Book Nook: 'The 17 Day Diet'

THE 17 DAY DIET: A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results, by Dr. Mike Moreno. Free Press, $25, 243 pp.

While channel surfing, you might've caught "Dr. Mike," a California physician, on "The Doctors" or "Dr. Phil" TV shows promoting this book, in which he says "you might expect to lose 10 to 12 pounds in the first 17 days."

The diet "keeps your body and metabolism guessing," he writes. "I call this 'body confusion.' " Your body doesn't adapt to the diet, he says, and "You'll never get bored."

There are four 17-day cycles: Accelerate, with "unlimited" lean protein but limited carbohydrates, including fruits; Activate, where you add "natural starches," such as brown rice, on alternate days; Achieve, which permits pasta and even red wine; and Arrive, a maintenance phase in which you can indulge -- a bit -- on the weekends.

THE SCOOP There are chapters on dining out, "Family Challenges" and more.

THE BOTTOM LINE "Dr. Mike" also emphasizes exercise: " . . . move your butt."