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The 17 Day Diet

The most popular diet of 2011 supports healthy weight loss that lasts.

QUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement
  • Established: 2010

  • Founder: Dr. Mike Moreno

  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, CA

  • Accessibility: Book, Meal Plan

  • Diet Type: Low-Carb, Low-Calorie

  • Gender: Male, Female

  • Celebrity Endorsements: Dr. Phil, The Doctors

BACKGROUND

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
  • One-time cost of the book
  • Recipes available on the Food on the Table Meal Planning App

CON
  • 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.

17 Day Diet recipes are available on the Food on the Table Meal Planning App

17 Day Diet Sample Meals

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:

Cycle 1: Accelerate

Goal: Improve digestion, initiate fat burn/discourage fat storage

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.

17 DAY DIET VIDEOS

Having trouble viewing? Watch the 17 Day Diet Interview video here.

17 Day Diet YouTube Channel

The 17 Day Diet, report on CBS

The 17 Day Diet Challenge on Dr. Phil

The 17 Day Diet Video Review - Our product spotlight explains the diet and its pros and cons.

17 DAY DIET USER REVIEWS

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

Leave your own review and rating now.

17 DAY DIET FAQ

We interviewed Dr. Mike and he answered your most common 17 Day Diet Questions

Do you have to eat fish on the 17 day diet? - Lisa 8/10/11

Do you have to drink green tea? - Stephenie 3/10/11

Which meats can I eat on the 17 Day Diet? - MRS. ETHERITH 2/24/11

Is the 17 Day Diet right for vegetarians? - Cheryl 5/7/11

Why am I stuck at the same weight on the 17 Day Diet? - Stephanie 5/7/11

Ask and Answer 17 Day Diet Questions now.

CONCLUSION

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.

17 DAY DIET SLIDESHOWS

View What is the 17 Day Diet? Slideshow

Must Read Diet Books of 2011

17 DAY DIET RESOURCES

17 Day Diet Club on The Doctors

The 17 Day Diet Contact Information
  • Phone: 800-464-1384

  • Official Website: 17 Day Diet

  • Address: 17 Day Diet, Inc. 9903 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 215 Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Common Misspellings

17 day diet, seventeen day diet, dr mike moreno's diet, dr. mike diet, 17 days diet, 17 diet, 17day diet book, 17daydiet

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Related Diets: Calorie Balance Diet, Calorie Shifting, The 17 Day Diet Cookbook, The 17 Day Plan to Stop Aging, High Protein Diet, Crack the Fat Loss Code, Jillian Michaels' Master Your Metabolism


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User Feedback

(Page 22 of 53, 1046 total comments)

Reese_N-MS

Amanda F, My husband and I have been eating out with no problem. I get either grilled fish or chicken, plain baked potato(if you're in the right cycle to have potato), or steamed veg and a salad. If the restaurant makes the salad for you, just ask them to leave off the cheese, bacon, crutons and put the dressing on the side. Ask for a light dressing or fat free. If they dont have one, just use regular dressing, but instead of pouring it onto the salad, just dip your fork into the dressing before you take a bite of salad. You eat much less dressing this way. That's an old WW trick.

We've found several local restuarants to eat at and a couple of chains. O'Charlies has grilled fish, steamed veg and salad. Lenny's Sub has a Chicken Philly Salad. Just hold the cheese. Some places dont have steamed veg, but they have green beans or greens. A good idea for chains is to look up their menu online before you go. That way you can kind of prepare ahead what you're going to order.

posted Apr 27th, 2011 11:59 am


Amanda F

Eating out? I am on my second day of the diet. I got asked to go to dinner with a friend and said I would go figuring I would just order steamed veggies with no seasoning and grilled chicken or salmon with no seasoning. My question is, would that be ok? Can restaurants do that for you? I want to be on the diet, but I don't want to stop my life because of it.

posted Apr 26th, 2011 11:07 pm


marykay mendoza

we were on this diet for 5 days......I had massive headaches from the detox and my partner's sugar spiked up to 190.....we had followed this diet to the letter and quit.......I'm very disappointed.....

posted Apr 26th, 2011 12:15 pm


karen

I buy the Yoplait Source yogurt. It's 0% fat and sweetened with Spenda. Each 100ml (3 oz) serving has 35 calories. It comes in many different fruit/desert/coffee flavours. It's available in all the grocery stores around here. igor alv

posted Apr 26th, 2011 11:48 am


Deanna

Protein powder with probiotic and fruit in the morning? I have read the book and started Cycle 1 today. I love protein shakes in the morning and I know this diet consists of a lot of protein. I have searched the book, but cannot find an answer. Can I have protein powder with my probiotic and fruit and in the morning or should I just leave it out? Thanks for your help and good luck to you all!

posted Apr 25th, 2011 11:40 pm


Talya

Hi Everyone,
I am on day 1 of cycle one and I agree with many of you that the book leaves several things unanswered. I had to call the hotline today to ask a question about cheese. So here are my 2 questions. Do you have to drink hot water with lemon or can it just be water cold with lemon? Also, is the only cheese you can have cottage cheese? I want to make sure I am doing this correctly.

posted Apr 25th, 2011 3:40 pm


Reese_N_MS

For those of you asking about yogurt, you'll be fine with any low fat or light yogurt.
I too had trouble drinking the green tea. I'm a water person. I tried drinking the tea for a while and got burned out. It's supposed to help boost your metabolism, but I've done just as well not drinking it.
Some of you are asking questions that make me think you dont have a book, you're only following what someone told you was on the diet. I've had a lot of people ask me to give them a copy of the diet plan. I dont suggest doing that. You've pretty much got to own the book and read all the tips and reasons for why you eat/drink certain foods. I know a handful of people who are trying the diet without the book and they arent doing near as well as the ones of us who have the book. It's not that expensive. You can get it at Wal-Mart for $22.
I started the diet Jan 3rd and have lost 45.3 lbs. The key is to set your mind to doing the diet, and just do it!

posted Apr 25th, 2011 2:33 pm


Stacey

I loved this diet! I lost 15 lbs in the first Cycle, which was really motivating for me to see such quick results and helped me stay with it through the whole thing.

posted Apr 25th, 2011 2:13 pm


Joe H

My wife got me this book for Christmas. We started the 28 day diet Jan. 3rd by the end of march I lost forty pounds. I have tried several diets and this one just worked for me, my blood pressure is down I have more energy than before and I have gone down two pant sizes. Thanks for a great book and my new lease on life. Joe H.

posted Apr 23rd, 2011 6:07 pm


Patty

Why do I need to start each day with a hot glass of water?

posted Apr 23rd, 2011 12:06 pm


Nicole

I am finishing day 3 and I am light headed and craving cheese, crackers, sweets and many more things. Have I reduced to much? Does everyone start like this?

posted Apr 23rd, 2011 12:45 am


marcy

I am a vegetarian can I follow this diet?

posted Apr 22nd, 2011 10:04 pm


kz

@ Amanda... You are already at a healthy weight, so you may not lose weight. You are on the lower end or a normal weight according to the BMI scale. I'm curious why you think you need to lose weight? but yes, you may lose you may not b/c you're not overweight or even close to being overweight.

posted Apr 22nd, 2011 6:05 pm


Amanda

Just bought it...will it work for me? Hey guys I have a question specifically to those who have posted the exact amount they have lost after 4 days or after 10 days. I don't mean to sound rude but how heavy are you guys? Because it seems azing the large amount dropped so fast (just days) so I am wondering if i will get around the same results because I am 21 and 5'7 weighing 131. Would like to weigh 120. However, the more you have to lose the faster you lose it so I am wondering if there is anyone about my size that still got the large drop in weight in just a few days? Thanks

posted Apr 21st, 2011 1:02 am


ericha

when i started i weighed 200 lbs, but i ate extremely healthy and all natural/ organic food and exercised regularly. so i didn't understand why my weight was still so high. the 17 day diet was amazing. i was basically eating the same foods as before but the new order i eat them in as well as drinking more water and i lost 10 pounds in the first week alone, and i kept my exercise regiment the same. it sounds like common sense stuff when you read it, but something as simple as not eating fruit after 2 p.m. and trying to eat protein for breakfast more often can really make a difference. i highly recommend this program

posted Apr 20th, 2011 11:07 pm


Jennifer Cowley

Love the fact the side effects are more energy and weight loss. :) Thank you.

posted Apr 20th, 2011 7:00 pm


kz

@ Anne... it is very confusing b/c i really don't think a sugar free and fat free yorgurt exists. I've been eating just plain fat free greek yogurt and have not had any problems finding it. Dannon also makes this. It is a treat to mix 6oz of this with 2 tbls. of sugar free jam.

posted Apr 20th, 2011 5:22 pm


MARY

i started the diet today. i have a question. I have never liked tea. i drink water alot. i tried the green tea thing today and feel that if i have to keep drinking it will make me not want to do diet. Can i just add lemon to my drinking water instead....i sure hope so
thank you
Mary

posted Apr 20th, 2011 1:45 pm


Anne

What brands of yogurt are you all eating? They all seem to have so much sugar! I can't find sugar free like Dr. Mike says in the book.

posted Apr 20th, 2011 12:42 pm


bp

I'm on the start of Day 4 and I have lost 4 pounds. The food selection, recipes are amazing. My favorite so far is the Chicken Vegetable soup. So excited about the first cycle and hopefully a successfully 10 pound weight loss at the end.

posted Apr 20th, 2011 12:03 pm



 

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