Review of Two 17 Day Diet Recipes

Dr. Mike Moreno supplies recipes in his 17 Day Diet book, and so far the ones I've tried have been quite good. Here is a review of two of my favorite recipes in the book and tips to make them even better!

First, Buy the 17 Day Diet Book!

If you are serious about losing weight and following the 17 Day Diet, you need a copy of the book for yourself. Why? 1) The 17 Day Diet has a lot of moving parts and isn't a plan that your friend can outline easily on an email, 2) You'll find yourself referencing the book often, and 3) The book contains some good recipes toward the back that you'll want to use during your weight loss journey.

Don't be cheap! You can obtain the book at a reasonable price of $21.50 (or $29.00 if you buy the exercise DVD too) from the 17 Day Diet website. Don't buy it from Amazon since the books there are listed closer to $50.00!

My Two Favorite 17 Day Diet Recipes:

Chicken Vegetable Soup:

What I like - The Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe in the 17 Day Diet book has become my staple. You can eat this hearty, filling, thick soup during all four cycles and eat pretty much all you want. It's easy to make, ready in less than an hour, and is filled with chucks of chicken and lots of healthy vegetables. You can eat it for lunch or dinner or even for a snack later in front of the TV, as I have done a few times!

How to make it better or easier - The recipe calls for "baked chicken breasts", but I simply poach the chicken breasts in a little water in the same pan I plan to cook the soup in. Once they are done, I cut them into bite-sized chunks. This method is quick, easy and saves mess. I found the soup too thick and a bit salty, so after the first batch, I added an extra cup and a half of water and reduced the salt to 1 teaspoon (instead of 1 ½ teaspoons). The recipe calls for okra, which I love, but if you're not sure about the okra, I recommend you still try it, because it adds an interesting texture to the soup.

My Opinion - This 17 Day Diet recipe gets an A+ from me!

Kefir Smoothie:

What I like - Since I had never even heard of Kefir before, I was worried it would be hard to find, but it wasn't! I buy Lifeway brand, plain Kefir, which is low-fat and unsweetened, at my local Fry's grocer. This smoothie is so delicious that I almost can't believe it is acceptable on a diet! It counts toward one of the two daily probiotic servings you are allowed on the diet, so it can be a breakfast, lunch, or snack!

How to make it better or easier - I added Splenda to the smoothie because I didn't find it sweet enough for my taste. I still use the Agave nectar and flaxseed oil listed in the recipe, but I add few packets or 1/2 teaspoon of granulated Splenda before I blend the mixture. I keep Splenda in a shaker in my kitchen, so I might even add a few more shakes to my glass to get it just right. Also, I freeze my blueberries, strawberries or peach slices and add the frozen fruit to the blender, rather than fresh fruit. I find the frozen fruit turns the smoothie into a frozen treat that is close to a milk shake consistency. In fact, sometimes I even have to use a spoon!

My Opinion - The 17 Day Diet Kefit Smoothie gets an A+ from me!

If you've started the 17 Day Diet, I think you'll find it an encouraging way to tackle those stubborn extra pounds. I advise ignoring naysayers who say you're just losing water weight, or that this diet is just another fad. It doesn't matter what they think, as long as you are losing the weight you need to lose to be healthy and happy. Sometimes a new dieting concept is all you need to get motivated, right? Incorporate these two recipes into your first 17 days on the diet, and I think you'll actually enjoy eating right this time!

Related Reading:
Tips and Advice for the 17 Day Diet
Automate Your Diet and Fitness Routine
The Effects of Dieting on Skin and Hair
Workouts for Beginners and Couch Potatoes

Resources:
Moreno, Mike MD, The 17 Day Diet, Pulished by 17 Day Diet, Inc,2010