Book of the Week: The Dukan Diet

The Dukan Diet is latest refinement of the low-carbohydrate method of weight loss.

It comes from French physician Pierre Dukan. His method has been touted around the world. Australia’s version of Woman’s Day magazine (Sept. 19, 2011) revealed this is the diet followed by the Duchess of Cambridge (yes, Kate Middleton!), her mum Carole, and sister Pippa, to prepare for Kate’s marriage to Prince William.

The Dukan Diet consists of four phases. Weight is lost during the “Attack Phase” in which only lean protein and a small portion of oat bran are consumed for 2-7 days.

Next, a “Cruise Phase” allows certain vegetables on alternating days with this protein regimen until the weight loss goal is reached.

Next,the “Consolidation Phase” allows a much wider variety of foods, but this phase also includes one day of pure protein a week. Dr. Dukan claims that during this phase (which readers are urged to follow five days for every pound lost) the body must readjust its metabolism to the new, lower weight.

Finally, the “Stabilization Phase” is designed to maintain the new weight for life. While eating can return to normal, Dukan asks practitioners to keep in mind what they have learned about healthy eating and tocontinue to devote one day every week to lean protein for the rest of their lives.

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