How does the Dukan diet work?

The diet is managed in several phases. The first phase, which lasts 1-2 weeks, is the attack phase where one only consumes protein foods that do not contain fat or carbohydrates. The foods can be seasoned and one can drink ample water and caffeine containing beverages. If you maintain this, you can lose 7-10 pounds.

The next phase is the cruise phase where one alternates with proteins and vegetables. The choice of vegetable is severely limited to lettuce, spinach, celery, cucumber and tomato. All vegetables are consumed either raw. steamed or in soups. You follow this phase until your target weight is reached. The author says people can lose at least 2 pounds a week in this phase.

In the 3^rd phase, one maintains the proteins and vegetables but is allowed one portion of fruit as well as 2-slices of whole grain bread daily. In addition, an additional serving of a carbohydrate like pasta or rice is allowed each week. In this phase, you are also allowed one "party" meal each week, which is increased to two once if you are losing weight.

In phase 4 or stabilization phase, this will be the lifestyle diet. You can go back to eating whatever you like as long as you follow the rules of the 2^nd phase. One day a week, you are supposed to eat only protein. Exercise is mandatory part of the diet program.