Everybody's talking about (for some time now) the Pierre Dukan diet.
He is the diet guru in France responsible for many a major weight loss and the slim French bodies we admire so much. According to Dukan his formula is the new and improved version of the Atkins diet. The Dukan diet revolves around protein, lots and lots of it, but unlike the Atkins program it is lower in fat and with greater focus on vegetables in the later stages. Dukan considers that the high fat content in the Atkins diet was a serious shortcoming. Dukan's diet is tough, of that there is no doubt. Is it safe? I don't know... What I do know is that is widely criticised by other dieticians the world over, yet fiercely defended by Dukan and loved by many who have lost weight on it. It works something like this...
For the first five to ten days you eat only protein enriched foods, that is meat, fish, milk and eggs, no vegetables, salad or fruit at all....very testing stuff. Later in the program you can eat green vegetables, but only every other day until your goal weight is achieved...According to Dukan, following his plan means at least two months for the best results.
The problems with this diet, apart from the fact that it seems very unbalanced and extremely dull to me, is that it would make for an entirely unsociable life. I think it is a stay-at-home-alone-program. The simple pleasure of eating what we traditionally view as healthy would be removed.... What about blueberries and cherries....how could I give those up?... I love my salads in the summer and my soups in the winter....I can't imagine my plate consisting of a sad and solo chicken breast or a lonely little sea bass....
This diet can work, four million French people have bought the book and I have seen the results on my French friends. Will they keep the weight off? I think that depends very much on how long they continue to follow the maintenance regime...Once the pounds have dropped off it is recommended that for one day a week protein-only is the plate of choice.
Will I try this diet? No, it's not for me, as much as I like to follow the latest and greatest...I am sticking to my own program, 'Eat like a French girl, exercise like an Aussie'...This works, maybe not as fast as Dukan's but it is really a very simple philosophy on diet and one that is achievable and easy to stick with. Exercise regularly with cardio and resistance work, control eating portions and eliminate packaged foods.... the best news....lots of fruit and vegetables.....
What are your thoughts on the Dukan diet? Has any one tried it? Any tips and tricks to tell? xv
my daily click HERE
image - google
Wouldn't try it as unbalanced and am not a meat eater. I exist on all organic fruit, vegs, fish, cheese, grains...plus exercise. Nothing packaged...no sodas, sugar, etc. Health depends on all the micronutrients from a well balanced diet.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki the big problem is the damage it does to the kidneys and especialy if you dont know whether or not your kidneys are working efficiently to begin with! i think your advice was perfect ! fay x
ReplyDeleteThis is way too strict for me Vicki. I love my salads and fruits too. I like your French/Aussie concept. We are exercising more, controlling portions, and follow somewhat of a South Beach Phase II regime and it has worked for us. Now if I could only think like a French girl...
ReplyDeleteSam
Hi Vicki---I'm in complete agreement: minimal carbs, reduced red meat, no processed foods, tons of organic fruits and vegetables, no high fructose corn syrup and keep moving. Mary
ReplyDeleteI love this site - absolutley gorgeous! Yes I've done Dukan and it's worked for me. I think it might have been my thing, because I don't exercise like an Aussie!
ReplyDeleteKeep doing lovely stuff.... best
http://www.janeshortallwriterinfrance.blogspot.com/
There's was a segment on ACA here in Sydney both for and against Dukan. Program showed women who swear by the Dukan diet while losing weight, but adding how very hard it was! Certain medical experts gave scathing criticism re the amount of protein consumed and how detrimental that can be to your insides. As well there's been much comment and comparisons to Atkins!
ReplyDeleteLike most things in life it's up to the individual ... plus if it feels good do it!
I have found as long as you only have a cup full of what you love at each meal with fruit or veggies on the side you can eat anything you want and still loss weight.
ReplyDeleteDee
Just researched it last week, my brother and wife have been on it and have done really well. But, not for me! Been there, done that and best to just stick to my sensible plan of small portions (anything) and tons of cycling. Not that the scale is moving much but it will. Much love XO
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post to ponder - all I know is I bought the very same book last year and fell asleep reading it one night - and that was it -
like most other diet books that occasionally catch my eye ...
Having just spend seven wonderful weeks in France I agree that not eating and enjoying all that is on offer amounts to a minor crime.
I also walked more than I ever have, climbed so many stairs and even rode a bike whilst on a canal trip. I figure this helped counteract the three course lunches, the superb chevre and red wine intake - well that's my theory and I'm sticking to it !
Life is short, as the wise people say....
Several years ago I took an Anatomy and Physiology class, the teacher talked about how dangerous being on a conistently high protein diet can be. The liver works very hard to turn proteins into sugar whereas turning a carb into a sugar is much easier, so high protein diets take a big toll on your liver!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, stay away from pre-packaged foods, exercise and no way could I imagine life without soup and salad!!!
Very interesting. Diets seem to come and go. We prefer to just stick to everything in moderation.
ReplyDeleteI was with a person on Friday night, who was following it religiously with great success-the pounds are dropping off! BRAVO-hands together for her. Not for me-thank you very much. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI have tried it, for a few days that is.. lost weight and given up. I figured it was too unbalanced to be healthy. I was truly getting worried about the impact on health long term.
ReplyDeleteYour program is the best diet ever, If only I could stick (his is not to say "get started") to the exercise part.. even though I must admit not having any clue as to how an Aussie exercises (but I am a good guesser)
conclusion : interesting post and let's all do what you propose "eat like a French, exercise like an Aussie".. a great slogan!
Bonne chance à toutes et ? à tous.
I'm sure this probably works and is an easy diet for the YOUNG, it wouldn't work for me. I need more balance in a diet. I agree with Akins not being so healthy, my doctor said fine, do Akins, just lower the fat with leaner protein. It works short term.
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
I haven't, Vicki, I agree with yoou though, and would not give up fresh fruits and veggies!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I must confess I find myself suspicious of anything that limits intake of fruit and vegetables!!
ReplyDeleteJem xXx
I've never understood the desire to follow a fad diet, since once you stop the regime the pounds always come back and then some. I know people who constantly diet, yet never take their bottoms off the couch and get moving - everyone wants a miracle fix without the work involved, I guess. I'm with you onexercising and eating simple, good food in moderation - I'm a veggies girl all the way! :)
ReplyDeleteFrankly I think it's HORRID.
ReplyDeleteI hate these method diets - 3 days this and 3 days of that.
All balderdash IMHO.
Just cut down on the excess gradually and add more fruit & especially veg and it will happen without yr realizing it.
Everyone wants instant weight loss except the body.
Voila.
PS
ReplyDeleteEvery other diet book has sold in the millions.
Where are they now?
The thing is to write yr own diet book.
No need to work - it's the placebo effect.
I believe in moderation in all things... As soon as I think about not eating something, then of course, I can think of nothing else...
ReplyDeleteOnly protein and no vegetables sounds harsh!
ReplyDeleteI would think that eating vegetables would be better than eating just meats and fish.
I think a balance of both is more sensible but I am no diet doctor and am on the heavy side myself:)
Sorta similiar to the Atkins but only protein alone is tough. But, we women will try anything to lose that extra 5-10 pounds!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Rose
Not for me thank you! Know lots and lots of people who had success on Atkins only to gain it back because it's so unrealistic for a daily lifestyle and as you point out - so unsociable. Portion control is it for me and then when I need to really do something extra - it's no dessert or sugar and cut back on the carbs.
ReplyDeleteAh dieting! A few months ago I foolishly tried the South Beach Diet, knowing full well that diets don't work for me. I lost 5 lbs but was miserable and could not lose a pound more. I went back to my sensible eating--lots of healthy veggies and salad and it all came off...until I cheated again with my great love for pasta and cheese. So back to the drawing board but I agree, following a sensible way is always best.
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
I totally agree with you! I would not be able to give up all those wonderful fruits and vegetables! I think everything in moderation with plenty of exercise is the best way to fully enjoy life!
ReplyDelete~Olga
http://olgaduron.blogspot.com/
I wish that I had started this diet a couple of weeks ago because I'm finally going on vacation!
ReplyDeleteI'm a believer in a protein based diet but I've always felt that the Atkins diet was too difficult to maintain for the long term. I'm definitely going to try the Dukan diet. And I love you philosophy, eat like a French girl and exercise like an Aussi!
Hi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with your way, haven't we had enough advice, seen the shows, read the books etc on how to eat sensibly and healthily for weight loss and long term good health? It's just another fad which of course will work in the short term like all the other diets. It comes down to what you want and I suppose for a short weight loss burst it can't hurt but long term? There will always be someone with the 'new weight loss program', it's human nature.
vickixx
I can't believe this came out of France! It seems so anti-French life. I can't even imagine eating like this. Your skin would turn grey! I've done Atkins, and it works, but never again. Moderation and exercise are the best diet of all. I'm with you.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Hi Vicki: I read that Kate Middleton and her mother were also on the Dukan diet. I have to say my regime is eat less, exercise more...everything in moderation. My uncle's personal physician for a time was Dr. Atkins himself and he did lose weight with his diet. I don't like the idea of cutting out whole categories of food such as fruit or salads - this seems silly doesn't it? Common sense, eat all foods and desserts in moderation (or just one bite!!) ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki,Great post, you are so skilled at posting great topics. Love my visits, even more so when I am able to contribute to the debate. I do not diet, and I do not exercise enough. But my mum and her sisters have been on the Dukan diet for the last few months. I do think the diet is unsocial and I am sure that like all diets it will have some risks, Also with all diets it takes a while to find out exactly what the long term effects are. At the end of the day it really is a personal choice. My mum and her sisters are all delighted with the results and it has raised their confidence and self esteem. Give my regards to France, I do not think I will visit this summer. Big hugs, Margie.
ReplyDeleteI have the book but didn't get around to reading it yet.
ReplyDeleteI am like you, Vicki! I could not go without my fruit and vegetables. All of my life I have required a balanced diet.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to stop eating too much, and that is my battle. If I would drop a few pounds I would feel much better I am certain.
Thank you for sharing this diet with us.
I will say no way, lol.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
I haven't tried it, although I will say... those Middleton girls are walking advertisements for it. But no strawberries? In summer?
ReplyDeleteI was unaware of it until they started selling at Costco! Because I am a francophile a lot of people ask me about this here in the states. I saw the book in the store and took a look and I agree it does not look healthy! I can't diet, I just have to try to do it the real French way, everything in moderation!
ReplyDeleteI much prefer your programme, Vicki! I can't see how it can be good for the body {and psyche} to have such an imbalanced intake as the fads tend to recommend. Enjoyable exercise and reducing processed food and sugar in all its forms to a minimum are big keys, I feel.
ReplyDeleteFor one - I don't 'do' diets anymore. And for two - I'm not an advocate of any eating plan that puts more emphasis on one food over another. I believe a balanced diet is just that - balanced. The key to weight maintenance/loss is in consumption and exercise. I always chose quality of quantity. And portion control is very important. Have you seen the portions given by restaurants lately! Its little wonder there is so much obesity around.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Just wanted to add to the conversation: About eight years ago I went on the Atkins diet and lost a lot of weight; however, the low carbohydrate diet triggered a genetic disorder I did not know I had/have: porphyria, a metabolic disorder I had never heard of. I share this, as I know there are other's out there with genetic time bombs.
ReplyDeleteYes, I just tried it- twice! I've never experimented with a proper "diet" before, but this one seemed do-able to me because you can eat as much protein as you like, you don't have to weigh or measure anything, and theoretically, the hardest part only lasts a few days. WRONG. So hard. I couldn't do it. All that protein made me feel incredibly edgy and I've never craved vegetables so much in my life.
ReplyDeleteBack to my regular diet (but without the naughty late night snacking) Everything in moderation, eat slowly, and try to cut down on the wine (hardest part! ) I guess I'll never be a French Girl :(
I bought the book because I'd heard so much about it, but realised after just a few short chapters, that I probably couldn't persevere with it. I love my meat but I also love my veggies. I just couldn't give them up.
ReplyDeleteLesley
I did try it for a short time and felt quite weak. I don't do well with no carbs but have lost 6 kilos on a low fat regime. Much more social and the weight has stayed off. Roughly based on SLimming world principles.
ReplyDeleteI have a very hard time believing that a diet that recommends not eating fresh vegetables could possibly be good for you. I've seen people do these kinds of diets, and yes, they lose a lot of weight quickly, but as soon as they go back to eating regularly, it comes back. So, not a good long-term solution.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. How can one give up fruit and vegetables for any length of time? One would think that by now, everyone would realize that the key to weight control is portion control, well balanced meals, eating sweets only occasionally, and exercise. Whenever I need to remind myself of this, I reread "French Women Don't Get Fat".
ReplyDeleteI don't believe in diets. I believe in healthy eating, lots of fruit and vegetables daily, no junk food, fried or packaged food and exercise every day (not necessarily a very strict gym program, but walking or playing tennis will do just fine). It's a matter of changing your entire lifestyle, not just dieting for a few weeks. :) Ada
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, The Dukan diet is just another gimick. The only way to lose weight is to eat less and move more.. So simple yet so many people are looking for something more complicated and a few people are making a lot of money from it.
ReplyDeleteNatural grown and good food, a glass of red wine...best diet.
ReplyDeleteAnd...'a apple per day - keeps the doctor away'!
Greetings from Périgord,
Karin
Like your audience Vicki I love fruit and vegetables and am totally repulsed by large quantities of meat. Eat like a French person/exercise like an Aussie, will work for me
ReplyDeleteHugs
Helen
I love your "Eat like a French girl, exercise like an Aussie" program! You should publish your own diet book...
ReplyDeleteI have friends who have been on and off and on again the Atkins program. They lose weight but off the program it comes back on. Seems like we'd all do better to follow the advice of the majority of commenters: balance, moderation and enjoyment!
Vickie,
ReplyDeleteI've tried everything in the book ... mostly wanted to be able to claim that years later I was still slim ... EVERYONE I know who takes on a fad, puts the weight back on ... namely from splurging on things you crave.
I bought the book"The Carb Lover's Diet" ... saw the author on Rachel Ray ...
I've lost 13 pounds since January, slow and methodically ...to the eye it apperas that I've lost about 20 ... why, you ask .... because it all comes off from the belly ...everyday, I feel thinner and thinner ... and I KNOW that 2 years from now, I will have maintained and even lost more.
WHY you ask ... because I am enjoying ALL the foods God made to be enjoyed and scientifically they are working together to burn fat.
i.e. baked potatoes, beans,oatmeal, bananas, brown rice, blue corn chips, even a handful of potato chips once or twice a week.
I will NEVER go back to South Beach or the likes...
it's like prison ....
I've been set free.
I'm currently on the diet because I'm headed off for a vacation in Italy and wanted to lose weight fast. I know it will gain it back on the trip, but at least after the trip, I'll be about the same. It's a terribly hard diet though, and yes, completely unhealthy and anti-social. But a fast way to drop 5-10lbs for a special occasion - not a way of life!!!
ReplyDeleteJe préfère les pizzas à la cantina!...
ReplyDeleteAmicalement,
Manon
I've heard of the Dukan craze that seems to be sweeping the Gallic embonpoint. For me, however, though the diet would surely work in short sputs, no can Dukan.
ReplyDeleteI find I get far too homicidal when I skip entire food groups and I must agree that after years of trial and error, though it's a slower burn, sensible, balanced eating and regular (read moderate to intense) exercise is what helps this blogger from binging or ballooning.
That said, there is surely a method to Dukan's madness, but try as I have to become French, Spanish, Argentine, Arab, etc, through diet alone, I find that eating like a Mediterranean-dweller coupled with an American-style fitness kick is the only regimen that works for me.
Here at the house of Nero, we stick mostly to poultry, fish, a bit of meat, and stay heavy on the fruits, veggies and whole grains. Washed down with plenty of water and quality coffee, we are happy campers indeed.
Cheers and happy cherry-picking, Alcira
nerochornicles.com
Vicki. A girlfriend introduced me to your blog a few months ago. As I read it from the whitsundays in qld it is my wonderful connection to all things French. My Mother follows this diet with some success - the flip side is that her friends tell me she has become VERY boring socially. For me, no. I exercise more than most Aussies - brilliant for my head. However I find that any true weight loss is most certainly a result of balanced portion control. Also a picture of a French Woman on my fridge to remind me of 'elegant sufficiency'.Regards
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and your books Vicki. I haven't tried the Dukan diet although know some who swear by it. I did recently try an eating plan with lots of fresh salmon (great for anti-ageing too), but whilst I loved it and it did indeed make me look younger, the high protein content wore thin after just a few days, leaving me feeling quite nauseated. So, like many here, I'll stick with all things in moderation and lots of walking in the Queensland sunshine.
ReplyDeleteThe Dukan Diet has been named a "fraudulent" an a "potentially dangerous" diet by the Health Ministry of Spain, talking about it as unhealthy and incomplete. I totally agree that, because if you want to lose weight you just have to eat less calories than the ones you burn a day. Other than that, I think that natural and traditional meals (meaning most european and asian ones) eaten in a "normal" portion are the perfect way to keep your weight. As I see it, the only efficient way to lose those extra pounds is just following a low-fat and sugarfree diet (this includes artificial, proccessed and fast food); increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and exercising a little bit. The best thing you can do after that is get used to this way of life and try to follow it most of days. Of course, you can eat back sugar, fat and fast food when you have reached your goal, WITH MODERATION (that usually means no more than once a week). We all should try to remember that every nutrient is necessary for us and that an assorted diet is the best way to get them all. Eating 5 meals a day assures we are having a complete diet.
ReplyDeleteSo, I totally agree you about "eating like a French girl": smaller meals, five times a day. Breakfast being one of the most important, as it is the first meal after a long time fast (all night, about 8 to 10-12 hours); a small snack in the middle of breakfast and lunch; a complete lunch to help us recover from the morning efforts and to help us continue with the activities for the rest of the day; a mid-afternoon snack; and a light dinner, being this the perfect time to complete what we have eaten/not eaten during the rest of the day. "Did I have enough vegetables today?", "what did I have for lunch today, meat...? Then I should prepare some fish", etc.
That's all, folks (haha, what a long comment, so sorry!)
http://bloobreyplace.blogspot.com
I've never been one to follow a fad diet...
ReplyDeleteSo I guess this one's not for me.
I eat what I want when I want it,
I just have to burn them the following days.
Works for me for years.
I'll have to go back up and see what people are writing... When I wanted to lose the baby weight (um...10 years after babies that is...) I went on the Atkins diet. Boom, dropped weight effortlessly while eating (protein) generously. It was amazing. No, I'm not on it today but it did work. In fact, I just recommended it for my Brother In Law because he really needs to lose weight and is a huge meat and cheese eater. I think the Atkins is suited for people who are nearing obesity and must act decidedly. I agree with you, however, its all about moderation, small quantities and exercise. That is how I'm keeping off the weight.
ReplyDeleteRight now while reading this posting... I am texting with my friend who has been on the Dukan (which I told her is not healthy) and she just informed moi she had to spend a night in the hospital... and the hospital said STOP that diet!!! They have put her on a low fat diet to counteract that Dukan diet she has been on... of course in a NICE way I said "I told you so!"
ReplyDeleteI say do the "YOU CAN diet"... as in you can eat anything you want in MODERATION and move the blooming ass more!!!
Hello Vicki, thanks for this post. I did try the Dukan diet (only for a week as I had to go on holidays to visit family in Tasmania and there is NO WAY I can give up pink-eye potatoes there). The diet doesn't suit me in some respects as I'm not a big meat eater but I will try it again as I do want to lose half a stone quickly. I don't mind the anti-social side of it as I'm not a big foodie anyway. I found the week very easy as I've been on much more restrictive diets but I didn't lose a thing and ate about a hundred eggs. I did see an interview with Sophie Dahl talking about weight loss when she said that the best diet she knew was three meals a day with no snacking. Perhaps I need to try that one? xx
ReplyDeleteLOVE this diet! I had 8 pounds that I've been carrying around for YEARS! I'm modified vegetarian: fish only/no dairy and I found this diet VERY easy and not unbalanced ---3 days of all protein in the initial"attack" phase followed by eating normally except with 1 protein-only day a week---the "rhythm" he recommends for us pear shaped girls; has resulted in reaching my goal weight in 6 weeks!! --one all protein day is not difficult at all and easy to do even going out (think seafood platter). I highly recommend anyone remotely interested to get his book and judge for yourself...
ReplyDeleteLoosing weight or staying at your regular weight changes as you age. Our food industry has also changed the way they have genetically changed food. Very easy to loose a few pound when your in your 20's,30's, even 40's..then post menapause..and then the biggie...MENOPAUSE...UGH!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter if you were thin your whole life or not..your body changes. Yes, there are woman out there that are born thin. Rare.
I have been fit most my life but to stay at a nice weight and most importantly to feel good and look good..you have to work out and eat right.
I don't eat sugar except on the occassional celebration. This includes any fake sugars which I believe make you fat(the urge to eat more carbs), I eat mostly organic vegetables and the occassional fruits as my dessert which only consist of the dark berries and only a handful at a time. Sugar is sugar. I enjoy full fat whipping cream on my berries or in my coffee. There is no sugar or carbs in high fat foods. Label reading is must. I eat low on the carb intake but do indulge in raw nuts without fear of eating too many. No red meat but I do eat antibotic free/organic chicken and no farm raised fish or bottom feeders. This consists mainly of frozen/freshly caught salmon. I am allergic to shellfish but I would eat that if I could. Sardines and small fish also.
The only vitamin I take is vit D, otherwise I try to use the sun which I'm lucky to live in year round minus my face exsposed. I believe vitamins should be from your food. I eat eggs and full fat cheeses and I jog 4/5 days a week for at least an hour. The other days I play golf or yoga. I do not count calories and my body tells me when I'm hungry. I have a glass of wine every now and than too. I would never eat wheat/boxed products/corn starch/glueten/processed food or corn/peas/or oatmeal which Can be contamanated w/wheat. It takes a lot of reading but very doable as a way of healthy living. I'm 58 and slim. Hope this helps. Most important, I love the French! Great web site reading!
Best buy ever! I am 71 and had low expectations of losing the unwanted pounds. Within 6 weeks I had lost 20 pounds and as promised in the book, the weight has stayed off. The book is concise and easy to understand with no measuring or weighing. Just plenty to eat. Have recommended it to my friends who are amazed at my new healthy shape. You are never too old to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteOK ... I have to weigh in here (please forgive the pun!) re Dukan ... I'm seeing lots of negative commentary with absolutely wrong information. This plan - let's call it that, please - has helped two people in this household drop over 90 pounds total in 6 months, with glowing reviews from our physician! Liver and kidney functions great - cholesterol levels way down - general chemistries just fine, thank you, and appearance and sense of well being hugely improved! Here is some info that is very clearly put forth but completely ignored by the all-too-ready critics:
ReplyDelete1. The all protein Phase One of this plan is strictly limited to the first few days ... 5 to 7 being the usual maximum but some people stay on it for AS MUCH AS 10 days only if they are VERY overweight. During that initial period your metabolism gets shocked and goes to work. You may eat shrimp, fish, chicken, mussels, eggs, etc. - and yes, beef, too if you like. Fatty cuts are not allowed. During this time you are to begin having the required bit of oat bran daily ... no hardship at all, making wonderful Galettes with yogurt and beaten egg whites ... they are delicious and help keep things moving along. Right off the bat, exercise becomes part of the plan ... walking 20 minutes daily begins. Drinking lots of water is a must.
2. The longer haul of Phase Two begins, ALTERNATING between all protein days and "VEGGIE" days - yes - every other day you are REQUIRED to eat vegetables! That means all you like of good for you vegetables, leaving out such starchy ones as potatoes and corn. Yes, salads. Yes, green things. Yes to tomatoes - even though they are fruit they are not forbidden. Still eating oat bran and walking at least 30 minutes a day. The basis for this weight loss plan is so simple. Plenty of healthy carbs in the form of vegetables but no refined sugar or starches. High quantities of lean protein - not fatty - unlike Atkins. I still have about 2 pounds of butter in the back of the fridge, just as a reminder of how unhealthy our eating habits had been ... and have not missed it!
3. Stabilizing the weight loss begins as Phase Three once your weight goal is reached. We are not too far from that part now but this is the gist of it. For every pound lost, you stay on Phase Three for 5 days. During this time, fruits are officially added, as are cheeses (other than the previously allowed fat free versions) and other "normal" foods. One day a week you may eat anything at all that you want. Period. Then back to the regime, until you've put in 5 days times the "X" number of pounds you have lost. Then you are done, and hopefully habituated to a far healthier lifestyle. The exercise component remains, of course.
4. Phase Four consists of lifetime maintenance ... and after such success I truly believe that it will work for us. This is where you set aside one day a week to eat protein only. I have no doubt that this will be as easy to do as the rest of the program, and that it makes sense metabolically.
Having done my share of "yoyo" weight loss and gain, I have to say that this has been the most effective and most comfortable weight loss experience I've ever had. I have never felt deprived. We have deliberately "slipped" a few times for birthday and other celebrations, and I had to build in a small detour for the short but so sweet season of southern white peaches. Other than those lapses we've been with the plan and have been healthy and happy with it!
SO ... please be sure to get the information straight before making a judgment, especially a negative one. This plan is truly helpful for lots of people who have had a very hard time finding a good path for weight loss.