Today is my 17th day on the Accelerate cycle of the 17 day diet. Although I am happy to have made it, I am not done - not only do I have two more cycles to start, I'm not done this this one, and here's why.
As I've mentioned before, the next 17 day cycle which is "Activate" contains more foods that I am able to add to my diet. Unfortunately - I did not prepare, and I need to get some groceries which I can't do until the weekend. This means that I will continue to eat the same foods from cycle one, for about another 3 days - which by now I am bored to death with!
So on Saturday, I will begin the shift into cycle two. As I was reading about cycle two a.k.a Activate, I learned that this is the cycle where I am able to eat certain grains - such as brown rice and oatmeal. I'll also be adding legumes to my diet, such as black beans, lentils, peas and garbanzos (chick peas). I can finally eat Starchy vegetables, like corn, potatoes. and sweet potatoes. I can also add shellfish such as clams, crab, mussels, oysters, scallops and shrimp ( I can eat these EVERYDAY). I can also FINALLY add beef and pork to my diet, but again, all must be lean.
The way cycle two works proves that the 17 day diet is not your same old diet. I'll be adding all of these delicious foods to my meal plan, but I will be interchanging every other day with a meal from the first cycle (Accelerate). For example on Day 1 I will have an activate day, where I will eat grains, legumes, beef, and shellfish. On day 2 I will have an accelerate day, where I can only eat poultry or certain fish, fruits and vegetables. All this means is that you are alternating a high calorie days with low calorie days in order to lose body fat. I'm not going into details about how exactly that works, because it's just too much to explain. If interested do the research or try getting / borrowing the book. You still eat the same fruits and veggies from the first cycle as well as the same probiotics.
I look forward to cycle 2 in anticipation, not only for all the other things I may now eat, but because it promises even more weight loss.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
15 Days Later...
So, today is my 15th day of the first 17 day cycle, and as of Saturday, I had lost 6 lbs, today is Monday - so it might be more. This weekend was tough, but I managed to get my cardio in there. Although I have to come clean and admit that my weight loss in these past 15 days, could have been greater, but there were just days where the hectic in my life got in the way, and I just could not find the strength to put my running shoes on.
With this whole weight loss thing, I've been getting more and more hooked on weight loss shows. Watching these shows, as well as dieting myself I have come to fully understand the diet and exercise thing. Diet and exercise is a combo and it's a combo for a reason. You can diet all day long, and eat celery every day for break fast, lunch and dinner - and yes, you are going to lose weight, but with out the exercise you risk getting flabby skin and let's face it, who wants to eat celery all day long? You can also eat like a pig all day, consume high calories of processed foods, hit the treadmill for an hour a day, and you still won't see results. A healthy diet along with exercise are the key to successful weight loss because they complement each other. The first week of this diet, I only lost 2 lbs, and that was because I worked out on 2 out of 7 days. The next week, I lost 4 lbs - that week, I was able to get myself running 4 days that week. It's like losing a pound a day for every day that you work out on a low calorie diet.
The book tells you to work out for 17 minutes, but to me - that's just not right, I do 30 to 40 minutes on the treadmill everyday. I usually start with a 5 minute warm up power walk, and then shift into a jog. I am lucky enough to have my own treadmill at home, so I watch my favorite shows while I am on it - which helps to zone me out and keep me jogging instead of thinking about how much time I've got left. Every other day or every 2 days I use my boyfriends Bowflex weights and that really helps with the strength training.
I don't know if I am setting myself up for failure, but this week, I have given myself a challenge. I have challenged myself to lose 5 lbs this week - I think that this challenge is what I need to keep myself focused and motivated, a little something to keeps things fresh. I guess I will be letting you know my Monday (since I don't update on weekends, and I weigh in on Saturdays) unless I beat the challenge and I can't contain myself.
With this whole weight loss thing, I've been getting more and more hooked on weight loss shows. Watching these shows, as well as dieting myself I have come to fully understand the diet and exercise thing. Diet and exercise is a combo and it's a combo for a reason. You can diet all day long, and eat celery every day for break fast, lunch and dinner - and yes, you are going to lose weight, but with out the exercise you risk getting flabby skin and let's face it, who wants to eat celery all day long? You can also eat like a pig all day, consume high calories of processed foods, hit the treadmill for an hour a day, and you still won't see results. A healthy diet along with exercise are the key to successful weight loss because they complement each other. The first week of this diet, I only lost 2 lbs, and that was because I worked out on 2 out of 7 days. The next week, I lost 4 lbs - that week, I was able to get myself running 4 days that week. It's like losing a pound a day for every day that you work out on a low calorie diet.
The book tells you to work out for 17 minutes, but to me - that's just not right, I do 30 to 40 minutes on the treadmill everyday. I usually start with a 5 minute warm up power walk, and then shift into a jog. I am lucky enough to have my own treadmill at home, so I watch my favorite shows while I am on it - which helps to zone me out and keep me jogging instead of thinking about how much time I've got left. Every other day or every 2 days I use my boyfriends Bowflex weights and that really helps with the strength training.
I don't know if I am setting myself up for failure, but this week, I have given myself a challenge. I have challenged myself to lose 5 lbs this week - I think that this challenge is what I need to keep myself focused and motivated, a little something to keeps things fresh. I guess I will be letting you know my Monday (since I don't update on weekends, and I weigh in on Saturdays) unless I beat the challenge and I can't contain myself.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Power of Fruits
So I haven't updated in a day or so, because quite frankly, there is nothing new to update. I've been going strong with my meal plans, and I feel really good.
The reason why I wanted to post an update was to share an article I read in Every Day Health . In Dr. Mike Moreno's 17 Day Diet, he asks that during the first cycle, you eat 2 servings of fruit per day. He is precise in what fruits he wants you to eat, and he gives brief reasons as to why these are the only fruits you can have during the first cycle (accelerate). He says that low-sugar fruits are good for weight loss because they are full of fiber, super low in calories and full of water. Apples, All types of Berries, Grapefruit, Oranges, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Red Grapes, and Prunes are the fruits in the list. In the article, Healthiest Power Fruits most of these fruits are mentioned, and they gave me more information as to why they are so amazing and what aspect of health in particular each fruit excels in. Some examples are apples, and how they help keep your bad cholesterol low and the good cholesterol high. They also talk about berries, and how they are fat blasters and so on.
I hope you all enjoy the article, and keep eating the same old boring fruits, with amazing abilities to keep you healthy.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Big 10
I am a bit amazed at how fast time has passed, today marks my 10th day on Cycle 1 of the 17 Day diet - and I don't exactly know how I feel about that. I've decided not to weigh myself until Saturday, so I don't know where I stand right now as far as weight lost in pounds, but I feel great. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it's super easy, and that I can see a difference, or that my clothes fit me better - because none of it is true.It's been 10 days and I don't see any major changes, but I can feel the change in me. I am happier; I'm not sure what that has to do with dieting, but I am a lot less cranky, a lot less moody and bitchy. The first few days, I was getting major headaches and I knew exactly what that was - it was withdrawal. I had quit processed foods cold turkey, and my body was like "whoa!!, what's going on?" I had migraines for three straight days, but not even that deterred me.
This diet requires me to eat three meals a day, and as easy as that may seem (we're supposed to eat 3 meals a day anyway) for some of us it's a major challenge. Not only is the labor of this diet a challenge (cooking EVERY meal you eat) but also when you have a family that doesn't necessarily need to meet your same dietary needs (thank God for them) - you have to cook for yourself and for others. As much as I love the kitchen, this is something that at another stage of my life, would have been the excuse for me to quit - none the less I suck it up and do what I gotta do no matter how long that keeps me in the kitchen.
So speaking of the kitchen, here's what I had yesterday... For breakfast, a kefir with raspberries smoothie, grapes and my chilled green tea. Lunch was a yummy baby romaine salad with tuna and dressing and another cup of cold green tea. For dinner last night I made vegetable soup (my favorite recipe of this diet) and it was delish! I also tried for the very first time Trader Joe's version of Greek yogurt - the pomegranate flavor was gross (in my opinion) but the blueberry was awesome!
If you're curious about The 17 Day Diet click on the link and check out the videos and all the information on the site. I can only speak from my experience, so if you want more details, check it out!
So here I am on my 10th day feeling happy, feeling good about myself and not just how far I've come along - but HOW I've come along.... and that is in control at all times.
This diet requires me to eat three meals a day, and as easy as that may seem (we're supposed to eat 3 meals a day anyway) for some of us it's a major challenge. Not only is the labor of this diet a challenge (cooking EVERY meal you eat) but also when you have a family that doesn't necessarily need to meet your same dietary needs (thank God for them) - you have to cook for yourself and for others. As much as I love the kitchen, this is something that at another stage of my life, would have been the excuse for me to quit - none the less I suck it up and do what I gotta do no matter how long that keeps me in the kitchen.
So speaking of the kitchen, here's what I had yesterday... For breakfast, a kefir with raspberries smoothie, grapes and my chilled green tea. Lunch was a yummy baby romaine salad with tuna and dressing and another cup of cold green tea. For dinner last night I made vegetable soup (my favorite recipe of this diet) and it was delish! I also tried for the very first time Trader Joe's version of Greek yogurt - the pomegranate flavor was gross (in my opinion) but the blueberry was awesome!
If you're curious about The 17 Day Diet click on the link and check out the videos and all the information on the site. I can only speak from my experience, so if you want more details, check it out!
So here I am on my 10th day feeling happy, feeling good about myself and not just how far I've come along - but HOW I've come along.... and that is in control at all times.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Living my life the guilt free way... (Day #9)
First, I want to say that weekends are super hard to find time to post an update; which means that today I have a lot to say, and you might have a lot to read...
On Friday I was super psyched for the weekend - and the excitement did not wear off. After I got home, I decided to weigh myself - and I can not explain how I felt when I saw that the scale stated that I had lost 2 pounds. It might not seem like much - but losing 2 pounds is better than GAINING 2 pounds. I was psyched!!! After that, I made dinner and my brother in law and his girlfriend came over for a game of monopoly. We played until about 1:00 am, and not once did I have a late night craving.
Saturday was hectic, I've noticed that on the weekends - dieting is much more challenging for me. Not so much because of the food, but because I tend to forget to eat. Since I had guests from the night before, I made everyone breakfast. Here's what I made: Hash browns, cheddar cheese scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and toast. As I cooked them all this food, I did not find myself craving any of it, or sneaking pieces of food into my mouth. I was shocked at my lack of interest in this food, and my will power. That same day, later in the afternoon I went to my moms house. If anyone knows me, they know that my mom makes the most delicious foods, particularly the most delicious Dominican food. She was unaware that I was on a diet and she had made some of my favorites. I was flattered, but again - not craving anything but what was on my diet list. She did however make salmon - so I cut up some lettuce and chopped up some onions and made a salad with some dressing. I ate the salmon with the salad. Once again, I was tempted with all food on the table - and not once did I budge to eat any of it.
Sunday was uneventful, except for the fact that I got my best friend Melanie, to come with me to Trader Joe's, since she needed to stock up on food. She is joining me and the many others that are on the 17 Day Diet. I am so proud of my beastie (yes, you read that correctly - we are beasties, NOT besties).
Monday was more eventful, being that it was the Memorial Day Weekend, we had a family BBQ to attend. I know - *GASP* how would I ever get through it? I amazed myself... I got up that morning, I did my work out, I made myself breakfast and I made my kids theirs. I cut up 2 large watermelons for the BBQ, some strawberries and some grapes that I was asked to bring. Then, I packed my lunch, my dinner, and my snacks. I ate nothing at the BBQ that wasn't on my diet, the only thing I had was water - I had even brought my own green tea, that I had chilled - and drank it cold, like an iced green tea, it was refreshing. I am extremely proud of myself, I got through that day like it was nothing. The one thing I really wanted was an ice cold beer - cause it was a hell of a hot day, but I didn't even drink that, I had some iced green tea and water instead.
Usually on a day like this, I would cave in to the cravings and all the yummy food around, I'd stuff my face, and while I'm busy stuffing - I'd be happy. But minutes later, guilt would set in, extreme guilt and regret at the fact that I caved in. I'd feel worthless, like a loser, a big fat disgusting pig who couldn't control herself. But... for once in my life, I am in control... For once in my life, I am guilt-free...
I learned two things this weekend, 1) I am way too busy on the weekends to update my blog and 2) I can do anything that I set my mind to do. It's all about will power and how bad I want it - and to be fit, is something that I want bad!
On Friday I was super psyched for the weekend - and the excitement did not wear off. After I got home, I decided to weigh myself - and I can not explain how I felt when I saw that the scale stated that I had lost 2 pounds. It might not seem like much - but losing 2 pounds is better than GAINING 2 pounds. I was psyched!!! After that, I made dinner and my brother in law and his girlfriend came over for a game of monopoly. We played until about 1:00 am, and not once did I have a late night craving.
Saturday was hectic, I've noticed that on the weekends - dieting is much more challenging for me. Not so much because of the food, but because I tend to forget to eat. Since I had guests from the night before, I made everyone breakfast. Here's what I made: Hash browns, cheddar cheese scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and toast. As I cooked them all this food, I did not find myself craving any of it, or sneaking pieces of food into my mouth. I was shocked at my lack of interest in this food, and my will power. That same day, later in the afternoon I went to my moms house. If anyone knows me, they know that my mom makes the most delicious foods, particularly the most delicious Dominican food. She was unaware that I was on a diet and she had made some of my favorites. I was flattered, but again - not craving anything but what was on my diet list. She did however make salmon - so I cut up some lettuce and chopped up some onions and made a salad with some dressing. I ate the salmon with the salad. Once again, I was tempted with all food on the table - and not once did I budge to eat any of it.
Sunday was uneventful, except for the fact that I got my best friend Melanie, to come with me to Trader Joe's, since she needed to stock up on food. She is joining me and the many others that are on the 17 Day Diet. I am so proud of my beastie (yes, you read that correctly - we are beasties, NOT besties).
Monday was more eventful, being that it was the Memorial Day Weekend, we had a family BBQ to attend. I know - *GASP* how would I ever get through it? I amazed myself... I got up that morning, I did my work out, I made myself breakfast and I made my kids theirs. I cut up 2 large watermelons for the BBQ, some strawberries and some grapes that I was asked to bring. Then, I packed my lunch, my dinner, and my snacks. I ate nothing at the BBQ that wasn't on my diet, the only thing I had was water - I had even brought my own green tea, that I had chilled - and drank it cold, like an iced green tea, it was refreshing. I am extremely proud of myself, I got through that day like it was nothing. The one thing I really wanted was an ice cold beer - cause it was a hell of a hot day, but I didn't even drink that, I had some iced green tea and water instead.
Usually on a day like this, I would cave in to the cravings and all the yummy food around, I'd stuff my face, and while I'm busy stuffing - I'd be happy. But minutes later, guilt would set in, extreme guilt and regret at the fact that I caved in. I'd feel worthless, like a loser, a big fat disgusting pig who couldn't control herself. But... for once in my life, I am in control... For once in my life, I am guilt-free...
I learned two things this weekend, 1) I am way too busy on the weekends to update my blog and 2) I can do anything that I set my mind to do. It's all about will power and how bad I want it - and to be fit, is something that I want bad!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Day Five, and the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend!
So happy to see Friday arrive, I can't believe this week has gone by so fast considering that I am on a diet. Today is my fifth day and I am so very proud of myself. I have yet to cheat, but my will power is definitely going to be tested this weekend. I have a Memorial Day BBQ to attend and I am sure there will me mounds of yummy and delicious food there and I am prepared to face it all. My plan is to bring my own food so that temptation is easier to manage - I hope it works. I know some might think that I am crazy and that I should stay away from it, but the truth is that I want to go and spend time with my boyfriend's side of the family and enjoy my day off playing bingo. Although I will admit that a part of me does want to go and face the challenge of it all, because truthfully - I have made a commitment to a lifestyle change, and just because I'm not going to eat the same food as everyone else, does not mean that I will have to pull myself out of every social event that presents itself in my life. That would be unfair to myself and my loved ones.
What I have learned in these past five days is that self control is very challenging. Yes, surprisingly I have been able to follow this regimen to the letter, but it has not come easy. The only thing that I can honestly say that keeps me from swallowing an oreo cookie whole, is the outlook on my future. I try to visualize myself at a comfortable weight, I picture myself wearing jeans without having a muffin top hang out of it, I think about myself wearing a two piece bikini on the beach, I see myself wearing a nice black dress that is fitted and looking absolutely adorable in it. The fact that my weight loss is primarily based on my obsession with self loathing is a great motivation. I hate the way I look and only I have the power to change it. Being overweight depresses me and the fact that I have taken on the challenge to change how I look, has been my first step in trying to make the girl I see everyday in the mirror fall in love with herself again.
What I have learned in these past five days is that self control is very challenging. Yes, surprisingly I have been able to follow this regimen to the letter, but it has not come easy. The only thing that I can honestly say that keeps me from swallowing an oreo cookie whole, is the outlook on my future. I try to visualize myself at a comfortable weight, I picture myself wearing jeans without having a muffin top hang out of it, I think about myself wearing a two piece bikini on the beach, I see myself wearing a nice black dress that is fitted and looking absolutely adorable in it. The fact that my weight loss is primarily based on my obsession with self loathing is a great motivation. I hate the way I look and only I have the power to change it. Being overweight depresses me and the fact that I have taken on the challenge to change how I look, has been my first step in trying to make the girl I see everyday in the mirror fall in love with herself again.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Surpassed the 3 day hump!
Good morning! So it's day 4 and I don't know if it's because I survived the first 3 days or because it's Thursday (and one day closer to FRIDAY) but I am an in an extremely good mood! I can't guarantee that it'll stay that way - but I am enjoying it while it lasts...
Dinner was delicious last night - I intended to make ground turkey meat balls, but that didn't really work out (the meat didn't really want to be made into balls). I ended up just cooking the ground turkey and it was delish!!! I served it with a refreshing cabbage salad, and a side of broccoli and spinach. For the boys I made whole wheat pasta and served it with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Just because I can't have carbs (yet) doesn't mean I should deprive them. I saved the remainder of the the ground turkey, to make The 17 Day Diet Taco Salad. This morning I woke up and made some taco salad dressing, put some lettuce in a Tupperware, and ........ forgot my ground turkey in the fridge at home! Yes, I was PISSED - but I'll just go to the supermarket later and get a whole chicken, pull out the breast and use it on the salad, save the rest for my hungry boys. I'm not letting it put a damper on my mood.
I tried Kefir for the first time today...It's a pro-biotic that the Doc recommends in the book. I bought 2 bottles; a vanilla and a plain. The vanilla is very good, the plain I have yet to try, but plan to use it to make "Kefir smoothies". I am totally looking forward to that.
I have to say that since I have started on this diet, and I have to cook all the foods myself, I have been using every pot, pan, and kitchen equipment I have. It's a lot of work, but I admit that it is all worth it. Not just for the sake of losing weight, but the fact that every night, and I do mean every night, my family sits at the table and enjoys a healthy, home cooked meal. Before all of this, there were days where I would be too lazy or too tired to cook, and I would just order from the usual suspects; Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. Sometimes when I made dinner, I would make delicious mouth watering foods - but they weren't necessarily healthy options. I don't want to get ahead of myself, considering my diet history and how I bounce back and forth between dieting and not dieting - but I think for the first time in my life, I have found something that works for me, and something that I can work with. It's a great feeling of satisfaction, when the day is over and I can honestly say that I haven't cheated. Don't get me wrong, I've been tempted - but I've been able to suppress temptation, and I never thought that I would be able to do that. I am weak when it comes to food, but on this diet I am honestly satisfied, and I think that has a lot to do with it.
Tonight I plan on switching things up and making a chicken and vegetable soup. I know it's hot as balls in NYC today, but my apartment AC will be on blast and soup will be just the thing to warm us up.
Dinner was delicious last night - I intended to make ground turkey meat balls, but that didn't really work out (the meat didn't really want to be made into balls). I ended up just cooking the ground turkey and it was delish!!! I served it with a refreshing cabbage salad, and a side of broccoli and spinach. For the boys I made whole wheat pasta and served it with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Just because I can't have carbs (yet) doesn't mean I should deprive them. I saved the remainder of the the ground turkey, to make The 17 Day Diet Taco Salad. This morning I woke up and made some taco salad dressing, put some lettuce in a Tupperware, and ........ forgot my ground turkey in the fridge at home! Yes, I was PISSED - but I'll just go to the supermarket later and get a whole chicken, pull out the breast and use it on the salad, save the rest for my hungry boys. I'm not letting it put a damper on my mood.
I tried Kefir for the first time today...It's a pro-biotic that the Doc recommends in the book. I bought 2 bottles; a vanilla and a plain. The vanilla is very good, the plain I have yet to try, but plan to use it to make "Kefir smoothies". I am totally looking forward to that.
I have to say that since I have started on this diet, and I have to cook all the foods myself, I have been using every pot, pan, and kitchen equipment I have. It's a lot of work, but I admit that it is all worth it. Not just for the sake of losing weight, but the fact that every night, and I do mean every night, my family sits at the table and enjoys a healthy, home cooked meal. Before all of this, there were days where I would be too lazy or too tired to cook, and I would just order from the usual suspects; Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. Sometimes when I made dinner, I would make delicious mouth watering foods - but they weren't necessarily healthy options. I don't want to get ahead of myself, considering my diet history and how I bounce back and forth between dieting and not dieting - but I think for the first time in my life, I have found something that works for me, and something that I can work with. It's a great feeling of satisfaction, when the day is over and I can honestly say that I haven't cheated. Don't get me wrong, I've been tempted - but I've been able to suppress temptation, and I never thought that I would be able to do that. I am weak when it comes to food, but on this diet I am honestly satisfied, and I think that has a lot to do with it.
Tonight I plan on switching things up and making a chicken and vegetable soup. I know it's hot as balls in NYC today, but my apartment AC will be on blast and soup will be just the thing to warm us up.
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