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The Dukan Diet

The Dukan Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

A French diet that has helped many A-list celebrities lose weight.

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What is it?

The Dukan Diet is a weight loss diet based on a high protein, 4 staged food and lifestyle changes. There are specific foods allowed, and it’s said that the first 2 to 7 days between 4.4 to 6.6 pounds of weight loss is possible.

The official book has sold over 7 million copies, and an official website also offers support. With repeat use it’s said it can lead to sustained weight loss from 2 to 4 pounds each week. Reducing carbohydrates and fats is a major part of the diet especially in the beginning. In this review you’ll hear customer reviews, whether or not it’s safe and effective for weight loss, and many important considerations. A comprehensive top 10 list of the very best diet plans are available when you click here.

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The Dukan Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

The company does offer some pre-packaged foods, but they’re not necessary. Instead the plan focuses on customers cooking their own foods. The phases of the diet are:

Phase 1 “Attack”: You can eat as much protein as you’d like from 68 different kinds of animal protein. 

It’s said this phase will:

“increases the speed of weight loss while flushing out the excess water”

Between 6 to 8 cups of water are needed daily, as well as 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran for fiber to help reduce appetite, and to help with limiting the absorption of calories.

It’s also advised to introduce exercise, preferably in the morning. Also, the length of the diet depends on how much weight one wants to lose. The standards are listed as:

40 pounds or more: Talk to a physician and do it for around 7 days.

Between 15 to 30 pounds: 3-5 days.

10 pounds or less: 1-2 days.

The average time for most people is 2-5 days.

Phase 2 “Cruise”:  This phase is expected to promote 1 pound of weight loss every 3 days. One still has to eat the same kinds of protein, but there are small amounts of vegetables from 32 possible options.

This allows for an unlimited amount of 100 different food options, though no starchy or fatty vegetables are allowed such as avocado, potatoes, and corn. Much less restricting options are offered via the top 10 list of the best diet plans.

An additional half-tablespoon of oat bran is also needed each day.

Phase 3 “Consolidation”: This stage helps keep all the weight lost, by introducing 7 different suggested diet tips. Certain foods are allowed back in such as cheese, certain starchy foods, fruit, and bread.

2 “cheat” meals where you can eat foods not advised from the diet are allowed per week, though you do have to limit back to back binges.

For every pound lost, you have to add 5 days of this phase. So for people who have lost 30 pounds, 150 days are needed. You also get to eat the exact same foods allowed from the Attack and Cruise phases.

For the first half of the phase the following are required:

  • 1 serving of starchy foods each week.
  • 1.5 ounces of hard cheese.
  • 2 slices of whole grain bread.
  • A serving of fruit.

The second half of the phase requires:

  • 2 servings of fruit.
  • 2 servings of starchy foods each week.
  • 2 slices of whole grain bread.

2 tablespoons of oat bran are required daily alongside around 25 minutes of brisk walking. One day of the week one must go back to the Attack phase.

Phase 4 “Stabilization”: You can eat as you’d like 6 days out of the week, but with making sure the consolidation phase portion recommendations are followed. Once a week similar to the Attack phase, it’s necessary to eat only protein. This is required for the duration of one’s life.

Also, 3 tablespoons of oat bran are required each day. Adding exercise is also necessary.  An optional $1 a week coach is offered. You can find the top 10 diet plans by clicking on the link provided here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

The Dukan Diet Quality of Ingredients

The diet focuses on suggesting certain foods, so the overall quality depends on which one chooses. Though there are very specific allowances for foods. For the Attack phase one has to eat only protein.  This can be potentially unsafe, Web MD confirms:

“experts still do not know what the long-term effects are for your health and weight”

“no evidence that having one all-protein day, along with exercise, is enough to maintain your weight loss”

They also discuss the Dukan Diet by stating:

“doesn’t teach lifelong healthy eating habits.”

“could lead to a nutritionally inadequate diet”

They also add:

“the risks may outweigh the benefits”

This makes the Dukan Diet a potentially unhealthy diet plan which does not guarantee safe weight loss results.

The British Dietic Association which is Britain’s largest organization of nutrition and food experts named this the:

“Top Celebrity Diet to Avoid”

For 2024, 2024, and 2024 it was rated as the absolute worst diet to use. It’s also been in the top 5 list for years now. This is due to health concerns, and a lack of proven safe weight loss. The group also adds:

“Initial weight loss will be fluid”

This is because carbohydrates which are strictly forbidden for most of the diet help to promote water weight. Live Strong mentions that:

“It’s possible to lose as much as 20 pounds of body weight during one week, most of which is water”

Therefore, it’s likely most of the weight lost on this diet is strictly just water.

The creator of the diet Pierre Dukan also lost his medical register to practice as a doctor due to the promotion of his diet. This was seen as a violation of ethics, as he is using his medicine as a way to promote a business. Discover the top 10 diet plans by following the link here.

The Price and Quality of The Dukan Diet

Prices range depending on the kinds of groceries purchased. The website also offers online support for a total of $29.99 each month. This is optional and not required.

The diet is considered a crash diet since it requires extreme changes in diet. The major concern from health groups is that the Dukan Diet isn’t practical, proven safe, or helpful for promoting long lasting dietary advice.

It’s likely that the majority of weight lost will simply be water weight. The list featured here has the top 10 diet plans.

Business of The Dukan Diet

Diet Coaching Inc. owns the rights to the diet, and they can be contacted below:

Phone Number: (855) 385-2648

Email: [email protected]

There isn’t much information about the quality of the coaching. It’s also unknown if the coaching is provided by health professionals, or what kind of support they offer. To see the top 10 diet plans available now, click on the link featured here.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of The Dukan Diet

Here are some customer opinions about the Dukan Diet:

“My blood pressure was really low, I had no energy at all and my doctor told me that the diet was very unhealthy”

“my hair began falling out and my fingernails broke in record time”

“This diet just isn’t healthy”

“This diet is so hard to follow”

Many people found it incredibly limiting and impossible to follow the Dukan Diet. Some were concerned as there were common issues such as low energy, headaches, brittle hair and nails, low blood pressure, mood swings, loss of focus, and other problems.

A major concern was that people were extremely bored of the diet, and that it was hard for many to keep eating the same kinds of foods, even when there are 100 options available.

The extreme carbohydrate loss also caused the majority of users to have no energy.

In some cases, people were hospitalized. Find the top 10 diet plans by clicking on the link provided here.

Conclusion - Does The Dukan Diet Work?

When making a decision on a diet plan like the Dukan Diet, it’s important to examine the science behind it, customer reviews, and what’s offered.  The required food allowances are considered extreme, as the beginning of the phase allows for only protein. Many users mention it promoted side effects, and that it was bland eating the same kinds of foods repeatedly. Health experts also add that this diet may be potentially unhealthy, and it’s unknown what kinds of long term effects it may promote. Furthermore, there’s a high risk for nutritional deficiencies.

The 2024 top rated diet plan of the year is known as the 18Shake Diet. It combines a metabolism boosting diet pill alongside a nutritionally balanced meal replacement. There are only natural ingredients, and no added colors, stimulants, fillers, or fillers. Many customers and health experts agree it’s a potent diet for sustained weight loss benefits. Users have lost weight by using the supplements offered that does not require extreme or potentially risky crash diet like meal planning. Visit the official website for the 18Shake Diet by clicking on this link.

A full 30 day money back guarantee is offered on both the meal replacement and metabolism booster. All purchases are offered risk free, with no questions asked. Information on the 18Shake Diet can be found by following the link featured here.

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User Feedback

(Page 1 of 6, 120 total comments)

Tarek

Its the best diet ever, try to stick on fish for dinner everyday in phase one and two, and then check your fat and the visceral too, and dont forget sport 2 hours a day:)

posted Apr 14th, 2018 7:23 pm


Shemiran

I lost 4 kilo in 3 weeks. I'm in case 3 now.

posted Apr 2nd, 2018 6:30 am


Jill Bender

I have tried everything to lose weight and to keep it off.
Nothing ever worked because I could not exercise for an hour at a time. The weight had almost crippled me and my diabetes was out of control. I was continuously having new and strange illnesses brought on by a weak immune system caused by diabetes. I was at the end of my rope and my doctor was ready to make me start injecting insulin. My A1c was a whopping 9.7 and climbing. I saw a add online about the Dukan diet and decided I would try and hope for the best. I started on August 3, A1c was 9.7, weight was 262 lbs. pant size was 26. I ended the diet on September 1st only 28 days after starting. I had my A1c checked, I weight myself, and I tried on new pants. This diet was and is a life saver for me. I was down 3 sizes in pants from size 26 to 20, I weighed in at 230 lbs. on day 28 from 262 lbs. The A1c was down from 9.7 to 6.1.I was amazed to be sure but more than that and most amazingly I had an amazing amount of energy, no cravings, increased muscle definition, and I only exercised 20 minutes a day. I went of the Dukan because I wanted to enjoy thanksgiving and christmas without the strict rules. What happened next really shocked me. I started eating like I did before I went on the Dukan diet. I kept on weighing in each day to monitor if I was gaining any weight back and that is what shocked me. I was still losing at a rate of 1-2 lbs everyday. I thought this can't continue because I'm not following the diet. The loss continued for 2 months and I was weighed only 200 lbs, my A1c was (5.6 which is 1 point below pre diabetes 5.7 and up). My doctor was the one in absolute shock, she wanted to know everything I did. I was at that point unofficially not diabetic at that point. After the 2 months I started to notice slight weight gain. I have never gotten back up to 262 and my or anything close. So, the moral of this story is I will use the Dukan Diet to rid myself of this excessive body weight and this diabetes from this day forward.

posted Jan 22nd, 2018 6:27 pm


Sunny

NEVER DO DUKAN DIET!!!!! This diet is super dangerous!!! It is very unhealthy. I developed an auto-immune desease after this diet which made me allergic on a big part of proteins. It is also proven to trigger other problems like diabetis etc.
PLEASE DON'T JEOPADIZE YOUR HEALTH WITH THIS NON-SENSE. Eating less, but everything is the key together with a little bit of sport.

posted Jan 9th, 2018 6:57 am


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posted Dec 23rd, 2017 7:50 am


Anne enette

It might not be perfect but it works and that without making one suffer.
Some talk about bad side effects but they are really nothing if you take in consideration the achievement that is to loose that weight .

posted Nov 5th, 2017 2:00 pm


Aniram

Great diet!!! The only one working for me - easy to follow. I lost 18 kg and now during consolidation phase happy to report that I am till loosing at a much slower rate.

posted Nov 1st, 2017 4:10 pm


Judi

This diet WORKS, it’s EASY, it’s HEALTHY, and I LOVE it!
Nothing else works for me.

posted Oct 18th, 2017 10:35 am


Ana

This diet is the absolute best! Since you lose weight fast, it keeps you motivated.

posted Jul 12th, 2017 10:44 am


Asja

Lost 10 kg and after eating everything I want,and I am not gaining them back ! Great diet,but must be strong willed at the beginning.

posted Jun 26th, 2017 1:20 pm


Paula Screnci

Excellent diet, no counting calories or weighing food, it makes scientific sense and it has worked a treat for me. Just over 4kgs down in only 9 days. Super impressed, focused and easy to follow, genuinely loving it!

posted Jun 21st, 2017 9:56 pm


Ann Boles

The ONLY diet plan that worked for me.
It was easy to follow and the weight came off easily and consistently. I subscribed to the coaching option which was a benefit to me. Weight Watchers and others did not make any significant difference in my weight.

posted May 31st, 2017 10:22 am


Helen Diaz Page

Excellent way to approach weight management

posted May 7th, 2017 10:10 pm


Karen

Easy to follow, with real and lasting results. You can eat as much as you like of the allowed foods and the best bit is you add food groups back in as you follow the plan. There are 2 versions so it's bound to suit even the fussiest of dieters

posted Apr 24th, 2017 10:36 am


Mary

Seriously? You promote a shake only diet over retraining your body how to eat properly for long-term benefits?? Dukan is AWESOME - I am down 40lbs in 4 months by combining the diet with keeping calorie intake under 1300 per day. I feel GREAT!!! You need to look at all the positive reviews and rework your own review of Dukan. My doctor is all for this diet as she advised I needed to limit my carbs - this diet has been a life-saver for me.

posted Apr 21st, 2017 1:52 pm


Kathy Michaels

Amazon sells a recipe book for this diet. It is awesome. Check it out for healthy recipes. We will be starting this food plan in a week or so.

posted Apr 12th, 2017 11:33 pm


Lucy

I love the diet. I find it very easy to follow. Have lost 30 lbs since mid January. I'm diabetic and my sugar levels are normal now. Losing the weight has really motivated me and going to stick with it. It feels good to be thinner.

posted Mar 31st, 2017 10:27 pm


Graham Bell

I stared the Dukan Diet 3 days ago and I have lost over 7 pounds! I left the military 4 years ago and gradually gained a lot of weight and this has been great for me so far. I have a big appetite so this diet is perfect for me and seems to be working great!

posted Mar 29th, 2017 12:15 pm


Hanna

I started my diet two months ago and I Lost 25 pounds this is the only diet that worked for me that I don't need to measure anything I eat Much as I want this diet is the easy to follow to keep it
Monday and Tuesday phase 1
Wednesday Thursday and Friday phase 2
Saturday phase 3
Sunday phase 4 I drink 1 1/2 gallon of water coffee tea
I is the best diet to follow and the easiest one

posted Mar 14th, 2017 9:32 am


Bsue

My first go around with the Dukan Diet was in 2012. My goal was a size 10 from a tight fitting 12-14 - a loss of about 30 lbs. And I guess this would be a good time to admit I am a complete scaleaphobe. I reached goal and during the consolidation phase I even continued to loose. I stabilized for a good 2 years and passed my book onto a friend. Here are some consistent changes I have made: Every weekday morning my husband and I have a dukan muffin. (I make a batch of the muffins every week).When having a meal I fill my dish and do not head back for seconds. I drink lots of water and have stuck with protein Thursdays.

During past two years my weight has been and dress size has been creeping up. I work from home and have been falling back to unhealthy snacking and over indulging. Last month I had to pull out my box labeled "jeans too large"

I Half baked explored a few other diet options but the reality is the dukan diet is the best fit for me. So last weekend I went to the store and picked up another copy of the book along with the cookbook. I have the orig book in digital form but for some reason a hard copy speaks to me.

On Monday I full heartedly jumped into attack mode. On Wednesday I got the nerve to get on the scale and record my weight.

I am 100% committed to cruise and follow the plan to my true weight and onto consolidation and stabilization.

Like I said dread the scale but I estimate that I put on 2/3 of the weight I lost4 years ago.(I am the person who refuses to get on the scale in the doctors office if I am there for anything other than an annual exam).

Even in just a week my rings fit better. I went to a party last night and the outfit I wore fit me better. And I simply and quietly asked for a knife and fork so that I can enjoy the beef without making a sandwich.

Exercise: I just like to mix it up and Turn to you tube videos for my exercise. My goal is at least 20 minutes 4-5 days a week.

I am posting here because the Dukan Diet has contributed to my healthy and mental well being. And I am glad to be back.

posted Mar 12th, 2017 7:29 am



 

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QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement
  • Established: Book published in 2000 after over 20 years of research
  • Founder: Dr. Pierre Dukan
  • Headquarters: Paris, France
  • Accessibility: Book and online coaching
  • Diet Type: Low-glycemic index, high protein and low-carbohydrate
  • Gender: Male and female
  • Celebrity Endorsements: Kate Middleton, Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bundchen

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

The Dukan Diet is a French-based weight loss plan that was rumored to be followed by Kate Middleton, model Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez, following their pregnancies.

Created by Dr. Pierre Dukan, the diet is the number one weight loss plan in the UK attracting women of all shapes, sizes and ages to help them lose weight. It is also referred to as the "Je ne sais pas maigrir" ("I don't know how to lose weight") diet plan.

The plan is centered around eating protein-based meals in a four-cycled program. The four cycles are: Attack, Weight Loss, Stabilization and Cruise.

The Dukan Diet is a remastered version of the Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF), which is a high-protein diet that was created over three decades ago for obese individuals.

The Dukan Diet has been criticized for being a fad diet as well as a diet that may be dangerous because of its strict guidelines.

You can expect to lose three to five pounds per week while following it.

There is both a Dukan Diet website and book that lays out very clearly what the diet entails including what you can and can't eat, portion sizes and the length of time you should remain in each phase in relation to your weight loss goal.

A new English language edition of Dr. Dukan's book was released on April 19, 2011. It is called The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever and claims to be "The Real Reason The French Stay Thin." There is also a companion cookbook.

PROPRO
  • Will result in weight loss
  • Can help to jump-start a sluggish metabolism
  • Includes a daily exercise plan

CONCON
  • Strict guidelines are likely to cause weight regain
  • May be dangerous for some who are at risk for electrolyte imbalances
  • Considered a fad diet
  • Likely to produce moodiness and lethargy especially during the first phase
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

The Dukan Diet is comprised of four specific phases that cycle the kinds of protein and carbohydrates you consume. The reason for this cycling is to dip into fat stores for energy and trick the metabolism into an efficient fuel-burning machine.

Few starchy carbohydrates are allowed except for those in the form of low glycemic vegetables like lettuce, spinach, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, radishes and broccoli. In addition, oat bran should be consumed each day. Its amount varies according to the phase of the diet you are in. Oat bran is also a staple ingredient in many of the Dukan Diet recipes.

Here is a breakdown of the four cycles:

  • Attack Phase: Only very lean veal, beef, chicken (skinless) and turkey (skinless), fish and shellfish, eggs, fat-free dairy products are allowed. Greek yogurt with 0 percent fat and plain yogurt are considered great choices for dairy. Tons of fresh water is also required. This phase should not be followed for longer than 10 days.

  • Cruise Phase: Alternating in five-day cycles, you cycle back and forth between eating protein and non-starchy vegetables and eating only protein. No butter or oil can be used and tons of fresh water is required. Follow this phase until your goal weight is attained.

  • Consolidation Phase: One serving of fruit, two slices of whole wheat bread and 1.5 ounces of cheese is allowed each day. Two times each week, you are allowed to eat two 5-ounce servings of starch, like potatoes, rice or another grain. Protein is also a mainstay. In addition, two times a week, you can eat a cheat meal including wine and dessert. But the day after these cheat meals, you can only consume protein. The Stabilization phase is done for the number of days that equals four days for every half-pound lost.

  • Stabilization: Normal eating is resumed with one day a week devoted to consuming only protein.

A quality vitamin and mineral supplement must also be taken in order to maintain proper nutrient intake. Spices, moderate amounts of diet soda, artificial sweeteners are allowed. No added sugars, fats, oils or sugary condiments are allowed.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Walking is the form of exercise that is strongly encouraged within each phase. You are expected to walk 20 to 30 minutes a day, depending upon the phase you are in. The book also includes several strength-training exercises you can also incorporate into your daily routine.

Learn MoreLearn More
View About The Dukan Diet Slideshow
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

The Dukan Diet is a high protein weight loss plan that cycles you back and forth between a protein-based diet that allows for certain kinds, quantities and frequencies of carbohydrates.

The diet is a mega hit in the Europe as well as with some celebrities. And while it receives a few gold stars for its clear guidelines and its capacity to help you lose weight, it probably won't result in long-term weight loss and it may even cause health problems or at the very least, moodiness and dreams of bread, particularly during the Attack phase.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

dukand diet, duken diet, ducan diet, duckan diet, ducking diet, duekan diet

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