Dukan Diet: A Primer

Popular in the UK, as well as in the United States, the Dukan Diet is described as a unique weight loss plan that can be personalized for individual preferences. Created by Dr. Pierre Dukan, MD., this diet is characterized by its personal approach and massive number of users, reaching as high as 9 million worldwide. The Dukan method offers a healthy eating plan that features foods eaten by primitive man to provide for a varied and healthful diet.

There are 4 distinct phases to the Dukan diet. The first step is called the “Attack” phase, which features a diet made up of 72 high-protein foods to jump start weight loss. The second phase is called “Cruise” and focuses on a diet that alternates between pure protein days and protein/limited-vegetable days. “Consolidation” is the third step, and includes a 10-day process of getting the body ready for a more balanced diet. The fourth and last phase is the “Stabilization” phase, which focuses on 3 different steps to prevent reoccurring weight gain once the other phases are done.

Recommended foods for the Dukan Diet include lean beef, ham, veal, chicken, liver, rabbit, turkey, fish and seafood. Also included are fat-free yogurt, low or no-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, tofu, green vegetables, onions, herbs, various spices and mustard.