Kickstarting the New Year: My Journey to Health, Wellness, and the 17 Day Diet

Well, hello there, 2012! It feels like you truly snuck up on us, didn’t you? Can you believe it’s already January 1st? While I’m not trying to stir up any envy, the weather in my part of the world certainly doesn’t feel like a typical January 1st. We’ve been enjoying temperatures in the 80s for most of this week! If my family and I didn’t already have tickets to an Orlando Magic game this afternoon, I promise you we’d be packed in the car, headed straight for the beach. But alas, the unpredictable Florida weather promises a chill tomorrow – it’s truly bizarre, yet beautiful, this time of year.

As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s no surprise that most of us find ourselves reflecting and setting fresh intentions. New Year’s resolutions and personal goals become a natural focus, offering a chance for renewal and improvement. On that note, I’m excited to share some of my own aspirations for the coming year, especially since one of my primary goals is to actually commit to writing down my goals and transforming them into tangible realities:

• **Write down my goals regularly:** This isn’t just about initial ideas, but a consistent practice of documenting aspirations, tracking progress, and staying accountable. It helps solidify abstract desires into concrete objectives.
• **Work smarter:** This means focusing on efficiency, prioritizing tasks effectively, and perhaps even delegating more to ensure I’m maximizing my time and energy, rather than just putting in longer hours.
• **Use my calendar effectively:** From appointments to meal plans and work deadlines, utilizing my calendar will be crucial for better organization and preventing overwhelm. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.
• **Practice patience with my children…and become less of a ‘yeller’:** This is a deeply personal and important goal. It involves mindful parenting, taking a breath before reacting, and creating a calmer, more understanding home environment for everyone.
• **Wake up earlier in the morning:** Embracing an earlier start can provide precious moments for quiet reflection, exercise, or preparing for the day ahead, setting a positive tone before the household awakens.
• **Meal plan better:** I’ve finally learned that planning 2-3 days at a time works best for me, offering flexibility without the pressure of an entire week’s rigid schedule. This will ensure healthier choices and reduce stress.
• **Create a ‘space’ for myself in my home:** Whether it’s a quiet corner for reading, meditation, or simply a clutter-free zone, having a designated personal sanctuary is vital for mental well-being and rejuvenation.
• **Get strong with weight training and Pilates:** My fitness goals extend beyond just weight. I aim to build lean muscle, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical strength and endurance, fostering a healthier body and mind.

I genuinely love making lists like these. They serve as powerful reminders and motivators. In fact, I have one taped on my bedroom mirror that I refer to daily, reminding me of the simple things I should do daily to make myself feel good. However, I’ve noticed lately that I haven’t been ‘seeing’ it as much as I should, almost as if it’s become part of the background. It’s probably time I move that list to a fresh, new place, to bring its messages back into sharp focus and renew its impact on my daily routine.

So, let’s talk more about this crucial concept of ‘making myself feel good,’ both physically and mentally. The whirlwind of the holidays, with all its joyful indulgence and busy schedules, is finally behind us – barely, but it’s definitely in the rearview mirror, I promise. Now, it’s time for a much-needed reset. This period often calls for us to clean up our homes, declutter our minds, and, most importantly, get back to established, healthy routines. For many of us, including myself, it’s also a crucial time to clean up our bodies.

I’m definitely in that club. Over the past month, I indulged heavily in an array of yummy foods and festive drinks, and I truly regret nothing; I savored every moment and every bite. However, I’m now keenly feeling the effects of that indulgence. I think I’ve ‘tasted’ more meat this past month than I have all year long – a significant shift for me, as I cut out most meat (excluding fish) over a year and a half ago and have felt incredibly vibrant and healthy because of it. While it was fun to partake in the holiday spirit, I’m more than ready to get back to what truly works for me: eating clean, light, and a diet heavy on vibrant vegetables, fresh fruits, wholesome beans, and nourishing fish. And, of course, a consistent daily exercise regimen is non-negotiable for feeling my best.

My sister-in-law brought the 17 Day Diet to my attention last week, and as I dove into reading the book myself, I found myself increasingly motivated. I typically don’t like to ever say that I’m on a ‘diet’; in fact, I actually cringe at the word. I tend to rebel fiercely when I feel told what I can and can’t eat within the confines of a strict ‘diet’ plan. However, in all honesty, I’ve successfully completed a few structured eating plans in the past, and I know that sometimes, a clear framework is exactly what I need to jumpstart healthier habits and achieve specific goals. So, 17 Day Diet, here I come!

The 17 Day Diet reminds me a lot of the South Beach Diet, which I followed successfully after both my children were born and absolutely loved. It’s structured around distinct 17-day cycles, where you gradually adjust your eating habits, modify food choices, and strategically ‘rev up’ your metabolism. What I particularly like about this program is its heavy emphasis on eating real, whole foods and fostering sustainable good eating habits. The concept of only committing to 17 days at a time makes the journey feel manageable and less daunting. Yes, the first 17 days, known as the ‘Accelerate’ cycle, are designed to be tough – it’s quite limited, focusing on lean proteins like fish or poultry, an abundance of non-starchy vegetables, only two servings of fruit, and very little to no sugar. But after all the sugar and ‘crap’ I willingly put into my body over the past few weeks, I’m completely on board for this healthy little detox. (To be clear, the book outlines four different cycles; I plan on rigorously following the first one and then deciding my next steps from there. I’ll certainly keep you posted on my progress and insights, I promise!). My personal goal is to lose 10 lbs, and I’ve learned that when it comes to any structured eating plan, success hinges on how badly you truly want to achieve your weight goal. And this time around, I REALLY want it bad.

I hit the grocery store yesterday, fully armed with my shopping list for Cycle 1 of the 17 Day Diet. Here’s a snapshot of what I came home with, packed with nutrient-dense foods ready to kickstart my healthy eating plan:

frozen mahi and salmon – excellent sources of lean protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids
lots of vibrant veggies: broccoli, green beans, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, kale, lettuce – a diverse array of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
eggs and egg whites – versatile and high-quality protein sources
non-fat plain Greek yogurt – rich in protein and probiotics for gut health
kefir – another fantastic source of probiotics for digestive well-being
frozen blueberries, grapes, and oranges – providing essential vitamins and antioxidants, in controlled portions for the initial cycle

For the most part (with the exception of kefir, which I added specifically for its probiotic benefits), this is actually what I often come home from the grocery store with. My everyday eating habits already lean towards these clean choices. Now comes the exciting, yet sometimes tricky, part: figuring out how to creatively eat it all over the next 17 days. This involves finding delicious recipes, generating innovative ideas, and mastering various cooking techniques to ensure variety and enjoyment without falling into a rut. It’s a challenge I’m eager to embrace!

If anyone out there is also looking for a reset and wants to jump on board this little 17-day journey with me, please, chime in! The more the merrier; collective support and shared experiences can be incredibly motivating. Here’s the official website about the book itself (I have absolutely no affiliation with them, by the way; these people have no idea who I am, I’m just a fan of the plan). And here’s a really helpful and resourceful forum I found on The Doctors website, which can help answer any questions you might have and provide a sense of community.

And for the sake of inspiration, motivation, and practical ideas on what to cook up during this first cycle, I’ve compiled a few delicious recipes that I’ve already shared right here on my blog. These dishes align perfectly with the principles of the 17 Day Diet, especially during its initial restrictive phase. Additionally, I will be spending a lot of time over on Kalyn’s Kitchen, a fantastic resource I’ve followed for years, looking for healthy, low-carb, and delicious recipes. Kalyn has an incredible collection of great food that emphasizes whole ingredients, making it ideal for this plan.

So here’s a preview of what I’ll be eating a lot of over the next couple of weeks, focusing on lean proteins and a bounty of vegetables to fuel my body and support my goals:

Chipotle Salmon (This will be served with a generous side of sautéed peppers and onions, and a crisp green salad, ensuring a full plate of nutrient-dense goodness. Salmon is fantastic for omega-3s and lean protein.)

 

Blackened Fish Taco Salad (For the 17 Day Diet, I’ll be making some crucial adjustments here: strictly minus the corn and avocado, as these are not allowed in Cycle 1. I’ll also go very light on the dressing, focusing on fresh herbs and lime for flavor.)

 

Baked Asian 5 Spice Mahi Mahi (This flavorful fish will be paired with a quick and healthy stir-fry of broccoli and red peppers, ensuring a balanced meal packed with nutrients and vibrant colors.)

While I won’t be eating any chicken during my initial 17-day cycle, here’s a fantastic grilled chicken recipe that I’ll probably make for my husband. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy one of the excellent vegetarian swaps suggested by the diet, most likely a hearty portion of beans or lentils for my protein. This grilled chicken is also incredibly versatile – it’s great sliced up and added to a fresh salad for either lunch or dinner.

Italian Herb Grilled Chicken

And of course, during this intense detox and clean eating phase, we will be eating a lot of vibrant, nutrient-packed veggies. They are the backbone of Cycle 1 and provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of my go-to preparations:

Roasted Broccoli (To keep it compliant with the diet, I’ll use less oil, or even opt to spray it with non-stick spray as a healthier option. My strategy will simply be to go very easy on any added oil, letting the natural flavors shine.)

Quick Stir Fry Veggies (Again, the key here is to go light on the oil, using just enough to coat the pan. A hot wok is essential for achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture quickly without over-oiling.)

I will definitely be enjoying a lot of eggs and versatile frittatas throughout this cycle. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be prepared in so many ways. The diet states only fat-free cheese is allowed, but honestly, I draw the line at reduced-fat cheeses; fat-free versions often lack flavor and texture. So, I’ll compromise by just using a little less of a good quality, reduced-fat cheese. (By the way, Cabot makes really good, melty reduced-fat cheese that actually tastes great!)

Roasted Vegetable Frittata (This will be adapted with much less cheese, or I’ll use a reduced-fat cheddar or parmesan, or even skip the cheese entirely for a super lean option! The focus will be on the abundance of roasted vegetables.)

Kale and Parmesan Frittata (Again, when making this, I’ll be using a lot less cheese to keep it aligned with the diet’s guidelines. Kale provides a fantastic boost of vitamins and minerals.)

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Ok, so there you have it. This is how I’m embarking on my new year’s journey – fully committed to eating well and feeling absolutely fantastic. I’m going to harness all this fresh motivation and inspiration to create even more new, delicious, and healthy recipes to share with all of you. My goal is not just to follow a plan, but to make it enjoyable and sustainable, demonstrating that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

By the way, all of this officially kicks off tomorrow, Monday! Today, I’m going to savor every moment of an evening out with my hubby at my very first Orlando Magic game of the season. And with that, there will probably be a few good beers and some tasty munchies involved! It’s about balance, after all – a final, joyful indulgence before diving headfirst into a structured period of clean eating and healthy habits.

Here’s to GOOD HEALTH, renewed energy, and finding that perfect BALANCE for all of us in this brand new year! May your resolutions be firm, your meals be delicious, and your well-being be your top priority.