Aggie's Kitchen

Hello 2012…and The 17 Day Diet

Well hello there 2012, you kind of snuck up on us didn’t you? Seriously though, can you believe it’s already January 1?! I’m not trying to stir up any envy here, but it certainly doesn’t feel like January 1 in my neck of the woods, we’ve been in the 80s most of this week and if we didn’t already have tickets to an Orlando Magic game this afternoon I promise you that I would have my family packed in the car headed to the beach right now. Before it gets cold…tomorrow? (The weather here is seriously bizarro – but beautiful – this time of year).

So, it’s not a surprise that most of us start the new year off with resolutions and goals. While on that note, I’ll go ahead and share mine since one of my goals this year is to actually start writing down my goals and making them real:

  • Write down my goals regularly
  • Work smarter
  • Use my calendar
  • Practice patience with my children…and become less of a ‘yeller’
  • Wake up earlier in the morning
  • Meal plan better (2 – 3 days at a time works best for me I have finally learned)
  • Create a ‘space’ for myself in my home
  • Get strong (with weight training and pilates)

I love making lists like this. I have one I refer to daily taped on my my bedroom mirror that reminds me of the things I should do daily to make myself feel good. It’s probably time I move that list to a new place though, because I’m noticing I haven’t been ‘seeing’ it lately if you know what I mean.

So let’s talk about this ‘make myself feel good’ stuff. The whirlwind of the holidays are behind us now (barely, but they are back there, I promise). It’s time to clean up our homes, our minds and get back to routines. For some of us, it’s time to clean up our bodies too. I’m definitely in that club. I’ve indulged heavily on some yummy food and drinks this past month and with no regrets, I loved it all. But I’m really feeling the effects of it. I think I’ve ‘tasted’ more meat this past month than I have all year long (I cut out most meat over a year and a half ago, not fish, and have felt great because of it). It’s been fun, but I’m ready to get back to what works for me…eating clean, light, heavy on veggies, fruits, beans and fish…and of course daily exercise.

My SIL brought the 17 Day Diet to my attention last week…and as I read the book myself, I got motivated. I don’t like to ever say that I’m on a ‘diet’…I actually cringe at the word. I tend to rebel when I’m told what I can and can’t eat on a ‘diet’. But, in all honesty, I’ve been on a few with success and I know that’s exactly what I need right now. So 17 Day Diet, here I come.

The 17 Day Diet reminds me a lot of South Beach Diet (which I did after both my kids, and loved it)…it revolves around 17 day cycles where you adjust your eating habits and rev up your system. What I like about this program is that is heavily based on eating real food and creating good eating habits, and knowing I’m only thinking 17 days at a time helps. Yes, the first 17 days is going to be tough (it’s limited to veggies, fish or poultry, 2 servings of fruit and little to no sugar)…but after all the sugar and ‘crap’ I put in my body the past few weeks, I’m all for this healthy little detox. (to be clear, the book/diet has 4 different cycles, I plan on doing the first one and then deciding what I want to do from there…I’ll keep ya posted, I promise). I want to lose 10 lbs. And I’ve learned that when it comes to dieting, it’s about how bad you want to lose the weight, and I REALLY want it bad this time around.

I hit the grocery store yesterday, and this is what I came home with:

frozen mahi and salmon
lots of veggies: broccoli, green beans, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, kale, lettuce
eggs and egg whites
non fat plain Greek yogurt
kefir
frozen blueberries, grapes and oranges

For the most part (other than the kefir), this is what I come home from the grocery store with often. Now it’s time to figure out how to eat it all over the next 17 days. This is the tricky part….finding recipes, ideas and techniques to cook it all up.

If anyone wants to jump on board this little 17 day journey here…please, chime in. The more the merrier. Here’s the site about the book itself (I have absolutely no affiliation with them by the way, these people have no idea who I am) and here’s a little resourceful forum I found on The Doctors website that can help answer any questions.

And for the sake of inspiration, motivation and ideas on what to cook up…here are a few ideas I found here on my blog. Also, I will be spending a lot of time over on Kalyn’s Kitchen looking for healthy recipes, I’ve been following her for years and she’s got an incredible collection of great food over there.

So here’s what I’ll be eating a lot of over the next couple of weeks:

Chipotle Salmon (with a side of sauteed peppers and onions and a green salad)

 

Blackened Fish Taco Salad (minus the corn and avocado, and light on the dressing)

 

Baked Asian 5 Spice Mahi Mahi (with a quick stir fry of broccoli and red peppers)

Now I won’t be eating any chicken, but here’s a great grilled chicken recipe (that I’ll probably make for my husband while I enjoy one of the vegetarian swaps, most likely beans or lentils), this chicken is great sliced up on a salad for lunch or dinner.

Italian Herb Grilled Chicken

And of course we will be eating a lot of veggies like these:

Roasted Broccoli (use less oil or even spray it with non stick spray as an option, I’ll just go easy on oil)

Quick Stir Fry Veggies (light on the oil, hot wok!)

I will definitely be enjoying a lot of eggs and frittatas…I believe the diet states only fat free cheese, but I draw the line at reduced fat cheeses…I’ll just use a little less (Cabot makes really good melty reduced fat cheese by the way)

Roasted Vegetable Frittata (with less cheese, or reduced fat cheddar or parmesan or none at all!)


Kale and Parmesan Frittata (again…a lot less cheese)

*************************************************************************************************

Ok, so there you have it. This is how I’m starting out my new year. Eating good and feeling good. I’m going to take this motivation and inspiration to create new recipes to share with you all.

By the way…this all officially starts tomorrow (Monday)…today I’m going to enjoy an evening out with my hubby at my first Orlando Magic game of the season, and with that there will probably be a few good beers and munchies!

Here’s to GOOD HEALTH and BALANCE for all of us in the New Year!

Are you following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest? If you’d like to subscribe to Aggie’s Kitchen and have each post delivered straight to your e-mail box, then please add your email here. Happy cooking!

There are affiliate links in this post. I make small earnings through any purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting Aggie’s Kitchen!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

62 comments on “Hello 2012…and The 17 Day Diet”

  1. I got chills when I started reading this post. What struck me was your list of resolutions. I could seriously just cut + paste them onto a list for me…every single one of them is on my goal list πŸ˜‰
    I’m ready to focus on getting healthier as well. This diet sounds interesting…I’m also a fan of SB so I’ll be checking the 17day diet out.
    Happy New Year!

    • Here’s to our resolutions then! Let’s do this πŸ™‚ I need to make goal setting more regular for me…good luck to you and happy new year!!!

  2. SO proud of you! We started the 17 Day Diet at the end of August. Did 2 1/2 cycles and Hubby is down 40, I’m down 30 πŸ˜‰ Have maintained it even through Holidays.

    Starting Cycle 1 again tomorrow, want to detox and probably drop another 10-ish pounds.

    You’ll love it! We did lots of fish – I really need to post the recipes πŸ™‚ and ground Turkey cooked in my homemade Taco seasoning. Topped with pico de gallo all on a bed of spinach and other yummy greens with broccoli in there, too. SO good. Hubby and I both looove it.

    GO AGGIE GOOOO! I’m cheering you on from here!

    • I am so inspired by you! I knew you were losing weight and feeling great, so funny it happened to be on this program! I’m so proud of you!!! Any ideas you have, please share. My SIL and I are trying to keep each other motivated.

      Your taco salad sounds perfect. I’m going to make it this week. Although I don’t eat a ton of meat, I may throw some ground turkey in every now and then. I love pico de gallo, did you use that for your dressing?? Great idea.

      Thank you SO much for your support! Good luck on your next cycle! Let’s do this together πŸ™‚

  3. Wow, I’ve never heard of this but I want to give it a try πŸ™‚ I’m going to do some reading on it and I will join you tomorrow! We can keep each other motivated!!! Seriously, I’m in, Aggie!

  4. Amen! I need to clean up a bit here as well! Its little things…like we’ve been going out to eat and I allow myself diet soda when I go out to eat…so I’ve been having it ALL the time. Makes me feel like total junk! Can’t wait to hear how you like it

    • I know exactly what you mean Erica! I never drink soda but have had a few over the last weeks, ugh! It is the little things…they start to add up and then become into habits that don’t make us feel good. I’m so happy to let everything fall back into place again, once you start feeling good the choices become so much easier! Happy new year to you!

  5. I’m in Aggie! I am depending on you for some good recipes.

    • so glad you were reading this book when you were Paula. I’m totally motivated now. Here’s to feeling good and looking hot πŸ™‚

  6. These are so beautiful! ! Hope you had a wonderful New Years!

  7. Many best wishes to you for 2012. I am like you in that I do not like the word “diet”. I believe healthy eating is a balance with moderation and not deprivation. Good luck with your 17 day eating plan and to a healthy and happy new year.

  8. Oh Aggie…this is speaking to me since for x-mas i got a pot belly…my goals are to be consistent…maybe this is a step!! yahoo girl- high five and happy new year!

    • I got a pot belly too Carla!! lol. It will be so nice to get back on track…one day at a time! happy new year to you and your fam!

  9. i really don’t ever think i’ll diet again, but when you have such delicious food to eat you can hardly call it a diet! i’m always down for more fish recipes πŸ™‚

    • Its really not a painful diet when the food is GOOD πŸ™‚ Do you have any fish recipes on your blog? Will have to check…I’m the same way, never enough great ways to prepare fish! happy new year to you Heather!

  10. I’m in! I’m a big believer in Weight Watchers when I need to lose a few pounds, but the last couple of times I tried it, I had a hard time losing the weight. I think I need to re- train myself about foods, both for myself and my family. Thanks for offering an interesting alternative.

    • I love the Weight Watchers program, it works. I’ve done it when I needed to lose a few pounds and it’s been successful, but if you aren’t in the ‘mood’ to count points it can be tough. I really think it’s all about the mindset you are in when you decide you need to lose some weight. Sometimes you need the discipline of counting points, and sometimes you need the commitment to eating certain foods that make you feel good I guess. I totally know what you mean about the retraining…I’ve fallen into a few bad habits the past few months, it’s nice to get back on track. Good luck to you!!

  11. Good luck for your diet and all the resolutions! πŸ™‚

  12. Here’s to goal setting Aggie. So helpful. I want to de-clutter and organize big time. Good luck on the 17 day diet. Share some recipes and how you’re doing on it. Could use some healthy inspiration.

    Happy 2012!

    • I need to add de-clutter to the list Jamie! πŸ™‚ Clutter makes me cranky. Thanks for your support…looking forward to feeling ‘good’ again πŸ™‚ It was so nice to hang out with you guys over the holidays, love ya!!

  13. These are some very inspirational dishes for 2012 Aggie. It is time to continue on the healthy trail.

  14. I love your blog and am on board for the 17 day diet!! BUT – I’m an oatmeal addict for breakfast. Breakfast will probably be the hardest meal for me because I am up early and knowing that oatmeal is in my near future is what gets me out of bed. Will you eat mostly eggs for breakfast? I would love any breakfast alternatives you have.

    Lauren
    5′ 9″ 140lbs
    Goal: 8 lbs

    • Hi Lauren! I know what you mean about oatmeal…and the thing is oatmeal is so good for you! I’ll probably stick to eggs in the morning, 1 egg/2 egg whites with a veggie scramble or even a couple of hard boiled eggs with a side of fruit. I usually like savory in the morning (I usually enjoy an egg over my oats!), but if I’m in the mood for something sweet will go for some plain Greek yogurt with berries, or maybe a smoothie.
      The good news is that whole grains are awesome for us, and I know I’ll be able to eat them again in 16 1/2 days πŸ™‚
      Keep me posted in how you are doing!

  15. Aggie, good for you – I totally am rooting for you! We have our own goals and a huge change in our household as my readers will find out in another day or so. We got news that have changed everything….and the changes will be for the better. NO CHOICE. Kind of makes it easier! lol

    I have to tell you that we have had NO SNOW yet this winter. So we had a few flurries but nothing that stuck. Its been warm for NY too. Everyone is talking about how “strange” it is!

  16. Sound like the perfect diet to get back on track, plus everything looks amazing πŸ™‚
    Happy New Year once again πŸ™‚

  17. I have to look into this book. after all the holiday sugar a couple of weeks of detox are welcomed. now i have to find a substitution for the eggs since i can’t have them …

  18. Good luck with the new diet plan – and thank you for popping by on my blog, Aggie!

  19. Pingback: Healthy Eating: My Favorite Healthy Food Blogs To Read for New Year's Inspiration and Motivation | Family Kitchen

  20. Keep ’em coming! I’m right here with ya!

  21. Oooh, what delicious ideas for a healthy start to the new year. Thank goodness our holiday goodies are almost gone! We’ve had a sugar overload, too~

  22. awesome post girl! Happy New year! This is a great idea and you are so inspiring!

  23. I just saw this book at Barnes and Nobles yesterday. Your list has many goals that I try to reach each year. I say it’s a work in progress of long-term goals:)Love every dish you have here. I can’t wait to see your delicious recipes:)xx

    • Totally a work in progress Lora! πŸ™‚ I need to go buy my calendar!!! I’m slacking!! Happy new year my friend! xo

  24. Your goals look great! I especially hope that your goal of meal planning will lead to even more fabulous posts for the rest of us to read and learn from. Good luck! πŸ™‚

    • That’s the plan…and what I hope to get out of it!! I’m learning to start dinner a little earlier too so that I have some daylight to take pictures still and no one (me) ends up getting hangry! πŸ™‚ Thanks for your support!!!

  25. I always end up craving super fresh and low sugar foods after the holidays. I’m so glad I’m not alone in this! All those recipes look delicious; I love Kalyn’s Kitchen blog!

    I might have missed it…but why aren’t you eating poultry if the 17 day diet doesn’t restrict it?

    • Hi Rene! I’m not a huge poultry fan, which is why I pass on it. I gave up most meat a year and a half ago and try to stick with fish, nuts and beans for protein…though I do treat myself to my grandpa’s chicken parmesan or meatballs every now and then πŸ™‚
      I’m having those same cravings…I’ve been eating very well this week, not feeling deprived at all which is nice! And yes, Kalyn’s blog is great isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by!! Have a great week!

  26. Pingback: Salmon and Veggie Stir Fry....Day 4 of the 17 Day Diet | Aggie's Kitchen

  27. Thanks for the inspiration! Though I’m not onboard (yet) with the 17-Day Diet, I’m definitely onboard with the healthier eating, regular exercise, and (for me) decluttering. I look forward to following your progress.

    • Oh…clutter makes me so cranky! I’m waiting for kids to go back to school next Monday so I can start conquering the clutter in their rooms…and the rest of the house! Thanks for stopping by…hope to inspire all of us with a few healthy meals to treat ourselves after the holiday indulgences πŸ™‚

      Have a great week!!

  28. Pingback: Dieting for the Rest of Us » Blog Archive » Hello 2012…and The 17 Day Diet | Aggie's Kitchen

  29. I can’t believe it’s already the 6th (I guess it’s technically the 7th right now) and I still haven’t written down any goals for the year. I need to do it!! I have been losing weight on the nursing diet, but I’m scared to see what is going to happen when Easton isn’t nursing anymore! I’m looking forward to hearing how this diet works for you!

  30. I’m in Aggie!! I’m trying to “restart” myself with the low carb that I was so successful on last year, so your 17 day deal reminds me of that. I made a trip to the grocery store last night to get me going, and the final straw…jumped on the scale this morning to make it official! That’s always the final piece of motivation I need….see my starting point so I can get more motivated by my progress!! πŸ™‚

    Pro – I’m not where I was last January!! Yay!!! In fact I’m about where I was for FBF.
    Con – I’m 9 -10 lbs heavier than my lowest this year. πŸ™

    Like you, I enjoyed all the great food and festivities over the holidays. My only regret is eating something that normally isn’t even kept in my house…even during the holidays. My mother-in-law stayed with us for a month over the holidays…she brought “crack” with her…LOL….in the form of Russell Stover dark chocolate creams. Ugh!! Kinda like keeping ice cream in my house and eating it daily. Not good. So I attribute 3-4 pounds to that alone. Man….bums me out because I know if it weren’t for that, I’d only have gained a few pounds over the holidays.

    Thankfully I gained a lot more self-control when she broke up her visit by heading to Tampa for 2 weeks.

    Here’s to a wonderful start to our year, Aggie!! I look forward to hearing your progress to help keep me inspired.

    • I can totally relate Denise!! We can do this, I’m so motivated and I love starting out the new year on a good note. Get rid of that ‘crack’! πŸ™‚ lol.

  31. I’m starting the 17 day diet tomorrow, as well! I stocked up on enough food for a cycle yesterday and I’m portioning everything off today. The recipe suggestions will come in handy. I’d love suggestions for lunches, too. Best of luck!

  32. Pingback: Monday...and a Zucchini Frittata | Aggie's Kitchen

  33. Hey Aggie!!! I made dinner last night for some friends. I made the pear wine crisp, but added some peaches and apples in it as well, and used Red Moscato wine. Everyone loved it, big hit πŸ™‚ I decided to check out some more of your recipes, because I am also on a diet and need lots of creative ways to cook my food. I’m really inspired by your 17 day diet blog. I’m really bad at setting goals for myself and giving myself good words of encouragement. I’ve been in a funk lately with me not working and all, so I think starting today I will make a daily schedule for myself and post encouraging words up to help better myself and increase my self esteem πŸ™‚ You are awesome!!! Tell Sammy and Gina that Miss Stephanie says Hello!

    • Oh Miss Stephanie we miss you SO much!! I’m so happy your friends like the dessert. I know you love to cook so just keep doing what you’re doing, set your goals and love yourself! I’m not good at it all so I need a good kick in the butt sometimes (by myself). πŸ™‚ Keep me posted on your progress. Email me anytime…xoxoxoxox

  34. Pingback: Tangy Tuna Salad Wraps...and a 17 Day Diet recap | Aggie's Kitchen

  35. This stuff is great, I gotta raise my cooking skills and this will give me a real boost.

    Thanks

  36. Hi Aggie – I am just going to start the 17Day Diet. I had been “on it” last year just for the first cycle and lost 10lbs. Now need to get serious again. How did you do?

    • Hi Patti! I did pretty well on it as far as the initial weight loss. I really only used it as a kick start, and it really help detox my body from all the sugar and yucky stuff. I’ve been successful on South Beach diet after my pregnancies and it’s turned into a lifestyle for me (it’s very similar to 17day diet!) so I think if you stick with it you will be successful. The key is to just change the way you eat in general, so that if you slip up here and there it’s easy to bounce back. for example, I still enjoy regular pizza (non whole grain) and just get back on the wagon the day after with whole grains and good choices again. Being prepared and menu planning really helped me stay on track (and still does!). Good luck with the diet – I hope you find some good go-to recipes that you can work with to keep things interesting, I think that helps too. πŸ™‚ You’ll have to check back in and let me know how you are doing!

  37. Did you eat the frittatas for breakfast? Or would you eat them for dinner or lunch?

    I’m trying the 17 day diet and was just curious.

    Thanks for your blog and recipes, they look great and I never would have thought to do some of the things you did. I feel like I have to stick EXACTLY to the meal plan, and I’ve failed a couple times because of it, so I like your spin on things.

    • Hi Leslie! I would usually eat the frittatas for lunch (or dinner) on the days I chose something like a kefir smoothie or greek yogurt for breakfast. I found them really filling and satisfying. I am not good at sticking to anything exactly so I think that would derail me too. I really try to focus on the things I CAN eat and mix and match from there. I hope you find some inspiration and ideas on my blog!! GOOD LUCK πŸ™‚

  38. Pingback: Fruity Kefir Smoothie | Aggie's Kitchen

  39. Pingback: Almond Peach Kefir Smoothie