The diet was masterminded by French nutritionist Dr Pierre Dukan and his book has been available over the Channel for ten years, storming to the top of the French bestseller list after its launch. And it will finally be available here next month.
Unlike many fad diets, the Dukan diet is positioned as a way of life and is not dissimilar to the Atkins diet. But, unlike Atkins the protein has to be low in fat, so sadly no streaky bacon allowed.
The first phase is called the Attack Phase, where you can eat nothing but protein and non-fat dairy products. You can stick to this phase for anything from one to ten days depending on how much weight you need to lose. Five days tends to be the optimum amount for this phase for most people. This stage works by reducing water retention, dulling the appetite all the while maintaining your muscle mass.
The next phase, the Cruise Phase, is tough. Mostly due to the fact that weight loss slows to a rate of 2lb per week. For this stage you can add unlimited vegetables to your protein intake. Lucky you.
As soon as your goal weight is reached, the Consolidation Phase begins. For this you can gradually start eating fruit, carbs and cheese again. You are also allowed two celebration meals where you can have anything you want including dessert and alcohol. We like the sound of this! This stage helps you realise you can be slim and enjoy your food, as long as it is kept in moderation. You won’t lose weight during this stage, instead it stops you from giving up and going back to your old ways.
Once this phase is over and your weight has stabilised you can go forward eating and drinking what you like. The only catch? You must have a "protein only day" every single week for the rest of your life. Dukan suggests Thursdays (thanks Pierre, that's our going-out night). The diet has caught on so much that you shouldn’t be surprised to see people in France on Thursdays with plates of protein in front of them in restaurants.
If you stick to the plan Dr Dukan insists you will stay slim forever. Time to stock up on those chicken fillets then…
The Dukan Diet, translated into English will be available here from May 13, £12.99.
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