The Dukan Diet: Pros & Cons

The Dukan Diet may not be the healthiest or most versatile plan. Because of its emphasis on animal protein, it’s not well-suited for carb lovers or vegetarians. As the author points out, one of the main benefits of his diet is that its high-protein content forces the body to flush out fluids. 

As a result, much of the weight lost initially may simply be water. By restricting carbohydrates, The Dukan Diet forces the body and brain to use fat for fuel. This pushes the body into a state of ketosis, which has been linked to health problems such as kidney damage and gout. The ultra-restrictive Attack Phase can also cause fatigue, bad breath, constipation and dry mouth.

On the upside, the diet does recommend several healthful practices such as choosing leaner cuts of protein, encouraging daily exercise, moderating salt intake and striving for lifelong weight management. Because it is highly regimented, The Dukan Diet can be a good fit for people who require a highly structured plan.

The Dukan Diet: Pros

• Rapid initial weight loss can motivate you to stick with the plan.
• There’s an emphasis on drinking a lot of water.The diet stresses consuming lean protein, which is healthier than high-fat protein.
• After the first phase, vegetables are prominent.
• Exercising for 20 minutes a day is required

The Dukan Diet: Cons

• Not watching portion sizes can backfire. An all-you-can-eat mentality may not the best for keeping weight off. 
• The first phase shortchanges the body of heart-healthy fiber, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rapid weight loss will be mostly water and muscle mass, which can lead to dehydration and may be dangerous.
• Eating all meat all the time can be expensive.
• There’s a lack of variety, especially in the protein-only first phase, which can get monotonous and cause people to stop following the diet.