When Dr. Mike Moreno set out to help one of his patients get motivated to walk, he had no idea he would have such a following. Now, twice a week before work, he leads a group exercise program called “Walk With Your Doc,” in San Diego. Dr. Mike, as he is affectionately called by his patients, established and wrote The 17 Day Diet book in an effort to help patients banish holiday weight gain. The book is broken down into four cycles helping many of the patients.
Cycle 1 is called Accelerate. This phase is where most of the weight is lost rapidly. It is a cleansing phase which allows the body to rid itself of fat. You will eat just 1,200 calories on this day.
He has diet participants start their day with a glass of water and fresh squeezed lemons. He encourages eating Greek Style Kefir. Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and eggs help the body cleanse and get rid of carbohydrate cravings during this initial phase.
According to TheWeek.com, “It's divided into four cycles, each lasting 17 days, and based on the principle of 'metabolic confusion.'" In Activate, Cycle 2, you reset your Metabolism and alternate between low and high calorie days.
Cycle 3 is called Arrive and is the time to put all the good habits learned into place and focus on portion control. Cycle 4 is called Achieve and combines the first three cycles while allowing patients to veer off track on the weekends to enjoy favorite foods.
Some of the recipes included in the 17 Day Diet Book include an egg-white veggie frittata made with tomatoes and spinach for breakfast. Dr. Mike’s Power Cookie made with unsweetened applesauce, agave, flaxseed oil, almond paste, whey protein, almonds, cherries and oats helps keep your snacks on track.
Lettuce wraps made with chicken and grapes are on the lunch menu, you can also enjoy a taco salad made with lean ground turkey. For dinner you can enjoy sesame fish, a delicious tilapia or an Italian favorite, eggplant parmesan, made with egg whites and low-carb marinara sauce.
The 17 Day Diet is equipped with a 17 minute exercise routine encompassing a total body workout to keep you motivated and healthy.
Online References:
The17DayDiet.com – The 17 Day Diet. Web. 26 Aug. 2011.
http://www.the17daydiet.com/recipes
“17 Day Diet: A ‘gimmicky’ way to lose 12 pounds” – TheWeek.com – The Week. Web 26 Aug. 2011.
http://theweek.com/article/index/214110/the-17-day-diet-a-gimmicky-way-to-lose-12-pounds
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed August 29, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Malu Banuelos