Friday, March 2, 2012

The Psychology Of The Dukan Diet - If You Are Fat And Unhappy Read This Article


The success of the Dukan diet is down to the keen focus on human psychology and the mentality of the dieter written into the plan. Rather than simply suggesting a few low calorie foods, Dr. Dukan has considered what life is like for the overweight individual and created a plan that fits their needs exactly.

It makes sense that people of different weights and body sizes require different diets. Sure, it is well known that anyone who burns more calories than they store will lose weight but anyone who has attempted to lose weight knows that it is not that simple in reality. The difference is one of psychology. You only have to compare one person who is just a few pounds overweight with someone several stones (or kilos, depending on what you prefer to measure weight in) too heavy and immediately you see the difference.

How many fat authority figures do we see in our Societies? The only movies in which the hero is overweight are comedies and even then how many leading actors in comedies are overweight women? When you watch the news, are the newsreaders thin or fat, in shape or out of shape? We all know the answer. If someone is to be taken seriously in the media, then they must not be fat. Whether it is that we do not take overweight people seriously and therefore authority figures in the media are thin, or that authority figures in the media are thin and so we do not take fat people seriously, I don't know. The fact is that, take two people of equal talents and personality and the overweight one will be given less respect.

Being overweight is always seen as a problem. For most people who are heavy, it is a problem that they want to be rid of. Thin people are never asked why they are not fat but overweight people are often asked if they'd ever like, or have ever tried (implying they are a failure) to lose the pounds. We know that food can be pleasurable and provide comfort. After all, whole food groups are labeled 'comfort food' and we have all heard of 'comfort eating'. The implication is that fat people need more comforting that others and so eat more. As we have already seen, overweight people are treated with less respect than their skinny counterparts and this alone will contribute to the factors than led them to comfort eat.

Psychologically it is far harder for an overweight person to attempt a diet than it is for a person only a few pounds overweight. It is also more difficult for a previously fat person to keep the weight off once they've lost it than another person to maintain their current weight. Anyone who doubts this simply has not had the experience of being overweight and losing the extra pounds. Something that is very noticeable for this person is how differently they are treated by strangers when they are fat and when they are thin. They also understand the fear and anxiety of putting the weight back on and going back to the bad old days.

It is for this reason that the Dukan diet is in reality four diets. You pass through one diet and onto the next as you lose weight and your needs change. The first diet, the Attack phase, is about rapid weight loss so that you can quickly achieve a difference that others notice. It is a tough few days as your body acclimatizes to the new menu but it is only a few days. During these period you will notice yourself feeling less hungry and craving food less often. The second diet is more relaxed, more foods are added whilst you continue to lose weight without feeling hungry. This stage is known as the Cruise phase. The third diet, is all about introducing treats and what are known as celebration meals back into your diet. Celebration meals are basically meals consisting of whatever you want to eat. The final diet is concerned with keeping the weight off for the rest of your life.

In my opinion, there is no better more well thought out and more effective weight loss solution available today than the Dukan diet.




Start the change now. You can follow my progress on the Dukan diet from day one of the attack phase until the end. I have included all my recipes and menu ideas as well as top tips in getting the most out of your Dukan diet experience. If you're ready to lose weight fast without hunger click Dukan diet to begin your journey.




Dukan Diet Success Secrets


Success For Millions

The Dukan diet has transformed the lives of millions of people, by helping them to lose weight and just as importantly, to keep it off. Dr Pierre Dukan, the founder of the diet plan, definitely knew what he was doing when he designed this diet. One of the things that he did was to make the first phase the attack phase a period where you would lose a lot of weight fast, so that you would be encouraged to stick to the diet.

Another great aspect of the diet is that there are four distinct phases. This is good psychologically because as you progress through each stage you will have a feeling of satisfaction, that will encourage you to progress to the next stage.

The Attack Phase

As mentioned the attack phase is the first stage of the diet, where you only eat lean protein foods such as fish and you will lose the most weight in this phase. A lot of people lose at least four pounds in the first week of the attack phase, this will encourage you to continue to the other phases, where you will add to your initial success.

The Cruise Phase

During the cruise phase you will eat lean meats each day, but you can add vegetables every other day. This is good, because it adds variety to your diet and you will still lose weight, probably around two pounds a week on average. In this phase you can diet down to your ideal weight.

The Consolidation Phase

The consolidation phase is a phase where you will have reached your target weight. That is a great feeling and now you want to make sure you do not put weight back on, so this phase will help you achieve that goal. This is achievable because you can eat as much protein and as many vegetables as you wish.

You can also eat one portion of fruit a day and two slices of whole grain bread per day. You are also allowed a "celebration meal" once per week, which can be anything you like. This is great because it allows you some freedom.

The Stabilization Phase

The stabilization phase is the final part of the diet. You will have benefited from reaching your target weight by now and this phase will help to keep you there. You must ensure that you eat just protein one day each week, but for the rest of the week you can eat whatever you like.

Once you have reached this stage, your self discipline will have been strengthened and you will find it easier to keep to this diet. I think the four stages are part of the secret of the success of this diet. Especially starting off with the attack phase that will help you to lose a lot of weight rapidly and encourage you to continue with your diet.

With all diets it is always a benefit if you can talk to others and share your questions with them. I think it is a good idea to check the Dukan diet forums and Dukan diet blogs to help you to find out how others are feeling and share your thoughts with them whilst on the Dukan diet.




For some of the best Dukan diet forums and blogs please visit:
http://dietfitnesshelp.blogspot.com/2011/02/dukan-diet-forums-and-blogs-to-help-you.html.




Thursday, March 1, 2012

Can You Drink Coffee Or Alcohol on the Dukan Diet?


The Dukan Diet is growing ever more popular in Europe and elsewhere. With this increasing popularity so do the questions about this plan mount up. Some of these questions focus on the menu of the diet and especially the beverages which are allowed. The question of coffee, tea, and alcohol seems to be one of the common ones that has many people wondering. Because these drinks are so common in day to day life, it is no wonder that it's something people wish to know before they begin this weight loss plan.

Let's begin with tea and coffee. You can drink coffee on the Dukan Diet is all the phases of the program. Tea as well. However, you must take care not to turn these beverages into a calorie trap. You can't sweeten your tea or coffee with sugar while on the diet. This is strictly forbidden.

So, you can still have your cup of java but it will have to be pretty plain to avoid sabotaging your own results. During the final phase of the diet, this may be slightly different and I'll get to that in a moment...

Alcohol is a slightly different matter. Alcoholic beverages are very rich in calories and they're not allowed on the first two phases of the Dukan Diet.

However, you can drink alcohol as part of the 2 free weekly meals you get on the third phase of the Dukan Diet, the consolidation phase.

On the fourth phase of the diet, the one that's dedicated to maintaining your weight loss into the future, you can eat what you like for 6 days out of the week. Only on the 7th day are you supposed to eat just protein. This means that you can have alcohol and coffee (sweetened) during this phase. I wouldn't go overboard and stuff myself with anything but you can indulge yourself a bit more.

Good luck on the Dukan Diet.




For more on what you can on this diet visit Dukan Diet Menu
To see how you can lose weight fast, click here: http://www.WorldofDiets.com

John Davenport lost over 30 pounds in his twenties after being overweight most of his life. He now runs a weight loss forum and publishes a diet and fitness newsletter.




5 Delicious Ways To Make Your Dukan Diet Menu And Recipes Taste Amazing


Eating bland, unappetizing food is never a good idea if you can avoid it. Some people make the mistake of thinking that the Dukan diet should be hard, that if it is easy then it can't be any good. Nothing could be further from the truth! You do not have to starve yourself to lose weight and you do not have to eat boring, bland, food either. In this article I am going to take a look at five foods to add delicious flavor to your Dukan diet menu.

1. Mustard and horseradish

You can add instant flavor to your foods by adding a little mustard. Both French and English mustards are allowed on all phases of the Dukan diet. Horseradish adds its own unique heat to meat and is also permitted during all phases. If you like Japanese food, wasabi, a type of horseradish sauce, and ginger are both allowed. These go great together with fish, which is why they are often served with sushi.

2. Vinegar

You can have all types of vinegar to use as a condiment. The most delicious vinegar, in my opinion at least, is balsamic vinegar. This adds a sweet and sour flavour to salads and meats. You can add vinegar to food on all phases of the diet.

3. Gherkins and pickled onions

Diced gherkins and pickled onions can be added to your food to give it tang and crunch. You can add these, considered as a condiment, during the Attack phase but if you eat lots of them then you have to consider them as vegetables and eat only on a protein and vegetable day.

4. Sweeteners

You are not allowed to add extra sugar during the Dukan diet. However, if you have a sweet tooth and would like to make sweet desserts or like to take sugar in your tea and coffee then you are allowed to substitute sweetener for sugar. Sweeteners may be used on all phases of the diet.

5. Vanilla and cinnamon

Vanilla can be added to your food either from vanilla pods or from vanilla essence. The pods are expensive but a couple of drops of vanilla essence will set you back pennies. For a sweet heat than be enjoyed with sweet or savory dishes, cinnamon is a valuable addition to the Dukan diet. For a delicious treat, blend together half a pint of skimmed milk, a couple of drop of vanilla essence and add sweetener to taste. You can enjoy one of these milkshakes a day, even on the Attack Phase.




Start the change now. You can follow my progress on the Dukan diet from day one of the attack phase until the end. I have included all my recipes and menu ideas as well as top tips in getting the most out of your Dukan diet experience. If you're ready to lose weight fast without hunger click Dukan diet menu to begin your journey.




How to Lose Weight Forever in Four Easy Steps - The Dukan Diet


Are you tired of your dieting plan where you shift the pounds, but only to pile them on again? Can you follow a simple four phase diet plan that can change your life forever?

The Dukan diet is a revolutionary four step programme where you follow a strict protein power plan that is guaranteed to give you a slender figure for life as long as you diet for one day a week forever. This diet plan is taking Hollywood and the world by storm.

According to it's creator, Dr Pierre Dukan, a French medical doctor, the Dukan diet is not a fad as it has enabled millions of French women to remain chic and sleek by simply following it's four steps which are attack, cruise, consolidation and stabilisation phases. It has also become a very potent weight loss weapon for many a Hollywood stars which is reported to include Gisele and J-Lo, just to name a few.

The Dukan diet is revolutionary because of it's four phases which follows one after the other, and enables people to lose weight quickly, stay slim and stabilise their metabolism while eating whatever they like except following a strict but simple rule of eating nothing but protein for one day a week for the rest of their lives. This rule is non- negotiable if you want to stay slim forever.

Eating pure protein foods produces Ketonic cells which are very strong and powerful appetite suppressants which gives a lasting feeling of fullness. Protein is the key element that makes the Dukan diet a success. ''You cannot lose your own fat by eating fat from other sources'' states Dr Dukan. To encourage fat burning and prevent muscle wastage, you must consume pure lean protein because they are naturally low in calories at just 4 calories per gram. Crucially, the body uses a lot of energy in breaking down lean proteins. According to Dr Dukan, for each 100 calories of protein you consume, the body uses up 30 of these calories just for digestion and assimilation.

It is vital you drink enough water on this diet, usually around 1.5 litres a day especially during phase one. Dr Dukan advocates this point by stressing that ''if you do not flush out your system, your weight loss will stop''. Also, ''the waste from the burning of fats will accumulate and extinguish the fire''. In other words, drink plenty of water and other liquids such as coffee and tea as they count towards your fluid intake.




For More Info And Tips On The Dukan Diet, Recipes And Weight Loss, Please Visit: http://www.dukandietsecret.net




Dukan Diet Versus Cheat Your Way Thin Program by Joel Marion


Two popular weight loss plans that are worth considering are the Dukan Diet plan and the Cheat Your Way Thin program by Joel Marion. In this short comparison review, I will try to help you see which one is better for you and, I hope, that you'll find it easy to decide on one program and succeed with it. It should be simple as these two plans are no way similar to each other.

The Dukan Diet plan comes in the form of a book. This book describes how this diet should be pursued. There are no other resources though in certain countries there may be groups and facilities for this diet (mainly in France). The Cheat Your Way Thin program is a collection of digital resources. All the manuals and resources of this program are downloaded to your computer so you can get started right away with it.

The Dukan Diet Plan is cheaper being a sole book. As there are many different resources in Cheat Your Way Thin, it's difficult to just come right out and say that one gives more value for your money than the other. You need to be the judge of that.

The main difference between the two programs is the eating methods. While both programs have an initial stage which is restrictive. In the Dukan Diet it is based on eating only protein.

Then, there is the central phase in which most of the weight loss takes place. Both programs have this kind of phase. In the Dukan Diet you alternate between all protein days to protein and vegetables days. Cheat Your Way Thin is a bit more complex. You have low carb days and high carb days each week which you cycle back and forth. In addition, one day each week is a "cheat day" in which you can eat practically anything you want. Cheating is in fact an integral part of the program as it helps the body maintain a higher metabolic rate (according to Joel Marion's research) and achieve longer lasting weight loss results. The "Cheat Day" makes the diet a lot easier as you can indulge yourself once a week.

For a carb lover, there's no doubt that the Cheat Your Way Thin program is a lot more doable. I find it less restrictive than the Dukan Diet myself. However, there are positive testimonials with both plans so you need to make your own decision regarding which one you think will work better for you in the long run.




For more on Joel Marion's program visit Cheat Your Way Thin Review
For menu ideas of the Dukan diet visit Dukan Diet Plan Menu Ideas
John Davenport lost over 30 pounds in his twenties after being overweight most of his life. He now runs a weight loss forum and publishes a diet and fitness newsletter.




What Is The Dukan Diet Attack Phase Good News?


The Attack phase of the Dukan diet is as difficult as you want it be. Which means of course that if you don't want it to be difficult you can make life easy on yourself. For most people used to calorie counting diets, starving yourself and feeling miserable for weeks in order to shed those excess pounds, the idea that diets must be hard, is firmly entrenched in their psyche. And since the Attack phase is the toughest stage of the Dukan diet, it is little wonder that people suspect it to be a Hell week (or Hell couple of days, depending on how long their particular attack phase will be).

Now, yes, of course you can't expect an easy few days. Things are going to be different. After all, you can't just plop down on the couch when you get home, turn on the TV and order a pizza. Nor, can you have some delicious treat (like a huge chocolate fudge cake) waiting patiently for you to ravish it when you get home. And, you can't just get home and throw together a meal out of anything you happen to have in the fridge.

The Attack phase requires planning and forethought. You need to have a kitchen stocked with Dukan-diet friendly ingredients. If you don't plan in advance you may end up having to make a midnight run to an 24hr Tescos or go to bed hungry.

And during these first few days of the Dukan diet you aren't really going to have any 'treats'. Well, you're going to have to learn to treat yourself with some new foods and fancies.

It's not going to be plain-sailing but you do not have to suffer by any means. Life does become a little bit more of an effort if you are used to eating whatever you fancy and buying it at the last minute. However, you don't need to plan ahead any more than a couple of days and one trip to the supermarket will do it. When I first started the Dukan diet, I went from going to the supermarket every single day on my way home to going two or three times a week. Not having to worry about buying dinner made up for the couple times I did have to go shopping for food.

Don't be tempted to devise one daily Dukan diet menu and just stick to that every day of the Attack phase. If your Attack is only two days long then you might get away with it but if you are planning on four or five days you will soon tire and then get sick of those same old foods.

It's true that this phase is the most restrictive but that does not mean that you can not have variety in your menu during this time. There are so many combination's of ingredients that you can eat something different for every meal of your Attack phase. The secret to making life as easy as possible is to never get bored. Constantly stimulate your body and your mind by eating as many different and new flavours as possible. And coming up with exciting new recipes.

You see, you can make life hard on yourself during the Attack phase or you can make life easier and try to enjoy yourself. By keeping things varied and by planning ahead you can ensure than during these first few days you never get bored and losing the weight becomes an exciting new part of your life.




Start the change now. You can follow my progress on the Dukan diet from day one of the attack phase until the end. I have included all my recipes and menu ideas as well as top tips in getting the most out of your Dukan diet experience. If you're ready to lose weight fast without hunger click Dukan diet to begin your journey.