The Pros and Cons of the Dukan Diet
93You may be wondering is the Dukan Diet bad for you? Well this article considers the pros and cons of the Dukan Diet which is based around a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. I believe it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of undertaking any diet before starting. This process is even more important when the diet you are considering restricts certain food groups such as carbohydrates as the Dukan Diet does. In the process you are looking to see how the benefits you stand to gain by losing weight stack up against the costs undertaking the diet in terms of your health, your wealth and your social life.
If you don’t know anything about this diet you might like to read my hub about the Dukan Diet. If you are thinking about undertaking this diet you may also like to read my hub on Tips and Recipes for the Dukan Diet. However please remember that this article and my other articles on the Dukan Diet are written to provide general information and they are not intended nor should they be taken as a recommendation or endorsement of the Dukan Diet. Anyone with medical problems of any nature should see and consult a doctor before embarking on any diet or exercise program and even if you have no known health problems, it is still advisable for you to consult your doctor before you make any major changes to your lifestyle.
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Dukan Diet Recipes
I also written some hubs providing recipes for the Dukan Diet..
I listed all the recipes in one capstone hub Dukan Diet Recipes and then provided a link to one of the four other hubs in which the recipes can be found. I've categorised the recipes I've collated into the following hubs
So what are the upsides of the Dukan Diet
1. Losing weight is good for your health if you are obese
The health benefits associated from losing weight are well documented. Obesity increases your risks of suffering from diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart attack or a stroke and losing weight decreases these risks.
2. It works
The Dukan Diet has a successful track record with many positive testimonials.
3. It produces noticeable weight loss in the early days
The initial Attack Phase which lasts between 2 and 10 days depending upon how much weight you have to lose can provide a substantial and rapid weight loss giving much needed motivation and momentum.
4. There is no calorie counting
Dr Pierre Dukan the creator of the diet believes that calorie counting long term doesn't work as very few of us can live our lives on a continuous permanent regime of weighing out and measuring everything we eat.
5. There is no portion control
The principle of being able to eat as much as you want, of permitted foods of course, is one is present in all stages of the Dukan Diet.
6. It is a program for life
It provides a framework to deliver both weight loss and weight maintenance.
7. It is easy to follow
The diet is based on normal everyday foods so you don’t have to buy special foods or shakes.
8. You are allowed to indulge yourself
In the consolidation and stabilisation phases you can indulge in your favorite foods making the diet much more palatable and this allows you to plan in more normal social life.
9. It is a diet made for meat eaters
Being able to eat unrestricted amounts of protein makes this diet much more appealing to meat lovers that calorie controlled diets.
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And what are the downsides
1. Health problems
From a health point of view following a high protein diet like the Dukan Diet can produce a number of different side effects
- High Cholesterol – although losing weight usually helps lower your cholesterol levels in the long term if you chose your protein sources predominately from high cholesterol foods such as red meat and eggs your cholesterol levels may increase.
- Gout – a high protein diet is just one of many factors that can lead to you suffering from gout. Other things such as your family history, age, gender and level of alcohol consumption also influence whether you are likely to suffer.
- Constipation – On the days you eat only protein the likelihood of being constipated is increased. Dr Dukan recognised this problem and to combat it you are required to drink a lot of water and to eat oat bran. If you do suffer with constipation you may find it helpful to miss out the initial Attack Phase where you eat only protein and go straight to the steady weight loss Cruise Phase where you also eat some vegetables.
2. Induction Flu
Induction Flu isn’t a type of flu at all it is a colloquialism used to describe the withdrawal symptoms your body experiences as you switch from carbohydrates to protein and your own body fat to fuel your body. Apart from not having a chill or fever the symptoms are very similar to flu. In addition to having a bad headache you can also feel nauseous, lethargic and irritable and be unable to concentrate. The good news(?) is that it should last only 2 to 3 days and if you plan for it to happen it should not divert you from your objective.
3. Ketosis
Burning body fat instead of carbohydrate for fuel is known as ketosis and whilst it produces the obvious benefits of weight loss it puts additional burden on your kidneys and liver and in extreme cases causes serious damage. Milder side effects of ketosis are bad breath, a metallic taste in your mouth and strong urine odour.
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4. Nutritional Deficiency
The Attack and Cruise phases of the Diet are very restrictive and if you have a lot of weight to lose you would be on this restrictive diet for some time. You can of course counteract deficiencies by the use of nutritional supplements and ensuring that you eat as wide a variety of vegetables as you can. If you play the video Dukan Diet Update to the side below you will find that this person's doctor does not recommend the diet as being suitable for her because she has so much weight to lose.
5. Not suitable for everyone
There are a number of groups of people who would find it difficult or who would not be able to follow this plan. The foods available for vegetarians and vegans are quite limited and It would also not be suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who has liver or kidney problems. Coeliacs can follow the diet as you can buy gluten free oat bran which is prepared in a wheat free environment but it is quite expensive.
6. Additional costs
Eating a diet high in protein but low in carbohydrates is more expensive. You can keep costs down by concentrating on eating eggs, poultry and milk products as your forms of protein but if you are going to be on the diet for any length of time you will need the variety that eating meat, fish and seafood will provide. There is also the cost of nutritional supplements to take into consideration.
7. The impact on your social life
The restrictive nature of the Attack and Cruise phases are likely to mean that you will need to make considerable changes to your social life.
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Other Articles of Interest
This article is one of a series that I've written reviewing some of the more popular weight loss and lifestyle programs. If you found this article interesting you may enjoy reading the others in the series which are
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I have to agree with Pamela99, plus it seems very restrictive in the attack phase. The new Atkins for Life is far less restrictive, and encourages eating more vegetables, as well.
Hi Pamela
Thanks for being the first to comment. I agree the restrictive nature of the first two phases of this diet mean that it is not suitable for everyone. It is important to remember that any changes in your diet can produce health problems such as becoming a vegetarian or vegan if you don't make sure you are eating the correct foods.
Amber:)
Impressive information!!! Iam really interested on this kind of thing? Good research!
this is one great hub i like it! I would suggest you give us more of this hubs...because it is not only informative it is also cool!!
Hi alphonsians93
Nice to meet you. Thank you for reading and commenting on my hub.
Amber:)
All in all I feel being over weight is such a terrible strain on ones health that the Dukan Diet far out weighs the Cons. After all consider what people honestly do eat to maintain an over weight body and the satisfying alternative of the Dukan Diet is far healthy. Good ole common sense tells us the Dukan Diet is far far a better option. Great article and facts. Thank YOU!
Hi katie
I agree that in most circumstances the pros of undertaking the Dukan Diet would outweigh the cons as obesity is such a serious health risk but there are some people who this diet wouldn't suit. I wrote the hub setting out the pros and cons of the Dukan Diet to give people the information to help them decide.
Amber:)
Been on Dukan 4 months and lost 25 k .....feel and look great!
Wow that's great Stefano. Thanks for leaving such an encouraging comment about the Dukan Diet.
Amber:)
Great article thanks. I love the Dukan diet, I did it in the summer for 6 wks and lost 21pds, went off it for a month and have only put on 3pds. I'm back on it again because it's so easy to stick too, you don't feel hungry and I have so much energy! I had 3 stone to lose and it's going fast. They encourage you to weigh yourself every day which keeps you going, every day I either stayed the same or lost weight. Try it!!!
Thanks for leaving such an encouraging comment about the Dukan Diet Janine. Well done and keep up the good work!
Amber:)
I Have been on the Dukan Diet for 6 weeks and have lost 4 kilos - I have found it easy to stick to, but it would nit be for everyone - especially if you keep focusing on whta you can't have in the first 2 phases. Concentrate on what you can have and go for it. I also haven't been walking every day as it suggests.
Jennie
Thanks for commenting Jennie. I think it is really helpful to share your experiences of the Dukan Diet with others.
Amber:)
Good information - this is the first time I have heard of this diet. Thanks
Hi Wooded
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Amber:)
Did the diet and lost 15 KG and I am 52 year old male who thought he was stuck with a Fat gut for life. It is fantastic I now have no gut and get lots of compliments. I feel good and look good. The $Aus29 I spent on the book was paid back in first grocery bill by not buying junk food. My wife did the diet with me and had the same result and also looks great. Do it!
Regards Mike
This is really informative thanks Amber! I started the Dukan Diet on Monday, it's now Thursday and I've lost 4 kilos... I'm a mad-keen foodie, but not once yet have I been hungry (possibly due to actually eating more food than I normally do - just different food). I'm slightly bored with the limited foods but recipe ideas have been helpful :) and I'll be hitting the Cruise phase in a couple of days! This is the first "diet" that has been easy for me... even though I'm only a few days in. I hope I can stick to it!
Hi Max
I'm so pleased that the Dukan Diet is working out well for you. Keep up the good work.
Amber:)
Hello, and sorry that I post another diet review but I'm interesting is it really true that prasouda diet and mediterranian diet is same as written in this page? Why I asking? Because many differences exsist in this diets, maybe You know tha answer, Thank You and sorry again.
Ilya
Hello Ilya
There will be some similarities to the Dukan Diet but the Dukan Diet doesn't allow the use of olive oil as it is a low fat diet and it also restricts carbohydrates as it is a low carb diet too.
Amber:)
Hi
I'm about to embark on the Durkan Diet and have found all the comments really helpful, can't wait to get started and will let you know how I get on.
Hi Liz
I'm pleased you found the article helpful. You might also like to checkout my site at www.thedukandietsite.com. I look forward to hearing how you are doing.
Amber:)
Hi
Three days into the diet and my husband has also started on the diet with me, he has lost 7lb and I have lost 4 lb, we have both found the diet quite easy to follow and never to feel hungry is brilliant - so far so good!!
I have lost 42lbs on the Dukan diet and I am now in the consolidation phase. I found it really suited me and I am happy to eat like this for ever, but I have had some bad liver test results which are worrying. Does anyone know anything about this? My kidney tests are less worrying.
Hi Liz
That is great news! Well done.
Amber:)
Hi chris
You must be pleased with the weight that you've lost but you need to discuss your diet with your doctor and see if the Dukan Diet is suitable for you to follow given your recent test results.
Amber:)
I've done this diet, its fantastic, and definitely not a short term fix. I would recommend it. The weight loss is noticeable quick and most of all it will stay off! (don't abuse that too much though, no diet is a miracle haha).
I tried the attack phase for two weeks it worked great and the portions and snacking really made it feel like it wasn't a diet. I had veg with every meal so i still felt healthy whilst doing it. At the very end of that phase for me i knew it was time to move onto the next step i felt a little less energetic and could see my skin start asking for fruit :)
after that having a couple days a week with just protein really maintained my new figure.
Very happy with the results. Go for it Ladies :)
Hi Amz
Thanks for your glowing recommendation.
Amber:)
Hi I started out on the Dukan and was doing really well. I already work out 3 times a week, run and swim. I only have a stone to lose in total, but the last 4 lbs WILL NOT come off. It is a great diet, and personally I find it really easy to follow. The only problem is I am now suffering with high levels of creatinine, low iron and low blood pressure, which makes working out quite hard as I am always tired. Any suggestions for the last 4lbs?
Hi Rachel82
I would do nothing until you've spoken with your doctor so that he can check out your symptoms.
For very active people on the official Dukan coaching program I've seen the coaches allowed them to eat a small portion of carbs before exercising. You might want to discuss this adjustment to the diet with your doctor when you see him.
Amber:)
I just started this diet 3 days ago and have lost 5 lbs. It is a little more work with a family of five, and i used to be a vegetarian. I also have non- hodgins lymphoma, but i need to loose about 20lbs or so. I look forward to eating the vegetables, they are pilling up from my garden. the benefits far outway the cons, I feel ok so far, but the bad breath has started, so I might start eating fresh parsely. I will let you know how I make out in a few weeks. Thanks for all the great info.
Hi Rachel
I'm pleased that it is going well. You might wanted to spend a few minutes looking at mt website at www.thedukandietsite.com.
Amber:)
I started the Dukan Diet last week Tuesday along with my daughter. I had 31kg to lose and she had 10. All I can say is that it's a fabulous diet, have lost 5kg already and will be going into cruise phase on Thursday, my daughter went into cruise on day 3 and is looking fab and feeling great. Both had an addiction to sugary carbs and have now broken that addiction. Not missing them at all and to top it off it's the first diet I've ever been on that I've not yet cheated on or wanted to cheat on! I'm using the exercise bike instead of walking and riding 10kms in 20mins and to think I always hated any form of exercise! I'd say to anyone thinking about going on the diet to check it out and do your research and the go fit it! Dukan du it!!!
Hi Carmen
Thanks for posting such an encouraging comment.
Amber:)
Cholesterol
High level of cholersterol is not directly connected with foods that contain cholesterol (and not with eggs n particular; see the quote below). Besides, there's no rule that says one must eat eggs or red meat on Dukan Diet. There's a variety of other choices. Many overwieght and obese people are having problems with cholesterol while not on any diet. On the contrary, their 'non-diet', junk food does much more to increasing the level of cholesterol than high-protein food in Dukan Diet.
More here: http://thedukandiet.info/dukan-diet-cons/
Thank you for your comment, thedukandiet.
As I explained in my article above "although losing weight usually helps lower your cholesterol levels in the long term if you chose your protein sources predominately from high cholesterol foods such as red meat and eggs your cholesterol levels may increase."
My research has shown that there is some scientific evidence of foods high in cholesterol raising cholesterol levels albeit to a very low level. I've included links and quotes below.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-s
"Also, most people make more cholesterol than they absorb from their food. A body of scientific studies shows only a weak relationship between the amount of cholesterol a person consumes and his or her blood cholesterol levels (weak but important for heart disease)."
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-s
"A solid body of research shows that for most people, cholesterol in food has a much smaller effect on blood levels of total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol than does the mix of fats in the diet. Recent research has shown that moderate egg consumption—up to one a day—does not increase heart disease risk in healthy individuals and can be part of a healthy diet."
Amber:)
Keep in mind that most people in this world with the longest life span. Eat a higher carbohydrate diet. Countrys with a diet higher in protien do not usualy live as long.
The best diet is mostly high in plant based foods. You could eat a gigantic bowl of plain oatmeal or brown rice every day for breakfast, and not have many health problems from it. You could also eat a bunch of meat for breakfast, with not many health problems if it is natural, and minnimaly procced. HOWEVER if you want great brain and enegy performace it is better to eat more carbs. When you eat just meats,milk and protein for breakfast you may get a little boost of energy for about 30 mins- an hour. Than you feel very sleepy, and hungry. If you eat 3 owl of oatmeal or bown ice for breakfast that gives you energy for a while. The best breakfast is carbs,fruit, and protein.
If you want which food may be better. Carbohydrates or Meats. You could go along time eating carbohydrates with not many bad health effects. Carbs actualy do not age you as fast as meats and dairy. Chlorestol and staturated fats actualy age people quicker. Carbs do not realy have this effect.
Hi Gregoryy
The high protein, lower carbohydrate parts of the Dukan Diet are used to lose weight and they are not intended to be followed long term. As being overweight also reduces life expectancy it is a case of weighing up the pros and cons.
Amber:)
On day 3 of dukan attack. Struggling with nausea at all times. I am 70kg and target weight is 60kg. I haven't felt very hungry and am full til 3pm from eggs for breakfast but despite trying a variety of meats/fish/seafood for meals I am finding that during and after I feel really sick. I miss fruit & veg so am looking forward to salad tomorrow and can imagine continuing with this diet but am really hoping the nausea is related to the attack phase and my body will get used to it?
Hi claire88
I'm sorry that you are feeling unwell. If the symptoms do not go away after a couple more days I would suggest that you see your doctor for a check up just to make sure all is in order.
Amber:)
Just started yesterday! Hope it works....I miss wine most of all and am a big sweets person and am a bit concerned with the level of aspartame I'm consuming to get rid of the cravings...also taken up smoking to fill the alcohol and munchies void Hahha no bueno
Hi rachy
It certainly isn't good that you've started smoking to overcome your cravings for sweets and alcohol. Perhaps it would have been better to try to reduce the amounts of sweets you were eating and wine you were drinking before starting the diet so it didn't come as so much of a shock to your system.
Amber:)
I love the Dukan Diet. Started two weeks ago and have lost 10 pounds so far. I am a sugar addict and was surprised that the sugar cravings went away after day 2. Now I feel fine and am full most of the time from all the protein. If i do want something for a sweet treat I just add splenda and cinnamon to the galete recipe from the book and its so yummy. My daughter even likes it. I am half way to my goal weight already. My mom started at the same time as me and has lost 15 pounds. As well as feeling really good, my skin, which is usually acne prone, has cleared right up. Im not sure if thats an effect of all the water or the protein, but it is a welcome side effect:)
Hi Amber,
Been thinking about doing the diet, as I want to lose 10 Kg out of 87. I have repeatedly gotten bad results from blood tests involving my liver. So that most likely means the Dukan is a no-no for me. Could you suggest another diet that is more easy on the liver?
Thanks!
Hi Audrey
I'm so pleased that the diet is working out so well for you and the rest of the family. As you say the improvement in your skin is an added bonus.
Amber:)
Hi whotie
You need to discuss a weight loss program with your medical professional to ensure that it meets your own specific needs. They may be able to suggest adaptations to the Dukan Diet that would make it more suitable.
Amber:)
Hi Amber,
How can I adapt the dukan diet for pregnancy? Normally tiny, but been on IVF and have put on weight. Was very healthy with my previous pregnancies and don't want to be overweight for this one.
Hi Nicky
Congratulaions!
Please make sure you to speak to your doctor before starting any weight loss program. Getting the right nutrition during pregnancy is so important and it is because of this that the weight loss phases are not recommended by Dr Dukan for anyone who is pregnant. They are too restrictive.
Dr Dukan does suggests adapting the Consolidation Phase adding in an extra piece of fruit, using 2% fat dairy products and not doing a Dukan Thursday. This is intended to be a diet to control the weight gained during pregnancy rather than lose any.
Amber:)
I have been on the Dukan diet for about 15 weeks, have lost a stone and a half (would like to lose another stone ideally) However, I have routine blood tests due to a neurological condition and the medication I'm on, but my urea and creatinine is raised and is rising all the time. In fact my GP is concerned that my lkidney function is deteriorating (I'm just 40)My neurological condition affects my bladder but my urea and creatinine readings have always been ok, but thinking back just today, my bladder symptoms have been worse since starting the diet and I note someone else on here talks about raised levels. He did tell me it was unrelated to the diet but I'm not convinced now. At the same time, I have become anaemic but only mildly with the main problem being very low ferritin to the point where I am scheduled for an emergency endoscopy to rule out bowel cancer and I dont know if the high protien actually affects these readings too. I eat a lot of red meat and am having veg alternate days now but cant help wondering whether this is diet related too. My GP said that Ferritin isnt gained from food, and that these two potential conditions cant be related, but have found contradictory advice online that could all be down to the diet. I love the diet and want to continue but obviously I am not going to do this if I'm putting my health at risk, even if its nothing to worry about-I;m still having the worries and invasive tests. Can anyone advise/empathise? Thanks, Steph
Hi steph
You've got a very complex set of symptoms/blood test results with an underlying health condition which may or may not be contributing to the changes in your blood tests.
Given your doctor's concerns about your kidney function it does seem strange that he has not stopped you following a high protein diet like the Dukan Diet.
My understanding is that a high protein diet can raise urea results but that serum creatinine the most commonly used test of kidney function and it is not affected by dietary protein intake.
If you are worried you need to go back to your doctor and discuss your concerns with him.
Amber:)
Thanks Amber, I have to go back to GP about the most recent set of urea and creatinine tests that were taken yesterday and have to wait 3-4 weeks for the colorectal endoscopy. I specifically asked him about the diet and said it was high protein but he said that none of the readings were affected by dietary protein, so maybe he was talking about the creatinine rather than the urea. So the raised urea levels are not commonly reported in poeple following the Dukan diet?Thanks
Hi Amber,
I have been on the dukan diet for 4+ months and have never felt better and look well. I LOVE this diet and could stay on it for life. I started at 170 lbs which is even higher then when I was 9 months pregnant with any of my four children. I started the diet and have very gradually lost 30 lbs, maybe 1-2lbs a week. I am now 4 weeks into the consolidation phase which I will be on for 6 months. None of this bothers me BUT a friend asked me to get my kidney function tested. Sadly I am off the charts with VERY WORRYING KIDNEY function and now am cutting back on the protein and including more veg and fruit. I did the diet whilst in USA for the summer but am now home in UK and am going to go to the doctor here again and go through all the same tests and have good old talk through with the Doctor. Any suggestions??
I LOVE THE DUKAN DIET inspite of this slight Glitch.
Babs
Hi Steph
I'm not aware of people reporting problems with raised urea levels whilst following the Dukan Diet but that could be because people are not being tested.
The information about high protein diets raising urea results can be found on many sites and I've provided a quote and link to one for your information.
"Is there anything else I should know?
BUN levels can increase with the amount of protein in your diet. High-protein diets may cause abnormally high BUN levels while very low-protein diets can cause an abnormally low BUN." http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/b
Hi L11BBC
The Dukan Diet isn't suitable for anyone with kidney problems so you need to adjust your eating habits as directed by your doctor.
Amber:)
I've asked my GP directly about this (again) and I have found him to be extremely thorough over the last 16 years he's been my GP and he still says it wouldnt be enough to affect the blood levels and must be medication. Am pleased-sort of-as love the diet-will soon be on consolidation phase anyhow so will become more balanced. Still not 100% convinced though-but generally trust the professionals over the internet!Steph
Hi Steph
Your doctor is best placed to make these types of judgments as he has your full medical history.
The urea test is a urine test whilst the creatinine test is a blood test and it is the creatinine test which is not influenced by what you eat so the Internet backs up what your doctor is advising.
From what you've now said it appears that your doctor believes that the test results are due to your medication rather than the poor functioning of your kidneys and if this is the case there would be no reason for you to stop the diet.
Amber:)
Since starting the DUKAN diet in the middle of August 2011, I have lost 20 pounds and I feel great! I have a total of 75 pounds to lose and I am wondering if anyone has tried going back and forth between the cruise phase and the consolidation phase?
I also wanted to share something with others. I've been using the plain, no-fat, sugar free Greek yogurt and adding flavoring to it without a great deal of success. Today, I added CRYSTAL LIGHT powdered drink mix - zero calories, no carbs, no sugars and it tastes great! Added a little bit of granulated SPLENDA for a little more sweetness and this is much more palitable than plain, unflavored yogurt.
Pat
Hi Pat J
You can follow an adapted Consolidation Diet for a holiday but I'm not sure why else you would wish to switch between Cruise and Consolidation.
Crystal Light does contain calories. Most flavors have 5 calories per serving but other do have more, for example the Natural Strawberry Banana has 30 calories. Crystal Light also contains some very small amounts of added sugar which means that it doesn't meet the strict guideline set down by Dr Dukan. You have to look at the ingredients rather than the nutritional information to find the added sugar.
Amber:)
hi diets are all different
i feel eating meat like cave men did years ago and walking to kill they pray was the exercise ,is far better t han eating fried foods take away biscuits cake and takeaways that we all eat every week , diet is what works for you
some people eat just vegi meals they are still alive
its when we dont eat and dont exercise thats concerning .
do what makes u happy
Hi Tracey
I agree totally you have to find a diet that you are comfortable and happy with.
Amber:)
I tried loosing weight(the last 12 pounds) on many diets for 2 years -- nothing worked.My doctor was NO help.
Then - the Dukan Diet. In 8 weeks I lost 12 lbs. Great! But wait - there's more. My JOINT pain went away. My cholesterol dropped 25 pts to 175, LDL to 96, triglycerides to 35. All other blood tests were STELLAR.
So -- go figure.Am I happy? yes
By the way -- my main protein was chicken, turkey, egg whites, salmon, tofu, white fish, and 2 slices no nitrate/nitrite ham per day. Not tons of red meat. I also had shirataki noodles (No calories) on protein days. Kept me from being hungry!
Hi Chris D
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Well done!
Amber:)
I have been on the Dukan diet for 4 maonths have lost 30kilos and feel fine, everyone says how well i look, so the diet cant be that bad haha.
Hi Lisa
The Dukan Diet doesn't suit everyone but it certainly does appear to suit you. Congratulations!
Amber:)
I started end of September 2011 and lost 20lbs to date, definitely not for everyone but i am sure glad it is for me. Easy to follow and I am not hungry. Thank you Dukan!
Candy
Hi Candy
Thank you for sharing your experiences of the Dukan Diet and well done on your weight loss so far.
Amber:)
Hi. I started the Dukan Diet 2 days ago in a desparate bid to lose 5k's before an operation in now 4 days.
Two nursing sisters in a pre-admission clinic I went to on Thursday told me about this diet are on it and said they had lost 12k's and 10k's in 10 weeks.
I had read it before and thought too dangerous for me but I had been going to hospital all week and two overnight stays and was feeling down as I know how hard post op will be as I have torn both rotator cuffs.
I had all the beef,extra low fat ricotta and 2 eggs last night and was quite full.Breakfast was the oat bran etc.
I had had 3 nights with no sleep and thought that today as I feel fatigued it was down to this as am on chemo too but think it is the diet.
I have some of my liver enzymes way too high and climbing and have a 5 month history of a kidney infection so about an hour ago I thought "what the heck am I doing"
I had mentioned to my oncologist on Friday I had started this diet and he told me I was ridiculous and what was wrong with portion control and exercise?
I said issues like kneecaps taped so I can walk, osteoporis. I do what I can but it is hard and instead of losing weight for this op which is the only one I can get done I put weight on in the last 8 weeks.
I have waited years for hips/knees to be done but no surgeon is willing to replace them as have major allergies and it has taken nearly 4 months to get latex free equipment and testing overnight on aneasthetics to see if I have bad re-actions. etc.
I felt good all night on diet and had some sleep but now it is nearly 4pm Sydney Aus time and I have been exhausted all day. I normally pass urine a lot as drink 3 litres of water a day due to allergies to colourings/preservatives etc but can't stop going and I feel it is the diet.I had to get up 5 times in night also.When I bought The Dukan Diet book on Thursday the lady on check out said good choice and is the book for me and I said yes. She said notice anything? OMG she had lost heaps of weight. She said she had lost 42k's which is about 90lb in 4 months which to me is a lot and rather unhealthy but she looked good and was very happy and is continuing. on. I asked if she had nay health issues but she has none.
Am I mad putting myself at further risk? I dare not postpone op as so much prep has gone into it but feel the time is not right. Should I continue with diet or try and modify it?
Please help. Have 4 days to go.
Hi Amber, I think I am doing something radically wrong with my diet :-( I have only lost just on 2lbs in 2 weeks and getting increasingly frustrated. I walk, am now on cruise but since being on cruise I am alternating between putting on ounces and losing ounces but never getting below 12stone 12lb 2oz. Besides drinking the water I have 2 glasses of Coke Zero at night (instead of having a glass of wine) Do you think this could possibly be the problem?
Trish
Hi GeorgieGirl60
It is clear from what you have said that you have a very complex medical history. It is important that anyone with medical problems of any kind should consult their doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.
I can't advise you whether or not to continue with the diet as this has to be a decision that you reach taking into account the advice of your doctors.
Amber
Hi Trish
You are allowed to drink up to three diet drinks like Coke Zero each day so this shouldn't be causing any problem you could try to reduce the amount of dairy products you are eating and replace this with other protein to see if this helps.
Amber:)
No diet which forbids the eating any vegetables or fruit at any point in life should be referred to as healthy, in my opinion.
Hi Lee
The weight loss phases of the diet are very restrictive in terms of the fruit and vegetables that you can eat.
Amber:)
Hi Amber
I'm very dedicated to this diet and have around 2.5 st to loose. I've been on the Attack diet 2 days and, although my weight dropped a couple of pounds by the end of the first day, I am now back to the same weight as when I started. This is understandably demotivating. I've found the diet ok so far so of course will continue but I'm looking for a bit of moral support after such a disappointing start!
Hi Kitty
It is important to weigh yourself at the same time every day as your weight can fluctuate through the day by a few pounds.
If you weight has fluctuated by this much at the same time of day it is most likely to have been caused by water retention. If this is the case make sure that you avoid all foods that are high in salt and do not drink more than 2 liters of fluid each day.
Amber:)
I started the Dukan Diet on Monday. First weigh in on Tuesday I hade gained a lb. Weds saw me lose that and another lb. Thurs lost 3lb's! and Fri 1lb. Saturday, (today)no change. Still motivated and started the Cruise phase today. Veggies were nice and I made the Dukan meat loaf - was very nice. I feel a bit sicky and weird at the moment and came here to see if there were any answers as to why I might feel that way. Wondering if its a lack of sugar maybe?
Jackie
PS...I forgot to mention that I am 48 and menopausal so wondering if that also could be related to not losing today or the sicky feeling? I am determined to lose about 4stone but fear it will be a long ride and i'll get bored. Im currently 15st 9lb. Started at 16st.
Jackie
I dont think my last comment posted! I started Dukan on Monday. By today I had lost 6lb although this morning there was no change to my weight :o(. Today I feel a bit yukky...can't describe but sort of sicky weird lol. Wondered if there might be a common reason why? Still motivated...have 3 and 1/2 stone to lose still!!! Started at 16 st..gained a lb first day but have lost that since and now weigh 15st 9lb.
Hi Jackie
Hormones are often to blame for unexpected weight gains or stagnation.
It can sometimes take your body a little time to adjust to a new diet and this can cause a few odd symptoms but it doesn't usually take 5 days for this to happen.
As you said it might be due to your hormones rather than the diet. If it doesn't clear up after a couple of days I'd recommend seeing your doctor.
Good luck on the Dukan Diet!
Amber:)
Hi Amber, thanks for the advice.
I feel great. I think it was just a coincidence as I woke up feeling fine the next morning. I'm now 15st 8lb after putting on 2lbs but which came off the next day. Sticking with it. I have even turned into a bit of a 'chef' which is odd cos previously hated cooking. So far my inventions, although fat free and carb/sugar free for me, have gone down well with the family too.
Regards
Jackie
Hi Jackie
That's great news. It is so much easier to diet if you can eat the same food as the rest of the family.
Good luck!
Amber:)
I have been on the Dukan diet for 12 days and I have lost 13lbs. It is a very restrictive diet and you do think about what you aren't allowed to eat but the weight loss makes it worth while. I want to be healthy to be around for my little boy and this diet is working for me so far.
Hi Su
13 pounds in 12 days is an excellent start to your diet. Well done!
Amber:)
Hi,
It's very effective. Thanks
Just started Dukan...now day 2 of attack phase. Less 2 lbs from yesterday - likely all water since I was up most of the night peeing. Don't feel hungry and not craving the treats but fruit would be sooooo good right about now!!!! Not sure if anyone else felt like they couldn't settle down at night to sleep. Had a very restless sleep. Thanks for the info in the article!
Hi there,
I have been reading everyone's comments and I am indeed over weight and would love a fast result but I do not believe this is possible, I can not see how the Dukan diet is healthy and safe for you? I was thinking of still sticking with the GI diet as it seems the Dukan diet can cause no amount of medical problems ? Am not sure if I thought it was safe I might give it a go ? Does anyone really know the real implications of this diet ?
Hi Katherine
The Attack phase of the Dukan Diet can produce a great kick start to a weight loss program but it is very restrictive and because of this it is only intended to be followed for an absolute maximum of 10 days by those who have a lot of weight to lose. It is important to note that any Attack Phase of this length should be approved by your doctor. However as you are already on a diet you would probably not get such good results so you are probably better off sticking with the GI diet especially as you have concerns about the health problems of eating a high protein diet.
Amber:)
the dukan diet is great. ive lost 14lbs in 3 weeks. its easy and shows instant results. the first 3 days are the hardest but the results make it easy to stick to. try it . you wont be sorry.
Hi Josie
Thank you for your encouraging comments for others who may be thinking about using the Dukan Diet to lose weight.
Amber:)
Hello My face is full of acne. Will the dukan diet lead me to a stage where ill be acne free?
Hi Bader
The Dukan Diet is a weight loss program not a treatment for acne. If you have been eating a poor diet and this is contributing to the cause of your acne a change in eating habits may help.
My advice would be to consult your doctor.
Amber:)
I just purchased the durkin book , I wondering does it work if ur 5ft1 and nine stone and would like to get down to 7andhalf stone . Will durkin diet help Medco that ?
Can the durkin diet help u to loose weight if u only need a stone off.
Hi Vanessa
Yes the Dukan Diet can be used to lose a stone in weight or a stone and a half to get from 9 stone to 7.5 stone if you are 5ft 1 inches tall.
Unfortunately I don't understand the question you are asking about Medco.
Amber:)
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 22 months ago
This is a well written article. I had never hear of this diet until you wrote about it. While it does sound like you would lose weight, it doesn't sound very healthy with all those possible bad side effects.