Well, I have survived the first cycle of the 17 Day Diet and I am pleased to say that I am in love this lifestyle change that I have made with my wife.
I’m not going to lie, the first week or two was hard. My work constantly had donuts, birthday cakes, ice cream every Wednesday, pizza, I could go on and on. Then, over Labor Day weekend we went up to the cabin, and how do you go to the cabin and not indulge yourself in treats: smores, Red Vines, and peanut butter M&Ms. And finally, LDS missionary farewells and homecomings. I made Slutty Cheesecake bars and another delicious treat to take, and had to make sure I didn’t eat any.
The farewell was catered by Chik-Fil-A. We were sitting at a table outside enjoying the weather and conversation when one of the dad’s brings a large tray of nuggets, drops in on our table and says, “I need you to finish these.” What? I mean if it were any other time it would have been no problem if it were any other time, but when I am trying to eat healthier? I must say, I caved. How could I not? They were talking to me begging me to eat them. I didn’t eat the entire tray, but the next day I was thinking that it was a great taste and don’t need them again anytime soon.
I must say, it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worth it. I am five days into cycle 2 and it is getting easier each and every day. Not only that, but the results you see in the little amount of time are fantastic. My pants are fitting better. I am able to wear pants that weren’t really fitting the best before and now they are fitting perfectly or even a little baggy. Shirts are actually loose on my stomach. I feel healthier and happier. The best part is that it has become a lifestyle change in our home, we do it together and even our son prefers healthy over not.
I wasn’t happy with the way I was looking. I would see pictures of myself and think I have gained way too much and needed to get back in gear. My problem is I need a motivator. I need something to help me get to where I need to be. Now, whether that’s a trip to a beach, training for a marathon or triathlon, or because I have something coming up where I need to look better in pictures. I feel like this works for most people, but I especially need it or I won’t do anything at all.
I am excited about this next cycle of 17 days because there are new food items I get to start bringing back into my diet or trying new things in general:
Proteins
Same as Cycle 1, but add in the following:
Seafood:
Shellfish**
Clams
Crab
Mussels
Oysters
Scallops
Shrimp
Lean Cuts of Meat:
Flank Steak
Top Sirloin Steak
Top Round
Eye of the round
Beef round tip
Beef top sirloin
Beef top loin
Lean ground beef
Pork Tenderloin
Pork sirloin chops
Pork boneless loin roast
Pork top or center loin chops
Lamb shanks
Lamb sirloin roast
Veal cutlet
Natural Starches
(all to be eaten prior to 2pm)
Grains: (1 serving = ½ cup)
Amaranth
Barley, pearled
Brown rice
Bulgar
Couscous
Cream of wheat
Grits
Longer rain rice, such as basmati
Millet
Oat bran
Old-fashioned oatmeal
Quinoa
Legumes: (1 Serving = ½ cup)
Black beans
Black-eyed peas
Butter beans
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Great northern beans
Kidney beans
Lentils
Lima beans, baby
Navy beans
Peas
Pinto beans
Soy beans
Split peas
Starchy Vegetables:
Breadfruit (1 serving = 1 cup)
Corn (1 serving = ½ cup)
Potato (1 serving = 1 medium)
Pumpkin (1 serving = 1/2 cup)**
Sweet potato (1 serving = 1 medium)
Taro (1 serving = ½ cup)
Winter squashes (acorn, spaghetti, butternut, etc) (1 serving = 1 cup)
Yam (1 serving = 1 medium)
Cleansing Vegetables
(same foods as Cycle 1)
Low-Sugar fruits
(same foods as Cycle 1)
Probiotics
(same foods as Cycle 1)
Friendly Fats
(same foods as Cycle 1)
Condiments
Condiments and seasonings are allowed in moderation:
Salsa
Low-carb marinara sauce
Lite soy sauce
Low-carb ketchup
Fat-free sour cream
Low-fat
Low sodium broth
Truvia or Nectresse** (a non-caloric sweeteners 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
Spices
Don’t forget that every morning, the second you wake up, to get in your 8 oz of heated water with half a lemon. We have made it easier (and cheaper) by using real lemon juice from Costco. You need a tablespoon and a half to equal a half a lemon.
Keep up the good work and if you want to know the rest of the details on The 17 Day Diet check it out here.
