Hey Everyone! I mentioned about a week and a half ago that I was going to try to complete the first cycle of the 17 day diet just in time for Thanksgiving, so I wanted to do a quick update on that.

Has it been hard to stick to this plan?

I’ve actually been following it pretty easily. It’s not too dissimilar to how I’d eat normally, with the main exceptions being no carbs at all after 2 p.m., less coffee (more green tea) and no late-night popcorn or wine (boo, I enjoy a glass of red wine at night to unwind). However, something about these small changes really seems to make a big difference to me!

I haven’t followed the plan perfectly either, there was some cheating going on last weekend—I had to shop at Sam’s Club on Saturday and so I ate several delicious samples of pie, etc. I also had Sunday brunch with my granny which consisted of soley refined carbs-pancakes, grits, biscuits. I did try some of everything but tried to use moderation. Finally, I’ve been craving molasses (anemic) so I’ve added an occasional teaspoon in my coffee. Still, these cheats aren’t too bad, all things considered.

Let me give you a sample menu plan here:

Breakfast: Green tea, two eggs-fried, one serving of sugar-free, low fat yogurt, one apple (as you can see, breakfast is none too shabby)

Snack: Another low sugar fruit such as an apple, orange or berries

Lunch: Lean ground turkey sauteed with cabbage, onion and seasonings. Delicious! Green tea to drink.

Snack: Yogurt (no sugar, lowfat-I love Triple Zero yogurt)

Dinner: Pan fried fish,roasted veggies, spinach salad with apple cider vinaigrette.

Night-time munchies: The biggest thing this has done for me has helped me to beat the night-time munchies. Now instead of getting some skinny popcorn or a glass red wine (neither of which are unhealthy choices actually, but the habit of late-night snacking is not the best)… I’ve found myself becoming addicted to a nightly cup of hot tea, instead.

Results?

Okay, so  it’s been 10 days and I just weighed myself. To be honest,  I wasn’t really expecting much. Like I said, I’ve been trying for a couple months with other methods and not an ounce was lost of that stubborn pregnancy weight.  HOWEVER, THIS MORNING I WAS SO EXCITED BECAUSE I HAVE LOST 5 POUNDS IN 10 DAYS.  That might not sound huge but it is for me, especially considering the scale’s war against moving even a tiny bit. It’s also huge because it’s half of my first goal. At this point, I’m only about 5 pounds away from my regular (pre-preg) weight and around 13 away from my most fit weight. However, I also have a lot of muscle from dance/Zumba that I’m pretty sure I built on while doing Zumba through my pregnancy, so maybe I’ll be happy enough to not fret about it once I can get 5 more down.

What now?

Next week, Thanksgiving…. I’m planning to cook several things for not one, but two, Thanksgiving day feasts as well as two potlucks during the week. Also, we’ll have family staying with us and I’m obviously not going to expect them to follow the 17 day diet (my husband has been amazing doing this with me, btw).

If I can just maintain this week, I’ll be happy….If I gain those 5 pounds back in one week, I’m probably going to punch a turkey in the face….After I finish cycle 1, I’m a bit torn between going on to cycle 2 or trying Trim Healthy Mama again. THM is super healthy and is a bit more flexible, which makes it seem like an easier plan to stick to through the remainder of the holiday season. Though I didn’t really lose on it I think I eventually would, slowly, if I stuck it out long enough.

Anyone else out there trying to beat the holiday bulge?? What are you doing? What do your Thanksgiving meal plans look like?