The Dukan Diet.

I've been scouring the internet for the best diets and tips for ages and I've found a bunch of interesting things that seem to be working! 


1: The Dukan Diet
Basically the Dukan diet is the Atkins diet's mean older brother because not only does it shun carbohydrates but in the first phase it also cuts out everything else except for lean proteins such as egg whites, turkey, chicken breast ect. That means no fruit, no vegetables, no nothing! Its supposed to be really tough but if you stick to this four phase hulk of a diet it gives the fastest results! Models Heidi Klum and Gisele Bündchen used this diet to lose all their baby weight in record time, so theres no denying it works.


Here's a basic low down on the diet in its four stages.


Phase 1: Also known as the "Attack phase", lasts for a maximum of 10 days (depending on how much weight you want to lose). You may only consume lean proteins and season them with non-fat, non-carbohydrate condiments like vinegar ect. Although if necessary one may add one and a half tablespoons of oatmeal a day. You can also have calorie free drinks like coffee and tea which helps fill your stomach and keeping your hunger at bay. But beware of the side affects - Bad breath (!) and a dry mouth (if you don't drink enough water!). It has been said that the dieter can expect to lose about 7 - 10 pounds in the first five days!


Phase 2: Aka "Cruise phase", lasts until you achieve your goal weight. You now are allowed to add vegetables to your diet but ONLY on alternating days to protein only days. (Basically only protein one day and then only protein and vegetables the next day ect) But vegetables are limited to only those that do not contain starch! Here dieters can expect to lose about two pounds a week.


Phase 3: Aka "Consolidation phase", this phase starts once you have reached your target wight and it allows you to slowly add other foods such as fruit and carbohydrates to your diet. It says you can help yourself to a serving of fruit and two slices of whole grain to your daily diet as well as an extra serving of carbs a week such as pasta or rice; but beware of overdoing your new food privileges because you don't want all that hard work to go down the drain!


Phase 4: Aka "Stabilization phase", this is the phase that continues for your WHOLE LIFE. Basically it allows you to eat all the foods that you love but base your diet on the "consolidation phase" so that you don't start packing on the pounds. It also says that having one protein only day a week will help keep your weight at bay. But remember - you have to be realistic in this phase, basically meaning you can't pig out on cake everyday just because the diet says you can eat more of the food you love. You should always keep your sugar and fat intake to a minimum, don't overdo the carbs and for goodness sake don't go near the fast food restaurants! If you want a burger why not try making them yourself with a healthy recipe online? Or have sweet potato baked fries instead of fatty, deep fried Maccy D's 'heart attack waiting to happen'. 


* Also remember: 
Exercise is of course important for the success of this diet! Dieters must have brisk 20 minute walks DAILY in phase one and up it to 30 minute walks for phases 2, 3 and 4. Feel free to do more including toning and weight training for better results!


On a whole the dieter should not consume more than 800 - 1200 calories a day!


More diets and tips will come in future posts!