Ask the Diva: What is the Dukan Diet?
Q. The Dukan Diet has gained popularity lately, especially with its celebrity followers. What do you think of it? Is it worth trying?
Answer. The Dukan Diet is similar to the Atkins and South Beach diets but with a new twist: In addition to limiting carbs, you also limit fats, resulting in a very high protein diet, especially in the initial phases.
You’re allowed to eat as much as you want–as long as you stick to a very short list of allowed foods–and the diet often produces quick weight loss. However, this type of extremely restrictive regimen is a poor choice for long term weight loss. Because eating is so intertwined with social and cultural factors, diets that require a radical departure from normal eating patterns become very hard to sustain and are somewhat isolating.
In the end, I think many pounds will be lost (and then regained) before this fad runs its course and is replaced by the next “miracle” diet.
See also:
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.
