Cognitive Distortion: 17 Day Diet

 

The public is always looking for ways to increase one’s metabolism. The 17 day diet, created by Dr. Michael Moreno, capitalizes on the idea of altering our metabolism to rev up our calorie burning power. This diet is divided into four 17 day cycles which claim to alter metabolism and fat burning by varying energy intake during each cycle, preventing the body from becoming accustomed to one calorie range.

The initial cycle is the most restrictive and reduces calories per day to 1200. In this first phase carbohydrates are limited, and as is often the case with low carbohydrate diets, the majority of weight loss is likely due to fluid. During the second cycle, Dr. Moreno introduces the concept of calorie cycling. The theory is that this will confuse the metabolism to prevent any slowdown in metabolic rate. In the third cycle, participants continue calorie cycling while increasing the types of foods allowed. The final phase, focuses on maintenance and a lifelong continuation of the first three phases.

One type of cognitive distortion, failure to consider alternative explanations, plays a role in persuading the public into believing this program can have powerful effects on metabolism which lead to fast weight loss. There is very limited research on calorie cycling and what is available does not provide adequate data to support this idea. The small studies that have been conducted show no changes in metabolic rate or increase in weight loss when varying energy intake as opposed to following a calorie restricted diet at one set calorie range.

The alternative explanation and actual mechanisms behind the weight loss success with this diet are energy intake reduction and increasing energy expenditure. Calorie intake is controlled during all phases and once participants get past the initial 17 days the diet becomes a generally healthy diet focused on whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, with the addition of exercise. Although this diet is packaged as a metabolism booster and fat burning secret, the resulting weight loss comes to the basics of cutting calories and moving more.