There are four phases of the Dukan Diet. All with distinct features and different diet plans.
The Attack Phase (Pure protein phase): This is the initial phase of the Dukan diet. It’s a very encouraging phase and results in fast and dramatic weight reduction. This phase strictly allows only protein food and reduces all carbohydrates and fats in the food. The length of this phase is between three to 10 days depending on the amount of weight that is to be lost and the motivational aspect. It is expected that throughout this phase dieters are likely to eliminate approximately 2 to 12 pounds of their excess weight. To prevent unwanted effects like irregularity, bad breath and dry mouth, no less than 1.5 liters of fluid (e.g. water and 1.5 tablespoon of oat bran) is required together with twenty minutes of walking every day.
The Cruise Phase: Time to reach the goal weight (or as said by Dr. Dukan “true weight” as every target weight might not be obtained). This phase might continue for months dependent upon the amount of excess weight that you are supposed to eliminate. In this phase you have days of nothing-but-protein alternated with days of nothing-but-protein-and-vegetables. Salads are included as vegetables. Weight reduction becomes less dramatic, but is steady within this phase and one can expect to shed about 2 pounds every week. Not all vegetables are permitted, and the allowed ones should only be consumed either raw, steamed or in soups and stews. The quantity of oat bran will increase to 2 tablespoons once more with plenty of water and thirty minutes of walking every day, energetically!
The Consolidation Phase: This phase begins as soon as the targeted weight is reached. There are fewer chances of losing weight here, however the intention will be to maintain the new weight you have. Phase 3 adds an additional minor feature as part of your meal that is a fruit daily. In addition, it offers one serving of carbs a week and (to place a cherry on top) it also offers one celebration meal (once you have been in this phase for a time you get two) each week. But there is however not a way to eliminate proteins. This phase must last 5 days for each pound the dieter has shed. It is strongly recommended that dieters stay with one day in the week for complete protein meals, which will help them manage their new weight. Dr. Dukan recommends that this day should be the same each week and suggests that day to be Thursday. As according to him, Thursday is a superb day for protein meals.
The Stabilization Phase: The last phase is the one the dieter will follow through out his/her life. This aspect can be simplified if the dieter promises to abide by 3 rules. Firstly, there can never be discontinuation from proteins and a proper day in the week be retained for only protein meals. Second, oat bran and water consumption must not be ignored with walking close to twenty minutes every day. And lastly the dieter is to keep away from elevators and escalators and get the body some exercise whenever possible. Dr. Dukan also recommends that the diet plan from the consolidation phase needs to be applied as a guideline for a healthy, balanced diet and as a safety platform if an individual feels in danger of gaining weight.
If you liked this article and would like to learn more about the Dukan Diet, click the above link or here.