The Dukan Diet, created by French general practitioner and nutritionist Pierre Dukan in 2000, promises to help individuals lose 10 pounds in one week and keep it off permanently.
The diet revolves around the consumption of lean protein, oat bran, water, and daily 20-minute walks.
The idea behind this is that by limiting carbohydrates intake, the body is forced to burn fat for energy, leading to weight loss.
The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that is divided into four phases: the Attack phase, the Cruise phase, the Consolidation phase, and the Stabilization phase.
The Attack phase is the most restrictive phase of the diet, during which only lean protein is consumed.
The Cruise phase allows for the addition of non-starchy vegetables to the diet.
The Consolidation phase allows for the gradual reintroduction of other foods such as carbohydrates and fats.
The Stabilization phase is the maintenance phase of the diet, during which the dieter is encouraged to follow certain guidelines for the rest of their life.
The Dukan Diet emphasises lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and turkey, which can be beneficial for heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
The Dukan Diet also encourages the consumption of non-starchy vegetables, which are a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to protect the heart.