And now something completely different – I’m trying the 17 Day Diet.

I’d like to say I’m not one for fad diets, but I can’t. While I was trying to lose weight before my wedding I did the Metabolife pills. I also have tried Atkins (lasted like a week) and Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers isn’t a fad unless you do what I’ve done which is work hard and get to your goal then quit and gain it all back.

Not too long ago I was a leader of the Rants from Mommyland Spark Team for Cardio. Oh what a laugh, I was assigning work and doing my best to keep up then I did a bad thing – I fell of the wagon. Not unlike any other addiction, I struggle.  I’m not addicted to any illegal drugs. Nope my drug of choice is on sale everywhere and offered to small children all the time.

It’s sugar.

I’m Riki and I’m a sugar addict.

There, I said it. Whew, that wasn’t so bad…but what comes next may be. I’ve been talked into trying the 17 day Diet. It’s not just 17 days and it’s done – it’s a diet done in 17 day cycles. One of my best friends (practically a sister – our moms are best friends) has been on it and can not stop raving about it. Seriously, she’s lost about 100 pounds on it. Her mom has also had spectacular results, I think she’s lost 70 or 80 pounds on it. I have been watching their results with a lot of skepticism. My sisterly friend lost a lot of weight when I was in college then she got off the diet and gained. I figured this would be the same – once someone gets off the diet they just gain it back. True right?

Well, I’ve been told by both of them that this isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. One that they plan to stay on. That’s what I’ve said about Weight Watchers and yet I didn’t stick to that lifestyle change. This one has a lot more structure, yet also later on has more flexibility. I haven’t read the book yet, but I bought it today. It’s on sale at Amazon so I thought why not and I took the plunge. My parents started it and I think they’re on day #3. Mom says that she is suffering from headaches and is very weak right now. They say that’s normal – she’s coming off her sugar and carb highs.

Part of me is very skeptical still. I’m nervous. I also know that we have to do something. Cheech is only 6 and with all the steroids she’s taken for her asthma and stuff, she’s got a gut on her. Don’t get me wrong, I have to do this for me or it won’t happen but I think for her is just as good or better. Her doctor has told me that we have 6 months to try hard to change the way things are going or she’s going to test her for thyroid issues. She’s mentioned how overweight kids have more risks for type 2 diabetes and that did it. I know we have got to eat better. Both of us. No, scratch that – all of us.

I know that I’m going to be dusting off the “losing weight” tag on the blog and we’re starting again. My book arrives Wednesday and I’m going to read it and buy stuff and we’re hoping to really start the next step on Monday.

I know that the kids need more carbs than we do. I know that they’re kids and I will not deny them some treats, but at the same time they’re going to learn to eat better. No more mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, quesadillas, grilled cheese, poptarts, etc. Well not no more, but much much less. I have failed on the nutrition from for my kids. Honestly I go through phases and they’re both very open to trying to eat healthier. I struggle with breakfast most of all, mostly because sugary cereals and poptarts are so convenient. I’m not a morning person and hate getting up any earlier than I have to. But if that’s the new normal, I guess I’ll do it. I am the mom. I am the cook (most of the time), the meal planner, the lunch maker, and ultimately I feel responsible for my children’s well being.

While Cheech has been teased at school for being “fat” and has cried to me about it – I worked on her self esteem and tailored clothes to fit her body-type, I have always thought she’d outgrow it. She still may, but she also may not. It’s time that we take action into our own hands and really grab the bull by the horns. I feel an amen coming on.

I wonder, have any of you tried the 17 day diet? Have you got ideas for healthy kid breakfasts that are pretty quick or can be made the night before? What lunch ideas do you have?

Thanks and good luck to us all!

*This is the book I bought. I really hope it’s going to help me and that it’s not just a fad. Crossing my fingers!

The 17 Day Diet: A Doctor’s Plan Designed for Rapid Results is on sale at Amazon. I hope it’s still on sale if you’re looking for it too.

*Yes, there’s an affiliate link. You don’t have to click it or anything, but if you want to try it too I think that the sale price is decent enough.