The Dukan Diet

I haven't yet, but am reading the book, and will start on Monday! If you decide to do it too, and you want to share, let me know how you're doing. Good Luck!

Planning on getting the book today - I hear it is an awesome way to lose - I hope so!!!

I started the Dukan diet today!

Bit backwards - I've ordered the book but it hasn't arrived so I haven't actually read it yet, couldn't resist starting though as I'm eager to loose a few pounds before my holiday !

I found today quite easy, I haven't really felt that hungry but it has been weird just eating protein! I think I will prob get bored if I don't find new ideas quicky!

I've been doing it for almost 6 weeks and have lost a stone. Am now at goal, so didn't have much to go and my body clings to fat, hating to part with it. It's the easiest thing I've ever done, and it's great as I'm a carb-addict, so elimination of 'em works best for me! Can't recommend it highly enough! Not for everyone of course, low carb is hard, but I love it. Check my diary/add me if you want more info.

Yep, happened to me. Stick with it - it, and more, will be off next week (long's you stick at it!).

Yup, I'm veggie and I've done it before

Stick to lots of low fat yoghurt, quark, egg whites, cottage cheese, Quorn products etc and you'll be fine in the attach phase.

I like being able to have a nice lunch with friends or have a picnic with my partner. I enjoy food. When I did the Dukan, I would literally cringe when it was meal time. It made me not want to eat.

I know exactly where you're coming from - yesterday was my first cruise day which enabled me to take advantage of salad and veggies again. A friend was visiting so we went out for pub lunch and out of the entire menu I could only choose the chicken and bacon salad and even with that I had to make sure I picked out any fatty bits of bacon!

I have two celebrations this week, so I don't know how I'm going to keep this up until september lol!!

I googled this diet and this is what I found:

The Dukan Diet: What the Experts Say

You'll certainly lose weight on The Dukan Diet because it cuts calories drastically. The lack of carbs also helps keep hunger at bay. But the bottom line, experts say, is that this eating plan does not include all the nutrients you need for good health.

"A once-daily multivitamin will not compensate for the nutritional goodness from fruits, whole grains and healthy fats that are inadequate in The Dukan Diet," says Keri Gans, MS, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

She points out the health hazards of restrictive dieting. “When dieters start losing weight rapidly, I worry they will continue the restrictive phases longer than advised -- which puts them at risk for nutrient deficiencies and kidney problems," says Gans.

Losing more than 1-2 pounds per week can promote gallstones and muscle loss, she says: "It is unhealthy to lose weight so quickly because you not only lose fat and fluids but precious muscle mass, which is really hard to replace, especially as you get older."

Constipation, bad breath, dry mouth, and fatigue should be a red flag that this is not a healthy diet, she says.

"Your body’s preferred fuel to energize and keep you going is smart carbs, and when you eat a healthy diet you should feel great -- not have negative side effects," Gans says.

The Dukan Diet: Food for Thought

There is no question this very restrictive diet will lead to weight loss, if you can actually follow it. But the elimination of healthy food groups, and the unpleasant side effects, makes The Dukan Diet an unlikely choice for the long haul.

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, but it cannot stand alone. A truly healthy diet includes all the food groups -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy and healthy fats along with lean protein. Your body needs the nutrients these foods provide.

Skip this fad diet. Instead, choose a calorie-controlled eating plan that you can stick with for the long term.

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is director of nutrition for WebMD. Her opinions and conclusions are her own.