The Dukan Diet

Rereading yesterday's post reminded me of something called the Dukan Diet which I read about in a magazine a few days ago. The Dukan Diet is a four-phase system created by Dr Dukan, established when Dukan's friend asked him how to lose weight without sacrificing meat. Apparently, the difference between this diet and every other diet is that it ends with a vow to eat only protein for one day each and every week - for the rest of your life.

"It is the secret of keeping the weight off" - Dr Dukan

According to Dukan, if you stick to protein one day a week, you will surely lose 1kg instantly and in doing so, correct any excess incurred during the rest of the week. The four phases of the Dukan Diet are Attack, Cruising, Consolidation, and Stabilisation.

Phase 1: Attack

Eat only protein - white meat such as chicken and non-oily fish like cod - for two to seven days depending on your personal weight loss goal. Washed down with three litres of water and a tablespoon of oat bran, Dr Dukan says you'll feel full and the oats will ease any constipation you experience. (Sounds delish LOL). During this phase you can feast on fat-free yoghurt and cottage cheese, turkey, boiled eggs, salmon and prawns. Tea and coffee are also unlimited!

Phase 2: Cruising

Alternating protein-only with combination - protein mixed with veges - days will help you to your ideal weight. Soups are a great way to start each meal, followed by white fish cooked with your choice of veges - except potatoes! Once you've reached your goal weight, you are ready to move onto phase 3.

Phase 3: Consolidation

Designed to prevent any rebounding to old habits, this phase allows you to give yourself a break and start introducing carbs like bread and pate and high-fat food like cheese - but only in moderation and only for two days each week. Dr Dukan recommends having two "celebratory meals" a week where you can enjoy whatever you like. Don't expect any weight loss during this phase, but you shouldn't gain any either - which is the ideal balance.

Phase 4: Stabilisation

The best and final part of the Dukan Diet - phase 4 means you're able to eat whatever you like as long as you make a promise to yourself to eat only protein for one day a week for the rest of your life.

Gisele Bundchen, who is apparently a dedicated fan of this Dukan Diet only gained 4.5kg DURING PREGNANCY because of it, and as the world's highest paid supermodel, who wouldn't want to try it?