Hi Durangogal... that is so funny my goal was to go down 23 pounds to be 147 pounds too.. Which cycle are you on now? I know what you mean by the skin.. I talked to the trainer at the gym and gave me an idea for that area. I use light weights for me that is 5 lbs as I don't want to build under the arms LOL I wanted to tone. So sit on the bench and have your weights relaxed in your hands by your sides palms facing in. Then lift and lower slowly to shoulder height and not quite to rest so you always feel the tension. I do three sets of 12. Then for the second part of the underarm: bend arms at the waist again palms in and lift and lower slowly to the shoulder it takes about a week but you start seeing the loose skin tightening... The very first week of Cycle 1 I did not exercise also. Today is my last day of cycle one and we leave on Wed. I am planning ot just be aware but have a good time. and I know it is not as if I am thrilled to have on my bathing suit still at 163 now but feel a lot better about it and not sad.. 16 more lbs to go.... When do you leave? We are gone Wed very early 6 am and get back at midnight on Monday night. so we have 6 full days of a much needed get out of the wintery weather fun... have a great time.. will look forward to hearing how your time went.... oh yeah... if it is a creapy skin I just picked up at the drugstore Aveeno instant relief overnight cream and it worked wonders on my hands, back of my arms and lower back calves, I guess these areas were very lax in moisture... just a thought..... have a great time on the beach!!!!

Are you getting excited about your upcoming trip? I just checked my blogs and I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Answer to your question I think I only lost 8 pounds during my first cycle, however, I must confess I never did any exercise with it.  I am now down 17 pounds which I would like to get down to 147 so I still have 6 more pounds to my goal.  I am concerned about how the skin looks so crepey under my arms and my backside, I am hoping I am not losing muscle mass but simply the need to exercise and perhaps I will look more toned.  Jamaica will feel wonderful to me in a few days......I actually can't WAIT to get into a swim suit this time we are there!  Have a great time on your vacation!! Linda

Starting Day 11 Cycle One. Down 5 Pounds and 18 to go.. I am thrilled with the results and now it is time to change up the recipes and not get bored this week.  I really like the Watercress had heard it is so so healthy and mixed with a salad gives it a punch... Love the recipes and keep the ideas coming.

Loving Life in the Midwest just outside of Chicago. Spent all last year in Italy, hence the need for the 17 Diet. Love it so far. Started February 18...

I just ended the first week of Cycle 1 and followed to a tee... I have 20 pounds to lose and have lost 4 pounds but seems like most have lost more??? Is anyone else having this result? If it follows the same course it will be 8-10 in the first 17 days and I only worked out 2 days of the 7 due to a cold. So not discouraged at all and feel it in my clothes a lot. I think this is such a healthy way of eating. Don't feel hungry.. Can anyone tell me if putting fresh lemon juice in all the water through the day is off limits too?? I use a half lemon with the hot wate but prefer another 1/4 in both my 32 oz's through the day. Just don't want this to sabatoge me...

Love watching the show. Learn something new everyday. Love the 17 Day Diet Challenge...