A curiosity: Has anyone heard & followed Dukan Diet?

[farfallina]

Hi all

I was just wondering if any of you had any success with Dukan Diet?
I read as many negative reviews as positive ones
I haven't read the book but I saw that it is very strict and hard, mostly the first stage where you don't have even vegetables or fruits but only protein
I don't know if it is worth to try
Anyone had any experience with it?

[Cuilidh]

I don't know anything about the Dukan diet - most diets will work for some people at some stage, but if it is high protein I think that is like the Atkins Diet and my instincts tell me that that just isn't a good diet.  I struggle with weight and try to control my food intake, sometimes I am better than other times, but I don't think you can go wrong if you eat a good, nutritiously balanced diet and try not to eat too much.  I am also assured by just about EVERYONE that exercise is really good for you.  Sadly, I am not at all good at the exercise part of my daily routine.

[Halex]

That's the diet that is rumored that Kate did before the royal wedding.
There is a book, haveca look on line.
Hally

[andiesenji]

That particular diet has been severely criticized by physicians.  We have a TV show "The Doctors" on every day for 11 a.m. to noon on our local mostly news station and a few weeks ago they had an entire show dedicated to fad diets and the problems that people can have with them.

One particular problem with a high protein diet is that it creates a severe strain on the kidneys.  Used for a brief time it is okay for folks in excellent health, young and active.  There were two people in the audience, invited to the show, who had suffered health problems after being on this diet for few weeks.
One was a young woman who, prior to this time, had no idea that she had only one functioning kidney.  After a couple of weeks on the diet she began to note swelling in her feet and ankles (peripheral edema) which got worse and she finally saw her doctor who found her blood pressure was elevated and lab tests indicated impaired kidney function. Further tests showed a congenital non-functioning kidney.  Fortunately she did see her MD in time to learn that this kind of diet can be dangerous.

Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, director of cardiovascular research, CardioVascular Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston, has published findings of increased arterial plaque and atherosclerosis with lessening of the elasticity of arteries and veins.  He stated that this diet is especially contraindicated for middle-aged and older people.

[JulieO]

I must admit I know nothing about it but there's a thread on another forum that I frequent that's now up to 287 pages.  You may find it interesting reading to see how people are faring on the diet.

http://www.taste.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=14850

[virginiaqda]

Sounds just like Bodytrim.
Works great but hard for me to stick to. First 3 days protein only then introduce veges. all snacks are mostly protein. every 5 to 7 days have a protein only day. Having protein only day makes your body use up its stores of fat, and mixes up your metabolism. Use very little carbs.

[andiesenji]

Sounds just like Bodytrim.
Works great but hard for me to stick to. First 3 days protein only then introduce veges. all snacks are mostly protein. every 5 to 7 days have a protein only day. Having protein only day makes your body use up its stores of fat, and mixes up your metabolism. Use very little carbs.

That theory was thrown out some time ago.  The fat is not "used up" or excreted.  "Phony doctors, PhDs, who pretend to be MDs are the ones who think up these scams - and they are truly scams. 
Keeping carbs below a certain level causes the liver and pancreas to start producing enzymes that actually stimulate the breakdown of muscle mass.
Muscle is heavier than fat which is why some people have dramatic weight loss after just a couple of weeks on this type of diet. 
The lost muscle is replaced by fat. 
Ask any reputable, board certified, endocrinologist and you will get the same answer.  Any diet that is NOT BALANCED with the optimal ratio of carbs:protein:fat, is not good and usually any weight loss is followed by rapid weight gain.

[farfallina]

Thank you all for your precious replies and ideas

As a matter of fact I think like andiesenji
Many serious trustworthy dietitians say that you have to follow a "balanced" diet
Recently I decided to eat stuff with low glysemic index values which meant I didn't exclude carbonhydrates but white bread and pasta etc. I replaced them with beans, chickpeas... etc
I didn't eat sweets, desserts
I started having breakfast with oats (oats,yogurt,raisins,honey,walnuts,cinnamon)
Drank lot water (i am not much of a drinker normally)
Had lots of vegetables and fruits
Had also meat, chicken and fish

I didn't starve at all. I slowly lost 2,5 kgs (I gained 1 back after eating so much in holiday)

When I first saw Dukan Diet my first impression was completely negative! Very unhealty and too difficult
Then I read some comments, posts who followed the diet and they have all lost weight so it was a success in a way-
I don't know if they were able to keep it that way but I must admit all those success stories attracted me
I knew inside that it wasn't good for anyone let alone me, on the other hand I said "what if?"
Thankfully I am a member of this great forum with such nice group of people I decided to ask if anyone did it
Your reviews and comments are surely more precious for me

Thanks again 

[andiesenji]

I finally found a fairly comprehensive explanation of why the high protein-low carb diets are not recommended.

They probably won't hurt one if it is limited to a week or two but longer than that is not at all good.

This page has the specific information that explains why muscle tissue is lost and why the end effect is weight GAIN because the reaction by the body actually SLOWS the metabolism. 

People do better with a balanced, high fiber and adequate hydration regimen over the long haul.  I know this from personal experience having been morbidly obese for several years and taking two years to lose 80 pounds, very gradually, but with no backsliding, I can vouch for this type of eating routine.

Incidentally there is one way to add fiber to the diet that is virtually undetectable and that is to add the instant-dissolving fiber products (Benefiber is one sold here in the U.S.) to gelatin or Jello desserts.  The stuff is completely clear when dissolved so it can be added to the diet of a person who generally resists any suggestion that this might be good for them. (Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides too!)

[O4aTimtam]

Hi Farfallina

Like all diets and weightloss it is very much up to the individual about what feels right - with the most important thing it is do-able, and works for you.  I don't want to debate the "good" and "bad" points of this diet, but having followed it recently, am thankful it was "the right one" for me.
 
I heard about Dr Dukan in January through a friend who was doing the diet.  I ordered the book from my local library.  After reading it I decided to give it a go.  I am thrilled to have lost 20kg in 5 months!  What I liked most is the diet addresses how to maintain the weight loss.  As we know losing weight is only half the battle.   

Good luck with your weightloss journey Farfallina, and thanks for all the lovely recipes you have posted for us.  Having a TM certainly makes losing weight a challenge!   The whole orange cake http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=6401.0  with Orange Intense Lindt chocolate is my current favourite !

Timtam

[Cuilidh]

TimTam, that is a brilliant result - well done on your diet.  Keep it up.

[Frozzie]

My neighbours were on that diet and its vert popular over here ..they both lost 15 kilos and have recently stopped it but have Heard many stories of people putting the weight back on and what i didnt like about this diet id the one protein day a week for LIFE!!

I have had trouble with weight since my pregnancies and easily lost 18 kilos between the two through balanced diet only and the help of my dietitians follow up. I dont believe in any fad diets as they are all excessive in one area and never balanced. I need to get back to a balanced diet which i am finding hard since thermie and dd... Will get there though... Oh and as much as exercice is important i lost the weight without it.... I think mums get enough exercise in a day with littlies lol!

I know once i get back into it i can easily lose the weight through a balanced diet.... My dietitian has one rule which id to avoid protein and carbs at night and never together and to have your main meal at lunch.... Worked well for me but pregnancy with dd through everything off ...

[farfallina]

TimTam it is a great success, conguratulations
Did you put on back a few kg or you maintained your weight loss?
You keep doing 1 protein day?
As Frozzie said I find it very hard to follow for the rest of my life

Thank you all for sharing your ideas and experiences

ps. timtam I am sure orange cake tastes great, yet it is not one of mine if you meant that  

[O4aTimtam]

Hi Farfallini,

No I haven't put back on any weight, I am about a kg under the weight target I was set.  Protein Thursdays not so bad, crepe with cottage cheese & smoked salmon for breakfast, spicey meatloaf for lunch and a delicious steak for tea  . 

I know the whole orange cake was not one of yours, but I enjoy following the recipes you have posted since you joined  .  Maybe you should try making the whole orange cake?  Adding the choc orange Lindt is a must though 

Again, good luck with your weightloss journey.  Timtam

[the_vermins]

Doesn't sound very balanced or liveable for the longer term to me.
I try to look at my plate and have half vegetables, 1/4 protein and 1/4 carbohydrates.  That sort of balance of it all keeps me honest and maintaining my weight.  Snacks are more what people cheat on.  I know that I certainly cheat with snacks.  Lovely things creep in and become mainstays which shouldn't be the way.  As soon as I make sure they are controlled again, the rest kind of happens.

Look at your whole life and make small positive changes.  Increase your movement and decrease what you eat.  Increase fibre rich foods and decrease the rubbish. 

Good luck.