What You'll Eat
There’s no strict meal plan. Instead, the 17-day diet lists acceptable lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, low-sugar fruits, natural carbohydrates, and dairy that you can choose from in certain proportions. While the acceptable-foods list changes slightly during each of the diet’s four cycles, in general you’ll be eating things like grilled chicken, scrambled egg whites, fat-free yogurt, fresh berries, salad, and steamed broccoli. Seasonings are usually fat-free or homemade. And don't worry about feeling hungry—as long as you don’t overeat, there are few portion regulations on this plan.
Diet soda and coffee are allowed, but not necessarily recommended. You’re instructed to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, which might be tough if you’re sipping other beverages as well. Alcohol is permitted during the third and fourth cycles, but is discouraged, while green tea is a staple throughout because of its alleged fat-fighting powers.
Recipe Resources
U.S. News has not compiled recipe resources for the 17-day diet.
The Dean Ornish Diet can be tailored to your specific health issues. The strictest version is challenging because it severely reduces fat intake.
Slim-Fast is a reasonable approach to dieting with convenient, grab-and-go shakes and bars. It's fairly easy to follow, but it's not very heart-healthy.
The Zone Diet plan isn't easy to follow or very helpful with weight loss. It requires structuring every meal around specific macronutrient thresholds.
