Anyone tried the Dukan Diet?

[Scipio Graduate]

Yes, and I only lasted three days!! I lost a few pounds quickly OK, but really didn't have the willpower for all that self-sacrifice, and it didn't feel like a healthy way to lose weight. Hoping to lose a weight and tone up through this running programme together with cutting the rubbish out of my diet and reducing my portion sizes. Early days yet (just completed Wk1) but I'm giving it a shot & hope it'll work!

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Thanks for your reply. Think you're right, it doesn't seem the healthy approach to lose weight.

Well done for completing week one. All the best for the rest of the programme.

[snowchaser]

My OH did it 2 years ago & lost 20kg in or 5 months. He modified it a bit and added some fruit in. He really likes meat & veg & has never felt bread & pasta suits him that well, so it was a diet that appealed. He also liked having as much as he liked of certain food. But he has struggled to sort out a less severe diet long term, is still mostly eating Dylan style but has put 8 kg back on & is finding the food boring, so we are reviewing it all now. Be warned, its very expensive to eat so much protein! But he did succeed in losing all that weight.

[snowchaser]

That should say Dukan not Dylan! Blasted autocorrect on my phone!

[MuirDragonne]

The best way to lose weight is by eating a healthy diet with correct portion sizes, cut out junk food and fizzy drinks and get plenty of exercise. I've been on a 10 week fitness/health programme called "Fresh Start" which is free for people who live in Halton Borough Council area. It works off of the EatWell Plate (nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pa.... I think a lot of areas offer a Fresh Start-like programme now through the NHS. Best thing would be to ask your GP about it.

[JR21]

NHS Choices has analysed the top 10 diets, including Dukan. nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/...

[lm51 Graduate]

I did - did it for about a month before giving up! I really don't like meat that much anyway so a protein only diet was an awful idea in hindsight, but I started to feel ill at the thought of eating meat so stopped, although didn't experience any of the side effects that people mention

Recently have been eating sensibly and running 4 times a week since I started couch 2 5k and have lost weight in a much better way through doing that and don't feel like I'm limiting myself

[Pixel Graduate]

I've looked into the Dukan diet before (as well as Keto, which is very similar), and whilst a huge amount of weight loss quickly is tempting, I'm strongly in the boat that portion controlling with a healthy, varied diet plus exercise is the best way to go. Diets shouldn't be 'diets' in my eyes, they should be nutritional life changes so you don't crash the moment you come 'off' the diet.

I'd be tempted to sign up to myfitnesspal, invest in a solid set of scales (you'd be surprised about how much certain foods actually weigh), and start calorie counting. If you add that to a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, a small amount of protein and a small amount of carbs then you'll be on your way to weight loss. Don't forget to give yourself the odd treat mind!

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

Throughout my life I've followed a fair number of diets, from F-plan and calorie-counting to cabbage soup and high protein. I took a look at the Dukan and thought "What an insane idea!" How can anyone recommend this as a healthy way to live? Would anyone in their right minds tell you it's a bad thing to eat fruit? Having fallen for so many gimmick diets in the past I hope I've reached the stage where sensible eating and regular exercise will help me maintain a healthy body.

[H123 Graduate]

I tried 'pig to twig' which is along the same type-no carbs but eat protein and veg. First time Ive tried it and it did work quickly and easily. BUT if I so much as sniff a slice of toast you start to put the weight back on. I lost 2 stone, put 7lbs back on and then started C25K which has helped even things out and lost another 4lbs. Really quick results but fat goes back on just as fast unless youre really careful. But on hols soon.......

[VickiMint]

I really don't think diets like this work, because you're so likely to put the weight back on. Also eating so much protein can put a lot of pressure on your kidneys. I found that since I started (and now finished) c25k and started controlling my portion sizes I have lost nearly 2 stone, it's always better to lose weight gradually and without drastically changing your lifestyle because you find yourself pining for the past.

[pingle Graduate]

Think there are doubts about how healthy this type of low carb, high protein really is. Just published today is a study of nearly 50,000 women in Sweden which seems to show correlation with high protein, low carb diets and increased risk of heart disease bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e4026

Sorry to blind with science but thought it was important esp if you are wanting to lose weight for health reasons. Published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) which is a really reputable journal. Might be OK to do it in the short term I suppose but probably not a good idea for the long haul.

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Thankyou everyone for all your comments on the Dukan diet. I have taken them all on board & won't be giving it a try. Just keep up with my running & eat sensibly.