Is the 17-Day Diet Safe During Pregnancy?

The 17 Day Diet is one of the trendiest fad diets right now. If you are trying to eat healthier during pregnancy, you might be wondering if this diet is a safe option. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about going on this fad diet while you are pregnant.

What Does the 17 Day Diet Entail?

The 17 Day Diet works in four phases. Each phase lasts 17 days. Two of the phases are low-carb, reducing your whole grains intake and increasing your intake of lean protein. Your calorie intake will be controlled through this diet, which promises up to 24 pounds of weight loss by the fourth phase, according to WebMD.

Is the Diet Recommended to Pregnant Women?

According to the 17 Day Diet Web site FAQ, the diet is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Although the diet may be a fairly safe option for women who haven't conceived, there are several reasons why it isn't ideal for pregnant women. Weight loss generally isn't recommended for women who are pregnant. If you are overweight or obese, you should talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns that you may have about your weight during pregnancy.

The 17 Day Diet isn't ideal for women during pregnancy because it requires calorie control. This is not ideal for women who are pregnant because they are supposed to maintain their normal calorie range until the second and third trimesters, during which it should be increased by 300 calories a day, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

Another one of the problems with the 17 Day Diet is that it does restrict certain food groups. The first two phases of the diet are low-carb, which means that your whole grains intake will be limited and your consumption of leans meats is unlimited. The American Pregnancy Association recommends three servings of whole grains and two to three servings of lean protein, such as beef, seafood, and poultry. Low-carb diets which do not contain at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day can lead to ketosis, which has been linked to high cholesterol and other health problems, according to WebMD. Eating unlimited amounts of meat may also lead to weight gain.

It's best to avoid the 17 Day Diet during pregnancy. If you are looking for a healthy diet after you have conceived, it's ideal to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also be sure to keep the American Pregnancy Association's recommendations for whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy in mind when making food choices. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about healthy eating and diets during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Talk to a licensed healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.

Sources:

17 Day Diet
American Pregnancy Association
WebMD, "17 Day Diet: Diet Review."
WebMD, "High Protein, Low-Carb Diets."