What is the Dukan Diet and why does the Duchess of Cambridge follow it?

French neurologist and nutritionist Pierre Dukan has developed a feeding system that, according to experts, is one of the most effective in terms of speeding weight loss and maintaining this result for a lifetime. This diet is known to have helped to reduce the weight of the Duchess of Cambridge, before her wedding, and Jennifer Lopez, so that she could regain her body after giving birth.

O awesome.club discovered what the advantages of this diet are and why it is considered one of the best, both for losing weight and for taking care of health.

The Dukan diet is a food system whose objective is to lose weight quickly and maintain the achievements already achieved. Its base includes 100 allowed products, 72 of which stand out for being rich in protein (meat, eggs, dairy products) and 28 additional ones (spices, condiments and vegetables).

For excess weight to disappear quickly and evenly, without leaving marks on the body such as stretch marks and cellulite, the diet has its rules. Therefore, it is divided into four phases: two stages to lose weight and two to not regain it.

It is also necessary to follow some basic principles.

Drink at least two liters of liquid a day (it can be tea, coffee, chicory tea and the like). Do not add sources of fat to the dish (sauces such as mayonnaise and the like). Reduce the amount of salt (but season dishes with the permitted seasonings and sauces). Eat a daily amount of oat bran. Don’t forget to move (walk and do simple exercises).

In addition to these basics, the diet is divided into four steps, each with a clearly defined purpose.

the phase of attack consists of the consumption of 72 protein foods that stimulate the organism to use its own reserves: thus, it is possible to burn fat intensely, while the proteins help to preserve the muscles and bone tissue.

At this stage, it is possible to notice a slight deterioration in well-being: this is because the body uses a reserve in adipose tissue, that is, it will use fat as fuel. Therefore, the attack phase has a restricted time limit.

Duration of this step: Depending on the number of extra kilos, it is possible to choose the duration of the first phase:

overweight up to 20 kilos: 3 to 5 days; excess weight between 20 and 30 kilos: 5 to 7 days; excess weight of more than 30 kilos: 5 to 10 days.

Here you can find a comprehensive list of 72 protein-rich products. This list includes almost all types of meat, fish, seafood, and all zero-fat dairy products.

These products must be consumed during the first phase. In addition, every day you need to eat 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and drink a minimum of 1.5 liters of water.

The essence of this step: at this stage, 28 vegetables (kale, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) are added to the 72 protein products allowed. The main objective of this phase is to prevent you from regaining the pounds lost during the first phase.

Stage duration: your time depends on the weight lost in the first one: one kilo lost during the “Attack” is equivalent to 10 days of “Cruise”. For example, if you lost three kilos in the first stage, the “Cruise” period will be 30 days.

Variants of this phase:

1 day of protein and then 1 day of vegetables + protein. 3 days of protein and then 3 days of vegetables + protein. 5 days of protein and then 5 days of vegetables + protein.

Here you can find the list of the 28 allowed vegetables. They can be consumed in any quantity and form of preparation, according to your criteria. In addition, every day you should eat 2 tablespoons of oat bran and drink 1.5 liters of water.

It is also allowed to eat: cheese (with a fat content of less than 6%), cocoa powder (1 tsp), tomato sauce, spices, bread (2 slices), wine (50 ml).

The essence of this step: during this phase, the current weight stabilizes and returns to a varied diet. That is, products that bring us pleasure are introduced: bread, fruits, cheeses, sweets.

Internship duration: is calculated in the same way as the second one: one kilo lost is equivalent to 10 days in the third phase.

Step three rules:

During the week, one day should be protein-only. Every day, 2.5 tablespoons of oat bran should be added to the diet. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water. It is recommended to eat fruits daily (except grapes, bananas and cherries). Potatoes, rice, corn, peas, beans, pasta and other starchy foods can only be eaten twice a week. Twice a week you can eat whatever you want, but you have to choose: either for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This step is the last and decisive one. It is based on four simple rules that must be followed throughout life, with the aim of not regaining lost pounds:

Three tablespoons of oat bran a day. At least 1.5 liters of water. Walk more often. One day a week, just protein.

These four rules will allow you to keep your weight within the limits, while for the remaining 6 days you are allowed to eat whatever you want.

The Dukan diet is a good way not only to lose weight quickly, but also to consolidate the result for a lifetime. It is also convenient that the diet has few food restrictions and the hours planned for each meal. Even alcohol is allowed, so you don’t get bored with friends at a party, for example.

However, despite all the effectiveness of this diet (weight loss varies from 3 to 6 kg per week), it is not suitable for everyone, especially if the person suffers from chronic diseases. In addition, the first phase is quite difficult for the body to assimilate. Therefore, before starting, it is worth consulting a specialist in advance.