics. Avoid the bigger fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and albacore tuna. They are the most likely to carry metals like methyl-mercury, which is considered a toxin.
Poultry
Chicken Breast
Eggs (2 eggs = 1 serving)
Egg Whites (4 egg whites =1 serving)
Turkey Breast
CLEANSING VEGETABLES   (Eat Liberally)
•       Artichoke
•       Artichoke hearts
•       Asparagus
•       Bell peppers, green, orange, red, yellow
•       Broccoli
•       Brussels sprouts
•       Cabbage
•       Carrots
•      Cauliflower
•       Celery
•       Cucumbers
•       Eggplant
•       Garlic
•       Green beans
•       Green, leafy vegetables (including beet greens, turnip greens, collard greens)
•       Kale
•       Leeks
•       Lettuce, all varieties
•       Mushrooms
•       Okra
•       Onions
•       Parsley
•       Scallions
•       Spinach
•       Tomatoes
•       Watercress
FIBROUS FRUIT- 2 SERVINGS DAILY
•       Apples
•       Berries, all types
•       Grapefruit
•       Oranges
•       Peaches
•       Pears
•       Plums
•       Prickly pear cactus
•       Prunes
•       Red grapes
PROBIOTIC FOODS- 2 SERVINGS DAILY
Acidophilus milk: (1 cup = 1 serving)
Kefir: similar to a drinking-style yogurt; great for making smoothies (1 cup = 1 serving)
Low-fat acidophilus milk (1 cup = 1 serving)
Reduced salt miso dissolved in low-fat, low-sodium broth (1 tablespoon – 1 serving)
Sauerkraut: (1/2 cup – 1 serving)
Yakult: (1 cup = 1 serving)
Yogurt, any type, including Greek-style, sugar-free (6 oz. container = 1 serving)


FRIENDLY FATS: 1 TO 2 TABLESPOONS DAILY
Flaxseed oil
Olive oil

CONDIMENTS
Condiments and seasonings are allowed in moderation:
•       Salsa, low-carb marinara sauce, lite soy sauce, low-carb ketchup, fat-free sour cream, Truvia (a non-caloric sweetener made from natural ingredients), sugar-free jams and jellies, vegetable cooking spray, fat-free cheeses (i.e. Parmesan), fat-free salad dressing, salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard, herbs, and spices.
Substitutions for vegetarians:
One-half cup of tofu (any type)
One-half cup of beans, lentils, or any legume
1-2 vegetarian or black bean burgers (made from textured vegetable protein)
2-4 ounces any vegetarian cheese, including soy cheese
2 vegetarian “sausage” links (great substitute for eggs!)
2 scoops vegan rice protein powder (great for smoothies, blend with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk and a fruit) for a quick 17-Day Diet vegetarian breakfast
Any type of vegetarian meat substitute made from textured vegetable protein (see package for serving size)
For dairy substitutes: 1 serving is 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, or rice milk
For yogurt substitutes, it is fine to use soy milk yogurtThese subs will work for all cycles as meat-protein substitutions.


Best of luck!!!

just find what works for you

can you eat shrimp in phase one? I am reading up on it (cant afford the book right now) but shrimp is high in protein and low in fat so thought it might be on the shopping list for phase 1. It looks pretty straightforward. Only veggies and lean protein and a couple pieces of fruit the first 17 days. Seems healthy to me and I will just make sure I get my required calories in

I got the book and started reading it last night. I am going to start the diet tomorrow probably. I hope it gets me losing faster again. It's not much different than I was doing except that I am going to eat more lean and no "junk" at all even sugar free ice cream (90 calories)

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