Online coaching chat

Όσοι πληρώνουν συνδρομή στο σάιτ του Ντουκαν (online coaching), έχουν πρόσβαση σε ένα εβδομαδιαίο τσατ όπου μπορούν να εκφράσουν τις απορίες τους και να τους απαντήσει το προσωπικό του σάιτ. Σε αυτή τη σελίδα θα σας αντιγράψω κάποια αποσπάσματα από αυτό το chat (τα βρήκα εδώ), ώστε αν σας ενδιαφέρει κάτι, με την "εύρεση" του browser σας να το βρείτε και να το διαβάσετε. Είναι στα αγγλικά, αν κάποιος χρειάζεται βοήθεια σε κάτι που δεν καταλαβαίνει ας μου αφήσει μήνυμα στη φόρμα των σχολίων.  
Οι συνομιλίες αυτές έγιναν το 2010 και τις αντιγράφω με κάθε επιφύλαξη, γιατί από τότε έχουν γίνει κάποιες μικρές αλλαγές στη δίαιτα.


Script of July 2 Chat

Good morning everyone ! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are the 2nd of July, welcome to our live chat !First of all we would like to thank you for your understanding about our previous technical problems. Everything is in order now. Please accept our apologies for that matter.All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to reply to all of you. Today our live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy, Sonja and Jessica. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

can I use mashed swede during the cruise phase or is it too starchy?
Moderatrice Hello grandmamarilyn, I'm sorry but mashed swede are not allowed as they are considered like carbs.
This answer is incorrect.  Swede is on the allowed food list.

I know beans are not allowed but are beansprouts allowed to add to stir fries?
Moderatrice Hello grandmamarilyn, beansprouts are allowed, but they must be prepared without fat.

I have been using a mixture of 3 cups of linseed, 2 cups of sunflower and 1 cup of almonds ground sprinkling it on my breakfast cereal/vegetables is this allowed on any phases of your diet
Moderatrice Hi fmaeva, linseed are allowed for 1 teaspoon a day, they rest is not i'm afraid.

I can see my body shape changing but the scales remain the same for the past 4 days
Moderatrice Hello philippashe, don't worry, the weight can stagnate (it can be due to water retention), but the most important thing is that your body gets thiner day by day (it is a proof of loosing fat) , the weight lost will follow. Have faith !
Ask your questions! We will be glad to answer you!!!

Will having 1 scoop of plain ice cream make a big difference to the weight loss?
Moderatrice Dear philippashe, it's a question of how long can you handle the diet? Every lapse can make it longer for you to lose weight and we all know, the faster the better when it comes to diet. We advise to not lapse but if you really can't help it, just keep in mind that it might slow down a bit the weight loss.

can I use rice bran ?
Moderatrice Dear babydoll_10, rice bran does not have the same properties as oat bran, therefore it is not allowed. Stick to Oat bran and have fun making all sorts of recipes (in your slimming apartment, in your recipe book.

I have some difficulties to do some physical exercises as my back is very painful. I do my best but I really cannot do all the programme. Do you think I will still lose weight ?
Moderatrice Hi Angus, keep your back safe, try to walk 30 minutes a day when you are fit. You will still loose wait if you follow your food instructions. Think about it : doing efforts will always pay.

can I eat sugar free sweets?
Moderatrice Dear Halie, you can eat sugar free sweets on the cruise phase but no more than 4 per day. Enjoy!

i don't have problems with eating only certain food or even eating less, but i enjoy having a couple of drinks with y friends at the week ends. i don't wanna stop that cause it will be too uch for me and i would give up the diet!is there any way i could still drink in those days and organise the food around that? if i have a drink and i feel like i fail i feel like giving up cause it's not worth it and i also eat junk food! i wanna feel like i can have a drink but i didn't fail and it's still acceptable in the diet!
Moderatrice Dear clowns104, alcohol is not allowed on the Dukan diet, it contains a lot of calories so it will definitly not help you lose weight ... I understand your concern and you should not give up on your social life, what I could advise you is to have diet sodas -doesn't sparkling water looks like gin fizz? ;)- and try as much as possible to stick to the diet. If you really can't help it, try to have only one glass and increase your physical activity the following day!

It?s about one week now that I have started the diet and as I have a lot of cellulite especially on my stomach (two pregnancies) it?s quite hard for me to lose. Any specific exercises ?
Moderatrice Hi Deedee, I advise you to check physical instructions in your slimming appartment, you can do crunchies every day. What is more, ask your pharmacist for oils or cream to massage your stomach.

hi there, lemon juice allowed or not ?
Moderatrice Hello Modgirl, lemon juice isn't allowed as a juice (to drink) but you can use a little for your salads or meals.

I have started the diet two weeks ago and I?m on stagnation now. I also feel really tired. I don?t understand because I do everything, no lapses at all, all my physical instructions. I feel really disappointed as I am really motivated. I really need your help. Thanks a lot.
Moderatrice Dear Big beauty, you have already lost two kilos in two weeks. I really don't why you are not motivated. It's a usual wieght loss. do not forget that you are 50 and then at that age most of women have tendancy to put on weight. also after a weight loss, body needs to digerate this weight loss. Body is not a passive organe but a really active one as every life. So when you lose weight, he tries to protect his stocks.Ask to your pharmacist to give you vitamines and then come back to me in 7 days. We can do it do not worry about; I will follow you step by step and then you will be on your wished 62 kilos. have a nice day! I sincerely hope to hear from you soon!

I have started the Dukan Diet but I am a Coeliac so can someone please tell what (if anything) I can use as substitutes for oats and wheat so I can make the galette (pancake)?Thanks
Moderatrice Hi babydoll_10, If your are coeliac, avoid wheat, rye, barley and of course oat. Unfortunately oat bran can't be substitued, but you can use 1 Tbsp corn flour a day to prepare the Dukan Galette.

: I?m going to have a very important family dinner this week end, what can I eat? I really want to enjoy my time so I really don?t want to be frustrated?.. Any solution?
Moderatrice Dear Lulab, I actually have many solutions! First you can come prepared (actually bring your own food), or you can ask the cook for a "special meal" that you could help her/him prepare? You can also bring raw vegetables or surimi or anything you can eat (in the 100 unlimited foods) as apetizers and enjoy it with everybody. The safest bet remains to cook! Happy family dinner !!

Hey, I?ve started the diet two days ago and I have a bad taste in my mouth all day?. Is it normal ? What can I do to avoid it ?
Moderatrice Hi Oreo, this feeling is due to the cetosis phenomen, let your body ajust to this new way of eating habits. Take some sugar-free chewing gum or some sugar-free sweets (up to 4 a day) and don't worry, these symptoms will disappear. Don't forget to drink 1,5 up to 2 Liters water a day.

I don?t understand, in your recipes you give specific amount of allowed food as chicken ham. Can you explain please?
Moderatrice Dear chocolove, it is a recipe, which means that you have to stick to amount, but it doesn't mean that in general you can't have as much as you want of the unlimited foods. Exemple, your recipe is prepared with 2 slices of chicken ham but if you pack your lunch for work, you can have 5 if you want! Bon appetit!

I would like to know how to improve the taste of food when eating proteins only - can we use real onions or just onion powder?

Moderatrice Dear Alison, onions are allowed on any phase, but only as dressing (small amounts).

Can I use laxatives on the Dukan diet? Any solution for constipation?
Moderatrice Hello Jeff, before using laxatives, I advise you to drink 2 Liters water per day (drink a glass of fresh water the morning when you've just woke up), do all the physical activities (as for example crunchies), don't forget the oat bran and the wheat bran which contain fibers, and when you are in the Cruise phase (PV day), you can eat 100 g sugar free rhubarb puree per day. If your still constipate, you can use 1 Tbsp paraffin oil per day to laxative your mix in the stomach. Don't forget to ask your doctor.

I have a lot of parties these days and I miss alcohol so much!!! If I drink a booze what can I do the next day?
Moderatrice Dear Rob1976, alcohol is not allowed on the Dukan diet, I know you miss it and It can be hard sometimes, especially when you're out with friends, you might feel like enjoying less of the party but in reality you are doing your body a lot of good! If you really can't help it, try to stick to one glass only. The following day, drink a lot of water and increase your physical activity!

Hi ! i need to go on holiday in a few weeks and I want to stop the diet for that period of time. Is it possible ?
Moderatrice Hello clowns104, no problem, just tell us about your holidays by sending us a message on the "contact us" page (on the bottom of the Dukan Diet website).

Can I eat bean sprouts ? I just love them !
Moderatrice Hi Flin08, bean sprouts are allowed, the only condition is to prepare them without fat. Enjoy !

when you say that we have to drink at least 1 litre and a half per day does this includes tea and coffee? Is it allright for kidneys to drink so much?
Moderatrice Dear Pearly, It's one litre and a half per day including tea or coffee. More than two litres will not help you to lose weight. ENjoy your coaching!

Hi I really like crab sticks with a bit of mayonnaise. Can I use light one?
Moderatrice Dear ZoeMitchells, here's a good news for you: we have the Dukan mayonnaise you can do! You will find the recipe in your slimming apartment (recipe book). Enjoy!

can I eat flavored yogurts?
Moderatrice Dear Jay, when it comes to flavored yogurts, only fat free, sugar free are allowed as "tolerated food" which means you can have up to 2 a day.
This is incorrect.  The only yogurt that is limited to 2 a day is sf, ff yogurt with fruit pieces in it.  

I?m vegetarian and I?m getting bored of lentillas that you are proposing to me? Any alternative Dukan team?
Moderatrice Dear Fareen, first of all welcome between us. You probably know that my method hasn?t been done for vegetarians but whatever is your way of feeding, the human machine really needs a lot of proteins to lose weight. Vegetal proteins are not full enough. Cereals don?t have an essential amino acid called Lysine. Lentillas and other leguminous plants are plenty of essential amino acids in general. You really need to eat a lot of dairy products as yogurts, low fat cottage cheese , skimmed milk. You also have to try eating animal products directly or undirectly as eggs for example. Just let me know what you are allowed to eat. You are telling me that you get bored of lentillas; I completely understand. Me too I really like this food but if I had to eat it every day I would become probably bored too. Try to eat as much as possible soya and its derivated products as tofu etc? Eat a lot of green vegetable as well. To change from lentillas, you can try to eat some quinoa, white or red beans. But the most important thing to do is to increase your consumption of oat bran. You can use recipes of your slimming apartement as the ?galette?, muffins. You can also eat it as a porridge. More than every thing if you are vegetarian you need to be really creative. I really would like to follow you carefully to be adapted to your needs. Please let me know what you can eat or not, that will also help. Have a nice day!

I think I am doing wrong but can I eat ham ?
Moderatrice Dear BonnieB, you can have ham but without the ring and choose it with the less fat possible. You can also enjoy turkey ham or chicken ham. Enjoy!

Hi I?m a lacto ovo vegetarian and I can manage to do the diet by my own. It?s really hard but I don?t give up ! Just is it normal that I do not lose weight as quickly as expected ?
Moderatrice Hello Annie, you can take 1 Kg fat-free dairies product per day, and eggs are also allowed. (just be careful if you have cholesterol (the yolk contains the cholesterol), above 5 eggs per week, only keep the whites to cook with. Don't worry about your weight loss, move yourself, each 3 meals per day and drink 1,5 Liters water a day.

First of all I just wanted to thank you again ... in one year I have lost almost 2 stone 12 pounds by following your instructions to the letter?if I?ve signed up to the site it?s because I?ve still got a stone and a half to lose and because my stagnation is less of a stagnation plateau and more like a mighty platform? I had a CVA? and after 4 years, I?ve still only got 80 % of my health back?which led my GP to tell me to eat slow sugars every day. I haven?t done as I was told to - apart from 2 slices of bread every morning... could it be this that is stopping me from losing weight? And if so what can I do about it? Thanks again from the bottom of my heart
Moderatrice Dear Emily the solution is: WALK-ING, CVA or no CVA, you?ve got to walk and as you don?t have to go to work, you can walk a lot and for a long time. As for your doctor?s slow sugars, they are not strictly necessary, your blood and metabolism are capable of producing what you need. However, carrying around this extra weight is harmful for you, so get WALK-ING

Is it normal that I weight more during my periods ? I?m really worried as I follow the programme carefully.
Moderatrice Hi lelena, some women do water retention during their periods, so the weight will go a little up. Don't worry : do not drink more than 1,5 Liter water per day, avoid food which contains a lot of sodium (as for example : ham, smocked salmon, canned food, ..) and increase your physical activity. Your pharmacist can also advise you about drainer.

When you ask us for measurements and our weight do you want us to take them when we fill out the reports or in the morning before we have eaten anything? Thanks in advance.
Moderatrice Dear Alex,If possible in the morning before you have eaten. Enjoy your coaching!

Can you eat as much gammon as you want? Its nutritional value per 100 g is 187 calories, 25 g proteins, 0.8 g carbohydrates, 8.9 g fats and 2.13g salt, thanks for your help
Moderatrice Hallo Fiona and welcome to the coaching. No, you can?t eat this sort of ham during the first two weight loss phases. Enjoy the coaching!

thanks to all of you for having chat with us!This will unfortunately be the last question!

I have a big bone structure, I?m overweighted since I?m a teenager. It?s a family thing.I have started all the diets in the world but that one rocks !!! Thank you so much to Pierre Dukan and his team !!! I was looking forward for your website opening and I?m definitely not disappointed ! 6 kilos in two weeks !
Moderatrice Dear Kevyn, I sincerely appreciate your message. You apparently know the difficult way of overweight people in front of a lot of disapointing diets. You really need to know- and I also say that to others internet users who are going to read my answer to your message: losing weight is not easy as we imagine. Yes losing a few kilos in a few days or weeks is not that difficult; A lot of diets can make that effect; But losing more weight is a trip to your selfcontrol and it is essential that the person who is following this method have to understand its logics. The person have to appropriate that logics; This plan have been made as a daily maproad and structured with real professionals.Moreover this method have to be efficient and quick enough to have quick and encouraging results. Moreover this plan must be followed on a protection of obtained results. That's why this method is so successful. It gives to the person who understand it a really safe way for the future, as the person haven't do all of that for nothing. His new weight is protected who give you so much promesses and advantages. So thanks a lot for your message but really think about the future and when you reach your true weight. Do not forget that the two Last phases are as important as the first two ones. Hope to see you soon on this chat again and give me some news!



Chat Script from July 9

Hello, Every day I have been drinking 11/2- 2L of water as you suggest, and in addition @ 1L of black, green and white china tea (colourful, no?), coffee, and Diet Coke. Is this too much? Should I aim to drink 1L of water, and 1L "other"? I do not suffer from water retention, but I do have to run to the ladies a lot! Thank you Dr.D and Team.
Moderatrice Hi maggiea welcome to the chat! a total of 1 1/2 l of liquid is fine so you can include tea coffee water and some diet coke in that so it is varied for you. enjoy!

Is there a limit to the amount of skim milk I can drink each day, and does the milk count towards my daily liquid intake. Thanks.
Moderatrice Hi Deedee, you can drink quarter a liter per day as a part of daily products as it's not considered as a liquid. Enjoy your coaching!

Good morning! My question is about the tolerated items. Apart from cornflour ( 1tbsp per day) and fat free cocoa ( up to 2 tsp) what are the other tolerated items, and their amounts? Is there a list? Thank you
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, the list will be soon available in the forum when it will be up (shortly). In the meantime, here's a few: fat free, sugar free fruit yogurts (2 max /day), soy yogurt (plain) (1/day), 30 g of chesse/day less than 7%), 1TS/day of low fat cream (less than 3%), 30ml of wine (for cooking only), 150 ml of soy milk/day, etc ... Just remember you can only have 2 tolerated per day. Enjoy !

when my menu mentions sandwiches is the oatbran used to make the bread instead of having he galettes on that day or as well as?
Moderatrice Dear grandmamarilyn, the amount of oat bran used for the bread must be taken off of your daily intake.

Hi, I am in Australia and am wondering if we can have the dairy farmers 99% fat free custard on the dukan diet. It has 76 cal per 100g, protein 3g, 0.9g, carb total 13.8g sugars 11.4g. I know it is a bit high in sugar but as a treat I thought maybe... Cannot find fat free yoghurt on the shelf anywhere? Thanks lovin dukan dianne xx
Moderatrice Hi diannejs, thank you for your question. You are right about the custard i'm afraid, it has too much sugar! I suggest you look in your slimming apartment for our custard recipe if you like custard! If you cannot find fat free yoghurt you can have dairy that is 98% fat free...that should be much easier to find. Enjoy!

Are we allowed sugar free chewing gum as i eat many of these a day and maybe that is why my weight is not moving
Moderatrice Dear haswel, sugar free gums are allowed, just be careful, because it can make you feel bloated ... But it is not not the reason why you weight wouldn't move ...

Good Morning. I have been on your diet for nearly 3 weeks, and am loving it. I know that squash is allowed but, specifically, is butternut squash ok? I know it is specifically excluded from some diets.
Moderatrice Dear jsa123, butternut squash is allowed on PV days during the cruise phase. Enjoy it!

I hope I remember to tune in at 8pm SydneyAustralia time tonight but if I don't here's my question. Reconsidering my weight goal, I would like to improve it by changing it. As I am 73 years old, this may mean that 'my programme' would need changing - is this possible and how do I do it? I also really appreciate the promptness of responses when I ask questions through 'Contact Us" - thank you for the help.
Moderatrice Hi limayt, thank you for your question and we are very happy that you are enjoying our coaching service! For your weight goal I advise you to reach the weight that we have suggested for you first, and nearer the time we can see how it is going so please don't worry about that now. One step at a time!

Hello, I have lactose intolerance and Im allergic to eggs (not severe but should avoid them). Is it possible to substitute to soya products instead? Thank u.
Moderatrice Dear klyuch, sorry to hear that, and yes you can use soya products as substitute, but only use the plain ones (no fruit, chocolate etc ...)

hi i am in france and can't find oat bran and dont know which products of surimi and ham are the good ones can you help please :)
Moderatrice Dear Therezitta, you can easily find oat bran at Monoprix or in organic shops. You can eat 8 surimis per day and low fat ham. Bon appetit!

My work involves travel and I am currently in the UAE I cannot find fat free cottage cheese however I can find fat free cream cheese can I use that instead.
Moderatrice Hi Haswel welcome to the chat, you can have (30g/day) of low fat cheese under 7% on the cruise phase but not the attack...

I checked the foods I did not want as my food preferences instead of those I did and now I have food recommendations that I can't follow. How can I undo this please?
Moderatrice Hi vhamilton, no problem you can change your 'excluded foods' list in your slimming apartment next to your daily report. Bon appetit!

Hi Can I eat mozzarella light or laughing cow light cheese spread ?
Moderatrice Hi adriana on the cruise phase you can have 30g a day of low fat cheese (under 7%) the laughing cow light cheese spread is included in this. Enjoy!

I have just signed up for the programme but feel unable to start as yet as I am allergic to eggs and shell both of which have been included in my attack phase
Moderatrice Dear swinter, leave shells and eggs to the side, use what you can eat instead and feel free to adapt your menus to your needs; by searching for recipes in your kitchen (recipe book). Menus are only suggestions, you can adjust it to your needs. Bon appetit!

Hi, can I eat olives (green olives) during PV days? Best Regards,
Moderatrice Dear rosebudrogan, thank you for your question. Unfortunately no you cannot have olives, one of the reasons being they are usually covered in oil! If you fancy something in vinegar you can have one or two cornichons a day as a flavouring on PV days. Enjoy!

how much soy sauce am I allowed to use as seasoning when making a stir fry?
Moderatrice Dear grandmamarilyn, salty soy sauce can be used up to your needs (just beware of water rentention as it contains some salt) but sweet soy sauce must be limited to 1 tsp a day as a tolerated.

ROY 68: Hallo, what can you do to stop being constipated? Thank you for your suggestions.
Moderatrice dear Roy you perhaps know that foods which are rich in proteins contain very little waste. For example, an egg or yoghurt does not contain any fibre at all, everything is assimilated and there is nothing left over. As there are no fats this reduces lubrication in the digestive tract. Obviously anyone who already has a tendency to become constipated will see this increase. You only need be concerned about being constipated if it becomes difficult to cope and you have pains and abdominal bloating. If this is what is happening to you, start by drinking 2 litres of water a day and make yourself drink water which contains a lot of magnesium. Then start alternating between 1 PP day (pure proteins) and 1 PV day (proteins-vegetables) so that every second day you are getting vegetables, and cook yourself vegetables with lots of fibre.Do stomach muscle exercises in sequences of 10, try doing at least 5 series of 2 lots of 10 exercises i.e. a total of 100 exercises spread out over the day. At home make sure you get 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day. If this still doesn?t work make yourself some stewed rhubarb. If after trying all this you are still constipated, go and talk to your pharmacist or your doctor.

Hello all, my programme started this morning at breakfast - rather new to the game here!
Moderatrice hello lerato1uk, welcome to the Dukan diet! I hope that you enjoy your first day, don't forget to fill out your daily report to let us know how you found it and feel free to ask any questions...

I know that the brain needs glucose - does it get enough on this diet - if so, where from? Thanks (PS Loving the diet - 6 weeks in and 19lbs lighter)
Moderatrice Dear Feebylove, the attack phase doesn't contains lot of sugar because we try to get the biggest weight loss possible, but in general sugar can be found in oat bran, dairy procducts and vegetables, in a natural way. Do not worry, the human body is a very clever machine, it knows how to handle the needs.

are diet cokes and chewing gum and brown sugar or candarel ok in the attack phase?
Moderatrice Dear therezitta, diet cokes, sugar free gums and canderel are allowed on every phase, but i'm afraid brown sugar is not.

i am going to a family lunch today to a friends new pizza restaurant. can i try the pizza he makes? if i do, do i have to start the diet tomorrow? iwant to start today :(
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, welcome to the Dukan diet. If you really want to enjoy pizza today then go for it and start the diet tomorrow without feeling guilty, it is up to you but remember there will be challenges in life like this in the future so stay strong-you can do it!

Hi! I just signed up for your programme today but im going on holiday for 2weeks in 1 weeks time. Will that be a problem?? many thanks XX Worried XX
Moderatrice Hi afsaneh1982 welcome to the programme! Do not worry about your holiday, try not to have too many lapses and if you can fill out some daily reports so we can see how you are doing. Don't be worried enjoy your holiday!

I know that it is allowed to use up to 1 teaspoon of oil to make a salad dressing but I never dress salads so could that teaspoon of oil be used to make a stir fry instead?
Moderatrice Dear Grandma, welcome with me today! Yes you are allowed to use your oil teaspoon as you like. The most important thing is to not take more than this teaspoon for the whole day. I have read your file and I could see that you are really brave to follow my diet. As it is really difficult for you to move easily. Do what you can, but you must know that I am looking at you carefully. You really can count on me as much as you want. Please take care and I hope to hear from you soon.

In the eastern suburbs of Sydney the only Quark I have found is from Queensland and sold in a small grocery shop - supermarkets don't have it. It has 9.6g fat per 100g (6.2g saturated), 1.4 sugars and98.0mg sodium. Is this Quark suitable for the Dukan diet? Also, I have not been able to find any 0% fat cottage cheese and is cottage cheese like 'fromage frais'? Fromage frais is also unavailableThe low fat cottage cheese contains 2.5g fat per 100g, 5..3g sugar and 126mg sodium - is this OK for the diet? As far as dairy goes there is only O% yoghurt available. I am hoping that the Quark and cottage cheese available will be suitable. Thank you for your support.
Moderatrice Hi limayt, a rule that might help you is that all dairy products under 97-98% fat are ok... you should be able to find yoghurts easily and the low fat cottage cheese sounds fine. Hope this helps you!

Good morning, How much water, tea, coffee, diet coke should we be drinking in TOTAL per day? I can drink 1 1/2L of water, the almost the same in green, white and black tea, as well as a glass of diet coke and one black coffee. Is that too much liquiid? Thank you Dr D & Team
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, it is a very good thing that you drink so much, especially when it's hot outside. If you tend to have water retention, try and limit to 2 L per day. If not, drink to your needs, just be careful not to tire your kidneys too much... Cheers!

can i eat any kind of surimis? becausei read on the ingredients that they have potatos and sugar..
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, surimi has a small amount of carbs but they are also very high in protein and are an excellent snack. If you really like them do not eat more than 8 a day. enjoy!

Hi, how can I access the forums on this website?
Moderatrice Dear jessiboo21 (what a nice name ;) ), the forum will be running very soon, our IT team are working on it and we all hope here, at The Dukan diet, that we will be able to offer you a good service. Just be patient...

Also, are sweet potatoes and pumpkin allowed on PV days in the Cruise Phase?
Moderatrice Dear joierisk, pumpkin is allowed on PV days during the cruise phase, but sweet potatoes are only allowed on the consolidation phase, as carbs. Enjoy!

i ate a pizza yesterday but i lost 1 kg today. will i gain it tomorrow? can i drink diet coke in the attack phase? i am in france, which crab surimi product is the best one for the attack phase?
Moderatrice hi therezitta, ok so you had a lapse yesterday, this will affect your diet but do not worry about it just move on...yes you can drink diet coke but try not to get too used to the sweet taste and make sure you drink lots of water too! There are many surimi products available at french supermarkets...enjoy eating!

First, I am really excited. I joined the program last night and am looking forward to achieve what I haven't managed for years: get below 90 kg! But I also need to be careful about my blood sugar levels which started playing up during pregnancy. I should be fine during the attack phase but how about the rest of your programme?
Moderatrice Dear Lerato, this is your first day and I am glad that you feel really excited! I understand really well your blood sugar problem. You must know that my diet find his best benefit in diabetes especially if you practise enough physical exercices and walk. About the rest of my programme you are going to add vegetables really soon on the Cruise phase. Then you will on the track until you reach your True weight. At that time be sure that your blood sugar rate will be perfect. Have a nice day and do not forget to walk!

Good Morning, Can we use wheat bran in recipes in addition to our friend oat bran? Thank you.
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, thank you for your question. Please find in your recipe book in your slimming apartment recommended recipes that use wheat bran, in most cases a very small amount is used with oatbran. Happy cooking!

when is fruit allowed to eat?
Moderatrice Dear afsaneh1982, fruits are allowed only in the consolidation phase (1 fruit/day).

Can we use "Splenda" the sucralose based sweetener? Is it like aspartame?
Moderatrice Dear hugh_5, yes, sucralose based sweeteners are allowed. Enjoy!

how can I access the forums? and also, do you know where Ican buy fat-free cocoa powder? and are flavourings and sugarfree syrups ok to have freely? (the syrups are sugar/fat/caloriefree)
Moderatrice Hi jessiboo21, glad to see you made it to the chat! The forums are not yet up and running but will be soon, in the meantime feel free to ask us questions here and by email. Yes you are free to use the sugarfree flavourings as you like but usually a few drops of essence is enough, for example vanilla with yoghurt. Fat free coca powder should be available from your heath food shop or perhaps at a larger supermarket. Enjoy!

Hi! I have just started the programme and Im going on holiday in 1 week..I dont think I will have any problems eating meat and salad for 2 weeks but what about alcolhol? is vodka shots really that bad??/Should I stop the diet?
Moderatrice Dear afsaneh, I understand your concern about alcohol, as it is really not allowed in our diet. Try some little mind tricks like having diet sodas or flavoured sparkling waters ... And if you really can't help it, try to just have one glass of wine and drink more water the following day and increase your physical activity.

i have been eatig surage/fat free jelly as my sweet fix. is this ok?
Moderatrice Hi jessieboo21, yes sugarfree jelly is allowed-a good idea for a sweet treat!

Is it possible to do strenuous exercise (lots of running and weights) in the gym during the cruise phase? I have been feeling much lacking energy so would like to know whether you reccomend this?
Moderatrice Dear joierisk, exercise is really good for you but as you have already noticed, because you lack of carbs and sugar, the energy needed when you do some sport is a little low... Obviously the best would be to do less efforts but you can also eat one dukan galette before your session, and even, in case of high intensity, have one fruit during your session.

How about fructose, is that allowed?
Moderatrice Dear lerato1uk, fructose is not allowed at all. It increase fat stocks in your midriff area and it contains glucides.

I'm just curious as to why you chose Thursdays.
Moderatrice Dear Maggiea, that's a really good question! At the beginning of the consolidation phase concept I wanted to install a sentinel day to protect the rest of the week. So I asked my patients to do a day per week of pure proteins. I noticed that my patients were doing it during a few weeks and then little by little they started to change that day and then were choosing this day in function of their social life. At the end they were all giving up. So I decided to prescribe a really precise day. In France Thursday is called "jeudi" and for me and my patients, "jeudi" = "jour J" like the D day. Suddenly that day has become a ritual and then has been well followed on a long term. Have a nice day and when you will be on this phase I hope that on Thursdays you will be with me!

Can I include some fruit during the cruise phase??
Moderatrice Dear KAte, fruit are being introduced only on the consolidation phase, but it's not allowed on the cruise phase. However, during your PV days, you can have up to 100 grams of rhubarb (no sugar added). Enjoy!

Hi and thank you so much for your Dukan Diet. I totally believe in it as the answer to having a normal life firstly because I don't really get that anxious "I'm on a diet feeling" that is so common whenever I tried every diet concievable to man. I am totally trusing that the ebb and tide of my weight is as you say, normal. I went on the program for a week of attack before I signed up for coaching and initially lost 3 kilos so my chart doen not acurately reflect my success. I now have two and a half kilos to lose and its going very slow. My question is have you heard of Green Cofee Plus which I have taken for the last three morning because it is supposed to give energy. Part of my ebbing and tidings have been mistakes ie. out for dinner and ordered a diet coke which should have been served with a can to observe but found out later that it was full sugar coke. Also in Australia our yogurts are not fat free. Occasionally I have gone for the wrong yogurt by mistake and half way through have noticed a difference in the flavour so have discarded of course. My only other comment is that there is no where that I can share that I would love a piece of pie when reporting and also when I do my report in the morning for the day before my resolve is so strong and I have forgotten what it was that I missed. Anyway, thank you again and I am coming to France in October so perhaps I should come and meet you. I have told so many people about your fantastic program. Cheers
Moderatrice Dear Leonske, thank you for your questions and it makes us very happy to know that you are enjoying the diet. Firstly, well done for the weight you lost before starting the diet but don't worry about that and your chart, what matters now is us helping you reach your true weight and that you can enjoy seing your weight chart go down from now! You mention lapses, yes as you know these do have an effect so try and be careful but sometimes like with the coke in the restaurant these things happen! You say you are having trouble finding 0% dairy, don't worry you are ok to eat any dairy that has less than 97-98% fat. Green cofee plus is fine to drink. Make sure you drink water too. If you think it would work better for you then you can fill out your report in the evening, it is open all day to work for you so please enjoy we will get there together!


are diet sweets, chewing gum,...etc ok for the attack phase?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, sugar free chewing gum and sugar free sweets are fine but don't have more than 4 sweets a day.

Thank you for answering my questions. i feel better now :)
Moderatrice Dear jessiboo21, you are very welcome, glad you are feeling better and don't hesitate to ask any more questions. You can do it!

Thank you for your answer Hannah, but you have not fully answered my question. I am drinking 1 1/2 L water AND 1 1/2L of tea, coffee, diet coke so that's 3L in total. Is that too much?
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, sorry if i was not clear. Yes 3L is too much, your TOTAL liquid intake should be 1 1/2L

thank you for the info on liquid.. Like maggiea I also drink more than 2L per day - is this the reason that my weight not going down as fast as I thought it would and is on a plateau. should I ration myself to 2L per day?
Moderatrice Dear limayt, are you sure to eliminate correctly? Because drinking is good but only if you do not suffer from water rentention. Here's a few tips: Ration to 2L, avoid salty foods (ham, bresaole etc...) and smoked fish and canned tin products. let me know how it goes!

i didnt read any instructions about oat bran in the attack phase. so how much should i take and is it ok in the attack phase? do i have to take it everyday?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, in the attack phase you can have 1 1/2 tbs a day and yes it is good to have it everyday, try making a galette or having it in some yoghurt. Enjoy!

hi, i really want to know if diet sugar chewing gum and diet coke and candarel sugar are ok in the attack phase??
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, thank you for your question. yes you can have all of those things in the attack phase. Enjoy!

hi i was just wondering when should i fill in the report. i know its best to weigh myself in the morning, and the measurments too. but should i fill in the report everymorning for the day before? lik fill in yesterdays report thismorning? i am sorry i am a bit lost its only my second day :)
Moderatrice Dear Therezitta, the best way to give me your daily weight is to weight yourself every morning when you wake up just after having been to the toilets. This morning weight is the most useful mark because this weight is independant from what you have eaten and drink. Please give me this weight in your daily report every evening; it's really important for me to know your daily results. Have a nice day and keep going!

HI there great diet on the measurements where it says both thighs is that individually and added together or both thighs measured together .
Moderatrice Hi there Natybr, yes the measurements are for both thighs together. Our apologies if that wasn't clear!

I am enjoying following the diet but I have a problem in that I have a new daughter in law and when I call to see her she has always made some cake or pastry for me, I am due to visit again this weekend and Ido not want to hurt the relationship by not eating this, will I have to start the diet again from the beginning?
Moderatrice Dear Francescadawson, I so understand you... The best way to deal with this "problem" and not hurt the new relationship is ... Honesty! Talk to your daughter in law, tell her you have found a new method to lose weight, and that you really want to do it properly and who knows, she might even feel releaved as she might as well want to go lighter on the sweet cakes ... May be you can even bond with her over this? Stick to your diet, make yourself your n°1 priority! And let me know how it goes!

Hi all, on average how long does a stagnation period last?
Moderatrice Hi Eryn It shouldn?t go on for longer than 6 days, any longer than that you need to find the reason or what is causing it. Keep going!

When will Dr. Dukan be joining us for a Live Chat?
Moderatrice Dear Maggiea, I'm here in flesh and bones!!! I'm glad that you ask about me! You have to know that you can ask me any question about the good understanding of your diet, food, exercise, motivation and emotional consequences of your diet. Have a nice day!

I'm so pleased you are with us Dr. Dukan! You are a genius, a saviour and a diet angel all inone man! Thank you for your help.

Dear Pierre, my sister has brought me back some "oatie" biscuits and each biscuit contains 1g of protein, 2.8 g of sugar, 2.7g of fats, including 1.2g of saturated fats and traces of salt (65 calories per biscuit). I suspect that they aren?t at all good for the diet but if I?m desperate for a treat is this really bad?...in fact what I mean is that at the moment I?m getting cravings (my brain makes me salivate if I so much as think of food), I am not giving in but at the moment it?s all getting a bit hard so I allow myself one biscuit per day, are you really annoyed with me for doing this? It could balance out the days when I stick exactly to the diet...anyway if you tell me off and say that I can?t have them I will understand and I?ll start working towards my goal again with great determination...thanks for taking a couple of minutes to read my message, you must be bombarded with messages like this all the time and you always give such lovely answers! Thank you for everything.
Moderatrice Charlotteb, you are wonderful! I?m not some sort of ogre. If you promise me that the rest of the day will be perfect then of course you can have your small reward, I will gladly agree to it as you have a way of asking for things that hardly anyone could resist!

Are fat free fruit yoghurt ok? It is Aviva and it says its fat free but still contains calories and sugar..confused ? because if theya re allowed as much as i like..I would be the happiest bunny!
Moderatrice Hi afsaneh1982 thank you for your question. Fat free fruit flavoured yoghurt is ok but not the ones that contain fruit bits. You can have one of these a day but try to avoid them. The yoghurt will contain calories and sweetener so don't worry about that.

Hello Dr Dukan I was wondering if baked beans are considered as a protein and whether I can eat them on the Cruise phase? Thank you Mary
Moderatrice Dear Maryvincent, I'm afraid but you cannot eat baked beans until the consolidation phase; Baked beans have got a lot of proteins but contain too much sugars. Keep going!

I find it a bit hard to plan what I will bring to work to eat for lunch when im only been given the directions in the same morning. Any tips on how I can plan my food better? Im so afraid that because I wont have time to plan, I will stick to the same food all the time and then get bored.. ?
Moderatrice Dear Afsaneh, you put your finger on a good question. What I send you are suggestions in the case of you can plan your meals. Apparently it seems difficult for you to plan your meals and you are not alone in that case. You probably know that when you are on PP you are allowed to eat 72 foods. The advantage of my diet is that you can choice among this food 2 or 3 for the lunch time. That means that you have got a lot of choice. For instance you can bring your oat bran "galette" with very low fat cottage cheese, a slice of smoked salmon, ham, yogurts, crab sticks, boiled eggs, tin tuna. and so on. I'm going to tell you a secret: you can go to a fast food and order a big burger. Squeeze the bun to get the juice out and then pull the meat out with your teeth. Eat the whole meat but do not forget to throw the bread away. Please keep that secret for you! Have a nice day and bon appetit!!!

Hi,when you?re having a period and for a few days afterwards is it normal to stop losing any more weight and even to put a bit back on? Even if you?ve been following your dieting instructions to the letter and haven?t done anything you shouldn?t? Thank you! Have a good day.
Moderatrice Dear Big Mom yes, usually 5 to 6 days before a period starts, the hormones that accumulate for your cycle make female tissue spongy so that it easily retains water, becomes engorged, your breasts feel swollen and this all ends with some weight gain. Always bear in mind that 1 litre of water weighs around 2 lbs or 1 kg. Please take care!










July 16 Chat With Dr. Dukan

Good morning everyone ! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 16th of July, welcome to our live chat !All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to reply to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Hannah, Sonja and Jessica. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

The book says you can do this if you have a 'little' weight to lose, what would be a little weight?
Moderatrice Hi SuzieW, thank you for your question. The diet is suitable for people wanting to lose a couple of Kg upwards.

In new zealand we do not have Fromage Frais. What do you recommend to use instead? Quark is also very hard to get anywhere as it is not used in NZ. Thank you
Moderatrice Dear Lucylala, if you really can't find any fromage frais or quark, try with fat free sugar free plain yogurt; in which you can add herbs, salt and pepper as a sauce or even as a dip for your vegetables. Enjoy!

Can this be made with water instead of egg?
Moderatrice Dear SuzieW, if you are talking about the Dukan galette, you can use egg substitute (in organic shops) instead of eggs, you can have up to the equivalent of two eggs per day.

I take Evening Primrose Oil and Omega 3 supplements - will this cause any slow down issues with my diet?
Moderatrice Hi SuzieW, Evening Primrose Oil is not allowed because of the oil, but you can take omega 3 supplements.

I know I can have onions and shallots on pp days but are leeks allowed on these days or not?
Moderatrice Hi grandmarilyn, no save the leeks for your PV days!

is there any way I can substitute some sort of lemon flavouring instead of the orange blossom water to make a lemon cheesecake instead of an orange flavoured one?
Moderatrice Dear grandmamarilyn, you can absolutly use the lemon flavouring instead of the orange blossom water if you like it!

when you mention using unsweetened rhubarb if there is constipation does that mean it cannot even be sweetened with artificial sweetener i.e.splenda?
Moderatrice Dear grandmamarilyn, you can use sweetener for the rhubarb, no problem. Enjoy!

is sugar free angel delight allowed on cruise phase?
Moderatrice Hi grandmamarilyn, no sorry no angel delight is allowed but please look in your recipe book for other mousse and custard recipes which you can enjoy

when it says yeast in the bread recipes is this fresh or dried? I can only buy the dried yeast
Moderatrice Hi grandmamarilyn, yes dried yeast is fine for the bread. Enjoy!

Hello Pierre and Team Can you tell me if we are allowed two tolerated items with a full "dose "of each? Like 30g of <7% cheese,and 10 mls of light coconut milk? Thanks
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, first of all you should know that light coconut milk is not allowed, it contains too much fat. As for the tolerated, you can use the full dosage; ie, have your 30g of less than 7% fat cheese and a fruit flavored 0% yogurt during the day. Just remember no more than 2 tolerated a day.

in the pure protein day. is it ok to eat the onions, small tomato pieces .... that are put around in the plate of my protein?and is balsamic vinegar ok to be used in both pp and pv days? cause i put ALOT of balsamic vinegar in my salads. ALOT i love it! is it correct to use the balsamic vinegar in the restaurants? or does contain a lot of sugars?
Moderatrice Dear Therezitta, You can eat onion as a seasonning when you are on PP but no tomatoes I'm afraid. You can use a small teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Hi, I?d like to know if the plain or vegetable soy burgers sold in supermarkets are allowed. Thanks
Moderatrice Dear SD040, you can have soy burgers, just have the plain ones for the PP days and leave the vegetables ones for the PV days.

On our food menus there are three dishes listed within each menu. Are we meant to eat all three in any one of them?
Moderatrice Hi SuzieW, the menus you are given are for inspiration as much as anything and you are given starter main and dessert suggestions. You can eat them in any combination you like to give yourself a balance. Enjoy!

Hello, l am on day 12 of the diet - and have only just started using the oatbran (couldn't find it) - and am feeling bloated - does oat bran cause bloating initially?
Moderatrice Dear Adam, It happens sometimes. You are maybe a bit intolerent to this product. Please let me know if you keep being in that state and we will find a solution together. Keep going!

Hi, As i live in australia what is the alternative to "quark"?
Moderatrice Dear ambi0482, if you can't find any quark, try to get some low fat cottage cheese (no more than 2%) or some fat free sugar free plain yogurt.

Hi, Can we drink any sort of juice on the diet?? IE: Pinapple, cranberry, orange?? Thankyou
Moderatrice Hi ambi0482, thank you for your question, no sorry no fruit juice is allowed. You can enjoy some diet fruit flavoured drinks as long as they are sugar free and there is no more than 1 calorie per glass.

Re the galette, I would like to make it water if poss because I want to use my eggs as scambled on top of galette - can it (galette) be made with water?
Moderatrice Dear SuzieW, you can try to just use the whites for the galette and then leave the full eggs for your scrambled eggs. Bon appetit!

hi you once said we should take sorbitol or xylitol. but all the diet sweets contain around this same list: sweetners (sorbitol, Maltitol syrup, aspartame, acesulfame k, Sucralose), gum base, flavouring, humectant (glycerol), emulsifier (e322), colour (e141), antioxidant (e321). so thats the sugarfree trident chewing gum. and i checked all other sweets and they contain 90% the same ingredients. which products do u think i can consume?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, thank you for your question. Don't worry as long as the sweets are sugar free they are fine, but try to only have a maximum of 4 per day and a maximum of ten sugar free gum sticks.

hi sonja you said one small teaspoon of balsamic vinegar ! but when i saw in the food recepies that i can put 5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar i started using it alot more. so i have been putting around 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in my salad. ? :s
Moderatrice Dear Therezitta, as the recipes can be for more than one person that's why there is so much of the quantities! Enjoy your cooking!

Hello All, Can you tell me whether headache and diarrhoea are expected side effects of the diet please? If so, when are they expected to subside? Many thanks
Moderatrice Dear anzabananza, the best for you is to go and see your doctor about it just to be sure, and let us know via your email in your slimming apartment.

hi there. Just started the program today - feeling motivated, but a bit daunted by the cruise phase. 99 days of alternating PP and PV - but i'm not sure if i understood correctly that on the PV days i can only have green vegetables? Is that correct, or can i have all sorts of vegetables including tomatoes? Thanks!
Moderatrice Hi joannedesmier, welcome to the chat! That is fantastic that you are feeling motivated! Don't be daunted, you can do it and we are here to help! On PV days you can eat proteins AND vegetables, for a full list please look in your slimming apartment>kitchen>fridge. Enjoy your coaching!

When are we allowed to have some fresh fruit, full of vitamins? I gave in and ate a small apricot, is this a sin or a lapse...?
Moderatrice Dear Cleo, you will be allowed to eat fruits again on the consolidation phase. Don't worry and keep going!

Further to the evening primrose oil questions - how significant is the impact of taking the supplement on the effect of the diet - l take it for menopausal symptoms
Moderatrice Dear adamiddl, taking evening primrose oil will slow down your weight loss because it is an oil, perhaps you can talk to you doctor about an alternative herbal treatment...

Hi - when I eat fruit as suggested in my coaching notes - a once off event - do i record it as a lapse in my daily report. I have done so far. Thanks. Jules
Moderatrice Dear jxb3054, if this is a one off joker, you don't need to record it in your lapses. Now fruits are not allowed on the cruise phase so try not to eat any.

I am on day 7 of the Cruise and am having constipation problems, although I am using oat bran. Laxative pills make me feel bad. (I have diveticulitis) What can I do ?Sue M.
Moderatrice Dear suemiller, stop the oat bran as it is not indicated in your condition, get some low fat soy dairy products and on PV days, have some cooked vegetables until you get better

Hi What is the recipie for dukan mayonaise? and also on on the PV stage now can i eat dukan loaf?
Moderatrice Hi ambi0482, please find the recipe in your recipe book in your kitchen in your slimming apartment. You can eat the dukan loaf on PP and PV days

Hi - I don't eat seafood at all and it's not a problem for me in relation to the cruising phase that I am currently in. How can I exclude the seafood options from the menu suggestions each day? Thanks. Jules
Moderatrice Dear jxb3054, if you go to your recipe book, you can search for recipes excluding the seafoods.

Hello. I'm getting ready to start the diet on Monday. I see that there are "Palm Hearts" in my cupboard in my slimming apartment. Are these allowed during the attack phase?
Moderatrice Dear Nathalie, thanks for joining us! Well you will be able to eat palm hearts only one the Cruise phase. For the moment enjoy the PP recipes of the recipe book of your slimming apartment!

hi - is the dukan gallette the same thing as the oat bran crepe that is allowed for breakfast? thanks
Moderatrice Dear joannedesmier, yes it is the same! Dukan galette or oat bran crepe!

Do you have a gram equivalent of the tbsp measurement for dry ingredients like oatbran? A level tbsp is nowhere near 15g in weight. I've been eating 2 level tbsp ob a day. Is that right?
Moderatrice Hi maggiea, thank you for your question. If you like you can eat a bit more oatbran as a heaped tablespoon is about 15g.on the cruise phase you can have two tbs a day.

Any suggestions about bad breath because of all the protein
Moderatrice Dear adamiddl, you can have sugar free gums (just be careful not to eat too much to avoid the bloating effect) and drink a lot of water.

Morning Dukan Team - How much skimmed milk powder are we allowed per day? It is so useful in cooking.Thank you.
Moderatrice Dear Maggie, you can have three table spoon per day max. Enjoy your cooking!

hi, is nuts, hazelnuts, cashewnuts, almond...etc ok in the cruise phase? pp? or pv? and is pop corn ok in movies? :)
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, no sorry, no nuts allowed and no popcorn either sorry! Please be inspired in your recipe book for suitable snacking foods.

Hi again. I am only a few weeks into making changes to my eating habits (better than saying dieting if it's truly for life). I find the suggested menu options are quite European and I wonder if at some stage in the future, you may consider additions to the menu options that may be more Asian / Pacific Rim in flavour? Sometimes I need a little inspiration! Thanks. Jules
Moderatrice Dear Jxb, that's right our menus are a bit European but now that the forum is open you will be able to find a lot of overseas recipes! Do not hesitate to come and to post if you have any of good recipes!

i am so excited with this diet!!! i lost 4 kilograms in only one week! its amazing! i am loving it alot! and i want all my friends to do it!! i am buying them your book to take back in egypt. :). i am also extremely happy with the forums, as u see i have many many questions, and i wait for the chat as usual.so thanks for every little thing you do for us! so now i started drink a glass of diet coke per day. yesterday i drank two small bottles of diet coke. i dont know why. i was trying to swap it instead of drinking wine. so how much coke is too much per day? cause i have been the same weight for 3 days now :(
Moderatrice Dear therezitta, first of all congratulations on your success, wow 4 kilos in a week, your are a real champion! Now that being said you must know weight loss is not an exact science and you can't always lose the same amount every week, it is normal that it slows down a bit... You can have diet coke as much as you want, just be careful because it can make you feel bloated and it has a little laxative effect... Thank you for all your compliments and I'm looking forward to seeing you on the forum that is now open!

I am a very big fan of french fries or chips or even the vegetable chips!!! and ice cream or sorbets, and i really miss them. how and when and how many times and which products am i allowed as tolerated food? i also eat 2 eggs per day, is that too much for my health?I eat 2 to 3 fruit yogurts per day, and here where i am now in the uk, most fruit yogurts have the fruit jam with small bits on the bottom of the fat free yogurt, so is it alot to consume all that ?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta. Firstly sorry you are just going to have to forget about chips for now! As for missing icecream, you can try to freeze some low fat yoghurt which tastes just as good so I advise trying that. As for your egg intake, if you have no cholesterol you can have one egg yolk a day and as many egg whites as you like.You cannot have the yoghurts with the jam, especially in the UK it is easy to find plain 0% yoghurts and fruit flavoured yoghurts without bits. You can have a maximum of two low fat yoghurts with fruit pieces but try to avoid these.

Hello There is a lot of discussion on the FB page regarding bread, and whether we could add wheat gluten flour (per 1/4 cup - Calories: 120kcal
Moderatrice Dear maggiea, you must know that although our Facebook page is the official ones, we can not moderate every post on it, and unfortunatly, sometimes what is being said is not true. So i'm sorry bread is not allowed at all during the first two phases, attack and cruise. But the good news is, the faster you will lose your weight, the faster you'll get to the consolidation phase where, oh miracle, you'll have some bread! Just hang in there, your efforst will soon be rewarded!

thanks jessica for your clarification about the oat bran crepe in answer to my last question - please could you also tell me if on the attack phase you are allowed more that one of these per day? Also i have the list of ingredients to make it but is it cooked in the oven or in a pan on the hob? is it the same thing as the dukan brioche? thanks so much!
Moderatrice Dear joannedesmier, you can have up to 1,5 galette per day during the attack phase. To cook it, the best and the quickest is the pan but you can do it in the oven. And no it is not the same as the Dukan brioche, you can find the recipe in your apartment. Enjoy!

-i am currently in holidays, so i go to restaurants everyday because i am in a hotel for one month. so is there anything i have to take care of from restaurants?-and in salads. is it ok to eat olives? corn? feta cheese?  -is the quaker oats good? its not written on it oat BRAN? -its 2 to 3 cups of coffee latte with skimmed milk too much?-how many candarel sugar bits should i use per day?\
Moderatrice Hi again therezitta. As you are on holiday you have to be quite careful as most restaurant food is prepared with a lot of oil and sauce. So to start, ask for your food to come without sauce and be careful with salads as they often contain a lot of oil. No to corn, olives and feta cheese i'm afraid.Quaker oats in NOT the same thing as oatbran so do not eat those please. You are fine to drink coffee with skimmed milk as long as you are not adding sugar! you can use sweetener to your taste.Enjoy your holiday!

Do you have any updates on the opening of the forums, it would be great and inspirational to chat to fellow Dukans :)
Moderatrice Dear SuzieW, good news for you: THE FORUM IS NOW OPEN! So come and join us and the other dukanians, looking forward to see you there!

Thanks again Dr DUKAN for all that you are doing, are artichokes a vegetable I should avoid or not?
Moderatrice Dear Seren43, thank you for your compliments, Pierre Dukan is sitting next to us right now and is delighted! As for artichoke, only the leaves are allowed on PV days.

I have been on the Attack Phase for 7 days; without cheating and I have only lost 2lbs, why have a not lost more and what can I do? Should I continue with the Attack Phase or go on to the cruise phase?
Moderatrice Dear Boston, yes of course it's not enough. Usually you might have lost 4 pounds. If you really haven't cheat you must do water retention. Maybe you are going to have your periods or you are maybe eating too much salty food. Don't be afraid, water is different than fat, because it is not installed in your body so it comes and go away quite easily. Wait for a few days, please reduce the salt and for four days don't drink more than one litre of liquid. Please come back to me to confirm my opinion. Have a nice day.

Whoop whoooop thank you Jessica :D
Moderatrice Whoop whoop, you're welcome !!

how much candarel sweetner m i allowed to use per day?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, do not have more than 8 doses of sweetener per day

Do you mean that I should definitely not eat oat bran because of having diveticulitis ? Sue M
Moderatrice Dear suemiller, yes, stop the oat bran to avoid irritating more...

Can we eat these on PV days? And also a few sesame seeds? They are accompaniments to Sushi.
Moderatrice Dear Maggiea, you have forgotten to tell me which type of food you are talking about on PV days. As sesame is concerned you may use only a very small pinch, if it can really help you. Please write back to me for the food you have forgotten to tell me. Have a nice day.

again is sorbets ok in pp or pv? like lemon sorbet from baskin robbins? or mango sorbet :)??thank you all for your help :)
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, sorry regular sorbets are not allowed mainly because of the sugar content. Try freezing some low fat fruit flavoured yoghurts.

Hello Pierre Dukan, yes I started the diet a couple of days before my period and so I have been on my period during the Attack Phase. I have been drinking atleast 1.5 litres of water a day. Should i start the cruise phase or carry on with a couple more Attack days? thanks again
Moderatrice Dear Boston, please start your Cruise phase ans follow your advices carefully. Have a nice day.
Doctor, do you allow us to sprinkle brewer?s yeast powder on our vegetables? It adds lots of flavour and is good for the skin.
Moderatrice Hi Dudu10, thank you for your question. Yes you can sprinkle a small amount on your food for added flavour. Enjoy!

I started on Monday and have lost 4lbs since then - I love you, I love you :)
Moderatrice Dear Suzie, I'm as glad as you for this result., and so proud to read that you love me. You must be really pleased by this result to have such a nice reaction. Be sure that from my side you are close to my heart. Have a nice day.

what amount of rhuburb can be eaten - how may grams approximately and should it be eaten during the evening?
Moderatrice Dear adamiddl, you can have up to 100 grams per day of rhubarb during the PV days.

Good evening from Oz. During the first couple of weeks in the cruise phase my weight was up and down like a yoyo. For the last four days it has been exactly the sam. Is this a good sign of plateau weight? Or should the weight change reduce more often? I am getting discouraged and will be more so if it is the same tomaorrow because I'm doing everythin right!
Moderatrice Dear Limay, what you are living right now with your weight is possible when the Attack phase produced an impressive weight loss. After such a weight loss, the body needs a time to accept and digerate this. What you have to do now is to start a four days proteins. Drink 2 litres of liquids per day, eat as less salty as possible, walk an hour a day and ask for a vegetal drainer and come back to me on the fifth day, I'm sure that you will have broken this plateau. I'm waiting for you.

so i was using the wrong normal oat thinking its oat bran. but i still lost 4 kilos in a week. and i still cant find the oat BRAN :( so whats the solution :)?thanks again and again! i love u all!! mwah
Moderatrice Dear therezitta, you can order oat bran on the online shop: http://www.maboutiqueregimedukan.com as it gets delivered around the world .... And congratulations again!

is cinnimon powder ok on the oat bran with yogurt in pp and pv days?
Moderatrice Hi therezitta, yes you can have a pinch of cinnamon powder with the oatbran and yoghurt in PP and PV days. I encourage you to use herbs and spices to make your food as interesting as possible. Enjoy!

Thanks for having chat with us!! This will be the last question!
I have read about people losing 4kg in week...l have lost 2.3 kgs in 12 days of the 5.2kg lose needed. I have not cheated - why is my rate so much slower?
Moderatrice Dear Adam, yes it is possible to lose 4 kilos in a week but usually that type of result can be possible only on people who have a lot of weight to lose ( more than 20 kilos). As far as you are concerned 2.3 kilos in 12 days is a good result, especially for you who haven't a lot of weight to lose. Do not consider the fact of losing weight as a speed race, the most important is not to reach your true weight quickly but to protect it slowly but forever. congratulations again for the 2.3 kilos be convinced of that. Keep in touch with me for the following days. Have a nice day.








July 23 Chat

mod : Good morning everyone ! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 23rd of July, welcome to our live chat !All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy, Hannah,Jessica and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

xmasbubbie : I try to maintain a gluten free diet. I do not eat wheat,rye,oats, or barley. I feel better when I avoid these. When I do take a little get abdominal soreness and bloating. I ask because I have not taken the oat bran or wheat bran. Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Hi xmasbubbie, if you get sick as you described, just keep aside the oat bran and wheat bran. If you follow your other instructions, you will manage to lose weight don't worry about that. Have a nice coaching !

xmasbubbie : why is pork and lamb restricted? Ham is included. If these meats are lean would it be okay?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi xmasbubbie,Thanks for your message. Yes pork and lamb are restricted because they are too fatty. Some ham is ok without the rind because it is taken from the leanest part of the pig.

maggiea : Hello DrD & Team My question is about endamame beans ( soya). Are they allowed? They come in their pod, cooked with sashimi as a salad. Thank you
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Maggiea, This beans are not allowed during the first two phases I'm sorry; But you can eat seaweed without any problem! Enjoy!

weetyt : when in a rush can you eat soya milk puddings ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi weetyt, I do not fully understand what you mean by soya milk puddings... If it a soya yogurt without sugar then you are allowed one but it would also have to be under 3% fat...

suki234 : I cannot find how to make Dukan mayonnaise, the search just tells me what to use it with.Where do I find it?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi suki234, you can find the recipe in your cupboard. Enjoy!

claudesy : I'm a bit confused I haven't felt the need to eat any oatbran but are you supposed to be eating some every day or does it matter?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello claudesy, if you don't follow a gluten-free diet, I sincerely advise you to have oatbran everyday. Just think about it, you can add it to dairies product or use it for our delicious Dukan recipes.

sueden : I can only find wheat bran or oat flakes here in Spain can I use these instead of oat bran.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Sueden! Wheat bran is fine but cannot replace oat bran. Oat flakes are not allowed I'm sorry; You can order some oat bran on the boutique of our French website!

grandmamarilyn : I keep filling in my daily reports with no lapses and am happy with the diet and highly motivated to lose the weight but all that is happening since joining the website is that my weight just keeps goingup and down within the same few pounds. am I doing something wrong? I did manage to lose a few pounds using the book prior to the website coming online but not getting anywhere since then. surely the weight should be starting to reduce by now even though I do have fluid retention which I take medication for. please help!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi grandmamarilyn,You are doing so well with your high motivation and not doing lapses, it is possible that you are suffering from water retention. For the next few days try reducing your salt intake and try taking some natural drainers (suggestions can be found in your slimming apartment>my pharmacy.) Let us know how you get on and don't worry!

MariaTJ : Good evening all, from a cold evening in Australia
Moderatrice hannah : Good evening MariaTJ, welcome to the chat!

MariaTJ : Pork is very lean in Australia and is often called white meat. I wonder if there is a different in the process over here too.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi MariaTJ, thanks for your question. Pork can be called white meat in the UK too but is still too fatty for this diet... sorry!

jellyspicy : Is <12% lean steak mince too fatty?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi jellyspicy, welcome to the chat! Yes it is i'm afriad, try to find mince between 5-10% fat

W_Andrea : Hi - My husband and I are both on the diet and we're both on the cruise phase. He's finding that his joints have a bit of tingly ache. He does drink more than 2L of water with the diet. Would you know why? Should he see a doctor? Thanks
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear W_Andrea, in any case it is best that you see your doctor about it, it is not normal or acceptable to ache. It might have nothing to do with the diet and the best way to find out is for your husband to go and see his/your doctor. Let us know how it goes.

NataliePGTH : Good morning! I am a little bit confused about allowed foods. I am in the cruising phase. I see in the recipe book that there are deserts with raspberries or other fruits. I did not think these were allowed in the cruise phase. Also, I thought we were limited to 2 tsp of oat bran per day, but some recipes call for oat bran as an ingredient. Does that mean I have to skip the Dukan galette if I choose to have one of these deserts? Thank you! PS - Already 5kg down!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello NataliePGHT, first of all congrats for your weight loss, continue on this way! Our sweet recipes do sometimes contain fruit flavourings but not fresh fruits. As you said, fruits are only allowed in the consolidation phase. Moreover, you can have up to 2 Tbsp oat bran per day, all recipes included. So if you cook the Dukan galette, you won't be allowed to use this ingredient once more. Thanks for your question and have a nice coaching!

Archy5 : Hi just joined yesterday. Can i eat QUORN sausages and QUORN chicken pieces. They can be bought in Tesco or ASDA. Thank you.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Archy5, you can have 100g of these products a day. Enjoy!

maggiea : Hello Team, I have read that the occasional merguez sausage is allowed , as long as it is cooked well to release as much fat as possible. Is this true? Also, the occasional 5cl dose of light coconut milk as a sauce for seafood? It has some fat but one needs so little.The week I had it, I lost 2.5 lbs!
Moderatrice Jessica : Hello maggiea, yes the occasional merguez is allowed (50 gr as 1 tolerated, knowing you're allowed 2T/day on the cruise phase). As for the coconut milk, I'm sorry but it is not allowed, even the light one.

maggiea : Dear Dr. Dukan I would so appreciate your view on this. I have made a little brick of bread with ob,wb,egg, fromage frais, yeast and a little baking powder. It is delicious and toasts well. If I could add a little wheat gluten flour ( There are 120 calories in 1 serving of Bob's Red Mill Vital Wheat Gluten Flour. Calorie breakdown: 4% fat, 20% carbs, 76% protein.) the little brick would rise to a loaf! Could this be a tolerated item like cornflour? Thank you.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maggia, I noticed that you really inventive, that is a very good point. Yes you can use your wheat gluten flour instead of corn flour if you respect the same quantities as allowed. If you get a good result, please send us your receipe in order to enter it in our recipes book. And we will call it the Maggie's bread! Have a nice day!

rekharajani : I am 60 kg now. I need to weigh 58 kg by the 27th. How can I make this possible? Will I be able to do it?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear rekharajani, first of all you can not foresee a weight loss, but you can achive to lose a good amount of weight in a few days on the Attack phase (pure proteins only). Drink a lot, walk, beware of salt to avoid being bloated and stick to diet, you should make it in time!

Georginaproc : I am quite a serious runner and I am battling a bit on this diet as it is affecting my running. I seem to lack energy and my heart rate is really high. Is there any way of getting around it?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Georginaproc, if you run a lot, you must adapt the diet to your life style. Add 100 gr of carbs in your meals on the days you run, and during your training session, drink 200 ml of juice. Rest as much as possible between 2 sessions.

therezitta : hi all dukanians... wishing ur having a nice summer!! :) i have been constipated for a couple of days. and it is very irritating. the only thing that helps is coffee in the morning. but i cant just drink coffee so that i dont get this constipation. so what should i do?... and i only lost 1kg this week. is it always going to be like this? cause when i lost alot in the beginings i was so happy. but now i am getting a bit frustrated. cause i am a very fast person in everything. :(
Moderatrice cathy : Hi therezitta, if you are constipated, just think to drink fresh water (2 L) per day, you can drink coffee in the morning too. Try to find a water which contains more than 100 mg Magnesium per liter. Moreover, try to do some crunches every day, do not forget the oat bran, you can also have 100 g rhubarb puree (with no added sugar) during the PV days. Don't forget that physical activities will help you increase your calorie burn. Have faith I trust you !

therezitta : hi .. i eat two fruit yogurts activia 0% sugar 0% fat.. but it contains realy small fruit bits. and 2 diet cokes per day.. and 2 dukan gallettes.. and some chewing gums.. and since i started eating all this during this diet my weight has been stagniating. so what is there that i can reduce out of all these to make my weight lost fast like before?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Therezitta, I could read on your file that you have lost a lot of weight in a very short time so you cannot go quicker. About the tolerated food you have mentioned, it is clear that you have to keep eating them because they help you to find enough sweet taste to keep you going. Do not hesitate to come back to me if you need. Congratulations for your weigh loss though. Have a nice day.

therezitta : hi again :) so i bought this dietary supplement called "equavte" from paris/ its for cellulite. it contains: vitamin E 11.6IU, lithamnium calcareum (algae powder) 135mg, hydrolised palmaria palmata (algae powder) 135mg, conjugated linoleic acid 135mg, linum usitatissium (seed oil) 12mg, pinus pinaster (maritime pine bark extract) 6mg. so is this ok?? the dose is 2 pills 3 times a day
Moderatrice Jessica : Hi Therezitta, yes you can use it, the dose is correct.

jellyspicy : i can't find fat-free cocoa powder, is carob powder ok?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi Jellyspicy, carob powder is not allowed because it contains too much carbohydrates. Just try to find sugar free cocoa powder with the less fat possible (less than 11 % fat if possible). Have a nice day !

frym571 : Hello, Is it possible to have one of the options for organising the recipes by what phase you're in? Would make it a lot easier to work through.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear frym571, actually we're working on it! I personally am on the case... Just be a little patient!

maggiea : It's cold here too in the UK! One of Dr D's Slimming Secrets advised having wholemeal pasta IF we were in danger of cracking! He said to soak it in skimmed milk to increase protein. Is that soak it cooked in hot milk? Uncooked? Thanks and love the Slimming Secrets!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea,Yes if you are cracking you can have 220g of wholemeal pasta once a week. You can cook it in some milk if you want to enrich it with proteins and add vegetables to the pan. On this day though you cannot have any other meat or fish, but you can have two yogurts as well. Hope this helps!

carolineking : Are rice cakes allowed?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear carolineking, I'm sorry but rice cakes are not allowed as they're considered as carbs.

debthebee : The diet says you can have the allowed foods in unlimited quantity, so why is more than 2 fat free yoghurts a day considered a lapse? Also, with some of the dessert recipes there is a large amount of very light cream cheese used. Why is this not on the list of unlimited foods as it is just as low in fat as yoghurt and fromage frais? Same for eggs...if only one a day is allowed then why do some parts say unlimited amounts and some recipes use more than one egg for a meal only made for one person? Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Hello debthebee, if these yoghurts are plain, you can have up to 1 kg dairies products per day. If they contain fruits, they are limited to 2 units per day indeed because of their sugar containing. Philadelphia extra light cream cheese is actually limited because it isn't totally fat free. Eggs are limited because the yolk contains cholesterol : so above 5 eggs per week, only use the whites.

JxxiaR : Hi Dr. Dukan, This is my first "chat" so thank you for everything so far. I've completed my 2 days of PP and am now on my 2nd day of PV (put weight back on:-( In my daily report should I insert my "morning weight" or my "evening weight"? I have been sending you my evening weight and it's a bit depressing!! Julia
Moderatrice Pierre : dear Julia, I'm glad to be here with you for your first chat. if you put weight back on your first PV day don't worry, it's just water from vegetables which is waiting for being eliminated. So wait for a little bit and your weight will decrease after one or two days. For the weight you have reported choose the evening or the morning way and then keep it during all your diet. You have just started and you will meet on your way others slowing moments with your weight. It's completely normal. I have never met a person losing regularly weight as a mechanic engine. Remember it if happens on one day it will happen again. The only thing you have to keep in mind is your true weight , your real target and to not modify your way in case of slow down. Have a nice day.

AlyxBarlow : Hi is there anything i should avoid if im stagnating think its been a week
Moderatrice hannah : Hi AlyxBarlow, don't worry, there is a lot that you can do to help you move on from the stagnation period! Firstly avoid all tolerated foods, and make sure that you are eating and drinking enough. Contrary to popular belief you need to eat your way through the stagnation! Increase your exercises if you can and you will get through this! If you are suffering from constipation then you can have up to 200g of baked rhubarb, and if it is water retention then try taking some natural drainers (see my slimming apartment>my pharmacy.) Let us know how you get on... All the best

therezitta : i noticed that in the measurments i lose centemeters from all my body EXCEPT my hips! and its annoying because thats the area i want to lose weight from.. so is there a kind of food that reduces the size of hips? ;)
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again therezitta, in this case, only physical activities like fitness, aquagym, swimming will firm up your hips. Just be patient, your efforts will pay off, I trust you!

DeeDee2010 : I am making my own Quark, but I cannot find a recipe for Fromage Frais can I use Quark in it's Place or am I better with Yoghurt cheese. Hi Dr Dukan your changing my life thank you
Moderatrice Pierre DUKAN : Dear DeeDee2010, yes you can use quark instead but also fat free plain yogurts; feel free to add condiments to your convenience. Thank you for your lovely message. I really did change your life, I can tell you that you and all the Dukanians changed my life as well. Every time I receive such a message, it gives meaning to my life and give me the strength to keep going with you and for you all.

maggiea : Yes Hannah! That helps enormously. Thank you.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea you are very welcome, let us know how you get on!

maggiea : Dear Dukan Team The Forum is magnificent! I am so happy it is working now. Thank you for the list of Tolerated Items, but it seems very very short. Will it grow with items in the Recettes Dukan like baking powder, yeast etc etc.Is there a full list on the French website? Anywhere? Thanks
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear maggiea, thank you for your support and your compliments, we're very happy about the opening of the forum too. Because we have a special offer standing this week for a full access to the non coached people, we decided to not put too many informations in it because it wouldn't be fair to the actual coached people. Just stay with us as the forum will grow more and more complete and obviously, all your suggestions are welcome!

MariaTJ : Good evening Dr Pierre. I have a question in relation to food labels. When you say we can eat cheese that is less than 7% fat is that per serve or per 100g. Example mini Babybel light is 3.4g per 20g serve but 17g per 100g. Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Hello MariaTJ, that means that you can choose every cheese which contains less than 7 % fat. Once you have chosen your favorite cheese, just cut a 30g serve, this equals to a tolerate. Bon appetit !

maggiea : Thank you Dr. Dukan. I will experiment with my bread as you suggest, and when it is a loaf, not a brick, I will send you the recipe with pleasure. Maggie's Dukan Bread! Sounds good!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maggiea, yes it sounds good to me too! I hope to taste it personally. I'm sure that with such a great cooking talent you will reach your true weight and keep it forever.

Robbiedob : I do actually go to the gym several days a week, so I won't do the prescribed exercises those days. How do I record that on my daily report?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Robbiedob, that is brilliant that you go to the gym as well, if is the same or more as your exercise programme you can say that you have done the obliged and supplementary programme. Well done!

SkinnyLinnie : I thought that evidence was now available to show that eggs being a problem with cholesterol was a myth?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear SkinnyLinnie, the yolk doescontains cholesterol and the white doesn't. If you have it, you should not have more than 2 full eggs per week, otherwise you can have up to 5/week.

maggiea : Hello Team Dukan, Does oat bran or wheat bran prevent/inhibit the absorption of vitamins through the intestine? Should I take my daily vitamin a time before my oat bran?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi maggiea, if you have some medicines or vitamins, just take it a few hours before or after the oat bran to be sure that the absorption will be ok. Have a look at the Dukan Diet homepage on the bottom (left), you will find a precise article about oat bran. Have a nice coaching !

suki234 : With this diet I dont feel hungry so dont need the 3 course for each meal, does not eating it all affect your weight loss?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi suki234, thanks for your message. You should listen to your body and eat as much as you want, the important thing to remember is that you should NEVER feel hungry on this diet and you should always eat until you are full. The menus are just suggestions so you find a way to make them work for you. Enjoy!

psychicgemini : Hello, I have been on the diet for about a week now. Yesterday I had a PP day and today I weigh a pound heavier than I did yesterday. I did not have any lapses but I did have about 4 oz of non fat evaporated milk in a cup of coffee. I am allowed evaporated (canned) milk? Also, I am not following your exercise plane precisely. I have started walking for 30 minutes every evening and will be picking up Bikram Yoga again and doing this every other day. Thanks
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear psychicgemini, first of all don't get too upset about your weight today as we all know scales are little devils! It might just be a bit of water retention... Anyway evaporated milk is not allowed, I'm sorry. The 30 mn walking are very good, keep going, and as for Bikram Yoga, be careful to drink a lot (those are hot sessions!) and eat properly before to avoid eventual lacks of energy or even fainting. Namaste!

jsa123 : I don't really have a question, but just wanted to say how great I think the diet plan is. I have been on the DD for 4 weeks, and did very well for the first 2-3 weeks, then lost nothing for about 9 days, despite pretty much sticking to the diet rules. Previously, when I have reached this stage on a diet, I have given up, but I stuck with the DD because it is so easy, and sure enough, I have lost over 2lbs this week. I really feel this is an eating programme I can live with for the rest of my life - we'll see!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Jsa, I have read your file and I noticed that you have lost weight very efficiently and if you stop losing weight for this week it is completely normal, your body needs time to digest the first four kilos. Do not forget that a body is a living machine programmed to protect its stocks. For your body fat stocks give you survival reasons and when you lose 4 kilos in such a short time, it tries to resist by all ways as possible. So congratulations again and keep going with self confidence.

therezitta : dear Dr.Dukan, thanks a lot for your encouragements.. my concern about the quick weight lose is that i am going back to Egypt in two weeks. and i really want to go back with a huge difference on my appearance. so can i do the 5/5 aletrantion of pp and pv? cause i read in your book that it is slightly faster.. or i mean bit more effective. is that true? is it faster than 1/1?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear therizitta, I understand really well that you want to go back in Egypt as slim as possible. So I advice you something more and more efficient than 5/5 alternation: it is the 2/1, which means 2 days of PP and 1 day only of PV.

findbecca : I'm wondering if losing weight is the main goal or getting slimmer - maybe both (in my case). I understand that if you exercise a lot and create muscle, this is a more effective way of burning off calories - but you end up putting on weight because muscle is heavier than fat - so I wonder about the value of concentrating only on losing weight. I thought general medical opinion favours losing inches around the waist rather than weight - so how can I do this? Is there an optimal hip-waist ratio you recommend? I wonder why you haven't mentioned it in this programme.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi findbecca, thank you for your question. The answer is both, if you have a lot of excess weight then you will lose weight and get slimmer. We do not concentrate too much on your 'optimal ratio' because each person is different. You don't have to worry too much about this, if you are getting slimmer and feeling fitter then that is the goal and is what we focus on.

MariaTJ : Thank you Cathy but I am still confused.. Is the 7% fat content worked out on the serving size or per 100g. In my example you can see there is a vast difference. 3.4g of fat per 20g serve but 17g of fat per 100g.
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again MariaTJ, this means that the cheese must not contain more than 7 % fat (7 grams fat in 100 grams of cheese). So you can have 30 g of this cheese (= 1 tolerate).

Blossom78 : If I achieve my target weight before the schedule suggests can I move into the consolidation phase early?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Blossom78, thank you for your question. One thing that you must know is that this diet is not a race, and the length of the programme that has been given to you is that way for a reason, so usually no but it depends on the case. One step at a time!

jellyspicy : thanks for all your advice today, I'm looking forward to starting the diet tomorrow x
Moderatrice Jessica : Hi jellyspicy, thank you for joining us on the Dukan Diet and welcome to our slimming community!!

mod : thanks for having chat with us! This will be the last question!
maggiea : Dr Dukan, it is your regime that will keep me slim for life, rather than my curiosity in the kitchen, though it is lovely to combine the two on your diet!
Moderatrice Pierre : Thank you Maggiea, yes that is the regime that will keep you slim for life but a diet must be brighten by preparing good and inventive recipes. Because if you work like that you will always be concerned by your project.

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now finished, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed


 July 30th Chat with Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone ! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 30th of July, welcome to our live chat !All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy, Sonja, Hannah and Jessica. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

pryiav : i just drink alcohol on the weekends, friday until sunday and no more that 3 glasses of what ever drink, wine, vodka, but no more than 3 or 4. do i have to stop during the second phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Priyav, alcohol is not allowed but if it is not possible to avoid it totally, please don't have more than 2 glasses of wine. Thanks a lot and have a nice day

roundhill : Can i do another day of attack?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi roundhill,No there is no need for you to do another day of attack, you just need to avoid lapses and do some more exercise. You can do it!

deanne666 : I have for a long time drank 60mls of Aloe Vera gel every morning (Forever Living Products). is it ok to carry on taking it whilst on the dukan diet? I haven't taken it since starting just in case.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi deanne666 yes I would advise not to take the aloe vera gel so you did the right thing. Have a good day!

roundhill : I had mushroom omelette - but are mushrooms not allowed duing attack phase?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Roundhill, I'm sorry but no mushrooms during the attack phase. Keep going!

roundhill : what about onions in the attack phase and going forward
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear roundhill, onions are allowed on attack phase only on seasoning quantity (1/2 one), same on PP days. But when it comes to PV days, you can go as much as you want.

Malibubuffy : Can we use olive oil
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Malibubiffy, no sorry no olive oil, butter or any other fat or grease is allowed. If you must have something to grease a pan for example you can put 3 drops of oil on some kitchen paper and lightly wipe it round the pan but please remember this counts as a tolerated food so is best avoided if possible.

beeps2010 : Is 400 grams of fat free yogurt too much per day?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear beeps2010, you can have up to 1 kilo a day of fat free dairies, it's all up to you how you have it!

priyav : i dont understand when i am supposed to alternate between pv and pp days. i am in the cruise phase but how often during this time do i have protein only days. this is not clear
Moderatrice cathy : Hi priyav, as for example : if monday is a PP day, tuesday will be a PV one and wednesday a PP day, thursday another PV day, friday a PP day, etc... I hope that this explanation will help you.

mcginc91 : I find it extremely difficult to eat cottage cheese or eggs. Trying to eat them makes me feel nauseous and trying to swallow them makes me gag. Is that a big problem as I start the attack phase of your programme?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear mcginc91, you can start on the attack phase even though you don't like eggs or cottage cheese. For eggs, try to have them incorporated in recipes such as muffins or pancakes, and swap cottage cheese for fat free plain yogurts. Enjoy!

elinordavis23 : Hi Pierre, I was wondering if supplements of evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil would be suitable in the program. I understand that normal oils are not allowed but as oily fish is allowed with its health benefits, I was wondering if I should continue to take these? Or will it slow the weight loss? I take 1-2 evening primrose oil capsules a day and 2 flaxseed oil (3-4g total). Thanks so much for your time! I had one false start of 5 days on the program doing it on my own with the book so I'm hoping I'll be able to stick to the program better with some coaching. Cheers! El
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Elinor, Welcome aboard! I'm very glad to speak to you today for the first time. About the primrose oil actually it's a good oil full of omega3 with a big benefit for heart and health but oil is oil and any gramme of oil is nine calories so what you can do is to use it where you are on PV day as one teaspoon per day with vegetables . It's better not to cook it. But please don't take more because I don't want to slow down your weight loss. Have a nice day.

margaritakarli : good morning, it is the 4th day of my diet I am OK with my weigh but I already have constipation problem. Tell me your advise.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello margaritakarli, don't worry : don't forget to drink 1,5 to 2 Liters fresh water per day. I can advise you to drink one glass in the morning when you just woke up. You can have 100 g rhubarb (no sugar added) during PV days. Don't forget your daily oat bran and it is also available for physical activities : crunches will help you for sure. If this persists, please ask your doctor. Have faith!

chrissie1946 : I love eggs and find them more satisfying than anything. My cholesterol is not high, despite my weight, so can I really only have 5 eggs a week?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi chrissie1946 welcome to the chat, this is something that you can always talk to your doctor about but we would not recommend more than 1 egg yolk a day because they are high in cholersterol. On the up side you can have as many egg whites as you want, so to make an omelete or something this is good!

bodhisattva263 : I was reading the section on sugar-free flavourings in my recipe book and can't find where in the forums there is 'everything you need to know about flavourings' - has it disappeared? I also can't find them on the internet, so can't make the lovely recipes. Thank you.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear bodhisattva263, you can find some here: http://www.lowcarbmegastore.com and can you please specify where in the forum?

elinordavis23 : Hi, I was wondering if it were possible to use Rice Bran instead of Oat Bran - Oat/wheat bran I have never been able to tolerate. What do you reccommend for lactose free as I have lactose intolerance so I have to avoid milk, and many yoghurts, including natural? Thanks for your help
Moderatrice hannah : Hi elinordavis23, thank you for your question. Firstly sorry there is no replacement for oatbran, but if you are intolerant that is ok you can leave it out. Rice bran is not the same at all and is not allowed. As for your lactose intolerence you can have up one plain soya yogurt a day and also one glass (15cl) of soya milk a day. Please note that these are tolerated foods so you should not go over this amount. Thanks

bodhisattva263 : Dear Dr Dukan, I saw the post on the chat today that said we can eat up to 100g of quorn per day, which is really useful to me as a vegetarian. Can you help me with using nuts? are they allowed, or are they too carby? aand how much tofu can I eat? Thank you.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Botdhisatt, if your are vegetarian you must tell me what type of vegetarian you are. You mean that you neither meat or fish. But what about eggs and dairies or seafood? For now I'm waiting for your answer. For sure you can eat 100 grammes of quorn and you can add tofu as much as you want. About nuts it's difficult to open the door of such food without a lot of precautions. Because you are a vegetarian and only for that reason, You can have two tablespoons of nuts and when I say tablespoon I mean the fullest as possible. I'm waiting for your answer. Have a nice day.

Daffy124 : After being unsuccessful for weeks I have managed to cut out carbs for 3 days - but only by eating lots of fat like the Atkins diet - I couldn't manage it on protein only without feeling ill, binging and ending up fatter than I was before I started. Fat helps me to stick to the low carb regime.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Daffy124, eating fat won't help you lose weight, that is for sure. By cutting out carbs, you force your body to go and burn the fat already there. The best way to manage on the diet is to eat plenty of proteins, they keep you full longer. You can add home made sauce with fat free yogurts, spices and herbs for the taste. But in any case you will lose weight by eating fat, even if you don't eat carbs. Maybe the best for you would be to ask your doctor's opinion about what would be the best suited diet for you.

Daffy124 : Do coffee and stevia cause an insulin response ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daffy124, no as coffee and stevia are sugar free they should not cause a response. Do you have diabetes type one or two? Thanks

ren1234_1 : I keep reading about tolerated foods but i am unsure as to what they are?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear ren1234_1, tolerated foods are like bonus, they are food items that are a bit richer than the 100 foods that we "tolerate" on the dukan diet. They are limited to 2/day. you can have the list here in the forum: http://www.dukandiet.co.uk/en/340,15,28,the-forums-community.html

Laanderson : Hello, I will be travelling on a long plane journey tomorrow and will be on my PP day of the Cruise phase. Do you have any suggestions for how to maintain this while in the airport/travelling? I have already requested a Low Fat/High protein meal... Thank you, Merci! x
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Laanderson, thank you for your question, I am sure a lot of people experience this! The best thing is if you can carry snacks with you, like a dukan galette, some yogurt or get some chopped up veg sticks but I know it can be difficult with plane travel! Just adapt as best as you can or try and eat before/straight after the flight, it is hard to ask without sauce as the meals are already prepared but it sounds like you are doing the best you can so don't worry about it!

Daffy124 : I started about a month ago but have put on weight since then - I get hungry and I binge. I haven't yet reached the not being hungry stage. The last 2 days in desperation I started eating lots of clotted cream which has suceeded in keeping me off the carbs. Help !
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Daffy124, as you probably know it, clotted cream is not allowed because it is too fatty. You have to resolve your binges problems : are you stressed ? Do you easily get bored ? If you feel hungry, have a look to your fridge and choose PP food which is allowed in the program. You will be quickly fully satisfied. Don't forget the recipe book, you will find a lot of sweet recipes which will calm down your hungry stage. I trust you, just calm down, play some little mind tricks like going out, having a bath, reading, having a phone call, etc. Everything will be ok.

chebsy : I am a vegetarian but most of the foods on my daily food instructions and shopping list is meat. How do i change this?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Chesby, we are still working on the food exclusion list, you will soon manage to complete it. Meanwhile, just choose the food which you like, as for example tofu, Quorn, eggs, dairies... Thanks for your indulgence

fauziah55 : I've been taking Herbalife (Blended Soy and Whey Protein Powder) for the past three years - more for convenience sake as I don't need to think about what to eat so much. Can I continue with it?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Fauziah, I know very well this product and I think that is not really necessary to introduce this artificial way of eating. Humanity is not programmed to eat powder. Of course it could seem equivalent in nutrional content but it miss of the essential part of the food: natural consistancy and appearance. There is a link between the human brain and the food caracteristics; This link has been built during a billion of years and is imprinted in our genes and neurones. If you eat such a powder inspite of real and natural food, you will get the nutritments and the calories but not the natural, human and deep satisfaction of eating. That's very bad for the weight control. But Fauziah if sometimes you need to have a table spoon of Herbalife instead of missing a meal, please do it but the less often as possible.Have a nice day.

elinordavis23 : Thank you very much. I was wondering if the Dukan Diet has a reasonable calorie limit - I understand that eating proteins will decrease the time to you are next hungry and limit the insulin response as you have limited carboydrate intake. Is the main effect of the diet on weight loss due to reduced calories as your appetite is less and insulin response minimised?Thanks for your time - very interested! Is there a reasonable calorific limit for the dukan diet- ie.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi elinordavis23,The Dukan Diet is not concerned by counting calories. The diet is high in protein because protein is the most beneficial food type for the body and among many other things eliminates water retention, at the same time it is highly nutritional for the body. I wonder have you got the book the Dukan Diet? I think you might really enjoy it because Pierre Dukan explains the method in great length. Here is also list of the 10 most filling and satifying foods that you might find interesting...1. Oat bran2. hard bolied eggs3. Shrimps4. low fat normandy fromage frais5. Turkey6. Crab7. Tuna (tinned in natural juice)8. Sardines9. Chunky vegetable soup10. Poultry liver

paulakj : can I use coffeemate lite (coffee creamer) in my coffee and tea on the PP phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello paulakj, please tell us more about this beverage by sending us a message in your slimming appartment's mailbox (is it powder ? Liquid ?) Moreover, if you have the nutritional facts, it will help us to give you the good directives. Thank you and have a nice week-end !

reginamtzv : Hello! Is sugarfree marmelade/jelly allowed? Also, I see that Jell-o (gelatine) is not so popular in Europe, but in any case, is the sugarfree version allowed? It is great as a dessert. Thanks!
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear reginamtzv, marmelade is not allowed, even sugar free because it contains fruits and those are not allowed until the consolidation phase. Sugar free Jelly is allowed, under 10 calories a cup.

elinordavis23 : Thank you for the information. This might explain why I was having no luck in my first attempt for a week - I was taking 1tsp rice bran and having 2-3 glasses of lactose free milk (too much I now understand). Could I ask for your advice on the soy products - do these need to be 98% fat free also at least and/or have no added sugar? Thanks again!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi elinordavis23, Yes that most likely explains it. But not to worry you can now be on the right track! The soya products must not have any added sugar and it is best to get as low a fat percentage as possible, I am not sure you can get soya products as low as 2% fat...

justinemcf : Onken do a vanilla fat free yoghurt, am i allowed this ?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear justinemcf, can you give me the nutrional informations?

Daffy124 : I have coeliac disease. Is there an alternative to oat bran for the oat bran pancakes please ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again Daffy124, there is unfortunately no alternative for oat bran if you have coeliac disease. Just avoid whey, rye, barley and oat from your meals. During the cruise phase, you can have up to 1 Tbsp corn flour (as a tolerate), so if you want to cook some Dukan recipes which contain oat bran, you can replace it by corn flour without forgetting tolerates conditions (2 tolerates per day).

Casakitz : I filled in the forms when I began and said I did not eat or like fish and yet my daily instructions are recipes for fish, it is so frustrating. Due to me not eating fish, I am finding it hard to be creative in what I eat. I am doing ok so far, I only started Monday night and I have lost 5 ibs already
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Casakitz, the exluded foods list is being worked on now and will be available very soon...thank you for your patience with this! Meanwhile please browse your recipe book in your slimming apartment for inspiration for non fish recipes, we have over 650 recipes in total so I trust that you will find something that tempts you! Have a good day

stockholm : Stockholm:I have sent in some questions about snacks, is it ok not to have the desserts in connection with the meals? I like to save them as snacks and have them with my cup of tea. I am on the cruise diet.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi stockholm, thank you for your question. Yes of course! You can use the menu suggestions how you like, please know that you can eat as often as you like and eat as much as you like so yes it is a great idea to have a dessert in the afternoon with some tea. Enjoy!

Daffy124 : Not yet - but I do have reactive hypoglycaemia - and was ill with chronic fatigue syndrome for many years and am still not 100%
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Daffy124, I think it would be better to do a complete check up, go and see your doctor and then, tell us more about your results.

justinemcf : i love to eat salad and have been missing this. I'm on the cruise phase at the moment, can u give me a few sugestions on green veg to take away the craving for salad
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Justine, to answer to your question I could enumerate all the vegetables you can use and eat but that would take so long that I prefer to give you that instruction: eating any vegetable coming from earth or sea, with roots, des branches, leaves but not the following produces: potatoes, rice, corn, peas, lentillas and beans. Anyway you cannot be mistaken and do not forget you can eat them as much as you want. Have a nice day.

anitadavmart : I love fromage frais, and I usually have it when I am back home in Spain. I live in the UK though. Are you aware of where to get it in the UK?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi anitadavmart,yes in the UK it is called normandy fromage frais and you can get it from the supermarket. Remember to get the low fat (under 3% fat) version though. Enjoy!

anitadavmart : I have seen that canned tuna in brine is allowed. Is it also possible to have canned tuna in olive oil (fully drained of the oil)? Thanks
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear anitadavmart, oil is not an option. I'm sorry you can't have it, even if your tuna is drained.

bodhisattva263 : Sorry, one more question. Can I use soya milk and soya flour? Thank you so much.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello bodhisattva263, you can have up to 15 cL plain soya milk (with calcium addition if possible). However soya flour is forbidden. See you soon on a next Chat session !

anitadavmart : I love raw tomatoes and onions, is it possible to have them on the attack PP phase?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi anitadavmart for the attack phase as your is short it is best not to have onion and certainly no tomatoes. However you can have them on your PV days and you can have onion as a seasoning on your PP days for the future...please see you recipe book for examples and inspiration.

Taiita : Hi Dr Dukan I love your diet and it is working well for me. I just want to point out that here in Australia we have some very, very low fat cuts of pork and lamb. I know in Europe the lamb and pork is fattier as I lived in Belgium for a long time. The butchers here in Australia have found ways to cut the pigs and lambs up so that the meat can be leaner than chicken or beef. If this is the case, is lamb and pork still off the menu? I can send photos and dietary analysis if you want. Also, if I do a big work out at the gym (which I love doing) and burning 600-700 kcal in 90min can I drink more water that the 1.5L that you recommend? Many many thanks, Taiita
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Taiita, thank you for this information. Maybe you can tell me more about the process of your butchers and how they prepare their meat. My rule is very simple: if the pork or lamb meats contain less than 10% of fat you can use them. It is classic to say that kangouroo is a specific animal of Australa. This meat is very hency and lean and of course you can use it as much as you want. For me it's better than pork and lamb Not only for calories but also for their content of saturated fat acids. Have a nice day;

johnevans1983 : hi this is my first day today, what can i have for brakfast
Moderatrice hannah : Hi johnevans1983 welcome to the Dukan diet! Why not start by making yourself a Dukan galette (see recipe in my kitchen>my cupboard) you can also have a fat free fruit flavoured yogurt or something like that. You will soon get into a rhythm of what you enjoy!

stockholm : Stockholm. Hello. When I was on another diet, the sk Insudiet, my French Doctor encouraged me to have snacks in the form of concentrated protein cookies and chocolate bars, before that I never ate anything with a sweet taste, but now I miss it a bit. I use your dessert recipes and they are quite satisfying, but I would like to know if I could use these products under any stage of the Dukan diet? The products I am talking about are for example Gelinea, which I buy at Carrefour in France. One chocolate bar is supposed to be a snack, two a meal.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Stockholm, unfortunately these products are not allowed in the Dukan diet. Gerlinea's products are too rich in fat and in carbs, that's why they are forbidden. Just have a look to our Dukan yummy indulgences, those recipes will satisfy you, the choice is open ! Bon week-end

ren1234_2 : Thankyou for your response before. Are we allowed to have a latte made with skinny milk?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear ren1234_2, Latte is fine as long as you only use skimmed milk and sweeteners.

ren1234_1 : hello,just a few questions:I was wondering if i can eat half of my gallette in the morning and the other half in the afternoon?also is pumpkin allowed during the cruise phase?is a yogurt with 5g of carbs per 100g ok to eat?during the consolidation phase can i have my starchy carb serve and my celebration meal in the same day?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear ren1234_1, yes you can split your galette in 2 during the day, pumpkin is indeed allowed on PV days during the cruise phase, and also yes, 5g/100g ratio is ok for yogurts, as long as they are sugar free.

Daffy124 : My doctor knows nothing about nutrition and my fatigue is to do with blood sugar levels. When I am off carbs I am fine. I am just finding it difficult to do the first few days. I would like to start again and have a new goal date because my current chart is now unachievable.
Moderatrice cathy : Daffy124, please write us a message in your slimming appartment's mailbox and precise all these things. We will do our best to help you. Thanks a lot.

chrissie1946 : I'm new and still finding my way around - where can I find a list of 'tolerated foods' - I've mentioned cream cheese in another question - is that tolerated as well?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi chrissie1946, please see the following link for tolerated foods http://www.dukandiet.co.uk/en/340,15,28,the-forums-community.htmlHave a look and send us a message by email if you have any questions about it. They are basically foods that are a bit richer but allowed in limited quantities but you must not have more than two a day so maybe save thel for a day that you are struggling and would like a treat!

mod : thanks to have chat with us! This is the last question!

elinordavis23 : Thank you! I think it is a fantastic looking dietary plan - and the only one that ensures you eat plenty of meat, dairy and vegetables forever. Thank you Dr Dukan!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Elinor, thank you for your answer and so nice message. I'm so glad to be in contact with so many English speaking people. I'm surprised to understand that despite of the so called different customs between French, Spanish, Corean, Americans, Polishes, Italians and of course Uk people are quite similar concerning 2 coming my 100 foods 72 coming from the animal kingdom and 28 coming from the vegetable world. That is the reason why my diet works. Until you have reached your true weight. This 10 foods are not only natural, they are the foods of our origins those of the hunter and gatherer man. To lose weight is a natural activity. Man is the only animal able to keep him from eating for health and personal reasons. To help him I have set up this method : being back to our natural origins to fight against exceeds of our civilization. Have a nice day.


August 3 Chat with Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone ! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 03rd of August, welcome to our live chat !All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy, Sonja and Jessica. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

TSOMPOPE : Hello everybody, May I drink 1,5% fat milk or yoghurt if i cant find 0%. thank you tsompope
Moderatrice hannah : Hi TSOMPOPE, Thank you for your question. Yes for dairy products as a general rule if you cannot find 0% then you can eat/ products up to 2-3% fat. Do not eat more than a total of 1kg of dairy products a day.Enjoy!

cgoodie : I see lots of different fishes listed, as well as crab sticks. Is shrimp ok to snack on in place of crab sticks?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi cgoodie, thank you for your question. Yes you can snack on what you like. All fish is allowed. We suggest crabsticks because they are easy to eat and come prepared but you are more than welcome to eat shrimp, as long as it has not been prepared with oil or fat. Bon appetit!

salata : can you explain what 'stand ups' are that are in the exercise section. Is this an American term?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello salata, it just means that you have to evaluate the time spent on being in that position (while you are not sitting). Have a nice day !

jessienyc : I don't see any discussion regarding allowed sugar free sweetners. I do see Splenda in recipes but is Agave or Stevia allowed in any phase of the plan?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi jessienyc, yes you can use Stevia but agave is too sugary. Enjoy!

TSOMPOPE : Hello!!! I would like to ask about quantities. For instance if I have cottage cheese for breakfast or chicken for lunch how much is allowed to eat. Moreover can i put a slice of lemon in my water?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi TSOMPOPE, one of the main features of this diet is that from the allowed foods you can eat as much as you want... you should eat until you are full. Having said that, try to keep your diet as varied and interesting as possible and do not eat more than 1kg of dairy products a day. You can have a slice of lemon in your water but no more than that, do not squeeze the lemon as juice for example. Have a nice day

rekharajani : Dr Dukan I have been successfull with dukan diet. I eat eggs, chicken, fat free yoghurt, and oat bran mostly. I am getting a bit bored with it now and I would like to know if I can eat soya beans as protien which are available in waitrose. Nutritional value per 80gm is protein 11.2 gm carbohydrates 4.1 gm saturated fat 0.7 gm If I am allowed then I can make a currey without oil and have it with fat free yoghurt
Moderatrice cathy : Hello rekharajani. I am happy to see that you follow the Dukan Diet successfully. I am afraid, soya beans are not allowed. Have a look to your virtual Dukan Diet recipes book, you will find many other ways to cook chicken, eggs, meat, dish and shells. Don't forget other food like ham or surimi also. Have a nice day !

jennlalonde4 : My lunch and dinner menus don't appear in my daily instructions.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi jennlalonde4, don't worry you are starting your diet tomorrow so you will have them tomorrow. The coaching starts the day after you fill in your questionnaire. Enjoy!

Mazzy10 : Hi everyone Is this a microphone chat or a typing one? I have sent in my question yesterday Mazzy 10
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Mazzy10, no don't worry you don't need a microphone, the chat is all typed online like this... if you do have any questions you would like to ask us by phone though you are more than welcome to call... Have a good day!
mod : Please do not hesitate to ask your questions, we will be happy to answer you!

SueWilliams : Please could you give us the weight of 2 tablespoons of Oat Bran so I can be sure to take the correct amount? I am never sure if they should be level, rounded or heaped tablespoons and there is a big difference!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi SueWilliams, thank you for your question. Please use a good sized tablespoon, it is about 15g. Enjoy!

tinker32 : I know I am going to break the diet on Saturday I can't avoid it anything I can do between now and then to reduce the damage
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear tinker32, I can understand life is not always something you can plan ahead and maybe you have a special celebration on saturday but what you can do is simple: first try to avoid going nuts on that day, if you really must have a lapse, stick to one glass of wine or one small piece of cake but don't get carried away, this way it won't be too hard to manage afterwards. The day before and the day after, do a PP days, proteins only, this will help you. If you have a big lapse on saturday, do two days of PP. I hope this will help!

gillant : are seafood sticks the same as crab sticks and can i have them. I also need to point out that although i have only just sighned up and started my official diet with you today i have been doing it on my own for 8 days but not to the letter,i have however lost 6lbs and now weigh 11st 1.5 lb not 11st 3lb will this alter my tuition with you?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi gillant, Seafood sticks and crab sticks are both allowed, however don't have more than 8 sticks per day. Congrats for your weight loss and it is not finished, so go ahead! Don't worry about the coaching, just complete your daily report and we will see your evolution. Go go go !

jm03379 : I am concerned that I am unable to answer some of the questions correctly as the choice does not exist. ie I have had a full hystorectomy in my early forties and am not pre menstral or going through the menopause but I answered as I used to be when I came on! Also today you asked were there any foods that I fancied and yes there were (sour jellie sweets) sweets were not one of the options to choose!
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear jm03379, you can ask all the questions that you need or have special request in your email section in your slimming apartment. This way you can apply your own circumstances.

Mezza2 : Are protein bars ok to eat in the first stage (in fact at any stage) of the diet. High protein low carb bars are readily available in Australia.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Mezza2, no sorry protein bars are not allowed. This diet is based on real food so please be inspired in your slimming apartment>recipe book and enjoy some real food!

DeeDee2010 : Hi, I have lost just over 2 stone on the Dukan diet, but I am feeling very tired past 4 days I am also taking vitiman tablet each morning. I have 1.3kg to loose now. Can I skip excerise for a couple of days without harming my progress to much. Thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi DeeDee2010, firstly well done on the weight you have already lost! That is brilliant! You are very nearly there, you say you are tired, I wonder are you eating and drinking enough? You should listen to your body so perhaps for the next couple of days just do some more gentle exercises like walking and come back to us to let us know how you are getting on. You can do it!

ascott1948 : i am on medication including tamoxifen and methotrexate. will this have a baring on my weight loss
Moderatrice cathy : Hello ascott1948, it is important for you to take your daily medication, just ask your doctor if you can be on diet. The Dukan diet coaching will surely help you to loose weight if your doctor approves it. Tell us more about it by sending us a message in your slimming appartment's mailbox.

TSOMPOPE : Hello again, I have some questions. 1) i hate salt so is any problem if i dont use salt in my food? 2) I want to make some clarifications in my daily report but there are no space. 3) Can I change my exercises. I mean I have an elliptic machine and I love this exercise. Is enough 35 min a day and some abnominal exercises?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Tsompope, welcome aboard for your first chat with me. About the salt if are not used to have salt it is not necessary to add it now. The only problem if you live without salt is to have a low blood pressure and to feel weak especially if you drink a lot. Water and salt are two products who works together. When you drink a lot of water you eliminate it with salt and your blood content decreases and the blood pressure too. About the 35 minutes of daily exercises, you are doing well. It is not necessary to do more except if it's a pleasure for you. Have a nice day.

TSOMPOPE : hello again, i feel terrible i bother you constantly but it is the beggining so i am a little bit confused. i would like to ask about the meals. From the 18 choices for breakfast how many i must choose. one or more? from the three menus i must choose one whole menu or one choice from the whole three menus? I apologise again. Have a nice day!!!
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear TSOMPOPE, first of all you do not bother us at all, we are there for you, to help you and to guide you, especially since you're new on the diet so please feel free to ask as many questions as you wish. About the menus, you have 6 differents menus available each day, 3 for lunch, 3 for dinner, you can chose the ONE you want, or MIX UP between the starters, the main courses and the desserts. As long as you don't eat more than 1 of each (3 courses meal altogether), you can whatever you want. Just remember, 1 starter + 1 main course + 1 dessert = 1 meal! Enjoy!

CateJreh : Hello, I have only just started the Dukan Diet; I am on day 2 of the attack phase. In the mornings I have been taking a berocca as well as 2 omega 3 tablets, and 2 iron tablets, and I'm wondering whether it is actually alright to take these things during the attack phase, or will I have to start it all over again? Also, am I allowed to eat fruche during the attack phase? Thanks, Cate
Moderatrice cathy : Hello CateJreh and welcome in the Dukan Diet live chat ! No problem, you can have all these supplements during the coaching. What did you mean by "fruche" ? Would you say fruits ? Come and say us more about that, it will be a pleasure for us to answer you.

Kitty_Cat1979 : Hi, can I eat 3% sveltesse emmental cheese portion that I find in France?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Kitty_Cat1979 Yes you can eat any dairy that is under 3% fat... just don't eat more than 1kg of dairy a day. Enjoy!

Skate_uk : I really am constipated after my attack phase and nothing works, no oat bran, no water, no rhubarb etc... Please help
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Skate_uk if nothing seems to be working then please visit your pharmacist or Dr and ask for a gentle natural laxative. You must make sure you are eating and drinking enough and also do some more abdominal exercises.

Sirosmil_1981 : Is it a big deal if i eat more than 2 fat free, sugar free, fruit flavored yogurts? (like 3 or 4)
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sirosmil_1981 as long as the yougurts are fat free, sugar free and do not contain pieces of fruit then you can eat as many as you like... Please do not go over 1kg of dairy a day. Enjoy!

Kitty_Cat1979 : Hi again, also can i eat 7% chocolate creme dessert that i found in my local supermarket?
Moderatrice Jessica : Hello Kitty_Cat1979, I'm sorry but chocolate flavored yogurts are not allowed, and 7% is too much...

1jayne : I suffer from a Slow Transit Bowel and take Movicol and Bisacodyl Suppositories each day. I also have great water retention, swollen fingers in the morning and legs/ankles some evenings. I think these things are hampering me from more weight loss. How much water should I drink per day please ? (I have also been told to reduce fibre intake). I love your diet, it is freeing me from a great weight of mind and body. Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello 1jayne, if you have a slow transit bowel, don't forget your daily oat bran intake, I can advise you to drink 1,5 up to 2 L fresh waters per day (you can drink a glass of fresh water in the morning, it will activate your transit), you can also have up to 100 g cooked rhubarb (sugar free of course) during PV days. What is more, physical activities like doing crunches will help you to regulate your transit. If these solution won't be efficient, please go to your doctor, he will help you for sure. To fight against water retention, be careful about salted food like ham, preserves or smocked fish, it would be better to avoid it. Thanks a lot and continue on this slimming way !

DeeDee2010 : This is a silly question but can we eat frozen fat free vanilla yoghurt from shops
Moderatrice hannah : Hi DeeDee2010 no not a silly question at all! If it is fat free and sugar free and does not contain pieces of anything (like fruit) then the answer is yes! You can also make your own by just freezing a fat free sugar free fruit flavoured yogurt! Enjoy!

miaalexandra : Dr.Dukan; I love sweets, and most of all chocolate!!! I'm very motivated with the diet, and the truth is that I've been on it for 2 months. The first 4 weeks went great! no frustrations, no cravings and I lost 4Kgs. However, after my 4th week, the cravings for sweets, and other foods have risen, and it's become more difficult. As of today, I've lost 6kgs as a whole; I haven't reached my true weight yet, still have 1kg more to get there, but with the holidays, traveling, weddings, etc...I've been eating forbidden foods at least once a week. Then, I go on pp for 3 days, and 4of pv. Do lots of exersice, and drink lots of water. What would be your advise? I subscribed to the programme, I'm reading the book. So i'm still very motivated....I'm just tired of not being able to eat some foods... You say that every case is different, I hope you understand mine, and I can continue, since I want to do things RIGHT!!! I definitely want to keep the weight that I've lost so far, and if possible, get to my true weight. What should I do?? Thanks Mia
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Miaalexandra, I'm very pleased by your weight loss and all your efforts to keep our common cap. Especially if you are craving about sweets and chocolate. But we have to find from now a solution to keep control of these two small devils. Because if you don't you will meet a lot of problems to keep and stabilize your true weight. So what can we do? For chocolate the solution is simple and easy: it's called cocoa. You have to find low fat cocoa. That exists with 11% fat. With it you can cook some Dukan pastries such as the galette, muffins, creams or you can simply add it in yoghurts. For sweets now you can buy chewing gums as much as you want and some sugar free sweets. Later, when you are stabilized, you can have some real candies if you don't exagerate it; The best now is to finish to lose this last kilos and my advice is to do 3 PP days and to drink a lot. You also have to eat as less salty as possible, to walk one hour a day and to fall asleep quite early. Because the sleeping hours have some better qualities to recover. A good sleep reduces cravings After these three days come back to me to tell me if you succeeded in reaching your true weight. Have a nice day.

lovelondonuk : Hi all has anyone got any tips to help me avoid snacking when I am bored? I want to change my bad eating habits!
Moderatrice Jessica : Hello lovelondonuk, you can do a lot of things to avoid snacking, the first and most important one, try to not be hungry, it's rare to snack if you feel full up... Secondly, you have outdoors activities, like sports, shopping or anything that keeps you out of the house and far from the cupboards! Then, if you really feel like snacking when at work or somewhere you can't "escape", get some healthy balanced snacks like cherry tomatoes, carrots (on PV days of course) or fat free, sugar free dairies... And you could even treat yourself to some oat bran muffins or others little cakes you can find in the recipe book in your slimming apartment!

adriana78 : I have to loose only 1 kg to reach my ideal weight . Can I start my consolidation phase before 13.08 ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello adriana78, you're so close to your true weight, well done ! Just send us a little message by using your slimming appartment's mailbox, then we will adapt the beginning of your consolidation phase. Let's go to the 3rd phase, congrats !

lovelondonuk : I also find plain water really boring... what else can I drink? Thank you!
Moderatrice Jessica : Hello again lovelondonuk, try some diet sodas or anything else that have a 200 ml/1 calorie ratio... Enjoy!

galyorkie : I read your exercise guide every day but note that there is no where in the report where I can say what exercise I did do, for example Saturday I walked 12 strenuous miles mainly uphill but it looks on my report that I did nothing. Can this be remedied.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi galyorkie, that is fantasctic that you are doing so much walking. For the report you can say that you have done all the obliged as walking is a part of that. Try to match up what the equivalent exercises are don't worry that you cannot specify it is really our concern if you are not exercising so well done!

dziaugsmas : Hello,Dr.Pierre.I am writing for the first time.I have a question.I am in a cruise phase and i am really frustrated i cannot have vegetables everyday.I need to lose very little kg, and i'm doing okay.Would be possible to have vegetables every day on cruise phase, please.It's already a big shock to my body that i can not have any fruit (i used to have them every morning).And also i am trying to cook or bake something from those recipes in a recipe book but every time i add sweetener the finished product seems have no taste and its not sweet at all.Why? Whats happening to the sweetener then its heated?Thank You for Your answer
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear dziaugsmas, in fact you have only 4 pounds to lose and that it's quite unusualfor me to work with such slim girls. But I'm very careful with such cases because obesity starts with a few kilos to lose. I completely agree with you about vegetables. Pure proteins are maybe too powerful for your few kilos to lose but if you want to lose them you have to do at least one PP day per week. In that way it will be easier for you and if you like rhubarb you can use it as a vegetable to make some compotes. Have a nice day.

rachel19720 : Im very worried about uric acid and ive had raised levels during pregnancy and dont want to damage my kidneys
Moderatrice cathy : Hello rachel19720, first of all, go and see your doctor. Moreover, be reassured about your uric acid level, it will go down with your weight. As far as food is concerned, avoid game, offal and giblets, fatty fishes (mackerel, anchovies, herring, salmon, tuna , eel, ...), smocked meat, seashells, alcohol, spinach, cabbage, watercress and asparagus. Don't forget to drink up to 2 L waters per day. Have a nice day !

Melissaslimplease : Hi I really love having the Dukan galettes and I could easily eat five a day! what is the absolute maximum?
Moderatrice Jessica : Hi Mellisaslimplease, you can't have up to 2 dukan galettes a day! Enjoy!

mod : Thanks for having chat with us! This will be the last question!
lovelondonuk : Can I eat Tofu and Quorn? I am not vegetarian but I am finding it hard eating so much meat...
Moderatrice cathy : Hello lovelondonuk, you can have tofu and quorn (1 steak per day), no problem ! Have a look to our Dukan recipes book, it will help you to vary your meals. Chicken, beef, veal, fish, eggs, shells, ham, smocked meat, dairies, tofu or quorn can be cooked in so many ways. Be creative ! Enjoy your meals !


August 13 Weekly Chat with Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 13th of August, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy,Hannah and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

yolandatan : With regards to eggs, I feel that eggs make me feel fuller and don't give me the feelng that I'm dieting. Is it ok to have 2 or 3 eggs everyday?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi yolandatan, thanks for your message. Surely that is good that eggs make you feel full! You know that on this diet you should never be hungry. Three eggs a day is quite a lot so if you are eating them hard boiled for instance eat one with the yolk and the others just the whites. You can use the yolks for the dukan mayonaise...

louk369fu : The food specified in your menu is foreign to most Australians. Surely you have a menu better suited to Australian needs.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi louk369fu, thank you for your question. Well as you know this diet has been translated from french so yes a lot of the recipes are french ideas. We are thrilled to be so popular in Australia and we are working on recipes that you can use more easily, for example you can eat kangaroo meat. If you have any suggestions or specific questions about food then please send us an email so that we can advise you.

daphned : can I snack on radishes and cucumber on PP days?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi daphned, no sorry PP means Pure Protein so you cannot eat vegetables on these days.. save those snacks for you PV (protein vegetable) days!

20051973 : I didn't lapse on any foods, did exercise and ate as normal, but gained 200grams is that normal?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello 20051973, don't worry about this weight gaining, it can be due to water retention as for example. In that case, reduce salted food : ham, smocked fish, preserves, don't drink more than 1,5 Liter of water and don't forget physical activities. All these advises will help you to loose weight, but be confident ! Have a nice day.

Alpinechick : Hello Dr Dukan. I have lost 3.2kg since starting the diet 12 days ago. I am now stuck at a weight for 5 days, even though I did 3 PP days in as row as recommended. I follow the diet strictly and do all the exercises. i am losing centimeters every day. Can you give me some insight as to what is going on?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Alipinecick, you have lost 3.2 kilos during the 12 first days; That's a lot; And you cannot do quicker and more without finding your body fighting against your wish to continue on the same speed. Your body has to digest your weight loss and he's doing his best to slow down. So don't worry about you just have to wait for a few days more and the process will start again. Don't forget that it's not the moment to make a lapse because your body will not do any. And please return to me in a few days to see if I was right and try to move a little more to compensate and everything will be ok; Have a nice day.

nmsaunders : Hi I'm hoping to make Gaspacho soup over the weekend, can I use normal courgettes instead of baby courgettes? Also I don't see the 'miracle soup' and 'meatloaf' recipes in my online recipe book can I still have these? Many thanks Nicola
Moderatrice cathy : Dear nmsaunders, you can use normal courgettes instead of baby courgettes, there is no inconvenience. You can also add spices and herbs like fresh mint, your soup will be very delicious ! Enjoy your meal

KSKINNY : Hi, I've just started today and find the diet a little confusing. i have quite busy lifestyle and don't really have the time or the facilities to make some of the lunch recipes and wondered if I'm on the right path by having protein with salad and no dressing? Also with regards to dinner do eat 3 courses eact night? I feel little confused by the whole diet if I'm honest and need to to be super easy for me many thanks for your advice in advance kirsty
Moderatrice hannah : Hi KSKINNY, thank you for your questions. I see that you are on your first day of the cruise phase so you must now do alternative days of PP (pure protein) and PV protein and vegetable) days. The menus are just suggestions and you in no way obliged to follow them. To help you plan ahead we have put a weekly shopping list in your kitchen in your slimming apartment. Please also don't forget to fill in your daily report each day so that we can moniter your progress. In your programme you can read a summary of each phase and please don't hesitate to call us or send us an email if you are unsure about anything.

roundhouse : My efforts are somewhat deminished by my age but I do what I am able. Walking is coming on but I wish I'd done your diet years ago - no answer to that one is there!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello roundhouse, don't worry, do what you can and you will progress day by day on your own rythm. As long as you move, it will be ok ! Be patient and look in front of you : your weight will go down !

ninityrrell : These two, I thought, could be eaten as much as wanted but I saw on my daily report that ham is considered a minor lapse, is packet cured ham ok or should it be avoided? I find it a handy snack! And what about packet pre-preapred chicken? Also, with yoghurts, I can only find fat free yoghurts with the fruit pieces in it, who makes flavoured fat free yoghurts? and is vanillia ok? Finding the diet really good, I like the structure and flexibility that comes with it!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ninityrrell, i am pleased for you that the diet is going well so far! You can eat rindless, extra lean ham but not cured ham. Please look in your fridge in your apartment for examples. For the chicken if it is turkey ham that is ok but for other types of chicken you have to be careful how they have bbeen prepared and you must not eat the skin. As for the yogurts they must have less than 2% fat and be sugar free to be unlimited. The fat free yogurts with pieces what we call a 'tolerated' food meaning you can have limited quantities. For a full list of tolerated foods please see the forum. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!

hadjisavva : can i use sweetener for my coffee? thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi hadjisavva, yes you are very welcome to have sweetener in your coffee as sugar is strictly forbidden!

pashca : Thank you doctor, I'm on cruise and I'm enjoying the diet, not only because I lose weight but also I feel good and I don't shake anymore before meal times. End of october will be consolidation for me.Then April Stabilisation. During stabilisation, are we allowed to have starchy food every day?Thank you
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Pashca, congratulations for your result and thanks for your nice message which gives me a lot of energy to go further in that way. About starches during the consolidation phase you know that it will last ten days by each lost kilo and this phase must be divided in two equal parts. During the first one you will have one portion of 220g of starches and in the second half it will be two portions per week. Then in the ultimate phase stabilization my advice is to eat starches 1 day for two. Eating starches everyday would be too much excepted if you have a lot of physical activity to burn this excess. But I'm glad to see that you think about your future organisation to keep your true weight. Have a nice day.

dziaugsmas : Hello everyone. My question is simple. I am on consolidation phase... Am I allowed to have some cereal (low in fat, low in sugar) with skimmed milk in a morning? Thank you.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi dziaugsmas thank you for your question. It really depends on what cereal it is because you can have two servings or 'starchy foods a week but this might not be the case for your cereal. Please send us a message in your slimming apartment for more details. Thanks

maggiea : Good Morning Dr Dukan and Team, I am noticing a really uneven weight loss pattern in the last three weeks. I have not cheated or lapsed, and exercised/walked well every day, but I have lost only 3lbs in the last three weeks. Also, I am feeling tired and have low energy. What can I do?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello maggiea, concentrate your efforts on practising sports everyday, follow your instructions and your weight will go down for sure ! If you feel tired, don't forget to go and see your doctor, he will be able to do a complete check up. Then, give us some good news by sending us a message in your slimming appartment. Take care

mistryt : Hi, I'm amazed at howmuch i;ve lost already. It's brilliant. Thank you. I just wanted to ask, I;m I allowed olives during the PV days?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Mistryt, thanks for your message it's very nice to come to me whith sucha good new. That means that you keep going well. About olives I agree to say that it's not possible because as you know we make oil with olives and oil is the richest and most energetic food on earth. So wait a little and then you will be able to eat once or twice a week during your celebration meal a napolitain pizza with olives and anchoives. Have a nice day.

topsypopsy : How can i cure my sugar cravings - really having a battle. Slipped up once so far and had some chocolate - only 2 squares..
Moderatrice hannah : Hi topsypopsy, thank you for your question. I am happy that I can certainly help you here! As you may already know as a tolerated food you can have one tsp of 11% fat sugar free cocoa powder a day and with that you can make some delicious treats that I am certain will satisfy your cravings. Please search in your recipe book under chocolate and you will find many recipes to make your mouth water and you can enjoy guilt free! Let us know how you get on!

limayt : Good evening from Oz, everyone. When the Dukan Recipe book is released in Australia, will it only have the recipes we have on the site or will they be quite different and include some suitable for Australians - it may surprise you but kangaroo is not on everyone's shopping list - the best meat I have found is extra trimmed rump steak and I'm eating it at least three days a week alternatively with cod and other white fish. We don't whip up things like lobster, rabbit, guinea fowl, etc.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi limayt, thank you for your feedback. We are trying to improve our website so that people from all over the world can use it and we are going to add kangaroo onto the allowed foods list. As you know this diet comes from France and the French are notorious for eating everything that moves!

lagonigro : Dear Pierre, I find it very difficult to buy in Ireland small pots of natural fat free yogurts so I have been eating two small pots of Danone 0% fat with small pieces of fruit into them. Are they ok to eat? Regards,
Moderatrice hannah : hi lagonigro, thank you for your question. Unfortuntely the 0% fat yogurts with fruit pieces are not allowed unlimited becasue of the fruit pieces. You can have a maximum of two a day but you must avoid them if you are stagnating. Try looking for sugar free yogurts with uner 2% fat and let us know how you get on, they should be available in the supermarket.

1jayne : Good Afternnon Dr Dukan/Team, I had a couple of days recently when I eat cake and you asked me to join todays chat Dr Dukan, hopefully to explain to my brain the evils of such things (please). Unfortunately I cannot be there live so I am posting this for you in advance. I have just completed the Consolidation Phase and I have signed up for a further 6 months help. At the end of the 6 months will I be able to sign up again for further support if I need it please ? Knowing you are there helping me has been such a comfort, thank you. Me - I crave tortilla chips, cake and haribo sweets ( I think its the carbs) even now, how do I break myself of these cravings that knock on my door and tease me ? I look forward to reading your response and hope we can chat live soon. Thank you so much, again. Best Regards
Moderatrice cathy : Hello 1jayne, thanks for you message and congrats ! You will be able to subscribe in the stabilization phase for 6 months more at the end of the coaching (so, the stabilization phase will last 1 year). You have to fight against all the devils around you : focus on your goal and on your well being, they will help you to be the final winner ! Have a look to our Dukan diet recipe book, you will be surprised by all the deliciousness you will find in that tool. What is more, doing exercices will change your mind and chase away those "bad" foods. Have faith, I trust you
!
sgrifo1 : Hello, where can I buy the liquid paraffin required to make the dukan mayonnaise? Thanks a lot in advance, Serena
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Serena,Thank you for your question. You can find paraffin oil at the pharmacy but if you are not happy using it then you can substitute it for quark or low fat cottage cheese. Let us know how you get on!

MariaTJ : Dr Pierre, I have been very unwell this week and unable to eat and certainly not exercise properly. From my chart you will see I have lost this week but gained 600g overnight. I am now up 700g from Sun's best weigh in. The last 2 days I have been ovulating so am assuming this is fluid retention. When can I expect to lose this fluid retention? I am very motivated still but it was difficult becuase there was no where to report in my daily report what was really going on.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maria, you are 48 and you are in the heart flush phase of pre menopause which means that you are really sensitive to your hormonal influence and that surely explains your water retention. Do not forget that a litre of water weights one kilo, it really easy to keep a litre of water on the whole body. So as the tide comes up and down, in a few days the water you keep will go with the weight. If you want to participate and to go quicker you have to drink two litres and to eat salty as less as possible and move a little more as usual to add sweating to usual way of eliminating water. Have a nice day.

julietmw : Dear Dr Dukan and staff, I have been ill with the flu and heavy cold for about a week and now I am improving. During this week I have forgotten my report a couple of times and off course I have done no exercise. I have kept up the diet and had lots of fluids. My weight has been moving very slowly indeed. Also I have found since commencing the diet that my bowel movements have slowed significantly, sometimes up to three or four days apart and I have experienced constipation - something I am unaccustomed to (this began before I became ill and I am drinking plenty of liquid). Even though I naturally have a slow metabolism, I have always had a normal daily elimination pattern. Thank you Juliet
Moderatrice hannah : Dear Julietmw, first of all welcome to the chat and I hope that you are feeling better. You did the right thing not to overdo it at this time as the most important thing is your health. You say you are feeling constipated, this is very common and i can recommend that you add 100g ot rhubarb to your diet and ask your pharmacist for some gentle natural laxatives. You will soon find that your weight is moving again, please let us know how you get on.

MicheleTG : I'm starting this diet tomorrow but now a bit panic stricken as going without fruit and vegetables for 2 days is going to be so hard for me.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello MicheleTG and welcome to the Dukan Diet weight loss programm ! Tomorrow will be a new start for you, don't be afraid about this new way of eating. Once you will see the results, you will be entirely confident. Don't worry, vegetables will be ok during PV days in the cruise phase, that's to say in a few days. Be patient and focus on your weight just. Have faith !

julietmw : Dear Dr Dukan and staff, I have been ill with flu and a heavy cold for about a week and now I am improving. During this week I have forgotten my report a couple of times and of course I have done no exercise. I have been drinking at least the required amout of fluid and I have kept up the diet. My weight has been moving very slowly indeed. Also, as soon as I commenced the diet my normal daily elimination pattern was disrupted and my bowel movement became up to three of four days apart and I have experienced constipation for the first time. Even though my metabolism is naturally slow I have had a healthy daily elimination pattern. Thank you Juliet
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Juliet, with flu you probably took antibiotics and with fever it must have made you tired and weak which is perfectly normal and it better not to lose wieght during such kind of illness. For now if you feel better please take one gramme of vitamin C in the morning and ask to your chemist to send you a food completement with ginseng. For a few days please eat vegetables everyday especially tomatoes cabbage and peppers as they are full of vitamins; When you are perfectly ok start the attack phase with 4 days PP and then continue with one PP/one PL. PLease return to me to give me some news about your health. Have a nice day.

limayt : Hello again. I didn't eat puddings/sweets even before the diet, so am eating a lot of fat free yoghurt, but all the fat free yoghurts, and the 'fruche' which is the only fromage frais available have huge amounts of sugar in them. I this the reason that my weight fluctuates sometimes, ie, up and down?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi limayt, all yogurts contain a certain amount of natural sugars but they must not have added sugar. Also you must not eat more than 1 kg of dairy a day. Try to keep your diet as varied as possible and if you do want a sweet treat then please vrowse your recipebook in your slimming apartment. I have had a look at your weight curve and it looks fantastic so don't worry you are doing very well! It is totaly normal that you weight fluctuates frim time to time but as ling as in general it is going down then there is nothing to worry about!
Mazzy10 : I have had my cholesteral tested recently which my doctor says is too high and suggests that its the high amount of meat that I am eating (which I love, I am a carnivore) I do not want to take statins or any other tablets as I feel great at the moment having lost loads of weight on your diet and doing loads of excercise. I have just found the "Benecol proven to lower cholesteral" yoghort drinks: 67.5g bottle,0.1 saturated fat,4.7g sugar, 1 per day. Am I good to go with these. Mazzy 10
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Mazzy10, don't eat more than 2 hole eggs per week, if you want to cook recipes which contain eggs, only use the egg whites. To reduce your cholesterol, please eat fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, eel, herring, mackerel. You can also have poultry. Moreover, doing sports will help you to regulate the cholesterol rate. You can also have 1 bottle Benecol yoghurt drink per day. Have faith !

MariaTJ : very funny Hannah - I love your sense of humour xox
Moderatrice hannah : Hi MariaTJ, Thank you I am very happy to be of help! Have a nice day!

Lady_root : Could you give us a replacement for oat bran for those of us, who are also on glutenfree diet?
Moderatrice sonja : Dear Lady, I'm afraid but there is no subsitute for oat bran; But don't worry we have a lot of customers in the same case and they are still losing weight. Keep going!

sallyws : I've been following the diet for a few days now but find that some of the instructions are translated incorrectly and also that some of the recipes don't make sense, i.e. the recipe for Quark and chives lists under ingredients 'strain the cottage cheese' however there is no cottage cheese listed as an ingredient! this descrbes an acion, so can you tell me if it's suposed to have cottage cheese in or not and what are you suposed to do with it, thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi sallyws, thank you for your question. I will double check the recipe but it is because people who cannot use quark can use cottage cheese and the way you buy it in France it needs straining so that is probably the explaination. Please let us know any other questions you have here or through your slimming apartment we are here to help :)

MariaTJ : Also there is no where to report our extra exercise activity. I have been marking down my walking and also ticking the extra obliged activity, when in fact I haven't been doing those exercises but using my wii for instant. Will you be expanding how we can report in, so it will more a little more accurate. Otherwise, are you only interested in knowing we have walked and then done some other form of exercise. Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Hello MariaTJ, just fill in your daily report as you have done all the supplementary exercices. You can also precise these informations in the slimming appartment's mailbox by sending us a message. Keep going !

priyav : I am going away for 3 weeks on the 13th Aug. Any tips on how to cope ? Will I still be able to log on to my instructions when I get back ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi priyav, please send us a message to let us know the exact dates you will be away because if you will have no access at all to your programme than we can suspend your coaching for that time. You must of course try to the diet as best you can while you are away send us a message with more info so we can help :)

mod : please do not hesitate to ask us your questions we will be glad to answer!

lynn2010 : i am intolerant/allergy to milk and milk based yogurts and cottage cheese etc, can i substitute soy yogurt?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Lynn, as you are intolerant to dairies you can have soya dairy products. For the yogurt have only the plain ones! Enjoy!

PrimeStar : Dear Dukan team! Is it possible to use sweeteners like Dietor or Conad (italian brands) instead of Splenda? Also can I use cacao powder (11 grams of fat per 100 grams and 240cal) in some of the Dukan recipes that call for it? Thank you very much!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi PrimeStar, as long as they contain no more than 1 calorie then I am sure they are fine. Yes if the coca is 11% fat and sugar free then you are very welcome to use it, but no more that 1tsp a day!

topsypopsy : thanks so much. LOVING THE REGIME AND AM GETTING THERE SLOWLY I THINK IT IS 2 KILOS SINCE I STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear topsypopsy, thanks for your warm message. Please detail your 3 daily meals in your slimming appartment's mailbox, we will help you for sure. Have faith !

suemiller : I will be on holiday, with no computer or weighing scales, from August 15th to 21st. Will not be able to report. What should I do?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi suemiller, lucky you!No problem we can suspend your coaching for this time. Please send us a message from your slimming apartment to confirm. :)

irish71 : can i use low fat ricotta, in place of quark or fromage frais, i cant get either of these at my supermarket thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi irish71, unfortunaltely no low fat ricotta is not allowed. Can you find low fat cottage cheese? you can use this in place of quark...

sanahj123 : its the month of ramadan and im fasting from around 4 am to 8pm. if i drink my recomended water , oatbran andfolllow the diet correctlly will my weightloss be halted?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sanah, during this period of time your weight will go up and down as your body is not used to have food during the night but don't worry everything will be back to normal as soon as ramadan will end. Best wishes!

maggiea : Hello Team Dukan, So many people advise mini attack after lapses, or holiday eating. Surely it is best to just carry on with Cruise, and exercise and only use a mini Attack of 2-3 days after a plateau of a week or more? Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Hi maggiea, the best way to compensate lapses or to fight against a plateau is to do more physical activities but doing PP days is not the solution. Go ahead and avoid food which is not allowed in the programm, your weight just approach !

champcol : The oat bran is very dry when eating by itself. I mix it with liquid or water. Is this OK
Moderatrice cathy : Hi champcol, oat bran is very dry but we usually advise to mix it with dairies (fat free yoghurt or fat free milk as for example). Don't forget the Dukan recipes like the oat bran galette, Dukan muffins etc. Enjoy all the recipes !

Saraibalu : Hi, I just needed to know if I can use stock cubes to make consomé. Is it allowed?

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Saraibalu, yes you can use stock cubes but only the fat free ones! Bon appétit!

MariaTJ : Oh thank you Cathy. I hadn't realised that. I will email more regualrly in that case.

Moderatrice cathy : Hi again MariaTJ, yes you can ! Have a nice day

Alpinechick : You mentioned Gotu Kola somewhere in the diet. Can you say who, when and how one should take this and what is the effect especially for this diet.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Alpinechick, yes gotu-kola is used against cellulite as it is a natural fat burner; Please ask your pharmacist for details and let us know how you get on!

Goodformeyeah : I am due to start the plan tomorrow and would like to know whether I can have Soya Beans on Cruise PV days as I love them? Your book has them listed as one of the ok foods to eat?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi goodforme, no soya beans on the cruise phase. But soon you will be able to have them as you will be on the consolidation phase. Keep going!

DeeDee2010 : I am really struggling past couple of days and I am feeling very down.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello DeeDee2010, go and see your doctor as soon as possible, he will take the time to examinate yourself. Then, give us some news by sending us a message in your slimming appartment. Take care, wish you the best.
mod : keep going deedee, you are a very nice person and do not hesitate to write to us if you need something and thanks for your help on the forum!

maggiea : Good morning Dukan team, I notice that Butternut Squash is quite high in carbs (1 cup @ 17g carb) as opposed tocourgette/pumpkin/similar squashes @3-8 carbs. Is the former too high in carbs for Cruise? Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Dear maggiea, butternut squash is ok, you can cook it during PV days. Don't focus on the carbs, courgettes, pumpkin, squashes are all ok, rich in fibers and in Betacaroten. These vegetables are very delicious, enjoy !

SAS : Hi there, I've been struggling to find fat free yoghurt - can I use 97% fat free instead?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi SAS, yes 3% fat is the absolute maximum fat % you can have so if that is all you can find then it is fine but please don't go over 1kg of dairy a day...

mod : this is the last question thanks for having chat with us!

yeyita : puedo tomar alguna cerveza o vino blanco durante la dieta? el próximo mes es mi cumpleaños y seguro que tomaré cervezas como lo compenso?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Yeyita, no alcohol I'm sorry but as it will be your birthday you can have only one glass of red wine. Also our spanish website will be available in autumn. Happy birthday though!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now finished, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!



mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 20th of August, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Jessica, Cathy,Hannah and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

sednaoui : Am I allowed nuts on the diet?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi sednaoui, welcome to that chat! Sorry no nuts on this diet they contain a lot of fat and are often covered in salt so not suitable...

GILQUITALIG : IS IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO HAVE LIQUID PARAFFIN IN THE DUKAN MAYO AND VINAIGRETTE?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello GILQUITALIG, it is not an obligation if you don't want to take paraffin oil. You can prepare other seasonings with dairies, balsamic vinegar, etc... Have a nice day !

lmavegas : can i eat fruit and how much of it?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Imavegas, welcome to the chat! No fruit is not allowed in the first two phases of this diet mainly because of the sugar, if you say in your daily report that you are missing fruit Pierre Dukan may take pity and give you a joker card of fruit but only when he thinks it is necessary... enjoy your vegetables for now!

Sselio : May I eat sashimi?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Sselio, you can absolutly have sashimis!! It is a high source of proteins! Aligato!

RozAveris : Hi - Are oatbran tablespoon measures heaped or level please? Thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi RozAveris, a tablespoon is 15g in weight.. hope that helps!

GILQUITALIG : DO FRESH FRUITS INTERRUPT THE PROGRESS OF THE DIET? COULD I AT LEAST HAVE A FEW SLICES OF WATERMELON?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again GILQUITALIG, fruits are only allowed during consolidation phase (1 per day), they contain sugar so please avoid them before the 3rd Phase of your programme. The attack and the cruise phase are focused on a quickly weight loss so go ahead and follow your daily instructions.

Sselio : may I eat a little bread?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio, you cannot eat normal bread until the consolidation phase but please find our recipe for Dukan bread in your kitchen in your slimming apartment... Let us know how it goes!

Sselio : when I made my report this morning I wrote 83 Kg. I was wrong the right one was 82,5 can you ajust that and how I can change the figure myself?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio,Please send us a message through your slimming apartment and we can modify this for you... Thanks!

mdpalm : I know I've had a few lapses in the last week - My wedding was four days ago, followed by our honeymoon in Paris. I'll get back on track when the honeymoon is over!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Mdpalm, I'm really glad for you and really proud that you just married during the Dukan cure. It's not usual to be on a diet and at the same time make the best to be the prettiest as possible for your wedding pictures. If you feel to send me pictures we could add them on the VID. So now please start again because we have a new target to reach. Have a day and honeymoon.

KikiLow : I have this fibre drink and I am wondering if i could take it on my PV day to ease my constipation problem. Ingredients: oat fibre, oil palm fibre, dietary apple fibre, orange powder, soluble fibre, wheat fibre, citric acid, maltodextrin, aloe vera, isomaltooligosaccharides (oligo), probiotic powder, spirulina, alfalfa. Nutrition facts (per sachet, 12 gram): 28.9 kcal, carbohydrate 3.75 gram, protein 3.07 gram, fat 0.18 gram, dietary fibre 1.62 gram and sugar 0.19 gram. Can i have one sachet of this on my PV day? Thanks a lot again!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello KikiLow, if you have constipation problems, I would advise you to drink 1,5 L water per day, don't forget to put your bottle in the fridge, fresh water will accelerate your digestion. You can also have 100 g of cooked rhubarb (sugar free of course) during PV days. Physical activities like walking or crunches will also help you to fight against constipation. Don't forget your daily oat bran intake. However, your fibre drink is not allowed. If that problem persists, please go and see your doctor. Have a nice coaching !

Sselio : up to now how many days in the week I need only protein?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio,In your cruise phase it is best if you alternate 1 PP/1 PV so your body can get into a rhythm.

miaalexandra : Dr. I just wanted to tell you that I followed your advice! I got the low fat cacao (it was like being in heave....), it helps a lot. I even put it in the yogurt cake. I am back on track! I did 4 days of pp, and the cravings, and boredom went away. I feel lighter, and I've started to wear clothes which had been in my closet for over a year... I'm out of town for the weekend, and I've been good, I must admit, that I'd like to have some chocolate...I am in Brussels.... I might have some, but for sure, won't go out of board! Thanks!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Mia, I'm really glad that after following my advice you 've gone back on tracks. you see that it's not really difficult and it just depend on motivation and especially your patience. That depends only of a few hours sometimes to trigger. Keep that in memory because it can come back . For Brussels you have my permission but don't mess you up because it could break all your efforts. Please come back to me in two days to know if everything is ok. Have a nice day.

Sselio : thank you very much to allSselio
Moderatrice hannah : Sselio you are very welcome, and please send us a message from your slimming apartment so I can adjust your weight curve.

IaGG22 : Hi Dr Dukan i feel so at ease with your regime, i never feel hungry! Can you eat Quorn on PP or PV days in the cruise phase?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear laGG22, you can have Quorn during any phase. Enjoy!

KikiLow : Just a couple of quick question. The only fat free , sugar free yogurt i can find is Greek Strained yogurt (Ingredients: peteurised skimmed cow´s milk and live active yogurt culture. Nutritional value/ 10 gram: 52 kcal, protein 9gram, carbohydrate 4 gram). Can I eat this? I have been adding aspartame in it to make it taste better. Is it allowed? How many portion of the microwave bread can I eat per day? It contains 1 tablesponn of wheat bran and 2 tablespoon of oat bran. I know I am allowed 2 tablespoon of oat bran per day but does this include wheat bran? I have also been eating smoked peepered mackerel fillets (225 calories, 0g sugar, 17.9 fat (26 percent), saturates 4.8gram (24 percent) and salt 1.4gram (23 percent). Is this allowed? sorry fro asking so many questions. I am really unsure about some of the food that is allowed. Lastly, just one suggestion. I have been forgetting to file my daily report as I keep thinking i have to do it before midnight when I have o do it before 11pm! will try harder. Thanks a lot, Dukan Team. xx
Moderatrice cathy : Dear KikiLow, don't hesitate to ask your questions, we are pleased to help you. No problem for your fat free Greek strained yogurt, but don't eat more than 1 Kg dairies per day. You can add aspartam for sure. You are allowed to have 2 Tbsp oat bran per day, so if you prepare the the Dukan microwaved bread, you have riched the daily portion. (wheat bran is optional, but oat bran has to be eaten). As far as smoked peppered mackerel filet is concerned, yes, it is allowed. If it contains sauce, don't eat it. Don't worry about your daily report, but try to fill in as often as possible. Have a nice day !

richardnajm : please i need to know the quantity of eggs for breakfast. is it allowed to eat garlic with chicken breast?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear richardnajm, you can have up to 5 eggs a week, if you don't have any cholesterol problems. When and how you eat it is up to you. You can have egg whites as much as you want though. As for garlic, you can use it only as a condiment, like half one per person.

Sselio : sorry I forgot one more question, may I eat water mellon?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio,ask as many questions as you want it is what we are here for! No sorry no fruit is allowed until the consolidation phase.. for a list of all the food you can eat please look in your slimming apartment>my kitchen>my fridge and my cupboard

vickyhwang : Hi Dr Dukan, I was wondering if soya sauce, fish sauce and maggi sauce are permitted in the attack phase of your diet. Many thanks, Vicky
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear vickyhwang, you can't have sauces on the attack phase but as it is a tolerated food, you can have 1 tea spoon a day from the cruise phase.

IaGG22 : I love the structure and regime because i never feel hungry thank you!! Can i use Quorn products on PP days?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Ia,thank you for your nice message, it always makes me pleased and I'm glad to see that English woman are so kind. I remember the time when people were telling me that British people would be so different from French ones and that they couldn't accept a French method. Now I can see that they are really receptive and involved and pleased to follow me. Have a nice day.

maggiea : Good morning! Is it okay to eat Kosher chicken sausages and kosher burgers? Should they be treated as tolerated items, and Quorn - two per day?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear maggiea, you can have chicken sausages, from the cruise phase, as a tolerated food; knowing that 100g = 1 tolerated. As for the burgers, please send us the nutrtion details through your email in your slimming apartment. Quorn is unlimited at any phase.

maggiea : Hello Team! Salt! How much is too much! It is in everything - cottage cheese, fromage frais, meat slices. We need some salt every day, but how much before it starts keeping water in your body? How much is "safe"?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello maggiea, if you don't suffer from water retention, don't fear salt. If you vary as much as possible your food, the quantity will be ok. It would be difficult to tell you those informations, it depends on so many parameters. You will find a high part of salt in smocked food, in ham, in cheese or in preserves. Avoid them if your body does bloat.

Sselio : I have no way to have oat bran where I am now How I can replace it?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio, Unfortunately there is no replacement for oat bran, where in the world are you? You can order it online from our french boutique or ask in the forum...http://www.maboutiqueregimedukan.com/boutique/liste_produits.cfm?type=3&code_lg=lg_fr

dietnow : Can I drink chocolate milk 0%sugar 0%fat, 3,8protein, 4,8carb in 100ml with sweeteners? may I use it for the desert recipes?How much can I drink every day?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome dietnow, your chocolate milk drink is ok. You can drink it or use it to prepare delicious "sweet" Dukan recipes. However don't have more than 1 Kg dairy fat free products per day. Tchin tchin !

margaritakarli : As I am in vacations it is difficult to follow exactly the program and I do significant lapses. Tell me how I can control myself when I m eating out!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi mararitakarli thank you for your message. You have to find a way to control yourslef and just think logically about what you can eat. Stick to the rules of no sauce or dressing, dessert or alcohol and then try your best with the rest... ask for grilled chicken with vegetables for example. Whatever you do steer clear of fried foods and creamy sauces. Be strong you and you will feel very proud of yourself afterwards!

MariaTJ : Dr Pierre Good evening. Thank you for your advise last week. I am happy to report I dropped the 600g gain overnight. Much to my relief and have decided to weigh weekly now to keep my motivation and determination strong. Thank you to the girls for their help thorughout the week too. I feel very supported. xox
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maria TJ, thanks for beeing so present with us, that's the best way to progress with the less frustration as possible and to always keep a good mood. I want to add a special mention to Aussies. I would like to tell you that the book success in Australia had really been a phenonemon. Today I think that Australia is one of the two or three countries which have make the best welcome to my book and method. And I take the opportunity of your message to thank Australia, a country in which I have never been yet but I have decided to come and visit it thanks to you and I would be really pleased to meet you at this occasion. Have a nice day.

appleshape : can I use a substitute for liquid paraffin?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello appleshape, unfortunately there is no substitute for liquid paraffin. If you want to prepare Dukan dressings for your salads or your vegetables, you can use fat free quark with fresh herbs and spices... be creative ! Enjoy your meal

rekharajani : I would like to know if mung bean sprouts are allowed on pv days and if yes what sort of quantity. Can I make a chapati with oatbran (oat bran, little bit salt, just a teaspoonful of wheat flour, make daugh with warm water and roll it and cook it like a chapati. I am Indian and only eat chicken, eggs, cottage cheese but no fish or seafood. Therefore looking for some variety in the diet. Also what about parmesan cheese and how much? I can then boil the vegetables and sprinkle parmesan cheese on it.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear rekharajani, you can have mung bean sprout on PV days, and in large quantity. You can make chapati as long as you only use the allowed 100 foods. As for parmesan, it is only allowed from the consolidation phase, 40g per day. Enjoy!

Sselio : I am in crans sur sierre (switzerland) this is a small village , I am having few days holydays. After I will go to Capri, very nice place...
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Sselio, Switzerland and Italy? Sounds like my dream holidays! How luck you are! Send us a postcard!

marshoney : 1. what is a stone (lbs) 2. what are some recommended meal combonations 3. how do you make a blini and your pancakes from bran/wheat oats thank you
Moderatrice hannah : Hi marshoney, welcome to the chat! Stone and pounds (llbs) is a measurement to weigh yourself. You can use Kgs if you are not familiar with stone it is not a problem. You can find recipe suggestions in your slimming apartment with your daily instructions and please find other recipes in your recipe book in your kitchen. If you would like some help navigating the website then please feel free to give us a call so we can talk you through it...

MariaTJ : Hannah, it is very hard for us non speaking French people to order from your French Boutique. Will you be setting up an English version where we can read and purchase items?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi MariaTJ, Yes we hope in due course to have an Uk shop as well but as you know this website is new so one step at a time! Feel free to call us and we can go through the boutique with you to help you order products.

MariaTJ : Well it would be an honour for us Aussies to certainly meet you too. It is a big Country so you will have to make many stopovers. Name the date and time and I'll be there. It would be lovely to thank you in person.
Moderatrice Pierre : I will with a real pleasure Maria!

carolina44 : i woke up after the first day of the diet with cramps in my stomac from 6:00 am in the morning ,it is 9:00 and they still are not going away, they come and go ,at first i tought just becouse i was hungry ,but i had breakfast and thy are still there.is this normal?
Moderatrice cathy : Helli carolina44, I advise you to go and see your doctor in order to do a complete check up. In the meantime, just leave aside the oat bran, don't fill your stomach, eat slowly, in a quiet atmosphere. Take care and give us some good news by sending us a message in your slimming appartment.

dietnow : I send my chocolate milk question twice.Sorry about that. Could you tell me please if I can ear cheese 7% or 12%fat and how much. thank u
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear dietnow, you have cheese, under 7% fat, 30g, counting as 1 tolerated food, knowing you can have 2T/day. However, if you have to have 30% fat cheese, you can only have 10g of it and it will be the only tolerated food of the day. Hope it helps!

Sselio : may I drink pamplemousse ??
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Sselio no sorry as I mentioned earlier NO fruit is allowed yet...not in any form! You can enjoy fruit again on the consolidation phase...

MariaTJ : Thank you Hannah.
Moderatrice hannah : MariaTJ you are very welcome!

dietnow : Can I drink a ready made chocolate drink 0%sugar, 0%fat, 3,8 protein, 4,9carb/100ml with sweeteners?if yes, how much am I allowed every day?can I use it for desert recipes?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear dietnow, I have already answered to your question. I invite you to read it (just go back up).

Gracia64 : I live in Wexford in the south of Ireland; I have tried relentlessly to find quark cheese but cannot find it anywhere; if anybody knows where I can find it please let me know; if not, can I use fat free yogurt or Philadelphia extra light cheese instead?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Gracia64 welcome to the chat! Please ask ion the forum about where to buy quark in Ireland as there is bound to be someone who knows.. in the meantime you can use fat free yogurt mixed with herbs or normandy fromage frais if you can find some of that... Philidelphia extra light cheese is what we call a tolerated food so you can have a maximum of 30g a day. All tolerated foods must be avoided if you are stagnating...

Aquacate : I live in denmark and I have not come across any sompletely fat free yoghurt. However, we have some 1,5% products. Are these allowed and of so in what quantity?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Acquacate! How lucky you are denmark is a really beautiful country! 1.5% fat for dairies is fine. Also feel free to give us the brands on the forum to help knowing more about specific products! Enjoy your coaching!

roundhouse : I first saw your diet in the newspaper in May and immediately started it. I subnsequnetly obtained your book when it became available and then joined the slimming on the TV under the user name of "roundhouse". Since I first started in lMay I have now lost one stone or 74.8 and am still losing very slowly. Befort I joined the computer slimmers I had juggled the diet with my normal diet and not regained any weight. Does this alter the time I spend on each stage. I have the odd lapse, but am find, progressing as I am.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi roundhouse, Well done for the weight you have already lost! Please send us a message from your slimming apartment so we can discuss the details but for now we just need to focus on you reaching your true weight.. be strong and keep it up!

ozsaygili : I live in London, and working during the day. I am really struggling to follow food instructions. Especially if you consider that I am quite new to your method. My daily instructions is given to me around 11pm. I can't do shopping or do any cooking after this time. Therefore the next day it is impossible for me the follow your suggestions. Then all I do is trying to find something from the fridge. I am not very clear why Iam receving daily menus then? Is there anyway to receive instructions at least one day in advanced? (Since I can't follow your instructions for the next day at the moment, so your next day instruction based on today's activities is not reflecting the realities.) Advice would be appreciated. Thanks.Oz
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear ozsaygili, first of all I completly understand your concern, finding balance between a busy work schedual and being on a diet can be tricky... Secondly, menus are here only to give suggestions or options, it is, in no way, an obligation. You can cook whatever you want as long as you use the 100 unlimited food. Now if you want to follow the menus, do it one day behind: use for today your menus from yesterday, or even sometimes, if you enjoyed it, menus from way back! You can take the lead on this one, juggle with your menus the way it seems easier for you. If you struggle too much, please send us a message via your slimming apartment and we'll help you finding a solution...

ozsaygili : having so many dairy products have a bad impact on my sinus problem. But then I feel without having egg, milk and chese, it will be difficult to follow the diet on pp days. Could you please advise me on this matter? Thanks,
Moderatrice cathy : Hello ozsaygili, if you don't want to have cow milk dairy products, you can replace them by soya fat free dairies. During PP days, the choice is large : ham, fish, seafood, poultry, meat, etc... Don't forget our Dukan recipe virtual book, you will find a lot of savory and sweet recipes. Have a nice coaching.

olichka : Dear Doctor, First of all thanks for great webpages and chances that you give to all your clients. I have one question. My weight is 58, according to you I should have 56,8. But my body is feeling that is very low weight. In me I have two breast implants, total weight is 1 kg. Do I have to minus 1 kilo from my weight or no? Thanks a lot
Moderatrice hannah : Dear Olichka, welcome to the chat! You must be at a weight that you are happy with so by all means if your breats weigh an extra kilo stop a kilo higher than we suggested... You can send us a message from your slimming apartment so that we can adjust your programme.

Sselio : May I eat,some time, the same menu for lunch and for dinner? May I drink pink grapefruits in the morning and during the day?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sselio! Yes you can have the same menu for lunch and dinner as long as it's allowed food. No fruit during the two first phases but you will be able to have a fresh fruit per day on the consolidation phase. Keep going!

Sselio : Thank you Hannah
Moderatrice hannah : You are very welcome Sselio!

maggiea : Please can we get this right? It is crucial. A level tbsp of oat bran is NOT 15g. A HEAPED tbsp is barely 15g. I was having half the ob I should have for weeks! We need TWO HEAPED TBSPS per day on Cruise. I love my oat bran!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea, welcome to the chat! If for you 15g is a heaped tbs then please have a heaped tablespoon... Enjoy!

dietnow : can I have diet coca colas in attack phase, if yes how many a day? Can I drink them on the other phases as well?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi dietnow, welcome to the chat! Yes you can have any diet drink as long as there is no more than 1 calorie per glass. You can have them in all the phases...if you have a sweet tooth be careful not to have more than 8 doses of sweetener a day. Thanks!

Chubbychops : I was happy to find Turkish Delight in my store cupboard but am confused as to how much I can have. Is it two pieces once or twice a day or once or twice during the whole diet?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Chubbychops, be careful : you can have one or two pieces Turkish Delight during the whole diet, but not each day... If you really want to have a sweet pleasure, please search some yummy recipes in the Dukan recipe book (cheesecake, etc).

ejdixon : is oat meal medium ground the same as oat bran
Moderatrice sonja : Hi edj! No oat meal is not the same I'm sorry. You must have the thickest oat bran as possible. Enjoy your Dukan galette!

Alpinechick : This is a fabulous diet--thank you very, very much!! I got stuck in the stagnating phase and then did the PP day with just 1 litre of fluids and no tolerated foods, just the PP recommended diet and voila, I lost another 800g overnight! I am finally wearing pants I bought 2 years ago and feel more confident and almost sexy again. I am very much looking forward to reaching my objective and most importantly, stabilizing my weight for ever. THANK YOU Dr Dukan.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Alpinechick, thank you very much for sharing with us your joy and success! We are very happy and proud of you! Isn't it the best feeling in the world when you suddenly fit into an old and too small clothe? I certainly love it! Keep going and keep us informed!

knitwit : In your daily instructions you mention the fragrance box to help overcome stress related eating. I cannot find it in the recipe section as you suggest. Does it have another name?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi knitwit, Please find the recipe for the fragrance box on the forum in the 'special ingredients' section. Let us know how you find it!

ejdixon : can you drink skinny cow drinking chocolate in the attack phase
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ejdixon, thank you for your question. Without the nutritional details I cannot tell you but you can make a hot chocolate with 1tsp of 11% fat sugar free cocoa powder, skimmed milk and swettener. Feel free to send us a message with the details so that we can check. Enjoy!

susiehook : I will be on the cruise phase on Saturday and I have a night out planned which involves alcohol. What is the best alcohol to drink whilst during this phase?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Susie! If you are going to drink alcohol try to have just one glass of red wine and go back on tracks then!

hadjisavva : as i cannot find either of the above would you consider 'halloumi' which is the greek soft cheese the same?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi hadjidsavva, in this case, you can have 10 g of Halloumi cheese as the unique tolerate of the day. (1 tolerate in that case only ; otherwise you have 2 tolerates per day).

maggiea : A heaped tbsp of ob is 15g for everyone, Hannah! Grammes are a universal measurement. I just meant the advice from Dukan should be to measure a heaped tbsp of ob! Liquid measurements are flat ( level) and dry measurements are heaped tbsps. Precision cooking!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea, I see that you a precision cook which is great so please enjoy cooking our recipes and feel free to put your own on the forum if you would like to share!

paquita72 : Hallo Dr. Dukan, I am in consolidation phase. the problem is that about 10 days ago I started to lose my motivation, and sometimes I cannot control myself and eat more starches and sugar than I should in this phase. my question is: how can I regain my discipline, and if you suggest some days of PP not to lose the result of all my efforts. I forgot to tell you that I lost 5 kilos in one month and a half, and I am very happy about that. thank you in advance and please forgive my bad english...
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear paquita72, it is normal to feel a bit less motivated after a long effort and especially once you've reached your goal. All you have to remember is how much strength and energy it took you to get there: is it worth it to throw it all away? You must give yourself credit and acknowlegde the fact that you are a strong human being with a great willpower and that is what broought you to the consolidation pahse in the first place. Tell that to yourself when you feel like eating badly, and I'm sure it will work! I know it does for me. And also, keep a food diary, because reading what you eat can make you realise what is too much and then change it. I hope it will help, please let us know how it goes through your email in your slimming apartment!

roundhouse : Is it possible to obtain a copy of the recipe book in English, please. The recipes are so good, but it takes an age to track down all of them. M.G.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear roundhouse, good news for you, the recipe book in english is coming out in september in the UK! And you will be able to order it online! Just a couple of days away from cooking the Dukan way!

redgums : Have been very motivated and sticking to plan better than I have on any other diet....only very occassional minor slips. However weight is not coming off...goes up and down but hovers around 76 kg...and has done for 10 days now....lots of exercise...what can I try next??
Moderatrice cathy : Hello redgums, keep your motivation safe, stagnation can be observed by any coached in that programme. To fight against this stage, increase your physical activities, leave aside the tolerates, be careful about salted food (ham, smocked food, preserves, etc...), drink 1,5 L water per day and don't forger the oat bran. Go ahead !

maggiea : Hello Team, If I peel of all the skin, is it oay to eat a plain rotisserie chicken, bought already cooked? Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again maggiea, yes you can eat the roasted chicken without the skin, no problem ! Bon appetit !

MariaTJ : Thank you guys. You have been so helpful once again. Until next time,. God bless you all. xox
Moderatrice hannah : MariaTJ you are very welcome, we are very happy to help you, see you on the next chat!

mod : Thanks for having chat with us! This will be the last question!

maggiea : When losses slow what is the best thing we can do that will increase them again?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear maggiea, if your weight goes down slowly, I can advise you to increase your physical activity. It is the key which will unlock your stagnation. Have faith maggiea !

maggiea : Yippeeee! Thanks Cathy.
Moderatrice cathy : Merci maggiea ! See you soon on a next chat !

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now finished, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn't get a chance to answer your question, please don't hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!







mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 27th of August, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Hannah, Sonja and Cathy our dietician. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

pennygirl : Hello I am in America and we just don't have these fancy things Can I use non-fat yogurt in place of Quark and non-fat cream cheese in place of formage frais?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi pennygirl, welcome to the chat! I am sure we can help you can find some equivalent products in America but in the meantime as a guideline you can eat any dairy product that is sugar free and under 2% fat so you can mix no fat plain yogurt with some herbs and perhaps find some low fat cottage cheese. Cheese under 7% fat is what we call a tolerated food and you can have 30g a day. Please message us from your slimming apartment for any queiries you may have.. have a good day!

littlem23 : is it possible to eat sugar free jellies and boiled sweets?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi littlem23 welcome to the chat! Yes you can have a maximum of 8 sugar free sweets a day. Sugar free jelly is also allowed as long as it does not contain any fruit i would also recommend you to eat three per day it should be fine. Enjoy!

Ronster : i am a fussy eater i am just about to go to the shop and get tuna, can i have tuna in water or does it have to be brine? also the low fat cottage cheese and low fat yoghurt has to be 0% fat??? also tomorrow is my first day doing this and i dont want to do anything wrong im just a bit nervous in case i miss something out, it also says i have to go on the attack diet for two days?? is that enough seeing is that i have to lose a couple of stone, my friend has done the attack phase for 3 days and she only has to lose 12lbs, i think i should be on the attack phase for longer can you help me as im confused? thank you donna
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Ronster, welcome to our live chat ! Don't worry and don't be nervous about your coaching, everything will be ok, we will do our best to lead you to your true weight ! You can have either tuna in water or smocked one. All dairies have to be no more than 2% fat and sugar free. Your attack phase will last 2 days indeed, so follow your instructions, your weight will go down for sure. Each person has his own history and past, so it is normal that your friend's attack phase was different from yours. Don't forget to move as much as you can, you will optimize the coaching. Have a nice coaching !

turnerhamp : You asked that I contact you during live chat as I had a "bad" couple of days. Actually I am sticking to the diet pretty well but have been out for 3 nigthts in a row and have had one or two glasses of wine each night. It's really hard to go out and not have the odd tipple.......
Moderatrice hannah : Hi turnerhamp welcome to the chat! Unfortunately all lapses no matter how small have an impact on your diet so you really must try and avoid these at all costs as will slow down your weight loss considerably. Please for the next week be strict with yourself, drink lots of water, take some exercise and enjoy a diet coke or something when you go out. When you see that your scales have gone down the next day it will be worth it I promise! You can also message us from your slimming apartment to let us know how you are getting on. Be strong you can do it!

olgakarmen : I dont have time to have breakfast in the morning, can I have a shake made with protein powder and oat bran?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello olgakarmen, tell us more about your protein powder by sending us a message in your slimming appartment, it will help us to give you some advices about it. In the meantime, just think to have food which doesn't need a long preparation time : fat free dairies, oat bran pancake (you can make it the day before), ham, smocked fish, etc... We are waiting for your precisions, thanks a lot and have a nice day !

pajarita : Hi, I'll be at work while the chat is live so I might not get a chance to participate live but, I really want to ask anyone who lives in the UK (I'm based in London) if they have been able to find Sugar Free Cocoa Powder that is low fat and if so, where? is it available to order online? I have searched for weeks now, online and in stores (Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco, M&S, Holland & Barret and Waitrose) and it just seems Mission Impossible!! I am dreaming of being able to eat some of the many chocolate recipes on offer but can't find the right Cocoa Powder, please help! Thank you so much,
Moderatrice hannah : Hi pajarita, thank you for your question. It would seem that if it is difficult in the UK to find the 11% fat sugar free cocoa powder then you can use the 20% fat sugar free coca powder but only use one little coffee spoon a day... I hope that this will be easier to find for you so that you can enjoy some chocolate treats!

ren1234 : Hello,Are we allowed to eat sourdough bread instead of wholemeal? I am on the consolidation phase but I am hesitant to start introducing carbs like bread because i feel like my weight will go up.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ren1234, welcome to the chat. Have no fear! It is now fine to start introducing some carbs but please use wholemeal bread becasue it is the best one. The same goes for when you have your startchy food portions, try to eat wholemeal pasta, brown rice etc. Keep on drinking water and doing your exercises and you will be fine, enjoy it!

s_baradei : I have gone through my recipes. However, I just started the attack phase. The directions say not to eat any products not on the list. However, some ingredients such as oil are included in the recipes listed for me. Please advise if I can prepare the recipes as directed. Or if these are not the correct recipes for the Attack Phase. Thanks!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello baradei, avoid oil during the attack phase, but you can prepare these recipes once you will join the cruise phase ! The amount of oil is not huge when you brought it back to one person. Enjoy your meal and have fun with our Dukan recipes !

lornagapp : another question about ham. It says you can eat it as long as lean, no fat etc, but then it's on the list of minor lapses. How can it be on both lists?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi lornagapp, thank you for your question. We are going to modify this to make it clearer but you are allowed rindless extra lean ham without the fat but not cured ham and all those kinds..

bigace : Is Tofu allowed during the attack phase? and on the diet in general?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome bigace ! Tofu is allowed during all the diet, attack phase included. You can use curry, pepper (and other spices !) or herbs to spice it up !

pajarita : Hi hannah, thanks. Unfortunately, I have already tried to find the 20% fat sugar free, but nothing. If there's anyone out there who has managed to find a suitable cocoa powder, please let me know where I can get it! Thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Dear pajarita, hmm we will get on the case for this and try to find a solution and track down a brand because it does exist! We will keep you posted!

Glenfox : How can I motivate myself to complete the last twelve days of the Cruise phase? The coaching tips are no longer as fresh and relevant because I have seen them in many combinations before! I have lost 17 lbs and have another 5 to go. The process is impressive both practically and psychologically, but at this stage I feel I need a different spur to help me complete this stage. Is this a common feeling and, if so, what advice can you give me and what unexpected direction could your programme take?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Glenfox, you are now in a passage that dieters know really well; That's the moment where you are really closed to your target. So you have already get all the benefits but it's not finished yet and you have to make a last effort and that one is maybe the most difficult one. Because in your head you think that is already finished. So what to do now is something really hard but you have to is 4 days of PP, with drinking two litres of water or any other liquids allowed. Eat as less salty as possible and walk one hour and ask the pharmacist for a vegetal drainer. Then come back on the 5th day to tell me how things are. Have a nice day and I'm waiting for you.

lornagapp : HiConcerned about the amount of eggs that are in the recipes, plus those you are allowed to eat, say as part of breakfast. I saw that you shouldn't exceed 5 a week, I seem to be getting through an awful lot!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello lornagapp, if you don't have cholesterol problems, you can have 5 whole eggs per week. If recipes ask you to use more eggs, just keep the egg whites. So the pleasure will be maintained !

Aquacate : Hi Dukan Team. Just wondering if sugarfree patils (like Läkerol etc.) are allowed. Also, I cannot find any fat reduced coca powder in denmark. Am I allowed to use the regular cocoa? It has apprix. 21 g of fat pr. 100 g. Have a great weekend, all!Cathrine, Denmark
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Aquacate, thank you for your questions, unfortunately I am not familiar with patils, perhaps you could send us the nutritional information from your slimming apartment and we can let you know :) sorry normal cocoa powder is too high in fat...

mistryt : Can I have Chick pea flour or Cornflour? I am in my Cruise phase. Thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi mistryt, thank you for your questions, sorry no chickpeas yet but you can have 20g of cornflour a day as a tolerated food. You can find a list of tolerated foods in your slimming apartment but they must be avoided if you are stagnating. Enjoy!

maggiea : Hello Dukan Team! Is it okay to eat the coral (roe) attached to scallops (roe is oeufs de poisson) Thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea yes you are welcome to eat the roe it is full of protein and delicious! (I always find it amazing that it is often discarded when served in a restaurant!)

DeeDee2010 : Dear Dukan team, I am on the consolidation phase of my diet and I would like to have warm water with lemon first thing every morning, this would be the juice of1/4 a lemon to 250ml warm water. Can I still have a whole apple later in the day. Thank you for your response and I hope you all have a great weekend.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi DeeDee2010 congratulations for reaching the consolidation phase! I too like to have hot lemon and water in the morning but for the moment just have a slice of lemon in the water and your apple later in the day. Enjoy!

roundhouse : I have reached this maddening plateau and have been well and truly stuck for the last week. The diet is going on and so is the exercise but increasing this is not easy as I am very involved in the charity work I do and family and this is the point I have reached before on a couple of diets, so I have a real struggle to continut to progress. I did ask last week if it was possible to obtain a copy of the cookery book your recipes come from. Still trying. Margaret
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear roundhouse, first of all congratulations for your weight loss and the work you did I'm really glad and proud of you. I have read that you are now 68.7 and you have done a better job than a younger woman. I'm surprised that you are talking about a plateau because you have already reached your true weight which is 69 kilos. Do I have to understand that you want to go further, it's not my recommendation. Keep your motivation and your efforts to stabilize this weight by passing the third phase the consolidation one. This phase is a transition between the whole diet and no diet at all.and then come back to me because this transition is very delicate and one of the main keys of my method. I'm looking forward to having some news from you. Have a nice day.

pajarita : Thanks Hannah, do let me know about the cocoa powder if you do find one I can get in London or order online. It really is driving me crazy! i'm craving for some of those lively chocolate recipes that are available in the recipe book. Thank you!
Moderatrice hannah : Dear pajarita, yes we will do! If you are really craving then I can help you to order some Dukan chocolate flavouring from the French boutique it is very good and can be used in most of the recipes... Here is the link if you want to have a look... they deliver all over the world http://www.maboutiqueregimedukan....code_lg=lg_fr&num=0&pag=2

turnerhamp : I have stupidly arranged to go for a Thai meal with friends tomorrow night and I can't think what I can have that won't be dripping in sauce! Do you have any suggestions? The only thing I can think of for a starter is Chicken satay without the satay!
Moderatrice cathy : Dear turnerhamp, the following thaï dishes will help you to stay in the Dukan method : grilled food (seafood, poultry, ...), beef skewers without the sauce. If you are in a PV day, you can have steamed vegetables or just let aside the seasoning if you don't have other alternatives (green papaya salad as for example). Thaï food is mainly based on rice, but ask the restaurant manager if he can replace it by vegetables. Satay sauce is too fatty indeed, so avoid it. As for beverages, ask some diet sodas or water. The next day, rise up your physical activity, everything will be ok ! Have a nice restaurant time !

lizlozano : Hi Dr. Dukan's team. I send a greeting from Mexico, my question is, Can I eat Tortillas(corn), because I have seen recipes that contain corn flour in your recipe book. I am very happy with the diet, But I would be happier if I only could take an occasional tequila. Thanks to all
Moderatrice hannah : Hola lizlozano and welcome! Sorry tortillas are not allowed but if you have corn flour you can use 20g a day for cooking. If you have any other products that you would like to ask us about from Mexico then please send us a messaeg with their nutritional values from your slimming apartment and we will be happy to check them for you. Yuor tequila will have to wait i'm afraid!

marisold : Talking about chocolate powder, my local health shop sells Carob Powder as natural substitute for chocolate.Is it any good? The contents values are 0.5g fat; 40g carbs; 5g prot and 174 calories. Many thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi marisold, thank you for your suggestion but unfortunately that is too high in carbs... we will try and find a solution for you all!

ren1234 : Hello,can we eat museli ( made with natural oats) for breakfast as part of our starchy carb serve?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello ren1234, I am afraid, muesli is not allowed during consolidation phase, except in the celebration meal. But you can have whole grain bread fot breakfast, don't forget it. Keep going !

pajarita : Thanks Hannah, yes i'll probably order from your french website then, although this might turn to be a bit expensive in the long term, so if you find a suitable cocoa I can buy here in the UK, let me know. How can i contact you if i need help with ordering from the french website? do you have a direct email address? thank you!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi pajarita, well with the flavouring you only need a tiny amount so it can last quite a while.. You can give us a call if you need help with the French on the site.

bigace : Hi, I have been on the diet for 2 weeks. Please could you clarify these points: 1. On the attack phase and the PP days, i know onions are allowed but are they unlimited? 2. From what i can gather we are allowed 1.5tbs of oat bran followed by 2tbs in further stages. Please could you tell me the weight, based on 15g per tbs i think we are allowed 22.5g on the attack phase and 30g following - is that correct? 3. I understand we are allowed unlimited (up to 1kg) per day of yoghurt/fat free diary. Does this include muller light vanilla flavour and toffee flavour? thanks
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Bigace, thank you very much for all these questions which have to be well understood by everyone. For onions you are right it's perfectly allowed even on PP days BUT only as a seasonning which mean that it's for the taste and for feeding. To be clearer don't use more than a big tablespoon of onions. More would be considered as a vegetable. For oat bran I don't like very much numbers in general, I prefer a natural measurement the table spoon. But I know that the size of this spoon varies with the country and the culture so I have decided to give you the freedom to find the table spoon you want. And if the Australian one have two or three grammes more than the UK one or the Us one you can use your own Australian tablespoon without any problem. Because counting grammes can become an obssession. So buy the table spoon you want! for the muller light yogurt you can have the vanilla one as a it's allowed but avoid it if you are on stagnation. The toffee one is forbidden. Have a nice day.

appleshape : The oatbran pancakes are great and I've found that if was using skimmed milk it was nice as well!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi appleshape thank you for your findings, yes of course you are very welcome to alter the recipes to suit you that is great and i'm sure others will appreciate it too there is a section on the forum for this as well so perhaps you could post it there :) thanks!

gmallen : I'm afraid of muscle loss and weakness as time goes by despite doing the daily exercises and walking for an hour most days. I'm an anxious person and have learned ways to cope but am finding myself more fearful than excited as I lose weight. The exercise I'm doing improves my mood as well as my strength. Any other suggestions?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear gmallen, don't worry, we are here to help you. Your body changes day by day, you will need time to reappropriate your body shape, that is normal ! A high protein intake will prevent you from muscle loss, so just follow your daily instructions and continue to move like you do, it is very good ! If you feel weak, go and see your doctor to do a complete check up, he will probably give you some advices about vitamins and minerals supplements. Please allow you some restful moments, switch off the light, close your eyes and listen to classical music or jazz... it will help you to relax ! I trust you, you will do it !

juliaoak : Hi there, Since starting this phase my weight seems to be going up and down between 10st4 and 10st 6 - when will it settle down and stay more or less the same? Thanks for your help. Julia
Moderatrice hannah : Hi juliaoak thank you for your message. Yes the consolidation phase is designed to keep your weight pretty steady... please send us a message from your slimming apartment if you did not want to start the consolidation phase and we will see what we can do...

marisold : Are we allowed any products such as Benecol light (natural flavour) to help with our cholesterol levels during the programme? The fat content per bottle is 1.4g, of which 0.1g are saturates, and the sugar (from carbs) is 3.1g per bottle. Many thanks, Marisol
Moderatrice cathy : Hello marisold, if you have a high cholesterol rate, don't have more than 5 whole eggs per week (if you need more, just keep the egg whites). As far as PP are concerned, focus on fatty fish like salmon, tuna, eel, herring, etc... do you daily physical activities, and you can also have one bottle of Benecol light per day if needed. Have a nice day !

olgakarmen : Hello Dr. Dukan is me again . Im sorry for asking too much but a lot of the food is new to me since I was born in Mexico and you know the food is very different. The positive thing is that I love seafood, specially fish, salmon, tuna and shrimps so basically these are the main ingredients on my diet. I also like wheat a lot. Can I eat wheat pasta and wheat tortillas? Also, Im not allowed to consume dairy, including milk, chesse or yougurt, there is any substitutes I can eat instead?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi olgakarmen, That is great that you have so much fish and seafood available how lucky you are! You can have wheat bran and oat bran but nothing else like pasta or bread for the moment. Yuo can have one plain soya yogurt a day and also 15cl of plain soya milk.

JLS587 : Where can you buy blackcurrant essence? Can it be substituted with a blackcurrant sirop?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi JLS587 no sorry as it has to be sugar free the sirop is not suitable but you can ask forsugar free essence at your health food shop or order some from the internet, we have an online shop here in France that delivers around the world please see the following linkhttp://www.maboutiqueregimedu...e=5&code_lg=lg_fr&num=0We are very happy to help you with the French

hevwyatt : Hello. Can I eat Alpro soya deserts at 3% fat?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi hevwyatt sorry they are not allowed as they are quite sugary, for soya products you can have one plain soya yogurt and 15cl of soya milk a day. Enjoy!

hevwyatt : Hello! Can i just check that I'm allowed to have lemon squeezed onto my fish?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi hevwyatt yes you are very welcome to have some squeezed onto fish as long as it is not too much!

olgakarmen : Hello, Can I eat oat bran bread or 100% wheat bread for my daily portion of oat bran?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi olgakarmen, yes you can eat your oatbran and wheat bran any way you want to just try not to go over the daily guidelines...

JLS587 : Dr Dukan, I am currently training for a marathon and need to find something to give me energy on the longer runs I am doing in my training. I would normaly use a caffeine gel by Science in Sport called Smart 1 Energizer Gel. Ingredients Water Maltodextrin (produced by partial hydrolysis of a special variety of maize 98% glucose polymers) Flavouring Gelling Agents (Xanthan Gum Gellan Gum) Antioxidants (Blackcurrant Anathocyanins Vitamin C Citrus Bioflavenoids Acidity Regultors (Citric Acid Sodium Citrate) Caffeine Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate) Sweetner (Acesulfame K Sucralose) Salt.Ingredients per serving Energy 612kj/144kcal Carbohydrate 36g Protein 0g Fat 0g Caffeine 83mg Anathocyanins 21mg bioflavenoids 3mg.Is it ok t use these sparingly on the longer rruns and eventually on race day, or can you suggest an alternative? Thanks.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear JLS587, first of all : congrats for your training ! You will have to adapt two things : first, during the meal which precedes your running trainings, please add 150 g of cooked cereals (pasta, rice, semolina, etc). Then, during your effort, if you have a lack of energy, you can either have 200 mL of sugar free fruit compote or 1 unit of your smart energizer gel. The rest will not change, just follow your Dukan diet instructions. Give us some news, we want you to do a good result on that marathon course !

grethas : Am I allowed any olive oil in the attack phase, or any phase for that matter?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi grethas welcoem to the chat! No sorry no oil or fat of any kind is allowed in this diet... you can have 3 drops of oil if you have to grease the pan but to do this put three drops on some kitchen paper and sweep around the pan. It is best avoided altogether though. For dressings, sauces and suggested cooking methods please browse the recipes in your slimming apartment :)

marisold : Dear Dr. Dukan, I see from the website that you are in favour of drinking Diet Coke during the programme. Are we allowed to drink it (in moderation) throughout the programme or only from a certain phase onwards? Many thanks, Marisol
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Marisold, thanks for your question. We have to clarify the problem of aspartame and soda light in general. About aspartame this product in contrary to the current opinion is natural. It's made with two amino acids that you can find in any fish or meat. furthermore it does exist since nearly 20 years and it is used in every country in the world by nearly one billion of people including children without noticing any kind of problem. In Europe the heatlh European commission have authorized it even during a pregnancy. Last month I was on a French scientific programme on television and I was talking about food and cancer with the most famous French cancer specialist the professor Khayat and I have profited of this special occasion to ask him what he was thinking about aspartame. he answered : I know two things: overweight is carcinogenic which is really proved. On the other hand aspartame you have to think about aspartame not as a carcinogenic product but the opposite, aspartame by helping people to lose weight mus t considered as an anti carcinogenic. I know that many people broadcast a bad opinion about aspartame, they are wrong and I have spend this time with you to clarify a lot of this recurrent problem. In consequence, you can drink light soda but do not forget it's not water and drink it only if you need sugar in mouth. When you are thirsty please go back on water.

LeeAdley : On which phase can you eat lean back bacon?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi LeeAdley you can have lean back bacon without the fat on your PP days just be careful because it is high in salt...

MariaTJ : I must share I have really enjoyed making up the mousse for dessert and leaving out the gelatine and usung sugar free jelly instead. Choc raspberry has been a huge hit in our home.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi MariaTJ, mmm sounds delicious! Feel free to post your version on the forum so others can enjoy it!

maggiea : Hello Team, There was a list on the website's homepage this week of some of the tolerated items, that appeared with a picture of Dr Dukan. It included oat bran. Should this be counted as one of our daily Tolerated Items? I thought it was just something we ate every day? If we are stagnating, is oat bran omitted as all Tolerated Items? Please could we have a complete list of the Tolerated Items allowed on the diet? I'm sure we would all benefit enormously! Many thanks.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear maggiea, I hope you are fine today ! Oat bran should not be count as a tolerate item, we have added it on that list because the amount is limited. You have to take it even if you stagnate, oat bran is an exceptionnal food with a lot of a nutritionnal advantages ! For the complete list of tolerate items, please send us a message in your slimming appartment, we will give you this information with pleasure ! Bye bye

ren1234 : Hello Dukan Team If I begin my consolidation phase on Sunday, am I allowed to have a small celebration meal that day ( ie a little bit of chocolate cake as it is my friends birthday) or should I wait until I have been on consolidation for a week? Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Dear ren1234, it won't be a good idea to consider the celebration meal on sunday. Please wait few days before doing a festive meal, your metabolism has to reintegrate food which was forbidden until now, so go slowly in the consolidation phase. Congrats for having reached your true weight !

rosieroe : I am sure you must have mentioned it somewhere but the only ref I can find is that if you take a glass of wine you must not have any for 2 wks and spirits are an absolute no. I am in the cruise stage and wondering when I can have a drink safely. I cant see any ref in the consolidation period either
Moderatrice hannah : Hi rosieroe, thank you for your question. Strictly speaking no alcohol is allowed on the diet. IF you are really missing it then you may have one glass of red wine a week and the next day drink lots of water and do lots of exercise. Just be aware that it will slow down your weight loss..; you can be the judge! In your consolidation phase you can have one drink with your celebration meal.

marisold : Are we allowed to eat serrano ham (cutting out all fat) and green olives at any point during the programme? I'm guessing the answer to the latter is going to be 'no', given than we're not allowed any oil... Many thanks, Marisol
Moderatrice cathy : Dear marisol, serrano ham is unfortunately too rich in fat, so it is forbidden until the celebration meal (during the consolidation phase). That answer is also the same for green olives, just wait a little... be patient, you will get there!

olflehema : Hi, I am interested in cooking but have noticed that many recipes call for 0% fromage frais, which I cannot find here. The only one I did find had a thick layer of strawberry confiture on the top of it. Can you suggest a substitute for me? Kind regards, Olflehema
Moderatrice hannah : Hi olflehema, thank you for your message, where in the world are you? Unfortunately the strawberry confiture is not allowed so please try and find some dairy under 2% fat that you can use instead... let us know how you get on!

victorialaine : I have a message for MariaTJ. Oat bran is available at 'Woolies' (Safeway) in the health food section, both Lowan and Lotus brands. Lowan is a good company. Woolies also make their own brand, but I am not sure of the quality. Good luck.
Moderatrice hannah : Thanks for your help victorialaine!

User1 : Why is the toffee yorhurt forbidden? I have been eating it (perhaps that is why I am not losing weight??) but it is fat free and only flavouring and no more calories than the other flavours.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello User, toffee yoghurt is too rich in fat (I think it is not totally 0 % of fat) and in sugar, so please avoid it. It can therefore explain your stagnation. Go go go you will manage it !

k8kat31 : Is Evia (local brand in Australia) which I am told is 97% fat free acceptable? See http://www.yoghurtco.com.au/products-evia-natural.php
Moderatrice hannah : Hi k8kat31 sorry they contain too much fat and sugar so not allowed...And the toppings with fruit etc would also not be allowed.. sorry!

charliebear : finding it hard to eat whole portion of food set out for me,just feel very full,have to say the dogs enjoying what I can't manage.Is this normal at the start of diet?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi charliebear, don't worry just eat until you feel full and try to get into a rhythm of three meals a day, they don't have to be three courses! The important thing is that you never get hungry on this diet...

Domicela : I have a tendency for kidney stones. What should I do to make sure I am not harming my kidneys while following the diet?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Domicela, first of all, go and see your doctor, he will give you some good advices. As far as your diet is concerned, please drink a minimum of 1,5 L water per day, don't forget to have 3-4 dairies per day. Moreover, avoid smocked food, seashells, giblets, alcohol and vegetables like spinach, cabbage, asparagus and watercress. Take care, hope you will get better !
mod : Thanks for having chat with us! This will be the last question!

JLS587 : Cthy, many thanks for you help with my marathon training. I will run the Nice to Cannes Cote d'Azur marathon in November - I'll let you know how I get on! Thanks for all your support.
Moderatrice cathy : You're welcome JLS587, I do a lot of sport too, so I am very happy too read such news and motivations ! All the team will support you ! BRAVO !

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now finished, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


  September 4 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan


mod : Good morning everyone! And good evening to those in Australia! We are on the 03rd of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Hannah, Cathy our dietician, Sonja and Carine one of our colleagues from the French web site who used to study in the States! The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

sednaoui : Is one allowed nuts cashews etc.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Sednaoui, nuts cashews are not allowed on cruise phase. because it is too fatty. Wait until the consolidation phase to eat some. Enjoy your coaching!

scolley70 : Can you please provide those of us In Australia with a list of foods from the dairy compartment that we can have? Our choices are not as varied as in your book and website and I am struggling to get it right. This is impacting on my motivation.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi scolley70, welcome to the chat! Yes we are looking to find and share products for people who live in different parts of the world and a fellow dukan dieter has kindly posted a list on the forum or where to find certain diary products in Australia... Have a look and you can always ask questions on there or add any of your findings. The general rule is any plain dairy under 2-3% fat is ok... thanks :)

theobold : I have just finished the attack phase and lost 7lbs, which I am delighted with. Today I start the PV and need to clarify - can I have the allowed vegetables at any time - i.e. with all meals and as snacks?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi theobold, congratulations that is fantastic! Yes you can have the allowed veg any time but it is best to eat them with protein as well, but yes you can have some veg sticks as a snack for example... enjoy!

ferhannah : Will the diet be affected by the fact that I am breast feeding?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on chat ferhannah, you should not follow the diet if you are actually breast feeding, because the food allowed in the Dukan Diet won't give all the needed nutriments to your milk. Please send us a message in your slimming appartment, thanks a lot !

Paschalitsa : Is pop corn allowed during the cruise phase?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Paschalitsa, no pop corn on cruise phase! You'll be able to enjoy some on consolidation phase ! Have a great day!

ren1234 : Hello, I was wondering if we are able to eat cereal for breakfast as part of our starchy serve? Can we eat wholegrain oats, like a type of museli that has no added suagr? Also, I am on consolidation phase. If we have a minor lapse during the week that is unavoidable, should I do a Protein only day that day after as well as my protein thursday? Thankyou
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ren1234, for now sterr clear of cereals unless you want them as part of your celebration meal as even if they are unsweetened are too sugary. For your starchy foods it is better to go for some wholmeal pasta or brown rice. No you don't need to do a protein day after a minor lapse don't worry, have a nice day!

tholywell : Is it ok to include Flaxseed Oil/Capsules in the diet and if so how much?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Tholywell, oil is not allowed at all on cruise phase . Please wait until you've reached your true weight to use some. Have a great day and enjoy your coaching!

mariebaker : I am going on holiday to France for four days from Saturday - we are staying with friends so might be difficult to follow the food plan even tho hopefully I should be on the Cruise phase
Moderatrice hannah : hi mariebaker, how lovely enjoy your holiday! If possible let them know that you are on the diet so that they are not offended whrn you don't eat the fatty puddings or carbs. Try to stick to the programme as much as you can as you do not want to undo all your hard work so far.. keep eating your oatbran with some low fat yogurt for breakfast for example and have any salad or meat without the sauce if possible. Let us know how you get on and enjoy yourself!

ren1234 : Hello,I am on the consolidation phase. Do i have to eat protein and vegetables together for my meals? Can i have vegetables like celery and cucumber by itself for a snack? Also for breaksfast can i have oat bran prorridge and yogurt ? Or should I have this with a protein like eggs?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Ren1234, First of all, Congratulations for reaching your true weight! You are not obliged to eat proteins and vegetables together. Yes, you can eat cucumber for example for a snack! Regarding oat bran, you don't have to add an egg, it is up to you!Enjoy your consolidation!

torsaer : the low fat cottage cheese I have found is 1.5% fat. Is this OK to have on PP days?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi torsaer, yes that sounds just fine, you can have that on PP and PV days enjoy!

ren1234 : Hi Carine,You said to wait until phase 3 to have cashew nuts etc? Does this mean they have to be eaten as part of the celebration meal or can you have them anytime?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi ren1234, yes, cashew nuts will only be allowed as part of the celebration meal. It is too fatty to be eaten anytime! Have a great day!

KVPAUL : Hello, Bonjour, I have been diagnose with IBS (Syndrome du Colon Irrite) and also test i have done a year ago show an intolerance to Yeast. I often have severe abdominal crisis due to what i eat. How can i adapt your diet to my condition. I am also an emotional eater. Thank you for your advice.
Moderatrice cathy : Bonjour KVPAUL, during PV days, please eat the following vegetables : cooked carrots, green french beans, asparagus, pumpkin, lettuce. You can also have soya yoghurts (plain, low fat if possible) and soya milk instead of having milk dairies.Moreover, avoid oat bran. Don't forget to go and see your doctor, he will give you some more advises by doing a complete check up. Please relax, change your mind when you feel the envy to eat : call a friend, go out and see your family, walk outside... Don't forget also that the food allowed in the Dukan Diet can be taken with no limit (just stop when the hunger has disappeared). Have faith, I am sure all these points will progress !

111chris : Am I allowed to have a Vodka with diet coke occassionally? Thank You
Moderatrice Carine : Hi 111Chris, No, alchohol is not allowed on the cruise phase. Keep motivated and enjoy your coaching!

IaGG22 : Hey team, i just wanted to ask if it was normal to continiously think about all the food i miss until i literally fall asleep. I imagine myself eating this, but the main thing is that during the day i dont feel like this. How can i stop this continious role play in my head of me eating these foods?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Ia,do not worry too much as it's completely normal to think about food but I really advice you to eat a snack before sleeping. Of course you can eat all the allowed food.How about drinking hot chocolate with skimmed milk? It's the drink of your childhood and it can be really comforting. Keep going and do not lose your motivation. Come back to me to tell me if everything is fine now. have a nice day.

tholywell : I am in the Cruise phase of my diet and taking 2 tablespoons of Oat bran per day, can I increase my fibre intake with other supplements such as Normacol?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear tholywell, fibers are brought by all the vegetables allowed in PV days (alternate raw vegetables and cooked vegetables). What is more, you can have 100 g of cooked rhubarb (no sugar added) during PV days. Please avoid Normacol, if you want to increase your fiber intake in order to fight constipation, have 2 Liters of water per day (drink a fresh glass of water in the morning), increase your physical activity (such like doing crunches). If these problems persists, please go and see your doctor. Take care !

scolley70 : Thansk Hannah for your feedback about Aussie food. I am struggling to actually loose any weight - I have been on PV for 5 days now and haven't lost (or gained) anything. Is this normal for this time? Should I do a few more days of PP?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi scolley70 you are very welcome, I am wondering why you have been on PV for five days as you should be alternating one day PP/one day PV... Please do two PP days over the weekend than start doing PP/PV and send us a message from your slimming apartment to let us know how you are getting on. Don't worry you will start losing weight again!

Daffy124 : I couldn't stick to the diet and put on weight - so then it would be impossible to reach my target weight and date and I lost motivation knowing I wasn't going to make it. Can I start again and reset my goal date ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daffy124, please send us a message from your slimming apartment so that we can discuss this. The time frame we give you is a guideline you can stay on the cruise phase as long as it takes to reach your true weight so don't panic we will sort it out for you..

Annewebster : Hi have fallen off the wagon for the past 4 weeks and have completely ballooned but REALLY want to start again from the beginning as I only got as far as 3 weeks into it. I sooo know I can do it and would like to know if there is any possibility of wiping off my graph and to start again. Seriously determined. Anne
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Anne, I'm sure that now you are back on track and now you have to focus on your diet that's the most important. I will follow you until you have reached your true weight and consolidated it please stay on the cruise phase; Be really careful of not doing lapses and I'm pretty sure that you will not fall off the wagon again. You are really determined and that's a good thing, maybe the most important thing. Keep going and please let me know how you feel in a few days. Have a nice day.

scolley70 : Hi Hannah, sorry - I didn't get my terminology right. I have been on the 2nd phase alternating between PP (one day) and PV (on the other day). I havn't lost anything since I went to this stage.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi scolley70, thanks for your message ok that makes more sense! Please sne dus a message from your slimming apartment to let us know what you had had to eat and drink in the past two days.It is also very important to do as much exercise as possible. Don't worry we will find a solution!

jamesbarty : i have two questions. i have noticed some cramping of muscles after the first day of the diet. does this stop or is it necessary to take some type of supplement to stop it like magnesium? Secondly i am due to run a 10km race on Sunday. Normally i would eat a banana porridge and fruit juice ahead of the race to ensure i have enough carbs in my system for the race. What would you advise to do when on your diet?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear jamesbarty, don't forget to drink 1,5 L of water per day. You were right, cramps are usually due to a lack of magnesium : ask your doctor, he will give you some good advises about magnesium supplements. You are a sportive person : congrats ! As far as the Sunday's breakfast is concerned, add either 40 g of whole grain bread or 30 g of oat flakes (for your porridge). You can also have 1 fresh fruit that morning. Don't forget to drink enough that day. After the race, have Dukan meals as usual. We will have a special thought for you on Sunday, go go go you will do it !
danareuben : are you allowed edemame or soy beans?

Moderatrice cathy : Hello danareuben, edamame and soy beans are unfortunately not allowed before the consolidation phase. Have a nice coaching !

Daffy124 : I put on a lot of weight and was not going to make my target - so I lost motivation because i had nothing to aim for. Can I reset my target please ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daffy124, ok don't worry I have put you on two more weeks of the cruise pahse, please do two days of PP to kick start this and let us know how you are getting on next week... just focus on losing weight one day at a time.

Daffy124 : I think it sounds like both Anne and I would like a whole new graph - is that possible ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daffy124 no that it is not possible because it is important to see your whole history with us. Please don't worry and focus on one day at a time ans you will have a lovely graph to look at again!

satvik : Hello, I am unclear on whether or not I may eat any vegetables on pure protein days. I have been eating striclty protein foods but notice that the recipes you provide me often include things like onion and even quite large quantities of mushroom. Also Am I allowed Tofu on PP and if so is it unlimited? Thanks Satvik
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Satvik, No, vegetables are not allowed on PP days. On these days, you can only have onion/shallots/garlic/mushrooms as seasoning. Regarding tofu, it is unlimited on both PP and PV days! You will find lots of delicious recipes including tofu in your slimming apartment. Enjoy your coaching!

Alicianoemi : What about sesame seeds? just a few, toasted, do add nice flavour to chicken and other protein foods. Are they allowed on the cruise phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Alicianoemi, I am afraid, sesame seeds are forbidden until the consolidation phase. But if you want to add some taste to your meals, you can add herbs, spices or lin seeds (1 tsp per day). Enjoy your meal !

maggiea : Hello Team Dukan! Some advice please! Should I alter my Cruise 1PP/1PV for slowing losses or cut dairy/tolerates, and increase exercise? I do 1 hour walking fast/day and 3x Pilates/week already.So 2PP/1PV maybe? Finding slow losses very tough on morale. Thank you
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea, Please carry on doing 1PP and 1PV, cut out all tolerated foods and keep up with your exericses. Please also fill in your daily reports so that we can moniter your progress. Keep going your perserverence will pay off.

neishtadt : hi can i eat any amount of green apple???
Moderatrice hannah : Hi neishtadt, sorry no fruit is allowed in the first two phases of the diet, and in the consolidation phase you can have one piece of fruit a day so please hold out for that! Please also try to fill in oyur daily reports so that we can moniter your progress. Thanks!

satvik : What is your opinion on the link between high dairy intake and Osteoporosis? I have read that as most of the calcium in dairy is unavailabe to the body, it can leach calcium from the teeth and bones.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello satvik, high dairy intake will on the contrary allow to bring you a high amount of calcium. The calcium contained in dairies is very well absorbated, so the risk of osteoporosis will go down ! Be reassured, your bones and teeth will thank you !

Daffy124 : I now weight more than half a stone more than when I started - I will never reach my target
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daffy124 yes you will reach your target weight and you have to believe that you will to get there. With some hard work from you and us by your side every day until you do. We are here to help you but you have to believe in yourself :)
guino : My pleasure Carine. I know how confused I felt when I first started. 8.3 kilos lighter I feel terrific.

julietmw : Dear Dr Dukan, You asked me to let you know how my health has been over the last month. I am over my flu now and feeling much better, though I was very tired for a week or two afterwards and still couldn't manage much exercise. Now I am beginning to feel motivated again to walk a bit and stair climbing does not leave me short of breath. I have completed 4 attack days as you suggested and and I am now back on the one day on one day off routine. I can see a pattern developing of how I loose weight, i go from plateau to plateau but the big movement is always down, so this is good. Thank you very much for your kind advice. Juliet
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Juliet, I'm really happy to have you back on board and as I have told you before plateau is a part of my method. I would like to congratulate you for your weight loss and your physical activity, you are wonderful. Keep following my instructions and I would be really glad to have you as a VID. Have a nice day.

maggiea : Dear Dr Dukan, Should we be concerned about loss of bone on this high protein diet through excretion of calcium? Do we have sufficient dairy on your regime to counter act this in your opinion? Thank you and bon weekend!
Moderatrice cathy : My dear maggiea, Thanks a lot for your questions. Dairies are rich in proteins but also in calcium. So the amount proposed in the Dukan diet will widely cover your calcium needs, even if that diet is very proteinate. Don't fear calcium excretion indeed ! Bon week-end !

Daffy124 : I can't lose 16 pounds in 3 weeks to reach my target !
Moderatrice hannah : Daffy124 As I said before we will be with your until you reach your target weight so we will start with two weeks and extend it as and when. Please just focus on losing weight one day at a time starting with tomorrow. You can do it if you want to believe me and we are here to help you so forget about the rest and focus on tomorrow.

kylie1971 : Hi there, I was wondering if this 'Peters' Ice Cream is OK to eat or not. Per 100g = 515kj, 5.6g Protein, 2.7g Total Fat, 9.5g Carbs, 85mg Sodium.
Moderatrice sonja : Dear Kylie, I'm sorry but this is too fatty. Try frozen fat free yogurts or no more than 2% fat ones. Try them it's delicious!

maggiea : Cutting out all Tolerated Items is like cutting off your arm after months on the regime! That's most of the recipes gone! That's too hard after all this time. I would prefer 2PP/1PV, and the 1 tolerated item I have per day. Also the reports are too lengthy. I literallly do not have the time to do them daily.
Moderatrice hannah : Haha maggia don't worry it won't be forever! It will really help you to lose weight... I have put you on 2/2 alterance but please avoid the tolerated foods and just have one every other day as a treat if you have to...

theobold : I have been following the programme for 8 days. After Just 4 days I had lost 7lbs in weight, which is fantastic. I have been following the diet, drinking the water and doing the exercise. 2 Days ago I had a lapse and had a bottle of wine. Since then, despite getting back on the diet, I have regained 2lbs in weight. I have not been using the recipes but I have been eating free foods from the fridge. What can I do to speed up a weight loss?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi theobold welcome to the chat. Well done for your weight loss that is fantastic and important as you now know that you can do it... Yes as you can see lapses have an effect on your weight loss but don't worry just keep on being strong, drinking water, taking exercise and you will see your weight start to shift again. You can do it!

NataliePGTH : First and foremost, thank you for all your help and advice. Diet progressing fantastically! I still have another month or so on the cruise phase (and another 5kg to go) but I am very worried about gaining weight back during the consolidation phase, once I re-introduce certain foods. Any advice? Thank you!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello NataliePGTH, you are warmly welcome ! Congrats for your weight loss, and have faith for the last part of your cruise phase. Don't worry about consolidation, food is very progressively reintroduced in order to avoid a gain of weight. The celebration meal will bring you pleasure and satisfaction but the other days will help you to balance your true weight, as well as the famous "thursday PP day". I can surely reassure you, if you follow your consolidation's instructions, everything will be ok ! Yes, you will reach your goal, I trust you !

Daffy124 : OK thanks - but I feel less motivated not having a realistic date to work towards now
Moderatrice hannah : Daffy124 yif you work hard and avoid lapses you can expect to reach your true weight in about 5 weeks... All you need to concentrate on for now is that your weight is going down every day. :)

veronicawood370 : Are protein shakes allowed on this diet/ Is oat meal ok to eat instead of oat bran?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi veronica, You can have some protein shakes as a snack but I would like to know the composition to be able to help you more. Also only oat bran is allowed I'm sorry but try some recipes of your slimming apartment I'm sure you will find them delicious! Enjoy!

scolley70 : if a casserol recipe calls for 250ml of red wine and it will be cooked for 2 hours @ 180 degrees (the alchohol has avaporated) is this OK to use - if not can you suggest an alternative?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Scolley70, 1 tablespoon of red or white wine is tolerated while cooking. Please, don't eat more than 2 tolerated food per day! Enjoy!

Alicianoemi : I find it difficult not to have any chocolate so as soon as I started the diet I looked for fat-free cocoa. I found it with no problem: Green & Black's organic cocoa - in the supermarket, next to all the sugar-full cocoas and drinking chocolates. As far as I understand it is 100% pure cocoa with the small addition of potassium carbonate "to balance out the acidity and bring out the rich aromas". I sprinkled a 1/4 tea-spoonful on fat-free yoghurt and it was fine. Later, I made a quarter cup of hot skimmed milk with a 1/4 teaspoonful of cocoa, and couldn't drink it because it was so bitter! So today I bought Splenda, and next time I will add a bit of that! I hope this is all right - sorry it is more of a statement than a question, but I read the transcript of your last chat and I couldn't help noticing that nobody seems to have found Green & Black's cocoa.
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again Alicianoemi, thanks a lot for the sharing of your fat free cocoa find ! It will help a lot of our Dukan members. 1 Tsp of that cocoa is considered as a tolerate (you are allowed to have 2 tolerates per day in the cruise phase). All your suggestions are ok, you can surely add splenda or another sweetener to remove the bitter taste. Tchin tchin !



Moderatrice hannah : Hi llseBouwer you will find it easier on PV days as yes grilled tuna and some green veg is a perfect choice. Just ask for everything without the sauce or dressing and avaiiod fried foods and you should be ok. On PP days it is a bit harder but some grilled meat or fish is usually the best bet and ask for any green veg they have.

pashca : I feel great THANK YOU!!!I'm only losing 500gr a week ish. End of october I won't be 55kg if I only loose half a kg. Any suggestions? Thank you again, I am more pleasant and have more energy.Xx
Moderatrice cathy : Hello pashca, woow thanks a lot for that sunbeam ! 500 g per week is a great weight loss, don't worry ! We will help you to reach your true weight in the cruise phase, as long as needed ! If you want to accelerate the process, increase your physical activities : in intensity and in time (walk 1 hour instead of 30 minutes per day, etc...), drink 1,5 L water per day, avoid salted food like ham, smocked food, preserves. If you don't suffer from constipation or hormonal problems, your weight loss will continue. Go ahead !

bettyboop0160 : I am new to the diet being in my first week. I have some very positive experiences from the online coaching but I feel there are some areas that could be greatly improved. The amount of excercise I am required to do is confusing and when I fill in my daily report I am not sure what I would say. When I first looked in the apartment I came across a shopping list but I couldn't find if this is what I needed for the week or was it just an idea. Finally in my daily report the too foods that would most tempt me are not listed under the foods I am tempted by i.e. sweets (I don't eat chocolate) and nuts. Do you think these areas could be changed to help myself and other users. I don't want to sound overly negative and would add I have had very prompt responses to all my emails and I enjoy reading my motivation each day.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi bettyboop0160 thanks you for your questions, for your exercise in your physical activity instructions you have a list of the obliged activities and then a list of suggested extra activities. On your report you say how much of each section you have done. The shopping list is a suggestion for the rough amonyt of food you will need for the week but it is up to you to modify it to your taste. The foods listed that you miss are ones that we can help you with but unfortunately there is no alternative to nuts apart from no sugar almond essence...Thank you for your suggestions though as we are still quite a new website we are always looking for ways to improve it and all your suggestions are welcome :) we are also glad to have helped you through the private message system. Have a nice day!

maggiea : And sugar-free sweets and chewing gum. Are they tolerated items? Please can we have a comprehensive list as soon as you are able?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maggiea yes you can have up to five sugar free sweets a day and up to eight sugar free chewing gum pieces just be careful for acid and bloating.

maggiea : Just to clarify, is skimmed milk powder ( 1tbsp per day) a tolerated item? I use it for breakfast muffins only.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello again maggiea, skimmed milk powder is a tolerated item indeed, you can have 3 Tbsp per day.

scolley70 : I have been following the program (food side) to the letter - not deviating an inch. I am now in the Cruise stage (past 4 days) and have been alternating between PP and PV but I haven't lost any weight for the past 4 weigh ins. Is this normal so soon into the program?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello scolley70, please increase your physical activity and tell us more about your meals (during the 3 last days) by sending us a message in your slimming appartment. (food - drinks - quantity). We will help you, don't worry about that, your stagnation will soon be erased ! Have faith, you will do it !

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now finished, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


mod : Good morning everyone! And good evening to those in Australia! We are on the 8th of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician, Hannah, Sonja and Carine. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

crisguan : how shall I make my oats? with milk or water?
Moderatrice Carine : Ho Crisguan, you can use oat bran with skimmed milk, water or a fat free yogurt. It is up to you! Enjoy your coaching!

Paschalitsa : I reached my true well before the end of the cruise phase. What should I do? Continue the cruise phase until it ends or move on to the consolidation phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on chat Paschalitsa and congratulations for having reached your true weight ! We will adapt your coaching, so you will move in the consolidation phase don't worry about that. Have a nice coaching!

111chris : Thank you to the Dukanian who has found the Green & Blacks Fat Free Cocoa Powder - What a relief. I am a chocoholic and with this Cocoa Powder, my cravings for chocolate will now be a thing of the past - Thank you once again.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Chriss, That's nice that you could find fat free cocoa powder but the most important is that it has to be sugar free. Enjoy your cooking!

despinaspanou : Olive oil is supposed to be beneficial for health. In what quantitites can it be used in your diet, if at all?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Despinaspanou, olive oil is not allowed on the cruise phase. Please wait until the consolidation phase to use some. You will reach your true weight within a few days so you 'll be able to use olive oil soon! Have a great day!

hellen2 : On the attack phase, i was hoping to lose some pounds but i didn't but i feel light. so is this ok and i'm on the right path?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello hellen2, the weight loss can't be the same for everybody. Your body has to integrate the new way of eating so don't worry, your weight will go down for sure in the cruise phase. Increase your daily physical activity, be careful about salted food, drink 1,5 Liters of water and it will be ok ! Have faith!

CallisonE : I have been on a plateau for almost 2 weeks - how long can I expect it to last as it is very demoralising?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi CallisonE welcome to the chat! Firstly please don't worry, stagnation is a very normal part of the diet and requires a bit of patience i'm afraid. It is very important that you keep eating and drinking enough of the allowed foods, do as much exercise as you can, avoid the tolerated foods and certainly avoid lapses and you will see your weight move I promise! Please let us know how you are getting on in a few days...

bromac : I do not see any mention of pork & lamb. Are they allowed during attack and cruise phase.I see that ham is allowed
Moderatrice hannah : Hi bromac thank you for your question. For pork you are allowed back bacon without the fat and the low fat ham but no other pork and no lamb I am afraid as it is too fatty for now.

fionagreen : I'm confused -- my food instructions for the day included leaned ham but on the list of indiscretions to select on my daily report, ham was listed as a minor indiscretion. Can you please clarify. Thank you.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Fiona! the forbidden ham is the really fatty one. You can have leaned and unrinded ham without any problem. Enjoy your coaching!

heziyechiel : can we eat edamame? on pp days or pv days or both? thanks
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi heziechiel, I'm sorry but no edamame during the first two phases of your diet. Keep going!

joclark : If I have a glass of wine one in one week can I balance it out by doing 60minutes of exercise
Moderatrice hannah : Hi joclark welcome to the chat! This one doesn't have a simple answer i'm afraid! Strictly speaking it is best to avoid alcohol completely. However if you do have a glass of wine it is best to have red wine and the next day you must do more exercise and drink lots of water. If you are lucky then this will make up for it but it is not a good habit to get into as ultimately it will slow down your weight loss...

diamondkjh : hi, how much skimmed milk am i allowed per day, i am on the cruise phase? thanks
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Diamondkjh, yes, skimmed milk is allowed but please, don't eat more than 1kg of dairy products per day! Enjoy your coaching!

gosiachylinska : Hi, I am exercising daily in the gym for an hour. Will that help me to speed up my weight loss?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Gosia! The more you move the best it is so keep going you are doing great!

Louieb : you have not mentioned anything about alcohol, is it permitted at all?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Louieb, alcohol is not allowed at all until the consolidation phase. Once you've reached your true weight, alcohol will only be allowed during celebration meals. Enjoy your coaching!

carolebarnett : Instead of losing I have regained 1.5 kilos am reaslly disheartened. here is what I ate yesterday. Br:piece of turkey and hard boiled egg. lunch:grilled sole water and 1 coffee. Dinner: grilled steak, no fat, water and 1 coffee. I cannot understand it???
Moderatrice hannah : Hi carolebarnett thank you for your message. Firstly don't worry there is always a reason for weight gain, it is possible that you are suffering from water retention. For the next few days please follow your PP/PV rhythm avoiding all tolerated foods, drink lots of water and do as much exercise as you can. Lapses must also be avoided at all costs! Don't be afraid of eating a bit more as well as this will actually help your weight loss. I look forward to hearing from you in a few days...

Brockstar : I started my attack phase the 13 august for 4 days. right away I lost 2.5 kilo. After, I started the cruise phase up until the 29 Aug. In 12 days I had only lost .5 kilos, so I once again did the attack phase for 4 days. On the first of Sept. I started the coaching, but I don't know how to catch up with what I have already done. Although my work is pretty physical, I would like to work out more, but have no energy. I drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water per day. I don't understand whats going on.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Brockstar, you seem too nervous about your coaching, relax yourself! 5 Kilos in 12 days, that is a great weight loss! Really! You should have continued in the cruise phase and not restart a new attack phase. Please follow precisely your instructions, that will help you to almost reach your true weight! If you feel tired, please see your doctor, he will probably give you some polyvitamins supplements. If you walk 30-45 minutes each day, it will be ok. Go ahead and give us some good news!

christinejbarnes : Can I use 1 cal spray oil on cruise phase? What about sugar free jelly?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Christine, I'm sorry but no no oil during the first two phases but the good new is that you are allowed to eat sugar free jelly as you wish! Bon appetit!

Snarkhunt : The diet, whilst going into great detail on many subjects, seems to ignore or pay little time to the subject of alcohol which has to be one of the key 'problems' when it comes to putting on weight in the first place - or then trying to lose it! Are spirits - ie vodka less problematic in weight terms than wine for example?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Snarkhunt thank you for your question. All alcohol, like all fat and sugar is completely forbidden on this diet. It is best if you can for now avoid it completely and just stick to diet drinks when you are out and about. If you have been craving alcohol then you can have one glass of red wine but the next day you must increase your exercise and drink lots of water. I am sure that you will notice the differnce it makes to your body very quickly not drinking alcohol for now. Please remember to fill in your daily report and please write to us in your slimming apartment if you would like help with anything.

Brockstar : 6 years ago i had a colectomy for diverticulitus. in what way, if any will this affect My diet?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again Brockstar, thank you for that information. In that case, you can replace cow milk dairies by soya milk dairy products, it will help you to have a better digestion. What is more, please have well cooked vegetables during PV days, as for example carrots, french green beans, asparagus, pumpkin, eggplant puree, lettuce... Avoid beverages like coffee and tea. Don't overload your stomach and chew each bite, these little advices will help you! Don't forget to ask your doctor about other principles, he knows you better than us. Have a nice coaching!

fumosh : Hi, what kind of vegetables are allowed in the cruise phase or better put are the following allowed; sweet corn peas, butternut squash/sweet potato
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fumosh, please find a list of all the allowed veg in the fridge of your slimming apartment, you can have peas and butternut squash but not sweet potato or sweet corn i'm afriad...

joclark : I am having good success, but difficulty in planning eating out for special occassions. I really want to be able to have a glass of wine for my wedding anniversary. I am on Cruise
Moderatrice hannah : Hi joclark thank you for your question. For the day you eat out it is easier if you do a PV day then you can have some lovely grilled meat or fish and veg for example. When you are eating out just remember to ask for all sauce/dressing to be removed. As it is a special occasion enjoy a glass of red wine and the next day do a PP day and go for a lovely long walk and drink lots of water. Enjoy!

warsaw49 : Is custard allowed ?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi warsaw, yes you can have custard but as a tolerated and with skimmed milk. You can find the list of tolerated in the cupboard of your slimming apartment! Have a nice day!

abibro : am in cruise phase, are olives allowed? can I use 3 drops of olive oil or olive oil spray? can I replace paraffin oil with mineral oil?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Abibro, olives and olive oil are not allowed during the cruise phase because it is too fatty. Mineral oil is not allowed either. Oil and olives will be reintroduced once you've reached your true weight! Have a great day!

bakoma18 : I just bought oat flakes, can it replace oat bran ?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Bakoma18, unfortunatelyn aot flakes are not allowed because it is too sugary. Please, use only oat bran! Have a great day!

fumosh : what kind of vegetables are not allowed in the cruise phase? or better put - are sweet corn, peas, sweet potato/butternut squash allowed?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Fumosh, sweet corn, peas and sweet potatoes are unfortunately not allowed. Butternut squash are allowed. You can have a look at the fridge of your slimming appartment, you can only have the vegetables that are inside this fridge. Enjoy your coaching!

stockholm : Hello everybody in the team. I make a cheesecake of 1 kilo of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 10 tablespoons of oatbran, 2 tablespoons of Splenda and 2 teaspoons of almond extract. I cut the cheesecake into 5 slices and I eat 1 slice each morning for my breakfast, am I eating too much? I enjoy this breakfast, I am one of those people who like to eat the same thing every morning, the rest of the day I eat different things. I am not losing weight as quickly as I would have liked, can it be because of my substancial breakfast or what do you think. Best regards from Stockholm.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi stockholm, that cheesecake sounds delicious! Please make sure that you are using low fat cottage cheese and that you do not have any other oatbran in the day. It is great to have a good breakfast so you must mix it up as you like. Make sure that in the whole day you do not have more than 1kg of dairy and that you eat some meat and fish for your lunch and supper. Please send us a message from your slimming apartment to let us know how you are getting on in few days.

pashca : Hello and good day to you. Sunny today and dancing along song Alors on dance:-).Saturday, I'm gonna cycle all day with my friends. What should I have for breakfast and what to take with me for my lunch? Merci!
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again pashca, that song is really entertaining I like it too! It is a really good idea to go cycle with your friends on Saturday! As far as the breakfast is concerned, you can have an oat bran galette or any other Dukan recipe which contains oat bran (muffins, etc.), a dairy product, an egg and ham if you feel hungry. During your effort, you can exceptionnally have 200 mL of orange juice (no sugar added). Why not bring with yourself a bento for lunch ? Poultry, smocked salmon, ham and raw vegetables (if you are on PV day) like radishes, carrots, cucumber, salad, spinach leaves... the choice is wide ! Come back on Monday and let us know how things are ! Bonne journée !

warsaw49 : Where can I find oatbran ? is it obliged to have some everyday ? Thanks!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi warsaw49 you can find oatbran in your supermarket or healthfood shop and yes it is great if you can have it every day, on the cruise phase you can have 2tbs a day. Feel free to eat it in the morning as porridge or as a galette or muffin, anyway you like. Enjoy!

fumosh : are sausages allowed in the cruise phase? what about protein bars?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear fumosh, two tolerates are possible during the cruise phase. Moreover, 100 g of poultry sausages are considered like a tolerate item. Protein bars are not allowed during before the celebration meal (in the consolidation phase) because they are often too rich in carbs and in fat. Have a nice coaching!

Minneaaa2 : Im going to fast for 25hours soon, can you please give me some advice ?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Minnea, just follow your diet as usual the day before and the day after. Keep going

joclark : CAN WE CHEW PK Chewing Gum at night watching TV?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi joclakr yes you can have up to 8 sticks of sugar free chewing gum a day, just be careful for acid in your stomach. You can also have some crabsticks or chopped up veg sticks handy as a snack as remember you should never let yourself be hungry on this diet. Enjoy!

Opole65 : Im goind to see some friends tonight, and Im wondering if I can have a little glass of vodka
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Opole65 please try to avoid having vodka tonight and just have some diet coke or something. If you really would like a glass of alcohol then please have a glass of red wine but it is really best avoided altogether...

fumosh : Hi, we are told no oil at all but the recipe for making the oat bran pancake says we should grease the pan with oil? i find that confusing
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fumosh yes you are absolutely right no oil is allowed but you can put three drops of oil on some kitchen paper and lightly swish it round the pan so it is just trace...

therezitta : hi again. is cinnamon ALLOWED in the cruise phase?and i bought a canola oil spray. is it ok to spray the pan before cooking?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Therezitta, Cinnamon is allowed ! Concerning oil spray, you can use 3 drops and then lightly sweep your pan. Have a great day and enjoy your coaching!

sonjabates : How much can we enjoy the sweet cake in your recipe book and the bread both used with 2 tablespoons of oatbran and wheatbran?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear sonjabates, you have to follow precisely your instructions, so don't exceed the daily amount of oat bran allowed in your coaching. In that case, be careful about the quantity of the recipes you will eat (just reduce it). Bonne journée !

fumosh : when will fruits be allowed?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again fumosh, fruits will be allowed in the consolidation phase. Have a nice coaching!

happyandkeen : I want to eat out with some friends on Friday night but it is a PP day... Can I make it a PV day instead so that I can have more choice when I eat out? Thanks!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi happyandkeen welcome to the chat! It is best to try to keep to your PP/PV day rhythm but I know that when you are eating out to eat PV is easier. Therefore you can eat PV that day and do two PP days after so you get back into your rhythm... Enjoy!

fumosh : i thought i read that too much crab sticks was bad because of the salt content. How much crab sticks can we have per day...and as it is frozen, what is the best way of preparing them to take out and about?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Fumosh, you can have up to 8 crab sticks per day! Please don't eat more because it contains some corn flour. You can simply eat them with fat free yogurts and herbs for example. Have a great day!

fumosh : Hi what about protein bars or cereal bars that are low in fat
Moderatrice cathy : Dear fumosh, tell us more about their nutritional values, send us a message in your slimming appartment, we will do our best to guide you!

happyandkeen : I really like eating dairy and often have up to 6 little pots of yogurt a day, is this too much?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi again happyandkeen, that is fine that you like dairy just do not exceed a total of 1kg a day and make sure that you are always eating sugar free under 2% fat. Enjoy!

therezitta : hi its been a long time since i last chated with u. maybe july :(((i need to ask about my dizziness.. if any multivitamin like cetrium or a french one i bought would help this dizziness disappear or not :(
Moderatrice cathy : Dear therezitta, I am pleased to see you here on our live chat. If you feel tired or with a lack of power, you can have multivitamins but I can also advise you to go and see your doctor : he will do a complete check up. Have a rest, we trust you!

mary456 : am I allowed to have onions on PP days ?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Mary456, yes, onions can be used on PP days but only as condiments! Enjoy! Have a great day!

happyandkeen : I really miss chips is there anything close to an equivilent that I can eat?!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Happyandkeen, what a nice username ! Check out the forum, you 'll find a great recipe of roasted butternut squash with vinegar that one of your kind fellows dukandieter posted. Have a great day!

mary456 : Hi again, thanks for your answer. Is diet coke also allowed on PP days ?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Mary456, yes! you can have diet coke on both PP and PV days! Enjoy!

therezitta : as i mentioned alot before, and i am sure you git bored of me, but IT is a BIG problem. is that i live in Egypt now. and we dont have any cheese that is 0%. only cottage cheese 1%... not even the ham is less than 2% fat NO our ham here is minimum 12%!!!! so i have been living on MEATs, FIsHes, MILK, YOgURT and PEpsi!!! and because i dont have enough options to nibble on or even have breakfast with.. i started doing LOTs of lasps!!! that i never done before!!! because there r no options for breakfast as now i discovered colestrol and no options to nibble too!!! so any help??? can i start switching to havong the 8% fat cheese as ALLOWED not just tolerated?? i mean can i switch all my diet back to having some fat OKAY in my life??i only have 2 more kilos to my goal.. so whats your advice?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear therezitta, I completely understand your worry, the adaptation is not always easy, especially in countries like Egypt where fat free or sugar free products are less available. Only 2 kgs separates you from your true weight, your goal is almost reached! 1% fat cottage cheese is ok ! As for ham, reduce the frequency if the fat amount is about 12%. Furthermore, let aside fat during the cruise phase, as far as tolerate items in order to optimize your weight loss. (cheese will be ok during consolidation phase !). If you have a high cholesterol rate, increase the fatty fish intake (salmon, thuna, eel, herrings, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, ...), poultry, white meat. Go and see your doctor in order to see if you don't need any specific medicine. Don't forget that physical activity will also help you to reduce the cholesterol rate. I trust you, you will manage it! Go go go therezitta!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


  September 10 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good evening to those in Australia! We are on the 10th September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy our dietician, Hannah, Carine and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

hudlin : I live in France way out in the country. Is there a substitute for cottage cheese as I cannot find it here?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Hudlin! the equivalent of cottage cheese in France is "faisselle" you can find some fat free one easily at the supermarket! Bon appetit!

crisguan : How much cotagge cheese can I eat a day?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Crisguan, first of all, make sure that it does not contain more than 2% fat! In case of stagnation, please don't eat more than 1kg of dairy products per day. Have a great day and enjoy your coaching!

crisguan : I do not quiet understand the diet or the web page. Do I have to do one day PV and one day PP?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi crisguan welcome to the diet and the chat! Don't worry we are here to help you with all of this! On the cruise phase which you are now on you do one day PP (pure protein) and one day PV (protein+vegetable) until you reach your true weight. I see that you have been filling in your daily reports which is great so thank you for those they are very important for us to moniter your progress. Please sned us a messaeg from your slimming apartment if you have any other questions... Have a good day!

richardnajm : is it allowed to eat fruit yogurt zero fat brand elle & vire
Moderatrice hannah : Hi richardnajm thank you for your question if it is sugar free and does not have fruit pieces in then the answer is yes!

crisguan : am I allowe to skip the diet twice a week for two dinner times?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on live chat crisguan, you have to know that each lapse can slow down the weight loss. If you are invited to go out for dinner, please choose the best compromise which will keep you in the Dukan diet. Steamed fish, grilled meat, roasted chicken breasts, or japanese food like sashimis will be ok during PP days. Add steamed vegetables or gaspacho during PV days, so you will ally pleasure and balance! Avoid alcohol as much as possible too, and increase your physical activity in the next day. Keep going!

Huegette : Can fresh Green Beans be eaten on PV Days?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Huegette, Yes! Green beans are allowed on PV days! You can eat all the vegetables that are inside the fridge of your slimming apartment! Have a great day!

Huegette : Can I substitute Wheetabix for Oat Bran since I can't find it.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Huegette, I am afraid, Weetabix can not replace oat bran because neither the composition nor the effects are the same. Weetabix are too rich in carbs unfortunately. You will easily find oat bran in supermarkets or in dietetics/organic foodshops.

mothermary : If I am going to a meal at a friends house and it will fall on a PP day in the Cruise Phase, can I change the PV day prior to this into a PP day? This would mean that I have done 2 PP days prior to a PV day for the dinner.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi mothermary thank you for your message very good of you to think ahead! Yes as long as this is not a frequent occurence you can do this no problem. Have a lovely dinner!

joclark : I had a bottle of Iced Tea, no fat but the sugar content was high, would that be the reason I gained 0.4 kilos overnight
Moderatrice cathy : Hello joclark, doing lapses won't help you to optimize your weight loss but 400 gms are not excessive, don't worry about that. Please stay on the road of the thinness and follow your instructions as precisely as possible! Increase your physical activity and your weight will go down again! I trust you!

isaacvivier : first day today..... looking at physical exercise section..... what r standups 60mins? is this an excercise or just refering to standing for 60mins??
Moderatrice hannah : Hi isaacvivier welcome to the coaching! Don't worry you are not the first to be confused by this! Yes it means that you have to stand up for an hour a day, it might sound funny but it is s simple and very helpful tip as many people go from home to car to desk to car to home and have done very little standing and walking. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask, have a good day!

abibro : You recommend using paraffin oil to make a Dukan vinaigrette. Am in cruise phase. But cannot find Paraffin Oil. Can I use Mineral Oil instead? are sugar snaps OK? what about artichokes?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear abibro, if you don't find paraffin oil, you can use mineral oil instead for sure. Moreover, sugar snaps are allowed. As far as artichokes are concerned, you can have the leaves but please leave the hearts. Have a nice day!

joclark : I am on Cruise and need to know if I can have Protein only for lunch and vegetables in the evening?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi joclark welcome to the chat! On the cruise phase you will be alternating days of only protein (PP) and days of protein and vegetables (PV) It is best if you eat at meals protein and vegetables together but you can snack on some vegetable sticks for example.

isaacvivier : also does anyone know a substitute for fromage frais if im in italy? can i just get 0% fat cooking cream? will it have the same taste and use?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Isaacvivier, Welcome to the coaching! Yes, you can use 0% fat cooking cream but please make sure it is also sugar free. The taste should be pretty similar don't worry. While in Italy, you should be able to find some fat free ricotta (again, make sure that it is also sugar free). Enjoy your programme and don't hesitate to ask us questions!

IaGG22 : I have always suffered from bloating and i am still suffering! What food can i avoid in the allowed choices to help this. I drink alot of tea but no fizzy drinks, so what can be the cause?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Ia, you are suffering from bloating since a long time, that means that it's not occasional but it's written deeply inside you. So food is not only the reason. I think that your stress sensivity can be one of the reasons and also the sensivity of your intestines. In the third position, some food can also have a certain responsability. Which ones? Hard fruits, not enough mature ones and rich inirritating fibres, apples, pineapple, melon... Please try not to exagerate too much with water and liquids in general, and of course especially the fizzy ones. Try also to sleep enough and keep in mind that the hours before midnight give a better sleep than after. At last, try to make abdominal exercises to contain the volume of your belly and stomach. Have a nice day.

isaacvivier : I also didnt know i had to buy skim milk until this morning reading the menus, I have semi skimed milk with 1.55% fat, which works out to be 1.55grams of fat per 100mls... is this OK?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi isaacvivier thank you for your question. Please always to try have minimim fat % possible, so skimmed milk is better.

rekharajani : my weight is not shifting anymore. I want my goad weight to be 8 stones and 7 lbs. Can I start from the very beginning by doing 3 days PP and then PP and PV days until I reach my goal weight?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on our live chat rekharajani, if you want to optimize and accelerate your weight loss, follow the cruise phase instructions by alternating 1 PP day and 1 PV day. Furthermore, don't forget that physical activities like walking, running, swimming, cycling will help you to increase the calories burning. Your goal will be reached, you can do it!

Brockstar : I started my attack phase the 13 august for 4 days. right away I lost 2.5 kilo. After, I started the cruise phase up until the 29 Aug. In 12 days I had only lost 1/2 a kilo, so I once again did the attack phase for 4 days. On the first of Sept. I started the coaching, but I don't know how to catch up with what I have already done. I am continuing on the cruise phase, but I am on pp when you have me on pv.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Brockstar, welcome to the chat! That is fine that you have already started the diet it is often the case and no problem. To catch up please do two days of PP to catch up and be in sync with the programme. I hope that you are enjoying your caoching so far and please do not hesitate to ask us any questions. Have a good day!

fumosh : Is Acai berry allowed during weight loss phases? What about colon cleansers?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello fumosh, I am pleased to see you again on our 2nd chat of the week ! Acai berries are forbidden until the celebration meal of the consolidation phase, but you can have an alternative : goji berries, in the amount of 1 Tbsp during PP days and 2 Tbsp during PV days. From my point of view, colon cleansers are not safe because they destabilize your intestinal flora. So please forget that idea, follow your instructions and you will reach your true weight! Have a nice day!

fumosh : Hi, how do i combat constipation? Also are wholegrain wraps allowed on the cruise phase?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fumosh, Welcome to the chat! If you are suffering from constipation please increase your oat bran intake by 1tbs and you can also have 100g or stewed rhubarb. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and doing abdimonal exercises and eat plenty of fresh vegetables on your PV days. Sorry wholegrain wraps are not allowed yet.

jazzyh : I have recently started a weight training class, but was told its not a good idea being on a high protein diet as you will bulk. is this true? i only lift 1.5kgs.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Jazzy, that's an interesting question I have to solve out with you. We have approximatively 800 muscles in our body. When you contract one of these muscles you burn a lot of calories during the contraction. When you stop contracting you keep burning calories at a smaller level and during 72 hours night and day. After that everything switch off. The more muscles you use the more calories you burn. For that you need proteins to reinforce all that muscles. Of course doing that makes you taking a bit of muscular weight but reduce your body volume and moreover helps you to lose weight during the whole day even when you sleep. In this way you work for your future and the stabilization of your true weight. Have a nice day.

fumosh : Hi, Nigerian brown beans is a protein and full of nutrinitional goodness. Is this allowed in the cruise phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again fumosh, Nigerian brown beans are considered like starchy food (they are rich in protein but also in carbs) so they won't be allowed before the consolidation phase. Have a look to the Dukan diet recipe book, you will find other nice ideas! Enjoy your meal!

steffi : Am I allowed to drink Vanilla Soy milk ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi steffi thank you for your question. Unfortunately no the vanilla soy milk is too sugary. Plain soy milk is itself a tolerated item and you can have no more than 15cl a day. Why not make some vanilla custard with the soy milk?See your recipe book in your slimming apartment for a recipe.

Gosiapl : I can't find the list of tolerated foods, can you help ?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Gosiapl, welcome to the chat ! You can find the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming appartment. Please don't eat more than 2 tolerated per day. Have a great day!

roundhouse : I am very pleased with the success of your excellent diet and very grateful - thank you for your constant help. As I approach stabilization, I am very anxious to get hold of a copy of your cookery book. Is there an address to send for it (in English). I look forward to your reply. Margaret Garrod.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear roundhouse, thanks a lot for your warmly message, we were pleased to be your guiding light! Don't worry about the book : have a look to Amazon website, you will find it without any problem. I hope you will enjoy our recipes!

Kaylyn : Hi, I would love to drink a little beer tonight, is it ok ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Kaylyn, it would be better to stay in the lines of the diet. Avoiding lapses will help you to optimize your weight loss, you will have to know it! However, if your weight doesn't stagnate, you can exceptionnally drink one beer. But that must be an exception! Have a nice coaching!

fumosh : Hi Dukan Team, thanks for your helpful advice and tips. I have Oatbran pancake everymorning with 1% fat natural yogurt - but this often means i cannot use any other recipe involving oatbran/wheat bran for deserts and therefore makes it difficult to prepare interesting meals. What can i do about this? Also how many spoons of the granulated sweetner is allowed per day. Finally, i thought cornflour was a tolerated item, but most of the deserts in the cruise phase involve using a lot more for one person... i am a bit confused.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fumosh, you are very welcome! Yes as you can have two tbs of oatbran a day you have to plan a bit so perhaps have a galette every other morning so that you can have oatbran in other recipes. Don't forget that you can also have 1tbs of wheatbran. You can have 8 doses of sweetener a day. Cornflour is a tolerated item at 20g per day but the recipes if for more than one person will be the reason. Don't forget that you can have two tolerated items a day so if you don't have any others than you can have 40g of cornflour. Hope this helps!

Oliver59 : Im german and I am wondering what kind of sausages are allowed ?
Moderatrice Carine : Guten Tag Oliver59, sausages are completely forbidden until you've reached your true weight. Be patient and you will be allowed to eat sausages during celebration meals! Enjoy your coaching!

Honeybear : Hi all I am excited to see a list of tolerated items in my cupboard can I have two portions every day? If so it might be too good to be true!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Honeybear welcome to the chat! Yes the tolerated foods list is real and you can have two portions a day but please remember that if you are stagnating then avoid all the foods on this list as they are there in very limited quantities to help with cooking and cravings but they are not allowed unlimited so just be careful!

gmallen : THough I'm delighted at the speed of my weight loss I will not reach my goal at the date estimated. Are there more fees to pay to continue the online coaching and if so how much? By my calculations, to reach my goal will take 20 weeks past the calculated date if I don't plateau out. Then there will be a very long next stage. What happens through all this? I have found the daily coaching crucial to maintaining and encouraging my motivation. I've never had this level of support before. I am so hopeful of never having to lose weight again.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear gmallen, don't worry, we will lead you to your true weight even if you need more time than estimated. Don't forget to fill in your daily report, so it will adjust your instructions. Many thanks for your message, our team will do the best to help you through all the phases of the coaching! Keep your motivation, keep your self confidence, you will do it!

alisonmary : For 20 years I have been taking thyroxine for hypothyroidism and consequently problems with weight control. It takes me ages to lose weight but can put it all back in a week so to say. My question is that once I reach my goal weight what must I NOT do to regain it besides eating like asparrow?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Alison, First of all you have to know that taking thyroxine is not exactly the same than secreting your own thyroid hormone because thyroxine is a standard medication made for anyone at the opposite of the individual thyroid hormone. That to explain that you have a small handicap into the control of your weight. When you have reached your true weight, you will enter in the third and the fourth phases of my plan. After the consolidation of this weight( 5 days per each pound lost) with a lot of new foods and the celebration meals you will enter in the last and definitive phase. At that time you will keep in memory all the food you will have incorporated one after one and you will have the necessary marks to eat spontaneitively and wisely. That will build a security basis wich will protect you. And to reinssured to keep beeing stabilized you will only have to keep the three essential measures of my last phase: proteins on Thursday, no lift and escalators, and three tablespoons of oat bran. Have a nice day.

Marlena : Hi dukan team, Im craving for mayonnaise. I saw the recipe in my cupboard, but I can't find paraffin oil, how can I do ?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Marlena, mayonnaise, no problem! If you cannot find paraffin oil (your pahmacy is the most likely place to find it) then you can use some quark or cottage cheese. Enjoy!

DariusK : Hi beautiful Hannah, am I allowed to eat paprika ? Im not sure and I dont want to ruin my day..
Moderatrice hannah : Hi DariusK thank you for your question no problem all herbs and spices are allowed so go for it!

Sophie1980 : Hi there i've just started the diet and i'm feeling really tired... any tips?!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Sophie1980, do you eat enough ? You can do a complete check up with your doctor, he will also give you some advises about polyvitamins !

Suomi : Can I eat one fruit every 2 days, I really miss apples
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Suomi, No, you can't eat fruits until you've reached your true weight. If you eat fruits regularly, it will slow down your weight loss so be patient! Im sure you will reach your true weight soon! Enjoy your programme!

Sophie1980 : Thanks cathy for your answer, perhaps I am not eating enough as I often feel hungry. thanks a lot!
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Sophie1980, don't forget that the allowed food can be taken as much as you want. Have a nice coaching!

fumosh : sausages are forbidden? I was told during the last chat that sausages were a tolerated item? Also how can i send you a message from my slimming apartment? I have tried many times but don't get any reply so maybe i am doing it wrong?. Thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fumosh normal pork sausages are not allowed at all as pork like that is not allowed and they are far too fatty. Goats and pulty sausage are tolerated and you can have 100g. Please see the 'my email' section in your slimming apartment to send us a message, we try to reply within the day.

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Wednesday!


September 15 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 15th of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician, Carine and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

olgakarmen : Thank you for my fruit joker!!! I loved it! It help me been even more motivated!
Moderatrice cathy : Dear olgakarmen, welcome on our wednesday's live chat.Thanks for your message, I am happy to see that your fruit joker engendered more motivation! Stay on that way!

jacquieb : is quorn or are quorn processed slices acceptable on the diet?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jacquie, yes you can have quorn as it's allowed food! You can find the list in the fridge of your slimming apartment! Keep going!

skinnyeva : Hi I started your diet with your book 27 days ago and have lost 9lbs. it was a good time as my husband was fasting for Ramadan.I joined your online site to keep me on track as it is going to be much harder now that alchol and all my favourite foods are appearing infront of my eyes. I am determined to keep going but at this point I am not sure if coming online and logging everything makes it even harder.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Skinnyeva, first of all, congratulations on your weight loss! I completely understand you, sometimes it is really hard to avoid lapses. Remember that lapes will slow down your weight loss! You'll reach your true weight soon so don"t give up. I'm sure you can do it! If you have any question or a lack of motivation, don't hesitate to use the messagerie of your slimming apartment. We are here to help you achieving your goal! Keep going and keep us updated! Have a great day!

bromac : Many of your recipes use Normandy Fat Free Fomage Frais. I cannot locate them in Melbourne. Please advise if this is available in Melbourne - and if so where. If not what will be the closest substitute.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Bromac, if you cannot find fat free fromage frais, you can have cottage cheese but please make sure there is no more than 2% fat in it! Have a great day and enjoy your coaching!

sofelu : Hi, I find the questions relating to activity on the daily report quite frustrating. It refers only to the "program". But I take exercise classes, jog and take longs walks. I never know what to answer as some days I have gone above and beyond the program. Also not sure what the supplementary program is. Can you help...I'd like to be sure I am completing the report accurately. Thanks, S
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sofelu! The most important is to move as much as possible and you are doing great so keep going! For the supplementary programme if you feel that you have done more than usual tick it it will be fine!

olgakarmen : Can I have wheat bran instead of oat bran? What about oatmeal? Also. can I do more PP days instead of PPV days?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi olgakarmen, wheat bran doesn't have the same properties as oat bran (you can see details on "community section"), so the first one can not replace the second one. Oatmeal won't be allowed before the celebration meal in your consolidation phase unfortunately. If you want to optimize your weight loss, I would advise you to follow your instructions as they are sent, don' t try to do more PP days than it was planned Keep going, you will do it!

therezitta : i was wishing to it PV today as i am having my first period day and i am feeling too weak! but i just had PV yesterday. if i do Pv today too will i gain weight?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi therezitta! yes go for a PV day today don't worry . Please take care! I'm still waiting for you for the VID!!!

marienahmad : Cher Dr Dukan, I do not enjoy eating desserts much, but love fruits and sorbets, can you help? many thanks for your wonderful program!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Marienahmad, welcome to the chat! Fruits are not allowed at all until you've reached your true weight. Please be patient and avoid lapses! Have a great day!

Mimbenjamin : I now eat max. 300 calories a day and I am still gaining weight...in your diet there are even more calories per day, I am worried this will cause me to put on more weight
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Mim! Don't worry about calories as our diet doesn't care of them. Just focus on eating allowed food and to avoid lapses and it should be really fine! Also eat until you feel stuffed it's really important. Have a nice day!

zippy539 : Hi - I'm on the first day of the attack phase and a bit confused. If I want to swap a recipe in my menu for one in the cookbook can I choose any recipe that is labeled PP?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Zippy539, welcome to the coaching! Please, use only the recipes dedicated to the attack phase. If you want to prepare a PP recipe, make sure that you don't use any tolerated food as they are not allowed until the cruise phase. You'll find the list of these tolerated food on the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Enjoy your coaching!

dunglass : Can I use a 1 calorie low fat olive oil spray for cooking?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi dun! I'm sorry but no oil at all during the two first phases of the diet. Keep going and be patient you will be allowed to have it on consolidation phase!

mcglinchey : can I eat sugar free jelly in attack phase
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Mcglinchey, welcome to the coaching! Yes, you can eat sugar free jelly but please don't have more than 3 per day! If you have any question, feel free to use the messagerie of your slimming apartment too! Have a great day!

therezitta : :) I CANT WAIT TO BE THE VID! i have to finish the diet to do it right? can i do it now? i thought i do the VID after i finish. i have 2 kilos to go. :(
Moderatrice sonja : Therezitta no you don't need to have reach your true weight as you have only two kilos to lose! I will contact you via the messagerie ok! Thank you!

FitTime : Hi, I just started yesterday and am on day two of the Attack. I don't eat meat, just fish, so can i have tofu with soy sauce? Really looking forward to making progress following this programme!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi FitTIme, welcome to the coaching ! Yes, you can have tofu but be careful with sweet soy sauce! It is not allowed until the cruise phase. Once you're done with the attack phase, you will be allowed to have sweet soya sauce as a tolerated but you can have the sugar free one on Attack as a seasoning. You 'll find the list of tolerated foods in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Enjoy your coaching and keep us updated!

jackyr1 : Hi. I am on my third day and was sent an email about extending my attack pase because I used half fat cream on the first day. I have actually gained 2 lbs since I started and have not lost yet. Should I keep going on the attack phase or start the cruise phase as my email this morning states to do ? I am worried to mess up my programme and get confused with which day I should be doing when. Thanks for any help!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jacky! No you don't need to do more days of Attack. Just go on the cruise phase and be careful of not doing any lapses and to drink and move as much as possible it's really important. Keep going!
therezitta : just last question..i was wondering where is Dr.Dukan ...
Moderatrice sonja : Therezitta you are cheeky! Pierre Dukan is not here today but he will do the chat on Friday as usual with us don't worry!

Glenfox : I am finding it very difficult to stabilise. Each addition to the diet - eg a day when I ate only proteins (egg and Dukan bread for breakfast, just pieces of chicken for lunch & veal with spinach & sauté potatoes as celebration meal- puts on huge amounts of weight. Do I go back to attack phase and just eat proteins again? I keep all the rules but weigh 131 now and I ought to be 128. Please suggest how I can recover the ground lost without seesawong every time I add fruit or celebrAte. I haven't yet dared add bread! Thank you for getting me so far but how can I keep off the weight?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear glenfox, first of all : don't worry, we will help you to recover your right weight. You will have to reintroduce all the food allowed in the consolidation phase whereas your body will save up the calories burning and then it will be more and more difficult to consolidate the weight reached at the end of the cruise phase. So please take the daily bread which is authorized in that 3rd phase. In the next days, just alternate 1 PP day with 1 PV day until your weight will show 128 on your scale. Then, return in the consolidation phase and follow strictly your instruction by adding all the following food : cheese, fruit, celebration meal, bread, starchy food. Don't forget to do physical activities each day in order to regulate your weight, and don't forget to do a PP day on Thursdays. I trust you, go go go!

Titatee7 : Hey good morning, im just about to start my diet today, and i was wondering if i was allowed my dailu Chai Tea Latte (skimmed milk) from Starbucks as my daily dose of caffeine?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Titatee7; welcome to the coaching! Im also a Starbucks fan and I love the Chai Tea Latte too! Yes you can have it but make sure they don't add any sugar in it. Don't hesitate to ask the barrista! Enjoy your program and keep us updated!

ninentide : I don't normally eat deserts unless I eat out. How important is it to have a 3 course meal. Can I just have a main course ??
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nine! Don't worry you don''t need to eat a three course meal. Eat until you feel stuffed that's the most important. The menus in your instructions are optional and are there to give you ideas. Not following them will not have an influence on your weight loss. Don't worry! Have a very nice day!

Titatee7 : Thanks Carine...i usually ask for extra chai syrup to a grande, but i never add extra sugar myself...is that OK? thanks for the help
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Titatee7, Im sorry but no syrup until the consolidation phase! Syrups contain sugar and will be considered as lapses. Have a great day!

jackyr1 : Thanks for your reply... My office mates and I are doing this together and two other of them have lost around 7 pounds in their attack phase and they have less weight to lose than me so its not that so why could my weight not be coming off ? Any ideas? Could I be drinking too much water? I also do 30 mins of exercise a day and walk a mile to and from work so its not that
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jacky! Please contact me in the email box of your slimming apartment and we will see together what's happening don't worry!
trishaswish : firstly hi t everyone. I would like to thank you for such a great diet.Have only been on it 6 days with great results.So far very easy to stick to and also fit into my family routine

Moderatrice sonja : Hi trish! thanks a lot for your nice message! We are really happy to know that you enjoy our coaching! Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need any help!


KYMMULLEM : i am shortly going onto consolidation phase,after losing 2stone since june. i am worried about eating bread again and wondered if i could eat bran crackers instead. i cant thank you enough for this diet plan.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear KYUMMULEM, thank you so much for your warmly words. Congrats for your progress in the Dukan Diet coaching, now it is time to enter in the consolidation indeed. Don't worry, you will manage to maintain your weight if you follow precisely your instructions : bread, cheese, fruit, starchy food and celebration meal have to be eaten, the PP day on Thursdays will help you to regulate your weight as I said it before. As far as bread is concerned, choose whole grain one but avoid bran crackers because they don't have the same filling up effect. Have a nice consolidation phase!

therezitta_1 : thanks for all your answers :).. i LOVE UUUUU. last thing, i have the arome dukan beurre fondu but never was able to use it. do you have any idea on which foods should i add the beurre fondu?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Therezitta_1, we are really happy to see that you're enjoying your coaching! I advise you to try the Dukan Brioche! You'll be able to use the beurre fondu flavouring and this recipe is really easy to prepare and delicious! Let me know once you've done it! See you soon and have a great day Therezitta_1!

minniesunshine : I dont seem to be losing much weight and I am on day 4 of the attack phase. Is this normal? Also how do i find the recxipe for the oat bran pancakes?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Minnie! Don't worry and keep following your instructions striclty. You are doing great for the moment so keep going you will reach your true weight!

sue15cat : Hi, I'm now on the Cruise stage of the diet and it's going extremely well, but I find myself not eating very much as I'm never hungry, should I make an effort to eat more as I've read weight loss can speed up if you do? Thanks xx
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Sue15cat, welcome to the chat! You don't have to eat more if you feel the need to. You're on the right track so just keep going! Have a great day!

grainneoreilly1987 : is alcohol allowed at any stage?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Grainneoreilly1987, welcome to the coaching! Alcohol is not allowed until the consolidation phase! Once you've reached your true weight, alcohol will be allowed during celebration meal. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to use the messagerie of your slimming apartment, we are here to help you! Have a great day!

therezitta : goodmorning :) i was just asking if 4 sugar free candies + 8 chewing gum sticks + the diet coke, all in one day is ok?
Moderatrice cathy : Good morning therezitta, it is always a happiness to see you on our chat! Try to limit your quantities to 4 sugar free candies and 5 sugar free sticks per day. Diet coke can be drunk without any restriction but try to reduce the daily intake if you feel bloated. Moreover, it can generate laxatives effects which are not very pleasant. Have a nice day!
mod : there are a lot of people connected today that's nice, thanks for that! Do not hesitate to ask your questions!

Brockstar : Can I eat onions and shallots on pp days?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Brockstar, Welcome to the chat! Yes, you can have onions and shallots on PP days but only as condiments! Enjoy your day
!
Huegette : What about pure Aloe Vera Juice? Am I allowed this in the Cruising Phase? Are Soya Joghurts OK. They are none without Fats or Sugar. They are supposed to be healthier than Milk Products. Thank You.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Huegette! I'm sorry but no aloe vera juice as it's too sugary. For the soya yogurts you can have one per day as a tolerated but remember that you cannot have no more than two tolerated per day! You can find the list of tolerated in the cupboard of your slimming apartment!

minniesunshine : also, am i allowed any vegetables during the PP phase. I see you have said we can have onions and shallots but it doesnt give me this as an option anywhere I can see. Am I reading it wrong?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Minnie! you cannot have vegetables on PP days but as onion is considered as a seasonning you can a small amount of to make your meat tastier!

diana2929 : hi from Oz. 30 or so days in to second phase and i am averaging a loss of 100grams per day. it could be a lot better. i now recognize a pattern. when i am happy or i lose a bit i "treat" myself to a forbidden food. also my body seems to like 80k and i find it really difficult to break through that weight. is this a common thing?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Diana2929, lapses slow down your weight loss so try to avoid them as much as possible. When you feel like eating forbidden foods, try to go for a little walk , go shopping or to the spa! Trust me, if you "treat" your body, the temptations will go away! You'll be so proud of yourself after resisting forbidden food. Your body is testing you and you have to show him that your motivation to loose weight is stronger! Have a great evening in this beautiful Australia!

Titatee7 : On my food instructions, it has a list of food items i can eat during my attack phase, it says to pick from the 18 recipes for lunch and dinner. Some are for example, prawns/tuna with soy sauce? is soy sauce allowed? from earliers chats, i read that its only allowed during the cruise phase as tolerated foods. Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Titatee! the sweet soya sauce is not allowed on attack but a teaspoon of the salty one as a seasonning is fine during attack don't worry!

jencrawl : when preparing the carpaccio dishes are the meets cooked at all?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Jencrawl, Don"t worry, when you prepare the chicken carpaccio, we ask you to add some lemon. Lemon is going to help the chicken getting baked. Let us know what you thought about this recipes once you've tried it! Have a good day!

embenol : I am on day 2 of attack phase and have just eaten prawns in soy sauce which was one of the suggestions in my secret corner.However I have just read on this live chat that I'm not allowed soy sauce in the attck phase, please help?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi embenol! Sorry for the misunderstanding but the sweet one is a tolerated so for the cruise phase but the salty one is fine even on attack! Enjoy!

fionagreen : Hi, I really lapsed yesterday -- the smell of my husband's cooking tempted me to nibble on the dish he'd made....and from there i spiralled downwards. I realise now i should have gone out for a walk to avoid his cooking -- what else can i do to keep the temptation at bay?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear fionagreen, next time you will be the winner , the devils of temptation won't have the last word! The idea of walking is really good, you can also have a phone call so your spirit will be somewhere else than in the kitchen. You can also have fat free and sugar free quark to reduce the appetite. You can also make a compromise with your husband : either he cooks what he wants when you are not at home or you will cook together some yummy Dukan recipes when you are both at home. Communication between the members of the family is an important thing while the coaching, your husband will be comprehensive for sure. I hope these advises will help you !

embenol : Ive used about 2 tbls of the low cal soy sauce, is that OK on attack
Moderatrice sonja : that's perfect embenol as long as there is not sugar it's fine!

NativeGuy : It is okay to use Soymilk instead of Skim Milk?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi NativeGuy, if you are allergic to cow dairies, then yes you can have soymilk. If not, soymilk is tolerated (150ml per day). Please be careful, plain soymilk only is ok ! You'll find the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment! Enjoy your coaching!

hudlin : Hi Team,I can't eat everything that is on my daily menu. Does that matter?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Hudlin! Don't worry these menus are here to give you ideas and not following them will not influence your weight loss! As long as you eat allowed food it's really fine! Enjoy your day!

summersunflower : Is it normal to get headaches on the first day of the pure protein day, thanks Paula
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome summersunflower, headaches can sometimes happen in the beginning of the diet, this is due to the ketosis phenomen which is itself caused by the high protein intake. Don't worry about that, it is temporary! Don't forget also to drink 1,5 L of water each day. Your weight will quickly go down, you will be very surprised! Go go go!

sue15cat : Is low fat aerosol cream allowed on the sugar free jellys, I find it hard to imagine eating just jelly on its own!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sue! well if you give me the composition of this cream I will be able to answer you but remember that it has to be added sugar free and no more than 2% fat! If I were you I would use some custard made with skimmed milk on the top! Enjoy!

Huegette : Apart from the Oat Bran Allowance, what can I eat to alleviate Consipation? I miss my half an Apple per Day . I am in the early Cruise Phase. Thank you so much.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Huegette, try to drink high mineral water and during PV days, eat vegetables as much as possible. Do some abdominal exercices by sequences of 10. Try to do at least 100 movements each day. If this is not enough to fix the problem, then eat some stewed rhubarb. If this does not work, I advise you to go see your doctor or pharmacist. Let us know if it works! Have a good day!

norazaben : hello, I was wondering if i can substitute oat bran with something else, because honestly i cannot stand the taste of it and it is impossible to be able to eat it everyday thank you
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nora! I'm sorry but there is no substitute for oat bran. But have you tried to make the famous Dukan galette? It's really easy to make and you can have a sweet or a salty one. Bon appetit!

oodonna : I have searched for Fromage frais and it is not sold in Australia. Would you please recommend a substitute for me please. Also the fat free yoghurts here, have sugar in them, is that ok ?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Oodona and welcome on the chat ! We have a lot of Australian customers here and what we recommend them is to use low fat cottage cheese (no more than 2% fat) or some extra light Philadelphia cheese. For the fat free yogurts they must be without any added sugar at all but can have sweetener . Have a very nice day!

sofelu : Hi team, is it ok to cook with olive oil? If so how much is ok?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Sofelu! No no olive oil or no oil at all during the first two phases of your diet. You will be able to have some on consolidation phase. Keep going!

hudlin : Can one buy sugar free jelly in France? I can't find it.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Hudlin! No no sugar free jelly and no jelly at all in France as it's a really british product! I know you can find some in some brit shops in Paris though. Sorry about that, have a nice day!

Titatee7 : Is quinoa allowed anywhere in this diet? It is very hih in protein content.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Titatee you will be able to have some quinoa on consolidation phase but not before. Keep going!

zumbachat : can i eat as mucch of the above items in the cupboard and fridge or do i just have pickles on vegetable day? im confused about How much cornflour a day can i eat..on vegetable free days can i have asparagus or what can i add to meat days to make more exciting. alot of deserts and snacks have oats & im only allowed 2tbsps per day..so how do i get past that??
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Zumbachat, welcome to the chat! On a PP days, you can have all the food that are in the fridge of your slimming apartment except the veggies. Thus, you cannot have asparagus on PP days. Condiments like shallots, onions and pickes are allowed on PP days. On PV days, you can have all the food written in your fridge. In the cupboard, you'll find the list of tolerated food, cornflour is one of them (20g allowed). Please don't have more than 2 tolerated food per day. Don' t hesitate to have a look at your recipe book to get some new ideas and make your diet more exciting. Regarding oat bran, yes you can have 2 tablespoon per day so you have to pick your favourite recipes and make sure that you don't eat too much oat bran. I advise you to try the Dukan Brioche, it doesn't contain any oat bran, it is really easy to prepare and delicious! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to use the messagerie of your slimming apartment! Have a great day and keep us updated!

hudlin : Hello again. Can I access recipes on the French site. They must contain ingredients I can buy here.
Moderatrice sonja : I'm sorry but you cannot access to the French recipes but what I can do for you is to give you equivalents in French of English products! (except for the Jelly...)! Please let me know about all of that in the email box of your slimming apartment!

Sselio : good morning,from Sselio. I am not losing fro 2 weeks no change in my dieta. I follow your instruction 100% what to do ?
Moderatrice cathy : Good morning Sselio, we will find a solution together, we will do our best to lead you to your true weight! I will ask you to report very precisely your food and beverage intake the next 3 days (including quantities) in your slimming appartment's mailbox . This will help us to guide you with precision. Tell us more about your feelings : don't you feel constipated? Are you concerned by water retention? Don't you have hormonal problems ? Which kind of water do you drink? Do you follow strictely your physical activities instructions? Don't worry and keep going, your weight loss will start again! We are waiting for your message, I trust you!

annutie : Hello everybody! I have just started my diet - today is my first cruise day - and I'm experiencing some problem. I keep on gaining weight. I started my 2 days of PP Attack being 77.6 kg, on the 2nd day I got to 77.7, and today my scale showed 78.4 kg!! I'm completely frustrated!! And I never did any lapses on the foods - I just can't get what do I do wrong?? No exercise today - just no mood after seeing the scale. Pls help...
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Annutie, I understand you, it is frustating but please do not give up! We will find a solution together and see where the problem is. Please send us a message via your slimming apartment and we will guide you. Keep going!

diana2929 : Merci Carine. I appreciate the advice. Thank god i found 99% fat free chocolate drink or my treats would be really doing me in! By the way, what is quark? Fromage frais has found its way onto australian supermarket shelves but it is deadly sweet! this chatline is a really useful service. thanks for providing it. 22 degrees here in Perth. not a cloud to be seen!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Diana2929, before drinking the chocolate drink, please make sure that there is no sugar in it. Quark is a german product that is similar to cream cheese and philadelphia cheese. We are really happy to see that you are enjoying your coaching with us! I hope I'll get a chance to visit your country one day!

therezitta : hi so i only found golden flour 72%, fine bran, so can i use this as wheat bran??? can seriously i still didnt do any of the recepies cause i cant find any product in egypt!
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again therezitta, I am afraid but golden flour doesn't have the same properties as wheat bran. Moreover, don't forget that wheat bran is facultative whereas oat bran is highly recommended. You can cook our savory and sweet Dukan recipes without wheat bran (if you find it in recipes, just let it aside), the most important ingredient is oat bran. I can also advise you to do some researches on internet, you will maybe find some websites / companies who sell those ingredients. Have a nice day!

bromac : Where can i get Normandy fromage frais in Melbourne Australia. Is Yoplait Forme No Fat and less than 1% added sugar allowed during cruise phase.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Bromac, usually you can find this fromage frais at your usual supermarket but if you cannot try to find low fat cottage cheese that you can mix with low fat plain yogurt and that will make some fromage frais! For all the dairies they have to be without any added sugar at all and less than 2% fat. You are doing great keep going!

norazaben : Dear Dr. Dukan, I have been taking Zoloft for almost 2 years now because i was suffering from clinical depression,now I am feeling great but I must continue to take the pills for another year or so, my question is does this interfere with my diet program? knowing that i am really happy that i started your diet and really pleased with the food choices i have so it does not affect my mood negatively in anyway
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nora, don't worry as long as you have the good treatment it's fine; You will certainly lose weight slowier than the average but the most important is the result; It doesn't matter how long it take! Please take care and I wish you a very nice day!

therezitta_1 : how many onions per day in pp days? and how many candarels or splenda sugar tspoons per day? along with the 5chewing gums and 4sugarfree candies?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again therezitta, one medium onion is an acceptable quantity on PP days. Sweeteners are not restricted but please try to reduce their amount in order to limit the "sugar taste" hunger. Enjoy your meal!

stockholm : Hello to you all. I have been without internet for a week and I have gone completely astray apart from in the morning. I am on 5 weeks holidays in France and the temptations are there all the time as we socialise a lot, both lunch time and dinner time. We eat lunch out every day at a beach restaurant and it is really difficult. Now my husband wants to pop over to Italy and I dread it because I love Italy, italien food and wine. I usually put on one kilo per day when I am there, do not say that it is not possible, it is for me, it is mostly my trips to Italy that is responsable for my weight gain, plus the lovely rose in Provence of course. I need to get back to the straight and narrow now when I can access my internet connection with you. Another thing, I can not find Cottage cheese here so I use Fromage blanc, not as nice in my recipes but what can you do. Everything is of course 0% . Bye from Stockholm
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Stockholm, I hope you enjoyed your holidays! It is important to spend some time away from home and enjoy simple things such as going to a restaurant with friends. I also love Italy and I completely agree with you! But don't worrry, once you're back with us, we will guide you! Have a great day!

jencrawl : Can I eat jelly "s on the attack phase?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jen! Yes you can have sugar free jelly on Attack phase it's allowed but I would say that if you can eat 3 per day it should be fine!

mcglinchey : morning! can you tell me if sugar free jelly made from powder is permitted in attack phase? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Mcglinchey! yes sugar free jelly is fine! As I have said in my previous message to Jen I would also say that 3 per day would be perfect!

joclark : Ho much Diet drinks can I have in one day?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Joclark, quantity of diet drink is not limited but please try not to drink more than 1 liter per day. Try to get rid of the taste of sugar! Have a great day!

mod : Thanks everyone for your participation! These will be the last questions, we hope to see you on Friday at 11.30 UK time!

topsypopsy : please could you tell me what you suggest for the menopause. My main concern is hot sweats and mood swings
Moderatrice cathy : Dear topsypopsy, the first thing you should do is to go and see your gynecologist (if it is not done yet). Do you have some medication for the menopause ? If not, your doctor will surely give you some advices about natural supplements which will help you to reduce hot sweats and mood swings. You can also have a look at our french website "Dukan shop" - Ma boutique régime Dukan" : http://www.maboutiqueregimedukan....;code_lg=lg_fr&num=0Constance is a natural supplement which help you to fight these disturbing effects. Take care! Thanks a lot for your participation!

Domicela : Is it normal that my blood pressure is now lower? I started the diet 20 Sep. Now my blood pressure is 100/60. It's never been that low and I feel a bit weak. What should I do?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Domicela, blood pressure can sometimes go down but don't worry, please go and see your doctor, he will do a complete check up. Use a little bit more salt in your plate. If you feel weak, you can have some polyvitamins (ask your doctor about it). Take care and I hope you will give us some good news!

diana2929 : Oh-oh. i double-checked.It contains glucose solids, sugar and sweetener (951). On drink is 64 calories, 1.7grams fat, 5.7g sugar. Must i stop drinking it? Australia would welcome you!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Diana! Woaw yes you really have to stop it! That's nice that you have asked us! You have to take one coffee spoon of 20% fat cocoa but without any sugar that's really important!

Sselio : Dear Cathy, thank you, I have no hormonal problem, I am drinking more than 2 litres water "fiuggi" per day and I follow 100% your food suggestion. The only think I m not doing is the physical activities.No water retention Thank you so much for your help
Moderatrice cathy : You are welcome sselio, but don't forget to write us back in your slimming appartment's mailbox, tell us more about your food and beverage intake. I highly recommend you to do some physical activities, it can really re-engage the weight loss by increasing the calorie burnt! Let's go and walk 30 minutes per day, it is your next healthy Dukan principle!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thank you to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


September 17 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 17th of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy our dietician, Jessica and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

larrywade4 : Is fat free frozen yogurt okay to eat? In the Cruise Phase or before?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on today's live chat larrywade4! If the fat free frozen yogurt is also sugar free, you can eat it during the cruise phase. But unfortunately if it contains sugar, you should avoid it before the celebration meal of the consolidation phase. You will also find nice Dukan ice cream recipes in our recipe book! Enjoy your meal!

larainethomas : can you have carrots beans culiflower or broccoli on PV days
Moderatrice cathy : Dear larainethomas, thanks for taking part to our live chat ! On PV days, you can prepare carrots (just reduce the amount of carrots if you are on stagnation), french green beans, cauliflowers or brocoli indeed. Bon appetit!

NancySmith : I am confused. Can I eat ANY veg in attack phase. Some receipts seem to say can eat onions and shallots
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nancy! you can have onions on Attack but just as a seasoning! Keep going!

perfectpurple : Is the recipe book available for sale in the UK and does it have all foods in 'my recipe book' in it?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear perfectpurple, the recipe book is available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dukan-Die...oks&qid=1283433135&sr=8-2 but it will contains new recipes, not just the ones from the website!! Enjoy!

francisepe : I can not find Normady or cottage chees. is it ok if I use other low fat fresh cheese?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi francis! Yes you can have any type of low fat cheese as long as there is no more than 2% fat. Keep going!

Jayne1002 : Could you tell me which cold drinks I am allowed - I am drinking water and diet coke and also tea and coffee but am I allowed squash which has no added sugar - or are there any other cold drinks that you can suggest? Thanks for all the support - I am really feeling motivated. Jayne
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Jayne1002, water will be the only necessary beverage for your body, but you can vary the pleasure by drinking diet coke, tea, infusions, coffee (no sugar added). You have to check nutritional values : beverages allowed in the Dukan diet have to bring less than 1 calorie per 200 mL. Thanks a lot for your message, keep your motivation and you will reach your true weight!

francisepe : Thank you sonya, I actually did the two PP days to "shake" my stagnation, but still nothing. Should I keep with PP day or get back to alternation PP/PV?
Moderatrice sonja : Francis, yes go back on cruise and keep moving and drinking. Avoid lapses as well; I will contact you via your slimming apartment don't worry!

IaGG22 : I am really missing plantain is it possible to have it on PV days as it is naturally sweet?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Ia! I'm sorry no plantain as it's considered as starch food! Keep going and you will be able to have it on celebration meal of consolidation phase!

gibgirl : Je vais a Paris pour le matin jusqu'a dimanche. je ne peux pas acceder l'ordinateur!! i will do my best to stay with the proteins and will take my list of only foods with me..will this be okay?..thanking you for your advice in advance sir..maria
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear gibgirl, come on come on, Paris is Pierre Dukan's hometown so of course everything is here is available to help you stay on track with your coaching! First you can go to "Monoprix" shops and buy some delicious Dukan galettes, there you will also find the Oat bran and all the meats, poultry and everything you need in small portions so there will be no waste after your journey... Enjoy Paris and the Dukan food!

perfectpurple : Your recipes mostly refers to gelatine leaf: can gelatin powder be used as well? If so, how many spoons is equivalent to 1 leaf of gelatine?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear perfectpurple, you can use gelatine powder instead of gelatine leaf for sure ! 1 leaf usually equals to 2 grams of gelatine, so if you have a cooking scale, it will be easy to weigh it! Have a nice sunny day, I hope so!

lisandmike : As I visit the gym 1hour 4 times per week (mixed cardio and weights including a t least 1 session with a personal trainer0 I do not use the "suggested" regime. I trust this is reasonable? Mike
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear lisandmike, of course you don't have to follow the "suggested activities" since you seem like already a gym rat! You can even tick both "suggested" and "obligatory" activities in your daily report. Feel the burn!

tinker32 : do you have to eat the extra's? 2 slices bread, I piece of fruit etc? Or are they optional?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear tinker32, you have to follow very precisely the instructions of your consolidation phase. This will help you to preserve your true weight for life! So please reintroduce whole grain bread, cheese, fruit, starchy food and the celebration meal. I trust in you!

rollito : I am from Spain. Is it allowed to eat grilled snails? This is a tipical food for this period of time
Moderatrice cathy : Dear rollito, grilled snails are allowed indeed! Spice it up with some nutmeg and fresh herbs like parlsey, you will enjoy it for sure! Have a nice day, your message brought us some sun in Paris! Thank you!

Karoline82 : Can I have any type of alkohol ? I really want to party.... :( I ve only been on the diet for 4 days...
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear Karolin82, I'm sorry but Alcohol is not allowed on the Dukan diet. It contains too much sugar. You can party but have soft light drinks like Perrier or other flavored sparkling water (no sugar). Come on Karoline, you can do it, and you will feel so much happier after, and so proud of yourself!

guino : I freeze my normal fat free yoghurt and eat that. Very nice for a change.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello guino, that is a very good craftiness if your dairies are sugar free and fat free, congrats for that yummy idea!

frances01 : I need guidance regarding portion size. It's not enough to say eat until full or satisfyed, because I thunk overweight people have a real problem with gaging this.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear frances01 I understand what you mean. The main problem with portion size is basically "common sense". Do you eat enough? Is this portion a "regular" one? Are you indulging on comfort food or are you really hungry? All those parameters come in action and you need to be able to decide what is the portion you need for yourself, to be able to get on with your daily activities without feeling tired, but you also need to know when to stop because you feel satisfied and that eating more would become painful for your body. Once you can do this, portions will not be a problem anymore. When it comes to the Dukan diet coaching, only tolerated food are subject to portions. If you need more answers please feel free to write to your slimming apartment's mailbox.

PeterDavenport : I do not understand the abbreviations used about phase of diet relevance.
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear peter, here's some little help: PP = Pure Proteins, PV = Proteins + vegetables. Hoping this will help!

frankyfry : I need to know which of the following is correct. In the chat history a fellow slimmer ask the question if he/she should eat more as he/she did not eat much at all. the asnwer was no just carry on what you are doing and then in some cases you reply you should eat until you are stuffed. What should I do now?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear frankyfry, don't worry at all. Food allowed in the Dukan diet can be taken as long as you are hungry. That's to say that you have to listen to your feelings of hunger and of satisfaction, it is a very important parameter. Don't overload your stomach. I would advise you to have 3 meals a day and if you feel hungry between these main meals, you can have Dukan snacks (dairies, oat bran pancake, a slice of ham as for example). Enjoy your meal!

francisepe : Can I eat goat cheese?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear francisepe, if you find fat reduced goat cheese (less than 7% fat), you can have 30 grams as a tolerate item (don't forget that you are allowed to have 2 tolerates during the cruise phase). If not, be patient : your dream will come true on the consolidation phase!

BARRADELLH : Can you eat bacon in the attck phase, please?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear BARRADELLH, I am afraid but classical bacon won't be allowed in the diet. If you have the chance to find lean bacon (and only lean, 4 % fat if possible), please wait your cruise phase to eat it! Bon appetit!

Amsumner : I'm finding it all too difficult. I don't have time to organise the correct foods, I don't have time to cook, I want a glass of wine when I get home from work, I want something sweet when I'm relaxing at the end of a long day. Every diet I try I lose and gain the same half stone, then give up because I can't get past that half stone threshold. Help!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Amsummer, I have read everything you were talking about and I'm afraid because you explain how you started and lost weight very well at the beginning and stop in front of your 78 kilos. That means you are not unable to stand the diet to go further and you return to your starting weight. But I'm here with you and I really want to help you to reach for good your true weight. I have noticed that you have no time to organise and cook the correct food. Try to get it even for quick and easy cooking as for example vegetable sticks or slices of smoked salmon or salads. For the glass of wine I give you the authorization to drink a glass of red one BUT please only once a week. For sweets when you want to relax you have a lot of choices like sugar free chewing gums, sweet oat bran "galettes", custards and mousses. You can find some delicious recipes in the recipe book of your slimming apartment. I 'm going to give a little mission. During 4 days starting from Monday until Thursday night only eat PP. Drink 2 litres of liquids, eat as less salty as possible, walk one hour and buy some drainers. AND next friday come back to me with a better state of mind and a new high motivation. Have a nice day.

lynettesykes : from Laidback Are anchovies allowed on the Cruise phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear lynettesykes, anchovies are allowed on the cruise phase, on the condition to choose them oil free. Be careful about the preserves and take a little time to read the ingredients on the packaging. Have a nice coaching!

frankyfry : Amazon does not ship to Dubai, where else can I find the Recipe book?
Moderatrice Jessica : Dear frankyfry, you can try other sellers like Waterstones or wait a bit until it's available from more stores.

dunglass : Hello, I'm really pleased to have lost 5 lbs on my first two attack days, now I'm on cruise and finding I'm not very hungry, is it ok to skip a meal? Also I'm going on holiday on the 8th of October for twelve days - can I pause my coaching while I'm away as I don't think i'll have access to a computer - what is the best way to cope on a holiday to South Africa as i don't want to spoil my weight loss and am a bit worried i'll just put on all the weight I've lost!!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Dunglass, bravo for these 5lbs lost in two attack days only. It's a very efficient result. About skipping meals it's an awful solution. It can mess up your metabolism and awake your hunger. I prefer that you eat something really light like one or two low fat yogurts or one or two slices of ham that will prevent a too quick return of hunger. About your holidays to south Africa, open the diet but keep the control by eating proteins and more vegetables, two slices of bread on breakfast and a portion of white rice twice a week. Don't forget to return to me after coming back from your trip. Have a nice day.

Shrinkingal : Hi, I notice that on the cruise phase you can have a small amount of wine in cooking as a tolerated food. Can you also use small amounts of other types of alcohol to cook with, such as port or sherry? Last night I said no to a venison and port burger, as I wasn't sure if I could have it - I went for a piece of salmon instead.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Shrinkingal, thanks a lot for your interest! A little amount of red or white wine is tolerated while cooking, but the final sauce has not to be eaten. Unfortunately Port and Sherry like other strong alcohols have higher nutritional values because of their sugar content, so if your weight is in a stagnation period, please avoid them as much as possible and prefer red or white wine to give a nice flavour to your meals. Well done for the choice of your meal last night, the piece of salmon was completely OK instead of the venison and Port burger! Keep going!

frankyfry : I know I have a long way to go still, but have one question about the consolidation stage. I have read the book twice and still don't know if during this period besides the extras, do you also have 1 PP and 1 PV day or PV everyday with the added extras?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again frankyfry, all your questions are welcome, it is a pleasure for us to lead you to your goal, don't worry about the time, it is not a race! The base of the consolidation phase is to do PV everyday, you were right! Have a nice Friday and go ahead!

DeeDee2010 : Hi, team thank you so very much for all your help your all wonderful!!. OK my question is if I don't have a glass of wine with my celebration meal can I have it on another day of the week or would this spoil the way the program works. Sorry I cannot be on live chat tonight, my Granddaughter is visiting. Love you all Dee.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Deedee, I'm really glad to welcome you for your first contact with me. I know that you are frequently on the chat and everybody like you in the team. YES you can drink your glass of red wine out of your celebration meal anywhere else during the week. My best regards to your grandaughter and keep going to be so nice and so good in your diet. Have a nice evening.

heather3 : I don't like any artificial sweetener of any kind....?? what will I do?
Moderatrice Pierre : Hi Heather, I understand that you don't like the artificial sweetener, you are not the only one in that case. So you have the Stevia solution which is totally natural, have a nice taste and easy to cook in high temperatures . Try it and give me your feedback about it. I'm sure you will like it. Have a nice day.

frankyfry : Hello from Dubai, myself an a couple of friends have started the diet, I am on day 10 and have lost 2.4kg's so far. We are all very impressed with the diet and it is easy to follow. Hold thumbs another 4.6 to go. Yesterday I lost 0.4 and this morning it was back on the scale? Why is this? I was on a PP day yesterday so it should have been fine right.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear frankyfry, far physically but so near thanks to internet and thanks to the Dukan live chat! Congrats for your results! The body is very complicated in the weight management, so don't worry about that very little increasing. Just reduce salt in your plate, avoid salted food also like ham, smocked fish, preserves and drink 1,5 L of water per day. Physical activity will also help you to restart the weight loss, so walk a little bit more, I trust you, keep confident!

zingletti : HI - is splenda allowed in the attack phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello zingletti, Splenda like other sweeteners are allowed during all the coaching period! Have a nice coaching!

bromac : Can we use psyllium husk . What about tofu during cruise as a protein and what type as most tofu I have seen in Australia have some Carbs in them.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear bromac, psyllium husk is only allowed in reduced quantities if you feel constipated during the diet and if our first solutions were not efficient. Please tell us more by sending us a message in the mailbox of your slimming appartment. Tofu is PP food so you can have it whenever your want. Try to find a classical tofu, organic foodshops do surely sell it! Go go go!

phoenix16 : You suggested I do attack for only two days which I did and there was noticable weight loss. I have continued with attack and today is day 4, is it ok for me to continue like this for a further day or so? I have now lost 2 and half kilos. Thanks
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Phoenix, you have decided by yourself to extend your attack phase and to add two more days of PP at the programme I have prepared for you. I thought that you have only six and a half kilos to lose and that was not necessary to do more but maybe you like protein food. Ok for a new day of proteins but in the future please talk to me before deciding. For this time your decision was not bad but it could have been. Have a nice day and bravo for your two and a half kilos lost.

ren1234 : Hellom I am on consolidation and have a few questions about food. Can we have a scraping of low fat margarine on our bread? Are we able to eat other types of wholemeal breads such as a wholemeal bagel or a wholemeal pita bread? Can we snack on vegetable sticks or does it have to be a protein snack? Can we eat cereal? Thank you so much
Moderatrice cathy : Dear ren1234, you can use a very little amount of low fat margarine on your slices of bread, there is no problem about that! Wholemeal bagel is not allowed because it often contains more carbs than classical wholemeal bread found in your bakery! Pita won't have a good filling up effect so please let it also aside. I would advise you to prefer a protein snack instead of a vegetable one, for the same reason : proteins have a real satisfying effect and what is more that effect will last for a long time! You can have cereals for breakfast only once per week if your weight management is ok. Have a nice consolidation phase, and have a nice day!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


September 22 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the22nd of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

Snookyboots : During this phase can I eat roasted tomato & red pepper soup. Method: roast veg above for 40 mins in oven. Blend with veg stock Also: butternut squash soup Method - chop squash put in pan of veg stock, simmer until soft then liquidise. Thanks
Moderatrice Sonja : Hello Snooky! That's a perfect recipe that you have there! Just be careful to have low fat stock cube. Your recipe seems really yummy! Bon appetit!

needlehub : i am so fast to get tired. i can't do exersize i haven't got energy for it . i am on cruise. maby i do something wrong?how long will i feel it?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear needlehub, your words let appear some lack of energy indeed. I would rather advise you to do a complete check up with your doctor. Then, he will also give you some good advises about great polyvitamins supplements. As for the food allowed in the coaching, don't forget that you can have it until you feel satisfied. No frustrations in our Dukan diet! Take care and let us know if things are going better for you in a few days. Have a nice day!

gloriakao : At moment, I am attending the wine school and I have to test 4 wines for each lesson. Is it ok that I just taste it and spit it out? Does it effect my diet in attack and cruise phase? Also I am a Japanese so I usually cook in Japanese way. One of the common ingredient is Miso paste. (made by soy bean and other.) can I use them in this diet? and can I use rice bran instead of oat bran?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Gloria! I'm a very big fan of Japan and I'm a Japanese foodholic! That's a great job that you are going to do. Don't worry as long as you spit it the wine will not have any effect on your diet. Also you can go without any problem for the Miso soup on PV day as it's really healthy! Keep going and if you have any of nice Dukan friendly japanese recipes do not hesitate to post them on the forum!

gloriakao : Hi, I am now in singapore and I found a dessert called " herbal grass jelly" .the nutritional information is in 100g 0% fat and 3 g of carbohyadrate, is it allow in attack phase and cruise phase?grass jelly is made by boiling special hebal grass several hours with a little starch, when it cool down it become jelly.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hello again Gloria! I need to know all the ingredients and their amounts to answer you correctly! I'm looking forward to read your answer!

faypre : I cannot buy any low fat products other than cranberry low fat yoghurt can anyone suggest a desert that I can have other than this
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Fay! Keep in mind that you can have 2% fat dairies. Also for the cranberry ones you can have them as a tolerated starting from the cruise phase; You can find the list of these tolerated in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Remember that you cannot have more than 2 tolerated per day. Enjoy!

soniacorsalini : sorry I forgot to answer if I have to do all my 30 minutes walk in one time or I can walk 10 minutes in the morning, 10 in the afternoon and 10 in the evening?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Sonia! As long as you move as much as you can it's fine don't worry you are doing great! Have a nice day!

susanrad : I am enjoying the Dukan bread but wondering what I can put on it apart from fat free cream cheese. I've read that Brewers Yeast is OK but what about a tiny amount of Marmite (or Vegemite)?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Susan! You can also make the bread with low fat cottage cheese or with some Quark for example. Yest is allowed but I'm sorry no Marmite as it's really too salty. Bon appétit!

jacquimunro : Instead of Quark or Fromage Frais, can I use Low Fat Philadelphia Cheese as I can't find either in Saudi Arabia? Also the fat free yogurts are made by Elle & Vire - are these allowed in the Attack Phase as they have fruit bits in them.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Jacqui! you can use extra light Philadelphia of course. For dairies please remember this rule: as long as they are not more than 2% fat they are fine. They mustn't contain added sugar and no fruits except as a tolerated. You are allowed to have two tolerated per day starting from the cruise phase. keep going!

lucy999 : I am going to Egypt fr a week, please could you advise me how to stick to my plan while away.It uis a fully inclusive holiday so food choices will be limited.I will be 4 weeks into my plan.Thank you
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Lucy! Egypt is a really beautiful country how lucky you are! During your trip try to focus on allowed food and to avoid starchy sugary and fatty food; If you do a lapse try to drink and to move more the next day; Don't worry and enjoy your holidays we will see how things are when you come back!

bellflower : bought the Dukan book when it first came out. Followed it to letter and went from 11 stone (gave up smoking) to 10 stone. Got to end of 1st part of transition stage then had to go to US (family problem). Lost weight there and down to 9.8. Came home slightly depressed and weight went up to 10.6 (my fault). Started again. But during attack stage only lost 2 lbs and today still the same. Walking, doing exercises, use Ab circle machine, always on the go. Any suggestions. Am I stagnating. Should I stay on attack for a few more days. Any advice appreciated.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear bellflower, first of all : don't worry, calm down, we will find a solution together. Relax yourself as much as possible, enjoy sunny days : change your mind by walking with friends, why not going to the slimming pool, etc... The attack phase must not last longer than it was planned. It is time to join again the cruise phase and altern a PP day with a PV day. Avoid all the tolerated items until your weight will openly go down, increase your daily walking (15 minutes longer). Be careful about salted food like ham, preserves, smocked fish and drink 1.5 L water per day. I trust in you, I am sure you will stop that stagnation soon! Go go go!

faypre : Hi Sonia, you mentioned that I can have 2% fat dairies but I cannot buy these, I live in Asia and can only get the cranberry yoghurts, is there any other dessert I could eat?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Faypare! Maybe you can find skimmed milk where you are and in that case try recipes from your slimming apartment. Just increase the amount of cornflour. Also you can have sugar free jellies but let us the composition before please. Bon appetit!

gillant : Hi, i am in the consolidation stage of my diet and have gained a pound which is worrying me,it happened last week as well after my celebration meal but luckily i lost it again on the pp day,is this normal or am i going to have problems keeping this weight off? i just dont want to get overweight again but i dont want to diet for the rest of my life,help !
Moderatrice cathy : Hello gillant, congratulations for the reaching of your true weight! The 3rd phase of your coaching will help you to consolidate that weight. It is completely normal to gain a pound after a celebration meal, but the global consolidations' instructions will have an important role, especially the PP day on Thursdays : it will help you to homogenize and to balance your weight in the next days. So, don't worry : if you follow strictely your instructions, you won't be on diet for the rest of your life. Be confident!

wendylou : First of all thankyou for this support program. On day 1 of attack I had 100grams 97% ff ham thinking it was OK. It ended up being a "minor lapse". Not a great start to my program. Is all lean ham off the program? I was excited to have lost 0.8kg in one day even with the lapse. xx
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Wendy! You are really welcome we are here to help you and we are sincerely happy when people enjoy their coaching. For the ham don't worry you have done it fine; The minor lapse is about smoked ham or too fatty one so keep going and do not be bothered about that! We are going to make this clearer soon. Have a nice day!

perfectpurple : I read somewhere that this cheese is okay, am l right?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Perfect! yes you can have 7% fat cheese but as a tolerated. Remember that you are allowed to have two tolerated per day. Enjoy!

perfectpurple : Are we allowed all flavours: strawberry, toffee, banana & vanilla, peach etc?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi again Perfect! you have to be careful with flavourings that you can find sometimes in shops or on the net; They may contain alcohol sugar or fat. They are not the same as the ones that we sell on the boutique. These ones are allowed without any restriction; But for the ones quoted before just a little tiny drop is allowed be careful! We will have our own online shop soon on the website don't worry! Have a nice day!

perfectpurple : In the supermarket nobody knew Bresaola (air-dried beef), but I was offered beef jerky instead, is this ok? Also, I cannot find fat free cocoa powder in the stores, but low fat 22% fat ones. On amazon.com I found one, but they said they cannot deliver it to my UK address, any ideas of where to get these items? e.g., name of supermarket.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi again Perfect! You can have beef jerky instead yes and also bitlong. For cocoa you can one coffee spoon of your 22%fat cocoa powder but be careful as it mustn't contain any sugar. Also cocoa powder is a tolerated and you can have two tolerated per day remember! Enjoy!

alidalevi : I am in the office at lunch time and can not eat what you are offering, only could order chicken or meat or fish to the office and eat yogurt next to it. is that ok ?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Alida! Yes you can do that as long as your meal doens't contain any fat or starch! Bon appetit! and remember to eat until you feel stuffed of any of the allowed food!

saskia35 : I have the feeling fat free yoghurt isn't digested well in my body, could I be intolerant to it and if yes, is there an alternative?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi saskia! you can have soya products instead but be careful to take plain soya yogurts and not the flavoured ones it's really important. Enjoy!

soniacorsalini : Are all vinegar allowed? I'm addicted, I have pear vinegar, the peach one, the tomatoes and orange vinegar. I don't use salt so this is a nice way to give taste to my recipe.
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again soniacorsalini, if these vinegars are made of fruit puree (pear puree, peach puree, tomato puree or orange puree), they won't be allowed before the consolidation phase (don't use more than 1 tbsp per day in that 3rd phase of your programme). During both attack and cruise phase, you can use balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp per day) for example. Other craftiness are available to spice up your meals without using salt : you can have spices (pepper, nutmeg, coriander, ginger, cardamom, all spices, ...) or / and fresh herbs (basilic, parsley, dill, ...). Enjoy your meal!

abibro : hi, I am still in the cruise phase. Am I allowed fat free yogurt with 18gm of sugar?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Abib! No sugar at all especially during the first two phases of your diet. But the good new is that you use sweetener instead! I hope you will enjoy! Keep going!

satvik : Hello Team, Are parsnips allowed during cruise phase or are they too starchy?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Satvik! yes you can have them on PV days as it's allowed food don't worry! If you have some recipes with them do not hesitate to share them with us! keep going!

soniacorsalini : Hi! I would like to know if we are allowed to use powdered skimmed milk (3 tbsp a day, the quantity to make 250 ml of liquid milk) of course only if I don't have any other liquid milk. Is it an allowed food or a tollerated one? Thank you!
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi again Sonia! I have to be careful not to write your name with a J! Yesyou can have three tablespoons per day of skimmed milk as a tolerated but of course nothing is better than real milk!

faypre : Hi I attempted to make the chocolate custard today and failed. I found when I added the boiled milk to the beaten egg and then returned it to the pan, it curdled. What could be the reason for this?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Fayre! In that case add a little bit of cold milk to the beaten egg and melt it and then add it to the hot milk and keep siring it's really important. I'm pretty sure that you will success this time!

sanetl : I play competitive tennis at a fairly high standard, but I find it very hard to play 5 or 6 sets due to a lack of energy. Have you got any specific advice on how to manage this?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear sanetl, I am so pleased to read your message! Do you know that I have played tennis in France for 7 years at high standard as well? The Dukan diet has to be adapted indeed to your high level practising. Before each training session, just add 30 gms of wholemeal bread to your meal. As far as competitions are concerned, you can add 200 gms of starchy food (pastas, rice, semolina, quinoa, lenses, ...) to the meal which precedes your tennis match. During the effort, if you feel a lack of energy, you can have 200 mL of orange juice (no sugar added). Don't forget to drink enough water (2 L per day minimum are advised) in order to avoid a fall of performance. I would also advise you to have polyvitamins and minerals supplements (especially magnesium supplements). Give us regularly some news about your tournaments in the mailbox of your slimming appartment and don't hesitate to send us some questions if you have a doubt during the coaching, we will do our best to help you! Game, set and match : go ahead and you will reach your true weight!

mod : Thanks a lot for having chat with us! The chat is almost over now and these will be the last questions. But don't worry we have another chat with Pierre Dukan this time on Friday at 11.30AM UK time! We hope to see you there!

gloriakao : The grass jelly ingredient is "water, aqueous extract of mesona chinensis, corn flour. so can I still have grass jelly?since it is 0% fat and 3g of carbohyadrate in 100g?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again gloriakao, as the grass jelly contains corn flour (starchy food), you can have 1 Tbsp per day as a tolerate item only. Have a nice sunny day!

wendylou : As I have a gym membership and do 1 hour cardio/weights 4 x week can i count this on my obliged/supplementary report or do I need to do whats on the list? Thankyou so much for your support. xx
Moderatrice cathy : Hello wendylou, thanks for your interest! Congratulations for the acquisition of the gym membership card, you are very active, I like that way of healthy living! Your exercises can be count as obliged activities for sure. The other 3 days of the week, don't forget however to walk 30 to 45 minutes and the goal will be reached. Have a nice sportly Dukan diet coaching!

soniacorsalini : Hi all, are we allowed to use protein powder in our recipes? I found a protein powder similar to Protifar, it contains: Whey protein and Soya lecithin. 100g of powder has 90 g protein; 1 g carbs; 0,5 g fat. 1 portion is 8 gr. Moreover I would like to know where we can find a list of autorized food for the PP Thursday of the third phase. Thank you very much!!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again soniacorsalini and thank you for the details of the ingredients! Well, you were completely right, I previously said no to that protein and soy lecithin powder because I didn't know the composition, but now you have given it, I would completely approve it, I am sorry about my first answer. As far as food allowed on Thurdays "PP days" during the consolidation phase, I just reply you on one of my previous message. Thanks a lot and have a nice Wednesday!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


September 24 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 24th of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy our dietician, Carine and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

EdieFox : Can I drink spicy tomato juice on PV days as an alternative to alcohol? Or are tomatoes too sweet?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi EdieFox, welcome to our live chat! Yes, you can have spicy tomato juice but please make sure that it is sugar free! You can have all the veggies that are in the fridge of your slimming apartment. Have a great day!

susanbarnes : Hi, I'm sorry to say that I'm getting really demoralised as my weight has seen no real change in a month. I have lost 12 pounds with 10 to go. I'm following the diet really carefully.Is this usual? Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our Friday's chat susanbarnes! Don't worry, we will find together a solution to restart your weight loss. Do you follow strictly your instructions? Don't you exceed the tolerated items in the diet? Do you practise any sport? Do you feel constipated since the diet has begun? Don't you feel bloated? Tell us more about that by sending us a message in the mailbox of your slimming apartment. What is more, take a little time to note your intake during the next 3 days (food and beverages with quantities) and send us back those informations, we will do our best to lead you to your true weight. We will wait for all these precisions, be confident you will do it!

nora : hi,can i have strawberry or blueberry fat free yoghurt?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Nora, welcome to our chat! Fat free yogurts with fruits bites are tolerated during the cruise phase. Please do not have more than 2 tolerated foods per day. You'll find the whole list of these tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. I'm pretty sure you'll find dairies that don't contain more than 2% fat! Have a great day!

stuartrussell : I notice that tinned tomatoes have citric acid in the ingredient list. Is this ok on PV days
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Stuart! yes you can have tinned tomatoes don't worry! Keep going!

suemlloyd : I am worried about the consolidation stage. I have been able to stay on target so far and am afraid of reintroducing foods that made me overweight in the first place. Have you any tips to help?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Sue! I have send your question to Pierre and he's going to answer you during this chat don't worry!

Lloydevans : I am told I have used a Joker , as I dont know what it is this is hard to understand ,please explain
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Lloydevans, welcome to our chat! on your daily reports, you mentionned several times that you were missing fruits. That is why you got a joker. This joker allows you to eat 800g of fruit during that day. It is a way to help you through your diet. This joker is exceptionnal so I hope you'll enjoy it! Keep going!

RachelGreig : Hi everyone, having trouble navigating the website and can't seem to find fruit mentioned. I finish attack phase today and am looking forward to eating vegetables and (Hopefully) fruit tomorrow and on PV days - is this OK?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear RachelGreig, let's say "bye bye" to the attack phase and "hello" to your cruise phase! That second level of the diet will allow you the reintroducing of vegetables during the PV days. Unfortunately fruits are forbidden before the consolidation, but you are lucky : rhubarb is an exception! Indeed, you can have 100 g of rhubarb (no added sugar) during PV days. Have a nice cruise phase!

JLCRIDING : could you tell me what Breseoa is called in France and where I would get it from please? Also I am having problems with my digital scales - I can get on them four times, and each time they give me a different reading. I have even tried drawing 'feet' on them so that I stand in the same place. That is why I haven't sent a report in, because the readout varies by 0.5 kg! What model would you suggest?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi JLCRDIING, Bresaola is called the same way in France! You'll usually find bresaola at the supermarket. You can also have "viande des grisons", it is pretty similar and delicious! Regarding your scales, yes, I advise you to buy a new one. Feel free to choose the brand, maybe you can ask the salesman ? Keep us updated and have a great day!

MonkeyKong : Hi. Can I substitute Oat bran with Wheat bran?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi MonkeyKong, welcome! No, wheat bran is not allowed at all because it is way fattier than oat bran. Let us know if you have more questions!

pgree24 : Yesterday was day 2 of my initial attack and I had a very special occasion meal to go to. I ate some chilli nachos (not a great deal) but i also had 3 glasses of wine. I only have a stone to lose and this morning I stepped on the scales to find I had lost 4 pounds already. Im desperate for some salad and veg, please dont tell me i have to go back to 3 full days of attack because i think i will just fail.......what can i do?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi pgree24, welcome to the chat! Please do not worry, lapses happen and sometimes, it is really hard to avoid them. Do your last day of attack today and start your cruise phase tomorrow like it was planned. Try to increase your physical activities and everything will be fine! Please, dont do any more lapes and you'll reach your true weight! Keep going!

IaGG22 : How long should a stagnation last? i am finding that i am loosing a pound every 3 wks if i am that lucky!
Moderatrice cathy : Dear laGG22, a stagnation will start from 7 or 10 days of no weight moving and it can last a little period, but as soon as you notice a such period, react immediatly by increasing your physical activity, by stopping the tolerates, by reducing salted food (ham, preserves, smocked fish, ...) and by drinking 1,5 L of water per day. I am sure it will help you to optimize your weight loss, I trust in you! Keep going!

suemiller : After consolidation, is oat bran to be used daily in place of something else, like bread, or is it to be eaten whatever else one eats during the day? If so, why? And by the way, I never have occasion to use a lift (I live in an ordinary 2 storey house, and since I hardly sit down during the day, I am always on my feet - walking, running, cycling, gardening, etc.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Sue, during the consolidation phase you have to eat two and a half tablespoons of oat bran.When you are on first phase of a long stabilization phase one of the three measures to control your future weight is consummation of three tablespoons of oat bran. That is obligatory but if you want to eat more oat bran it is completely possible like another food, the interest is to make you stuffed and to reduce your calories assimilation. I'm really glad to read that you move so much that will help you to keep the weight you have now. Have a nice time and don't forget to come for your results.

marted : can you just eat as much as you want of the unlimited foods and not follow the recipes also am i allowed tea with skimmed milk during the day or is it at breakfast time only.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Marted, yes! these foods are unlimited! No need to weigh your food or count calories! You can eat them as much as you want whenever! So, you can have tea with skimmed milk during the whole day! Its great news isn't it ?

User2 : HiI have just started consolidation phase and I am stiill not clear wether you have to eat the extra's everyday for example do I have to have 2 slices of bread EVERDAY or can I have only ! slices if I don't want 2?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi User2, congratulations for reaching the consolidation phase! Yes, you can have these extras everyday! you can have 2 slices of bread everyday but you're not obliged to! If you don't feel like eating bread everyday, you don't have to! I hope you're enjoying this phase and our programme!

suemlloyd : I am terrified of reintroducing the foods allowed as i do not want to put any weight back on. How can I get over this?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Sue, what you feel is frequent. When we reach our true weight after a long fight it's normal to be afraid to add new foods. If you don't you would continue to lose weight and you will finish by being frustrated so if you hesitate are afraid don't add all of them together eat proteins and vegetables everyday and the first week add one fruit the second two slices of wholegrain bread and the third a portion of cheese. The next week a portion of starches and the last one one celebration meal and starting from this week use the Thursday protein and not before. Have a nice day.

Karoline82 : Hello. I have been on the diet for one and a half week and I did not loose any kg, but actually put one more on !! I have followed the diet and I have been exercising every day. (jogging,walking and weights) When can i expect to loose some weight ??
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Karoline82, welcome to the chat! I just looked at your daily reports and saw some lapses. Please remember that eating forbidden food will slow down your weight loss. For the next three days, please eat only allowed food and you'll see that you'll loose weigt! Keep us updated! You'll reach your goal!

maggiea : Hello Industrious Dukan Team! I just wanted to let you know that after really s-l-o-w losses, I followed your advice and stopped all the lovely Tolerated Items for three weeks, I have lost 5.8 lbs! Woo hooo! By the way, I have a new slogan ( of many) for special Dukan T-shirts - Dukan Moves in Mysterious Weighs! Bon weekend tout le monde!
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Maggiea! Nice to see you there! Congratulations on your weight loss that's great! Thanks for the slogan that sounds nice! Bon week end à vous aussi!

lucy : Having lost 7lbs in my first week i have not lost anything in my second. Feeling frustrated what can i do?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Lucy! don't worry as stagnation is a kind of part of the diet; If you avoid lapses and you move as much as you can and of course following striclty your instructions you will reach your true weight no matter the time it will take! Keep going and do not hesitate to contact us in your slimming apartment box. Have a very nice week end!

leebean337 : Hi! I exercise a lot, and for an energy drink I would like to have Coconut Water. Its 0% fat but has 5grams of sugar per 100ml. Would this be ok to have this during the Cruise phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello leebean337, I am afraid but Coconut water is not allowed during the cruise phase. Moreover, I am very surprised that this beverage is sold as an energy drink. Can you detail us all the activities you are weekly practising ? Give us those informations by sending us a message in the mailbox of your slimming appartment. It will help us to give you the best advises. Thanks a lot for your interest, we are waiting for your message, don't forget ! Have a nice cruise phase!

marted : can we eat mullerlight youghurt which contains fruit but is virtually fat free without slowing our weight loss.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Marted, yes! you can have them! These yoghurts are tolerated and no more than 2 tolerated per day! have a great day!

IaGG22 : once i reach consilidation phase will i still be getting recipe for the day and will that include celebration meals that i am allowed. i'm thinking ahead but i am worried that once i introduce normal meals i will put on weight again.
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Ia! Don't worry you will receive your daily menus as usual! of course you will not recipes for your celebration meals as you will be able to eat what you want that's a good new! Just be careful to eat once of each dish and it should be perfect! Enjoy!

bettyburstner : Pierre I have been doing your diet since mid JULY and have now lost 1stone and 8lbs. I have now signed on to keep my motivation going but find I get very tired as I do a physically active job as a music teacher in a special school. I need to lose another 3 stone and find it hard to exercise. Regards
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Betty do not lose your motivation as it's maybe the most important part of the diet! Don't worry for exercises from your daily instructions it's fine as the most important is to move as much as possible! Keep going you are almost there!

marted : if a recipe says for 4 people does that mean i only have one portion or do i read it as it is out of my allowed foods so can have more if i want.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Marted, if the recipe only contain allowed food, then , you can have as mush as you want! If it contains tolerated foods, please check the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment and do not eat more than the quantity written on the list. I really hope you'll enjoy your journey with us!

Rosepetal21 : I've had 2 days on the attack phase and by the end of day one I felt dizzy and started to get a headache - my headache has continued to get worse despite drinking lots of water - I crave fruit and vegetables! Is this normal?.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Rosepetal21, headaches can be due to the high intake of proteins, Pierre Dukan called it "the cetosis phenomen". But don't be afraid, that disease won't last too long, don't forget to drink 2 L of water at least, vary your meals as much as possible. Don't worry about your vegetables craving : you will soon enter in the cruise phase in which you will altern one PP day with PV day. On PV days you will be allowed to reintroduce vegetables and it will also be possible to have 100 gms of rhubarb puree (no sugar added). If your headaches persists, please go and see your doctor. Take care! Have a nice coaching!

pgree24 : can we have the mullerlight yogherts that are spinked with chocolate? They are still fat free.......
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Pgree24, no, unfortunately they are not allowed because they contain way too much sugar even though they are fat free. Have a great day!

polly5 : I have just started the plan and day 2 of the cruise. I now have a throat infection and have been put on medication, should carry on or stop until I have finish the course of medication?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Polly! I sincerely hope that you will better soon. Health is really important so if you feel to stop for a bit the diet the time for you to feel better please let me know in your slimming apartment as I will do. For your medications take them and we will see how things are when you feel better. Try to have a nice day though

JuliaMuha : Dear Mr Dukan. I guess that I have some problens with constipation. Today I add 200 gr. I think its about constipation. How to solve this problem. Thank you very much. Julia
Moderatrice Carine : Hi JuliaMuha, welcome to the chat! In order to resolve this consitpation issue, please drink high mineral water and during pv days, eat lots of veggies, especially the greens ones. You can also have some stewed rhubarb.Try to work out as much as you can too! Let me know if it works! Have a great day!

Catherinescott1977 : Today I had a phone call from my Doctors to say that my cholesterol is raised and that I have to go on a special diet. I told them that I was already on a low fat diet and they said I have to follow their plan. What would be your advice on how I can explain the plan to a Doctor that is saying I need to have 5-7 portions of fruit and veg every day. Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Catherinescott1977, here are some advises which will help you to reduce the cholesterol intake, you will have to focus on specific food allowed in the Dukan diet and to avoid other one. Don't eat more than 2 whole eggs per week, then, just have the whites. (Only the yolks contain fat and cholesterol). Focus on fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, eel, herrings, sardinas, mackerels which are rich in omega 3 - fat. Poultry is also a good alternative. Don't forget that physical activity is your best friend : it will help you to reduce the LDL cholesterol rate (bad cholesterol). You can explain to your doctor that during the cruise phase you can alternate PP and PV days : during PV days you can have vegetables and also 100 gms of rhubarb puree (no sugar added), it is healthy, isn't it?!? Have a nice coaching, give us some news about your cholesterol!

lmcdonnell : Hello. I have just started on Attack Phase. I have been good and even calorie counted. I put weight on although I did everything. What happened?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Imcdonnell, welcome to the chat! Please don't give up! If you haven't done any lapse, you'll loose weigh ! Feel free to tell us more about what you've eaten ! Have a great day!\

stuartrussell : I agree with Cathy - it's just temptation if you are cooking for 1 and a lot of these ingredients don't freeze well. Also it's back to measuring and calculating. maybe you could incorporate the quantities for 1, 2 (if you are a couple) and then for a family. it would be hugely helpful - I have not cooked recipes because of this
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again stuartrussell, many food can be frozen today, I do it very often (Meat, vegetable stews without fat, etc...). I completely understand that all the ingredients can be very temptating but don't forget that the food allowed in the Dukan diet can be eaten until you are satisfied. However, thanks a lot for your suggestion, it will help us to reconsider the website. Let's try our yummy recipes, don't be afraid I am sure you are a very good cooker!

stuartrussell : I am on 1/1 cruise phase. WIll this last for the whole cruise phase? If I need to have e.g.2/1 because of social commitments, can I then do and extra protein only day and then go back to 1/1 or do I just revert to the plan. In other words, how strict is the 1/1 rule?
Moderatrice Sonja : Don't worry stuart keep following your instructions and if you have no choice to do one PV day instead of one PP it's fine as long as you avoid starchy sugary and too fatty food it's fine! Keep going!

saskia35 : I am having trouvle sleeping, could this be the effect of no sugar and no carbs? I am in the 4th day of attack phase.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello saskia35 and thank you for taking part to our chat! The new way of eating can sometimes trouble your sleeping and it is completely normal. Beyond a new way of eating it is also and especially a new way of healthy living. Just let your body adapt itself to that diet and your sleep will get better for sure! Don't worry, take care and have a nice coaching!

Catherinescott1977 : Can I use flavoured protein powder as a meal substitute on PP days as long as they are sugar free?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again Catherinescott1977, I am afraid but flavoured protein powder can't replace a PP meal even if it sugar free. Don't forget that you can eat simple food which doesn't need to be cooked too long like ham, smocked fish, boiled eggs, oat bran pancake, fat free and sugar free dairies, etc... the choice is huge! Bon appetit!

soniacorsalini : hi dears! last chat session you told me to avoid flavoured vinegar but here Dr Dukan write that they are fully allowed. So What is the right version? I couldn't eat too much spices 'cause I'm suffering of couperose (rosacea). I found this site is quite confused... Could you help me please? Thank you!!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello soniacorsalini, I am pleased to read you today! Indeed I told you to avoid vinegars which contains fruit puree, but Pierre Dukan allows you to have flavoured vinegars. There is a little subtlety between "flavoured" and "fruit puree". The first is ok, the second one not. I hope all the explainations are ok for you. If not, send us a message in your slimming apartment. Have a nice week-end!

jacquieb : I run 10 miles 3 per week. I have been doing Dukan for 3 weeks and am unable to keep my usual pace and absolutely crave banana when I get home. I feel I have no reserves to draw on when I'm out. any advice?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear jacquieb, I notice that many members taking part to our today's chat are sportly, well done! I am fully with you! You can add 150gms of starchy food (pastas, rice, etc) on the meal which precedes your running. Once the session is over, juste have 200 mL of skimmed milk and after that have a classical Dukan meal as written on your daily instructions. You can also have polyvitamins supplements, please ask your doctor about that. Keep going! Congrats for your iron will!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!




September 29 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 29th of September, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

Mashal : Hi, of all the protein food listed I only like: prawns, lobster, beef, ham, milk and yoghurts which limits the food I eat. Will I still lose weight if I only eat them every day? Also I find it almost impossible to eat grilled meat or fish without a dash of oil. It is not palatable. 90 days of no oil is very tough. What would happen if I included a dash with each piece of steak or fish? Thx
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our Wednesday's chat Mashal and thanks a lot for your interest. You will loose weight even if you eat only the food you have listed, there is no problem about that be reassured! It is very important to avoid oil and fat in order to optimize your weight loss, so please use other craftiness to spice up your meals like fresh herbs or various spices. You are also allowed to have 1 Tbsp of soy sauce per day. Tomato puree is allowed on PV days, don't forget it. As far as the cooking is concerned, use the grill, the oven, a wok, a steamer... all these solutions will help you to give a better taste to your meal. Bon appetit!

chriselizzy : Is there anything other than water that I can drink on the cruise phase as iI do not drink hot drinks. Is weak elderflower cordial ok?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Chriselizzy! Of course you can drink other drinks than water as diet fizz sodas. Just be careful to check as they mustn't contain fruit juice and not be more than one calorie per glass; Enjoy your coaching!

aboehm : Can I substitute Oat Bran with Chia Bran? It has less Carbs, more fiber and protein.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi aboeh! !No I'm sorry but there is no substitute for oat bran. You can find oat bran at your usual supermarcket or in some organic shops. Just try to find the thickest one as possible; Have a very nice day!

rdlana : Good morning! I am on my cruise phase, day 14. Am i allowed vitamins?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Rdlana! How are you today? Yes you can have some vitamin pills but try to find some sugar free ones!

annutie : Good morning to everyone from sunny Cyprus! My weight loss looks at the moment like a zig-zag:)) I.e. if one day I lose weight then the next day I surely put some on again - is this common?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Annutie! How lucky you are to have sun! It's completely normal that your weight fluctuate especially on PV days as vegetables contain water. But you still get slimmer don't worry! Try to take some drainers it will help you to eliminate this water. Have a really nice sunny day!

motowngirl : When is the best time of day to weigh myself?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Motowngirl! as you are lighter in the morning I recommend you to weigh at that time but if you cannot just try to weigh yourself everyday almost at the same time it will be fine. Keep going!

summersunflower : Dear Pierre Dukan, Would tireness be associated with the diet, sometimes I may not drink all of the 2 litres, would this be the cause? Many thanks Paula
Moderatrice cathy : Dear summersunflower, the starting of a new way of eating is not always easy, your body needs to adapt istelf to that diet. All the food allowed in the coaching can be taken until you are satisfied. No frustration in the Dukan diet! Do you sleep enough? Ask your doctor to give you some advises about a nutritional supplement (polyvitamins). If you drink 1,5 L per day at least, it is ok! Take care and keep us updated!

jennieb : During the attack phase I am experiencing constipation. Would it be OK to take one pysillium husk tablet per day?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jennie! I would say first try to drink really cold water and do some abdominal exercises; Have 200 grammes of baked rhubarb and increase your oat bran intake. If you are still constipated have a mild laxative. Also don't worry as constipation is an effect of the diet because of proteins but if you follow these instructions it should be fine. Please let me know via the email box of your slimming apartment how things are,. I hope to hear from you soon!

waisum20 : Can I eat pork? If not, why not?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Waisum! Yes you can pork but the really non fat and not salty one as lean ham for example. But no smoked ham or pork chops. Bon appetit!

spenrod : Would Quaker Oatmeal Squares be considered Oat Bran?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi spendrod! No quaker oatmeal squares as it's cereals and they are reallly too sugary.There is no substitute for oat bran but try to make the famous Dukan Galette ! The recipe is in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Have a nice day!

tinker32 : I never eat all 3 courses of a meal and I am wondering if it would be acceptable to split my celebration meal into the 3 meals over one day. EG Have one course of whatever I want over the 3 meals?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear tinker32, thanks for taking part to our chat! It is not a obligation to eat all courses of the meal suggested. Just listen to your hunger and your satisfation, the important thing is to not overeat. Moreover, it would be better to focus your celebration meal on a unique meal, please don't split it in 3 courses during the day whereas your body won't manage to assimilate correctly all the food you have eaten and your weight will be more difficult to consolidate. Keep going!

natalia_zah : I"m going to trip next monday. What can yoy recommended eat in this time. How can I keep my diet better.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Natalia! For your trip remember this rule: avoid too fatty starchy and sugary food and focus on allowed food. also it's better to do a PV day instead of a PP day than doing a major lapse so keep going and enjoy your trip!

smescher : Is stevia an approved sweetener?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Smecher! Yes you can have stevia as it's a natural sweetener. Enjoy!

Sumosan : I am confused about the artichokes because on one hand it says I am allowed to eat them and that they are a good diet food and on the other hand it says to avoid artichokes. Which one is it ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Sumosan, thanks a lot for your interesting question! You can eat artichoke leaves as much as you like during PV day, but artichoke hearts are disadvised because they contain a little bit more carbs. That's why artichokes are often mentioned on chat or on the website. Enjoy your coaching!

anetkal : corn flour [yellow] or corn starch[white], which of those are allowed in your diet? I found different translation in your translated books abroad. thank you
Moderatrice sonja : Hi anektal! it's corn flour which is allowed as a tolerated. You can find the list of these items in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Enjoy your cooking!

lucy999 : thanks sonja, can you tell me which is the better peice of gym equipment to buy a cross trainer or a step machine?my weight is not going down i need a boost!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Lucy! I would say that both are really fine as the most important is to do the most of physical exercises you can. But these two equipments don't make working the same muscles . If you can take both if not try to have the cross trainer! Keep moving!

lmansom : Hi on looking at my dairy section at the supermarket it seems to be difficult to find a yogurt that is not loaded with sugar, it seems the lower the fat content the higher the sugar contend. Do the amount of carbs matter?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello lmansom, first of all congrats for your interest on dairies, it is important to focus on the nutritional values written on the food packaging. Try to choose a dairy product which contains less than 2 % fat and approximately 5 % sugar (plain yogurt, not flavoured and without fruits). In any case of doubt, don't worry, tell us the nutritional values, just send us a message in the mailbox of your slimming appartment and we will be pleased to give you some informations and advises about it. Have a nice day!

anetkal : Can I use dried powder milk [with fat contents 0,8g for 100g of milk] in attack phase? Thank you
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again anetkal! You can have three tablespoons of dried skimmed milk powder per day. It sounds that you are going to do some cooking today I wish I could be there to taste your yummy cakes!

anetkal : Can I use fat reduced cacao in attack phase? I am using it to add flavour to fat free yoghurt as I can’t use any sweetener. thank you
Moderatrice sonja : Thanks for your patience Anetkal! You can have one coffee spoon of 22% fat sugary free cocoa powder as a tolerated but only starting from the Cruise phase. Have a nice day!

AmyEli : hello! i am in the cruise phase, may i eat beets and vegetables in addition to protein?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Amy! Of course you can eat vegetables in the Cruise phase! you can have them on PV days (protein plus vegetables). Keep going!

candishibbi : Hi Dukanians - Im in WA, Australia and I am loving Dukan (so is my mummy) Im having so much success its great! Ive been sussing out some wicked Aussie products so will update the Forum. One questions, you know how alot of the recipes for dukan deserts have 'raw egg" like Dutella has egg yolks and mousse's have egg whites, is this bad for you? I heard you shouldnt eat eggs raw? fanx Candi
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Candy! Thanks for your nice message! I'm glad to read that you enjoy your coaching! For yolks just try to have the freshest ones as possible and it should be ok don't worry! Bon appétit!

RColman : hi there, what's your take on the argument that states protein rich diets such as this are contributive to kidney diesease/failure?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello RColman, if you follow strictly our instructions, you won't be exposed to such diseases. The most important point is to drink 1,5 L of water per day at least, in order to make the work of your kidneys easier. You can also do a complete check up during the coaching, it will give you some news about your body's parameters. So stop worrying, everything will be ok !

lmcdonnell : Dear Team. I am very motivated but already sligtly sceptical about your claims. I have stuck strictly to the diet eating only proteins for teh first week. I have lost 1/2Kg. What am I doing wrong. My diet has been fat free yogurt with oat bran breakfast, fillet steak for lunch. Turkey mince for dinner - I have only used onion and fresh herbs and garlic. Calorie count has been about 1000 - 1200 per day. Please advise.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Lmcdonnell! Congratulations for your weight loss! One kilo in one week is perfect! On our diet you don't need to count calories at all don't worry. Eat as much as you can of allowed food until you feel stuffed and follow strictly your instuctions. Keep going as you are doing great!

Goldenfool : Hi Dr Dukan and team! I've lost 21kgs so far on this diet - thankyou so much for helping me change my life! My question: I love my Oatbran porridge, but when I cook it, it expands to absorb the 150ml skimmed milk I mix it with. Does this mean that I'm losing some of the benefits of Oatbran because I've already made it use much of its liquid absorbtion properties?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Goldenfool! Woaw congratulations for all this weight loss! Don't worry for your oat bran porridge. Oat bran doesn't lose its properties even with your skimmed milk so you can still go for it!

smescher : Is there a substitution for gelatine leaves?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Smetcher! Yes you can have some Agar Agar. 5 grammes per day should be enough. Have a nice day!

pashca : Hello, hope you are all happy and well. It's been a few days now that I am getting more hungry. Is it because it's getting cold?Xx
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Pashca! Thanks for asking! Yes the Dukan diet team is fine today and we hope that you too! It's normal to get more hungry especially when the weather is becoming colder don't worry. So keep eating allowed food as much as you can and it should be fine. Try to have a hot drink as well and you will be protected from a cold!

candishibbi : Also I found Quark today and I am stocked!! What can I mix in with it to make it taste nice for a snack?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello candishibbi, congrats for your quark acquisition! There are many ways to eat it, that's good news, isn't it ? You can add some sweeteners in it, you can also add some flavours in it (you can find Dukan flavourings on our french Dukanshop" ma boutique" on regimedukan.com you can add some sugar free fat reduced cocoa powder (1 Tsp is a tolerated item in the cruise phase, you can have up to 2 tolerated items in that 2nd phase of the coaching). Other craftiness : you can freeze some quark mixed with some drops of flavouring and sweeteners, it will taste like a light ice cream (fat free and sugar free, that's paradiseland!). There are also salted ways to prepare your quark : you can add some sliced onions with chives and spice it up with some pepper and salt, it is very good with steamed vegetables during PV days! Have a look to our Dukan diet recipe book, you will find other nice recipes! Have a nice Wednesday!

julielynn : Is oat bran still to be included on these Thursdays of Stabilization Phase ?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Julie! Oat bran is included everyday of of every phase of the diet; Have a nice day!

heather007 : do tea and coffee count towards the daily recommended intake of up to 2 litres
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Heather! Yes tea or coffee or any other type of liquid counts into the 2 litres you can have per day. keep going!

sue15cat : Is doing a full Dvd workout (approx 1 hour 15 mins long) considered to fulfill the supplementary exercise programme. I do this as well as doing the 'obliged' exercises. Sue xx
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sue! Congratulations for all of these physical exercises! Yes you can fulfill the exercises you do as the supplementary programme don't worry! Keep moving!

anetkal : I am on the attack phase [for the second time now] and I have noticed slight pain in my kidneys, especially in the morning when I get out of the bed. Is this normal?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear anetkal, why do you restart your attack phase twice ? You should not! It is very important to follow your instructions strictly, don't forget that the cruise phase will also engender a weight loss so don't worry about that! Do you drink your amount of 1,5 L water each day ? If not, I really advise you to do it. Are you used to have cystitis ? You should quickly go to your doctor because that pain is not normal. Go and see your doctor and keep us updated in your mailbox of your slimming apartment. Take care!

\barnespe : I have been the same weight now for 4/5 days. Is it possible to lose more weight. I did not expect it to plateau so quickly.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Barnespe! I could see on your weight curve that you have done quite a few lapses these days; That explains your stagnation. You have to avoid lapses as they really influence your weight loss; Try to increase your physical activity and drink some cold water you will see it works but no more lapses! Keep going!

anetkal : I have tried few types of sweetener but so far everyone makes me sick, my stomach gets painful and bloated and I get heavy diarrhea . Is there any other option? Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear anetkal, I think that you use sweeteners in too generous quantities because it can cause laxatives effects only if the intake is too important. Have you ever tried stevia, a natural sweetener ? First, reduce your amount (check the advises noticed on the packaging) and if diarrhea persists, stop it. Avoid the oat bran during the next 3 days in order to stop the irritations.There are unfortunately no other possibilities to give some sweet taste to your preparations. Take care and I hope all these diseases will stop soon! Give us some good news, take care!

Woxthefox : Hi, I am very sick and the doctor has recommended I drink cough syrup. It contains sugar so I do not know if I can drink 6 teaspoons per day. I hope this does not influence my diet too much.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Wox! Your health first don't worry. Of course if you could find a sugar free syrup it would be fine but if not it's ok. I hope you will recover soon. Try to have some hot drinks as herbal tea (thyme is really nice for throat). Please let me know how things are in a few days!

\heather3 : Hello again...what is Fromage Frais? I can't very well try and make a galette with out knowing!! From USA-- not familiar to me:
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Heather! You are really to be from USA as you can find extra light philadelphia cheese which is almost the same as quark so go for it!

maggiea : Hello Dukan Team, I am confused as to why I never get a reading on ketosis sticks ( with urine), or only a very low one. On the Dukan diet, are we in ketosis on PP only, a little on PV? How does it work? Looking forward to seeing the answer. Thanks!
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome on chat maggiea, thanks for your interest! Firstly, ketosis phenomena especially happens on PP days, because your body has to assimilate proteins and then to transform it into glucose (energy) it is a special metabolic way of energy giving . All that process engenders nitrogen wasting which has to be eliminated by the kidneys. Secondly, PV days allows a little intake of vegetables which contain some carbs (very little), so the ketosis phenomena will continue but in a lesser measure. I hope that all those explanations were clear enough! Enjoy your coaching!

Doodlebug53 : I am just beginning the program. Is sugar free fat free pudding allowed? It is 70 calories per serving made with fat free milk. Thank you very much.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi doodle! as long as there is no added sugar no fat that sounds perfect! I would be interested to know the brand by the way. If you could send it via the email box of your slimming apartment it would be perfect! Enjoy!

soroka : Because of my high cholesterol i use to eat 3 tblspoon of wheat or oat bran every day. But you advise to eat not more that 1,5- 2 tblsp in a day. Can I eat more ? May be it would work best for my diet ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello soroka, first at all, don't overtake oat bran, your daily intake is too high. You are allowed to have 2 tbsp of oat bran per day, wheat bran is optional. Then, here are some advises which will help you to reduce the cholesterol intake, you will have to focus on specific food allowed in the Dukan diet and to avoid other one. Don't eat more than 2 whole eggs per week, then, just have the whites. (Only the yolks contain fat and cholesterol). Focus on fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, eel, herrings, sardines, mackerels which are rich in omega 3 - fat. Poultry is also a good alternative. Don't forget that physical activity is your best friend : it will help you to reduce the LDL cholesterol rate (bad cholesterol). Have a nice day, give us some news about your cholesterol!

helenalati : I started 2 days ago and have followed the program exactly as I should and even exercized. I have gained 3 kgs in 2 days! Is this normal???
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Helena! Don't worry we will find a solution together; I invite you to describe exactly what you have been eating for your three meals during the past three days please with all the amounts of food and your snacking as well. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

sfpapa : Hello! I am starting my diet today and am wondering about exercise. I have been going to the gym and working quite hard for some time in a bid to lose weight and am concerned that I will not have the energy during the attack phase. Is there any guidance you can give me? x
Moderatrice sonja : HiSfpapa! don't worry as long as you eat as much as you can allowed food it will be fine. Also try to drink 2 litres of liquid per day that will help to hydrate you. Keep going!

trishcherry : Hi Pierre, I am currently on your diet again, and am finding the same as I did before. My weight is so stubborn. I am 65years old and have dieted all my life since the age of 16. On the diet I keep losing a lb and putting it back on. Although I have lost 3lbs in the last eight days I know for sure that the first two were fluid. Now I, am stuck! Is there any hope? today was a pv day and I feel really bloated, its as if my body wants only protein, because on those days I feel ok.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear trishcherry, don't worry, we will find a solution together! I am sure that the Dukan diet will be the last diet period of your life and especially the effective one! I think that you feel bloated each time you eat vegetables because you have water retention. So, you have to be careful about salted food like ham, smocked fish, preserves, try also to use less salt to cook your meals. Then, don't drink more than 1,5 L of water per day. On PV day, please cook all you vegetables (use the steamer as for example), peel of the skin, remove pips, and focus on the next following vegetables : french green beans, pumpkin, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, asparagus. Avoid sparkling beverages as well as chewing gum. Take time enough to eat and try to have lunch in a soothing environment! Don't forget that physical activity will help you to give a boost to your weight loss. Keep going, have faith, I trust in you, so keep confident!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Friday 11.30AM UK time!


October 1 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are the first of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy our dietician, Carine and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

mistryt : What is Phase: PL?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Mistryt, PL is the french way of saying PV (proteins and vegetables) Sorry for the mistake! Have a great day and I hope you enjoy your programme with us!

Orlsie : Are you allowed onions on PP day?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Orlsie, yes onions are allowed on PP days but only as a seasonning (approximately half an onion)! Enjoy your coaching and feel free to ask us any question!

Kym : I started June 2nd and now 17 weeks later I am 2stone 6lbs lighter. I am 4lbs from goal. delighted but nervous about starting to go on next phase with bread and celebration meals.What happens if I put weight on in this phase.? Help
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our Friday's chat Kym! Congrats for your weight loss, it is very encouraging! Don't be nervous about the consolidation phase, your weight will be balanced by the PP day on Thursdays. The most important thing is to follow strictly your instructions and everything will be ok! Be confident!

jungahlee : can I have non fat yogurt even if it has grams of sugar?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Junga! for dairies they have to be no more than 2% fat without any added sugar; Keep going!

brookes2 : Are green olives in brine allowed as a vegetable on PV days?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Brookes! I'm sorry but no olives during the first two phases of the diet. Be patient you will be allowed to have them on consolidation phase!

jungahlee : what is Normandy fromage frais, i have never heard of it!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Junga! Fromage frais is a dairy similar to cream cheese. But don't worry if you cannot find it you can have any other dairy as cottage cheese or cream cheese instead. Bon appétit!

bachuandme : Can I have 98% fat free beef jerky on PP and PV days? Also, can I have commercially prepared sugar free jellies?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Bachua! yes you can have beef jerky and sugar free jellies don't worry! Have a nice day!

elzbietac : Where I can find recipe for onion pancake you recommended in the Attack phase. In USA in my neighborhood I can not find paraffin oil what can I use instead? Can I eat sunflower seeds?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Elzbietac, welcome to the chat! You'll find the recipe of the Dukan pancake in the cupborard of your slimming apartment! Of course, you can add onions (not more than half an onion on PP days) and any product written in the frigde of your apartment.You can replace parafin oil with low fat cottage cheese! Im afraid sunflower seeds are not allowed at all because it is too fatty. Please wait until the consolidation phase to have some! Enjoy your coaching!

ALICJAOKRA : Hi, I am in the U.S. and I am currently in the cruise stage, my question I have is there are a lot of foods in the market that are "sugar free" and "fat free", such as whipe cream, jell-o, jell-o pudding, etc., am I allowed to consume those sugar and or fat free products or not? Thanks, have nice day :)
Moderatrice cathy : Hello ALICJAOKRA, if Jell-O is fat free and sugar free, you can have it for sure, no problem. As for the other products (whipped cream, Jell-O puddings, etc), I would rather advise you to forward us their nutritional values by sending us a message in the mailbox of your slimming appartment, so we will lead you on the right way by allowing you - or not - these products after having studied those informations. Thanks a lot and have a nice week-end!

Amarja : Hi Carine I don't know if you got my pre-posted question: is soya allowed in the cruise phase? like soya spaghetti or soya yoghurt? Thanks
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Amarja, welcome to our live chat ! Tofu is allowed during the cruise phase! Plain soya yogurt and soy milk are tolerated, as one plain yogurt per day and one galss of soya milk per day but as tolerated. you'll find the whole list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment! Im sorry but soya spaghetti are not allowed at all because it is too starchy. Please let me know if you have any question, I'll be glad to help you! Have a great day!

dizzy303 : I'm sure I read somewhere that originally oat bran wasn't included in your diet and that it was added after it had had no effect on someone's weight loss. I have stagnated now for 13 days and am wondering whether I should stop having the oat bran? I never have any tolerated foods, drink my water and follow the diet quite easily but do get demotivated when I get on the scales!!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello dizzy303, I have just checked your profile and your headway is very compelling! Congrats for your weight loss! Be indulgent with yourself, we cannot say that your weight curve shows a stagnation. I don't know where you have read that oat bran had no effect on someone's weight loss but I can strongly advise you to read the article written by Pierre Dukan on the website. You can have up to 2 Tsp oat bran per day during the cruise phase, it will help you to manage your weight at best. To optimize your coaching, continue to avoid tolerated items, have 3 meals per day, avoid salted food like ham, preserves, smocked fish and do not drink over 1,5 L water per day. Don't forget that physical activities will help you to burn more calories, it is one of your best friend in the coaching. Have faith dizzy303, you will do it!

Mistry T : Hi there. Is Semolina allowed in this diet. if not, is there a substitue?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome Mistry T and thanks for your interest. Semolina is part of starchy food so it will be allowed only in the consolidation phase, in the amount of 200gms. Enjoy your meal!

michelebk : Can I have 0% alcohol beer and if so is it allowed in attack phase?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Michelebk, welcome to the coaching! 0% alcohol beer is not allowed because it is really sugary! Alcohol will be allowed on the consolidation phase, during celebration meals! Feel free to ask us any question! Have a great day!

Amarja : Hi one question again.. i drink at least 2 litres or more of water everyday, is this good or bad for the diet? I know what we should a combined 1.5 to 2 litres of liquides, which includes water + sparkling water + coffee / tea. But do you think me drinking more than 2 L will be a deterrent? Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Thanks a lot for your interest Amarja, we are very pleased to answer your questions! If water retention is a problem to you, I would advise you to drink 1,5 L water per day (all beverages included) only. If not, you can drink up to 2 L, there is no problem. Have a nice coaching!
michelebk : How many Dukan galettes can I have per day in the attack phase? If it's restricted, why? ( I thought we can have as mush as we want of the allowed food)

maggiea : Hello Dukan Team! I've been reading that a large dose ( 1000 mg) of Vitamin C can really help with high protein diet stagnation. What do you think? Happy weekend all!
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maggiea, your question is a very smart one. The stagnation time is one of the most delicate period of any diet. Why? Because losing weight is just a like a walk: each step prooving a weight loss gives you the desire and the necessary strengh to reach another step. When the result is not here you can wish a result for the following day and so on day after day and each day reduces your desire and strengh until you fail. Usually it's a question of hours or a few days and you really have to know it. Come to me when you weigh it's my job to help you in this difficult. About Vitamin C, having some in the morning can boost your committment and metabolism. Knowing that when you feel tired your desires of food increase the power of your temptation and taking vitamin C is really good idea. I keep it for helping other patients. Have a nice time and please keep in touch with me.

SalsParsons : I am unsure of exactly what exercises i should be doing as my daily programme just says abdominals and squats. i am in the attack phase
Moderatrice Carine : Hi SalsParsons, welcome to the chat! yes for the moment, you only have a few exercices to do as you've just started your diet! We will add more exercices slowly but surely... Have a great day!

Amarja : Do you know what Quark in France is called? Its really confusing, as online it is mentioned that it is fromage blanc. could you help? Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Amarj! There is unfortunately no Quark in France but you can have some "carré frais" 0% instead. Keep going!

guino : My weight has been very up and down at the moment. I gained after a PP yesterday and have decided to do another one today. Any further tips....I am drinking 1.5 litres of water not including my cups of tea. I will not make the date for my true weight as estimated now. As I am still neeeding to lose just under 7 kilos. I am missing not being allowed to drink and having only a single glass of wine is too tempting for me, so I haven't allowed myself to go there.
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to you guino, I am very happy to see you among us! The weight loss can't be constant during the coaching, it is completely normal! Please follow your instructions and don't try to adapt the method by doing two PP days one after the other. Have a look to the futur and have positive thoughts, solutions are always there and efforts will always pay. Be patient and confident, we will lead you to your weight just even if it takes longer time than estimated. Any other tips to optimize the weight loss : increase your daily physical activities, stop eating the tolerated items, focus on the authorized food, avoid salted food like ham, preserves, smocked fish and everything will be ok! Leave the idea of a single glass of red wine away from your head, that pleasure will be allowed on the celebration meal of your consolidation phase. Keep going... Go go go Guino!

lucy999_1 : hi,can you tell me what is the difference between a pp day and the attack phase,thanks
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Lucy999_1, welcome to the chat! the attack phase is only made of PP days (pure proteins days). During the cruise phase, you have to do 1 PP day followed by 1 PV day and so on.. Let me know if you have any other question !

janedarby : iam doing everything by the bookand not losing anyweight why is this
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jane! Don't worry as stagnation is a part of your diet. I would like to know what you have been eating for your three meals during these past few days please. I look forward to read you in the email box of your slimming apartment!

michelebk : Can i have Tabasco?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Michelebk, great news! you can have tabasco! have a nice day!

Kate_McAuley : Hello. I'm on day one. Attack! I've just seen the physical activities, but I'd rather go to the gym for 30 min bike, 30 min run. Is that ok?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome Kate_McAuley, it is the D day! Let's start a new way of eating and learning healthy habits! You can perfectly go to the gym instead of following our physical instructions, 30 minutes biking and 30 minutes running is a nice programme, well done! Try to move everyday and your weight loss will be optimized! Have a nice coaching!
SalsParsons : Which exercises should I do out of the gym demonstrations? Should I do all that relate to abs and glutes?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi SalsParsons, the best is to do these demonstrations at least 2 times but If you feel you can do more, then, feel free to do so! Yes, the best is to do all the written exercices! Have a great day!

michelebk : Hello, where can we buy the chocolate, hazelnut and all these flavourings you suggest in many recipes in the UK? In supermarkets here, they have extracts which contain 45% alcohol. I don't suppose these are the ones you suggest so could you please let us know where to find it? Any specific stores or websites in the UK? Thanks in advance
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Michelebk, like you said , flavourings made of alcohol are not allowed. Please go to our french website regimedukan.com and click on "ma boutique". If you need any help ordering these flavourings, please write us a message via your slimming apartment and we'll be glad to help!

ioannan : is it ok to eat peanut butter during the cruise phase?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Ioanna, welcome to the chat! Im also a peanut butter lover! However, Im afraid you can't have it until the consolidation phase because it is really fatty! Enjoy your coaching!

jennysmart2 : I work as a teacher and find that I am not able to come to live chat. My main problem is not the day time due to work and not early evening due to going to do exercising. I usually have my mean between work and exercise. When I eventually sit down at about 10 I cannot stop thinking about bread or biscuits or cheese. I am not tired enough to sleep and find my cravings are really bad at that time. Please could you give me some advice.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Jennysmart2, please avoid lapses as they slow down your weight loss. Why not trying the Dukan bread with light cheese for example ? Have a look at the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment, it will help you avoid lapes , Im pretty sure! Please keep me updated!

claremead : I am on 7th day of my diet and have been rigid in following instructions, and have lost only 2-3lbs. Any suggestions?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Clare! Don't worry stagnation can happen. You have to increase your physical activity and to eat until you feel stuffed; If you are still stagnating in a few days please contact us via the email box of your slimming apartment. Keep going and have a very nice day!

dizzy303_1 : I keep snacking on smoked salmon - is this a bad idea as it is salty and seems to have more fat than lean ham?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Dizzi303_1, welcome to the chat! Yes smoked salmon is allowed without any restricitions! However, If you tend to have water retention, please try to limit the quantity as it is really salty! Have a great day!
mod : we are a lot today on the chat that's great! Do not hesitate to ask your questions we will be happy to answer!

rebeccachamberlain : I have reached my goal weight two weeks before I should have. What happens now. Do I move to the next stage or stay on the crusie phase?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Rebbeccachamberlain, congratulations for reaching your true weight! You'll start your consolidation phase tomorrow! Have a great day!

michelebk : Hello again. I had 2 Dukan galettes for my breakfast in day 2 of attack phase. HOw bad is this?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Michele! yes you can have two galettes per day on your breakfast as long as you follow the recipe in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Keep going!

michelebk : What filling food can you eat to make a good breakfast in the attack phase apart from the galette and yogurt? (no meat nor fish) Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Dear michelebk, you will find the best filling food in the fridge of your slimming apartment. You can prepare other delightful recipes in the Dukan diet recipe Book on the site like cheesecakes, cakes, muffins, etc.. Enjoy your breakfast and eat until you are satisfied, no frustration in that diet!

LALLAPALLA : in Italy is not so easy to find cheese 0% fat,is possibile to use goat or sheer ? are too fat?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Lallapalla, goat and sheer cheese are not allowed because it is way too fatty! you can have 7% fat cheese as a tolerated; You can easily find the list in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Have a great day in this beautiful Italy!Arrivederci!

RoxiesMom : I have been in the Attack phase for 2 days and want to stay there longer, but my weight curve and daily menus have me in the Cruise phase already. Anybody know how to change that so my coaching and menus stay in Attack for a while? Thanks for any feedback!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Roxie! As you may know doing too many days of Attack is not really good as at the end there is no more of the expected effect as your bofy get used to it. So just follow your programme as planned and you will see you will reach your true weight! Keep going!

michelebk : Can we have protein milkshake in the attack phase?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello michelebk, I am sorry but protein milkshakes are not allowed but you can replace them by skimmed dairies (skimmed milk) mixed with some flavourings and sweeteners. It is very delicious, try it you will be convinced! Enjoy your Dukan milkshake!

chrismitchch : I am 58 and I have lost 24 kilos in 6 months using your method. I am ecstatic. I am frightened of eating too much now and putting the weight back on again. Two slices of bread seems a lot to eat each day as I am post-menopausal.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello chrismitchch, Congratulations for your weight loss, it is amazing you can be proud of yourself! Don't be afraid about the consolidation phase and the reintroducing of some food like wholemeal bread : 2 slices are equivalent of 40 to 60 gms, so don't worry, follow strictly your instructions, the PP day on Thursdays will balance your weight, everything will be ok. French nutrition programmes focus on that sentence "Mangez bougez" which means "Eat and move". Physical activity will also help you to optimize the weight management. Be confident and congrats again for your weight loss!

gmallen : When I ate an extra egg one day, two extra serves of yoghurt the next day and inadvertently found and ate cheese in an omelette served at a restaurant on the third day while also being able to do only some of my exercises and walking due to rain and family commitments, I put on 2lbs and stalled my weight loss for 9 days. This scares me about what will happen when I reach my goal and go onto the next phase. How will I ever be able to avoid weight gain then. Also I'm spending an hour and a quarter walking and my exercises take me 30 minutes as I've added a few upper body exercises of my own to prevent my pear shape from being even more extreme. At my age of 69 I don't see myself being able to keep this up forever. I have always hated exercise and would rather sit and read a book than anything else. Perhaps I could walk and read. This is a long whinge and I'm sorry but have to tell you how scared I'm feeling. I feel this is my last chance to be normal and I don't want to spoil it by succumbing to negative feelings. I was particularly pleased to read this weeks newsletter with the facts about walking the fine line between pleasure and displeasure and finding the thing other than food with which to reward yourself and keep the pleasure levels up.The thing I love most is writing but for that one needs a reader. Thanks for all your daily help. I've lost fourteen and a half kg over 16 weeks in total and am delighted with that. I just have to keep going and improve and hold onto this achievement with your help. My family and friends are all amazed at the difference but some are warning my face will end up thin and wrinkly. This has always worried me but it's more important to have healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a painfree knee and feet than a pretty face, I've decided. Its hard to stick to that point of view. Determination and commitment are my strong points so I'm using them to the max.
Moderatrice sonja : Dear Gmallen thanks a lot for this nice message You have a really interesting story. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need any other help or support. We will be glad to do anything we can to help you. Have a nice week end!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email via the email box of your slimming apartment so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat really soon!


October 6 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 6th of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

drjaco : I understood the attack phase was 2 weeks long from someone doing your programme.I am confused,is it only 2 days of eating protien only
Moderatrice sonja : HiDrjaco! Two weeks of attack is really too long actually! you have to do no more than 5 days of attack in general but the average is two or three days as if you do too many days of Attack at the end your weight is stagnating as your body is used to it and is not decided to lose weight any more! So follow carefully your programme as it's personal. Keep going!

philippamadigan : Is it possible to mix a little milled organic brown flaxseed in with oat bran or yoghurt.
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our chat philippamadigan, it is possible to add 1 tspn brown organic flaxseeds per day in your meals. You are free to choose the way you will use it (no problem to add it with oat bran into dairies). Enjoy!

brionyturner : can i have 2 mugs of hot skimmed milk a day?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Brion! Yes you can have these mugs of skimmed milk but remember that skimmed milk is included in the one kilos of dairies per day. Have a nice day!

saskia35 : I am in the cruise phase and want to know if I can take multi vitamin pills and if yes, which is the best part of the day to take them? Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Hello saskia35, of course you can have vitamin pills for sure, I would rather advise you to take it during the Breakfast, so you won't avoid it. Thanks a lot for your interest and have a nice day!

bryville : how much fat free yogurt can i eat a day on cruise phase? and does the yogurt included in your recipies (eg the galette) count towards the maximum amount of yogurt allowed?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Bryville! you can have one kilo of dairies per day on cruise phase especially if you are on stagnation. Bon appetit!

norazaben : hello, is humus allowed in this diet?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nora! No hummus during the frist two phases of the diet as cheak peas are too starchy. I'm sorry; But what you can do is aubergine caviar I'm pretty sure you will enjoy it!

jaspersmc : Is lamb's liver acceptable as part of teh Dukan diet? I know that chicken's and veal liver is, but can find no mention of lamb's
Moderatrice cathy : Dear jaspersmc, I am afraid but lamb liver is not allowed in the Dukan diet because it is too fatty. That's why you didn't find informations about it on the website. Have a nice coaching!

matthewevans : i have been ill and although i keep asking in my feedback the programme just keeps running. how do i start again?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi mattew! I hope that you feel better now. I advice you to ask your question in the email box of your slimming apartment and we will reply to you within today don't worry, Keep going!

trishaswish : Hi,, Can I have soups like chicken and veg, pumpkin,brown onion while im on the cruise phase PV days.And if so how much am i allowed. Thank you. Trish
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Trish! Of course you can have soup on PV days and you can have it as much as you want as long as there is no fat in it. Soup is really enjoyable especially in these cold days!

bljohnson : Hello, started diet today here in USA. I went to look for no fat yoghurt, which I can find, but they all have between 13-26 grams of carbs... is that okay? I won't eat any until I find out!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Bl! For dairies there is a gold rule: no more than 2% fat, no added sugars and no fruit bites. In USA you are lucky because you can find some extra light Philadelphia cheese which is perfect for our diet! You can also have a look on the forum as a lot of US customers give really helpful advices about which product to use or not! Keep going!

Brockstar : Hello, I am going on vacation in another country for a week and I know it is going to be very hard to stay on the diet. Any ideas? I only have 3 kilos to reach my target weight and I'm not giving up now.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Brock! First you have to enjoy your holidays! I know it can be hard to be on a diet especially in such kind of situation but if you avoid too starchy sugary or fatty food it should be fine ;Also remember that it is better to do a PV day instead of a PP day if you have no choice than doing a lapse . If you do one increase your physical exercises the next day and drink cold water that will help to compensate; Of course the best is to avoid them! Keep going and if you feel to send us a postcard!

galkin2010 : Shalom Dr Dukan, may I drink unflavoured soda water in the attack phase? Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Galkin! You can have sparkling water if you want as long as there is no juice in it. Also try to avoid too salty ones and it should be ok. Remember that you cannot drink more than 2 litres per day. Have a nice day!

zabdalla9 : Hi found these fat free and sugard free Jello as well as custard at our local supermarket. Can I make them during the cruise phase for dessert.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Zabdall! Of course you can have this jello that really helps in case of sweet craving! Keep going!

antipodean7 : I have only been on your program a week, and only have two more kilo's to lose to reach my target weight. What bothers me is that the two and a half kilos I have lost have come of my face, neck and bust. My thighs which are my greatest deformity have not changed. Can you suggest some help for me. I walk everywhere, use the gym at least twice a week but also do excercise at home. If I lose more off my face I will have to give up as I already look haggared.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello antipodean7 and thanks for joining us! The body shape belongs to each person, some people can have more fat on their legs than on the upper part of the body and vice versa. However, don't worry about it : you can act on it by focusing your exercices on the thighs : why not going to the swimming pool ? It is the best way to refine your thighs in the length. Don't forget that following sentence : the more you move, the more you will refine yourself. To avoid more loosing off of your face, you can also do some face exercices, please ask your doctor about it. Keep us updated about that, keep going!

sue15cat : Hi, is there a limit to the amount of sugar-free, fat-free sweets you can eat in a day? Sue xx
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sue! Welcome on the chat! You can have until 5 sugar free sweets per day!

jencrawl : Hi I am having my 2 tbspoons of oat bran and drinking 1.5 - 2 litres of water a day but still suffer from constipation. Is there anything else that i can do ?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jen! For your constipation increase your oat bran intake and drink really cold water as well; You can also have 100 grammes of baked rhubarb and try to do some abdominal exercises that will help. Please let me know via the email box of your slimming apartment how things are. Keep going!

norazaben : Hello, I noticed that garlic is a tolerated food, why is that? i thought it is very low in calories and doesnt do much harm, i am asking this because garlic is essential in my cooking
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Nora! Yes garlic is a seasonning and you can use it but of course with moderation especially on PP days. Enjoy!

mscoco : can i drink my omega 3 supplement during the attack or cruise phase? and eating black fungus mushroom on attack phase is alright right? do i have to start over?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello mscoco, it would be preferable to have some omega-3 supplements in pills-form rather than in a drinkable form. As black fungus mushrooms are considered as vegetables, I am sorry but they are not allowed before PV days in the cruise phase. But don't panic at all : you must not restart your coaching, just follow strictly your instructions and increase your physical activities in the next following days. You weight will go down for sure. In any case of doubt, don't be shy and send us your questions in the mailbox of your slimming apartment! Have a nice coaching!

wenche : hello there! the diet is going very well, but a question, can i replace splend by natural ecological (from my grandfather's farm) honey? thanks!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Wenche! My grand father as well was making nice honey! I'm really sorry but this is not allowed during the two first phases of the diet as it's really too sugary. You can have some natural sweeteners as Stevia for example; Have a very nice day!

despinaspanou : Am I allowed olive oil in the conslidaiton phase? If so how much per day?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Despina! Yes you can have olive oil on Consolidation phase but only on your celebration meal and with moderation of course!

mod : Do not hesitate to ask your question Cathy and I will be really happy to answer you!
suemiller : you say I can now eat anything, but the foods you list are still those used in losing weight, i.e. v.low fat, sugar substitutes, etc. Can I occasionally eat cake, normal desserts, perhaps involving cream, potatoes, things made with ordfinary flour, etc. ?

Moderatrice sonja : H iSue! You are able to eat everything you want (with moderation of course) on your celebration meal; For potatoes it can be your allowed portion of starches per week but in that case prefer a 150 grammes portion. Yes there is still "restrictions' if we can say that but that would be a pity now that you have learn how to not put on weight to fail on consolidation phase so keep going and you will see you will not regret it!

jacquieb : Im 4 weeks in, have had 2 lapses for birthday dinners and am very active. i lost 12lbs and have now gained 3. I am very disheartened as it is not possible for me to gain weight on the amount I am eating. should I have a few protein days just to kick start the process again? - I only had anothr 7lbs to go!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello jacquieb! Congrats for these 12lbs off, I am sure you feel lighter yet! You will have to know that the slightest lapse, even if it is a small one, can slow down your weight loss. It is very important to be strict and to follow precisely your daily instructions. Your weight gain can also be due to water retention. To prevent that disease, avoid salt as much a possible, be careful about ham, smocked fish, preserves and don't overdrink (1,5 L water per day would be a great amount). Kick these overly 3 lbs off by increasing your daily physically exercices and everything will be ok. Give us some news in a few days. Be confident!

joclark : I had 3 glasses of bubbly on Friday night with friends. Since then I my weight has increased 0.2 kilos each day for 3 days. I am now 0.6 kilos heavier. I cannot believe it would have such an impact. Why is this happenning
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Jo! I know it can be surprising but a lapse can have effect even a few days after; As your body have been deprived of fat and starch and sugar if sudendly you give some to him he' stocking it! Try to avoid lapses and next time you do one increase your physical activity and drink cold water that will help. Keep going!

amandapym : I have started the cruise phase but am very constipated- what should I do? What would happen if I had a kiwi every other day on the vegetable days?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Amanda! For your constipation increase your oat bran intake and drink really cold water; You can also have 100 grammes of rhubarb and if you can do some abdominal exercises; Please let me know how things are in the email box of your slimming apartment. Have a nice day!

dervan : If I do more exercise and walking than is required to accelerate weight loss in the cruise phase will I have to continue at that level after consolidation to maintain the weight loss?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Dervan! Doing exercises is important at any phase of the diet but in consolidation phase as you will consolidate your true weight you can slow down a bit your physical exercises if you hope so. Keep going!

norazaben : hi, so far i had two minor lapses the first one happened last week where i was in a resturant and had grilled steak with a bit of fat and the second time was yesterday where i had a small portion of mashed potatoes, do i have to start over the diet or should i just continue with it and be extra careful, i really feel bad :(
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nora! No you don't need to start again don't worry! But for next time if you do a lapse increase your physical activity and drink cold water that will help to compensate. The best is to avoid lapses of course but don't feel bad such kind of things happen but as long as it's not every week it's fine!

zabdalla9 : Sometimes I feel I have really low blood pressure and a bit dizzy. Is it ok if I have 1 or 2 dates?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello zabdalla9, be reassurate, that disease won't last too long. Headaches and dizziness happens often in the first days of the diet because of the cetosis phenomen due to the high protein intake. As your body is not accustomed with that way of eating, it needs a little time to manage that process. Don't worry, that disease will stop soon. Moreover, if your blood pressure is really low, just add a little bit more salt on your dishes and ask your doctor if you feel too stoical and if it comes to bother you in your daily living. Furthermore, dates are not allowed in the coaching, please avoid forbidden food in order to optimize your weight loss! I count on you, keep going!

Brockstar : Here in France, I can only find one kind of cottage cheese, however, It doesn't say low fat or anything else. Do you think it is allowed?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Brokstar! France is the country of fat free dairies! you can find 0% cottage cheese equivalent "faisselle", fat free "fromage blanc" fat free cream cheese, fat free yogurts.... And that in any supermarket! I'm pretty sure you will find what you need!

Poohbear58831 : Hi I am from South Africa and I am really battling go purchase the fine foods on the diet. What can i substitute for these?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Poohbear and welcome on our live chat! Wer have quite a few customers from South Africa here! For products as meat and vegetables are universal it's not really a problem and you have Biltong is SA which is the equivalent of Bresaola; For dairies as long as there is no added sugar and if they are no more than 2% fat it's really fine. If you have any doubt about one specific product do not hesitate to ask us in the email box of your slimming apartment; We are really interested in discovering new allowed food! Have a nice day!

fatcch62 : Hi Dukan Team - I love this diet! - not hungry, and finding it relatively easy to stick to. I've lost 21lbs so far (incl. 8lbs before I signed up for coaching) My question is, can we eat venison, which is a low fat meat, and also pork fillet- I noticed in the last chat that you told someone it was OK to eat very lean pork ? It would be nice to have a change from steak, chicken & turkey. Thank you for the daily coaching - it really make a difference.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Fatcc! yes you can have venison and pork fillet but with moderation as even it's fillet it can still be a bit too fat. We are glad to know that you enjoy your coaching and I would like to thank you for your nice message! Keep going!

bpbarnard : At the moment I seem to be losing about 1/2lb per day, I certainly would'nt expect to keep it up. Other diets seem to settle for 1 - 2 lb per week as a healthy amount to lose. Should I hope for this weight loss or will you be expecting more from me taking into account my age.I must add that I do not feel hungry on this diet.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Bp! You are following your diet perfectly! Almost two kilos in not even two weeks that's great! If you keep following your diet in that way you will keep losing weight for about one kilo per week and then never put on weight again! Keep going!

ren1234 : Hello, I have a few questions about consolidation: 1. On consolidation we are allowed one celebration meal a week. How many days should we wait between each celebration meal? Does it have to be exactly 7 days? When we increase to two celebration meals. Again how many days should be between each meal? 2. How many days should we wait between having our starchy carb serve and our celebration meal? Is it ok to have say the starchy carb serve on Monday and then celebration meal on Tuesday? 3. Can I have a 1 yogurt with fruit bits and my piece of fruit in the same day? Thank you
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our live chat ren1234, your questions are very relevant, I am happy to give you those precisions : 1. In the first part of the consolidation phase, you are allowed to have one celebration per week. These meals have to be distant in sequence. (not necessarily 7 days between both celebration meals). But as for example, if you have one on Friday as for example, avoid doing the second one on the next Monday. Wait some 2-3 days more (until Wednesday-Thursday). 5 days seems to be the right timing. In the second part of your consolidation phase, I would advise you to wait 4 days before doing a second celebration meal. (As for example on Tuesday for the first one and on Saturday for the second one). 2. It will be the same "rule" for the starchy carb serve allowed per week and the celebration meal. The more you distant them, the more you will manage to balance your weight, but 3-4 days will be ok. (if you have some pastas on Tuesday, you can have your celebration on Friday's dinner as for example). 3. Tolerated food is also available in the consolidation phase, so you can have 2 tolerates per day in that phase. Thus, one fat free no sugar added yogurt with fruit bits is considered as a tolerated item. Your piece of fruit is takable each day, so both are allowed if you observe the condition mentioned above. I hope my explaination were crystal clear enough. If not, don't hesitate to send us again your message in the mailbox of your slimming apartment. Have a nice Wednesday!

francisepe : Hi to everybidy.So after a few days, the situation it is almost the same. maybe I lost 200 grams today (not sure because of the balance)What else can I do to get moving?one more question, I found yogurt cream Muller, 0,1% fat, but 10% carbs. Can I eat it?thanksFrancisepe
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Francisepe! Have you read what Pierre Dukan has replied to you on the last chat? You must keep your motivation on. I know 200 grammes can sounds very little but still you are back on track and that's the first ones but not the last ones. It going to be hard but you will succeed trust me! For muller light vanilla don't eat them they are too sugary and not recommended in your case. Keep going and have a nice day! talk to you via your slimming apartment!

rosie3 : can I eat oat bran for breakfast in the attack phase or am I restricted entirely to the foods listed. There are no vegetables listed?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Rosie! I would say that it's not you can but you have to eat oat bran! It's one tablespoon and a half on attack phase. Oat bran is our number one ingredient as it's your slimming partner! You will be allowed to have vegetables on cruise phase when you are on PV days but for the moment focus on proteins only. Keep going!

wendylou : Hello team Dukan I am wondering if my rather slow weightloss is because l have previously dieted so much. My body seems very reluctant to give up its fat stores!!! Before starting on the dukan journey l had lost 4kg over a few months by being "careful" with food choices. I do enjoy your cruise phase and it doesn't really feel like a diet. Thankyou for your constant support. I am amazed at the fact l have NO cravings. I had no idea about the power of proteins. THANKYOU xx
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Wendy! We are really happy that you enjoy your coaching! Again please let us know if you need any help or support and we will be really glad to answer you! Keep going and have a really nice day!
nadinebollhalder : Hi... I had to stop the diet as I was having problems with my intestine and other dietary organs.. please explain me all the possible adverse effects of this diet.

Moderatrice cathy : Dear nadinebollhalder, I am deeply sorry about these news. Can you please describe us all your diseases by sending us a message in your slimming apartment ? We will have to study your personal parameters in order to lead you as precisely as possible. Some diseases are not indicated to follow that hyperproteinate diet, like kidneys diseases, cancers. Other intestinal diseases needs to arrange the coaching instructions also. So please tell us more about all your problems, we will do our best to help you. Thanks a lot and take care!

tadrysdale : Doctor Dukan, I am enjoying this diet so very much. I just wanted to say thank you ever so much. Losing 2 kg so far is great. I am 61 and so sick of being fat. Now I have hope.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Tadry! thanks for your kind message and congratulations for these 2 kilos! If you keep following your instructions you will see that you will never put any more weight on again. Motivation is maybe the most important thing of your diet and you sound to be so keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need anything we will pleased to help you. Have a very nice day!

tadrysdale : Hi everyone. I have been on the diet for a couple of days. Loving it. Can I have tomato paste instead of tomato puree on the PV days? Beautiful recipes. Thanks Doctor Dukan.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear tadrysdale and welcome to the Dukan diet coaching website, I am very pleased to see that you enjoy your first days of diet! How exciting! On PV days, you can use tomato paste if it is no sugar added and if it is composed of 100% tomatoes. Thanks a lot for your kind words about the Dukan recipes, enjoy your meals!

loopsilala : Hi I am on day three of the attack phase and have yet to lose any weight, maybe it is water retention or something. I am drinking Cola Zero which has zero calories or sugar or fat. On the attack phase list it doesn't say how many of these we are allowed have, the same with the cornichons. Could you let me know the quantities please?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Loops! Well well well! You stagnation can be because of water retention and in that case having some drainers will help. But you also have to avoid lapses as it really can influence your weight loss. it wll be really easy to lose your extra kilos and that would be pitiful to be stopped because of some lapses. Increase your physical activity and do not eat tolerated for a while that will help you to restart your weight loss BUT no more lapses! For diet sodas you can have some as long as there is no more than one calory in it but try not to drink more than 2 litres per day; For cornichons you can have some but as a seasonning (3 or 4). Keep going and have a nice day!

shortee : i'm in my 102 day of the diet and loving it. I have 2 kilos to go to reach my goal weight but am finding it very hard to shift it. I stick to the diet easily and i work out for an hour three days a week on powerplate machines. I probably only drink about 1 litre and half of water including green tea. Is this my problem.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello shortee, I am really joyful that you still love the diet after 102 days of coaching! The last few kilos are always the hardest to chase away so keep going! To optimize your weight loss, increase your physical activities (walk 45 minutes per day and continue to work out on powerplate machines three times a week), stop eating the tolerates, have 3 meals per day, avoid salted food (as listed above during the chat) and don't worry about your water intake, 1,5 L is perfectly ok! Don't give up and keep your steel mental!

sfpapa : HI! I am well into my cruise phase (and have lost 8lb altogether already!) but i have noticed that whilst I am losing weight, I am not losing inches in the problem areas i.e. thighs, hips and tummy. is there any advice anyone can offer? x
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sfpapa! I recommend you to use the specific exercises from the gym section of your slimming apartment; That will help you to focus on certain parts of your body as hips or thighs. Also remember that the more you move the best it is so keep going!

cherylhalsey : whilst trying to keep up with the protein only days , i feel sickness throughout the day . How can i stop this ?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello cherylhalsey, I was very disappointed to see so many lapses on your report card! Firstly, please focus on your your daily instructions. All the lapses you have done are destabilizing your body and can engender that sickness. Please drink 1,5 L up to 2 Litres of water per day at least and stay on the way of the Dukan diet without laying out your feet from those lines. However, if that disease persists, please see your doctor and keep us updated. Take care and recenter yourself on the coaching!

sue15cat : Every day I tick the box that says I am not at all frustrated and from your answers sometimes it sounds as though you think I should be. But this diet suits me down to the ground and up to now (apart from my few little lapses) all has been going SO well. I have never found anything to get frustrated about. The only thing I have been EXTRA careful about is the need not to let myself get too hungry.....it's then the craving for quick fixes sets in. But up to now I have always managed to control myself with a healthy and Dukan friendly option.Thank you for your coaching and for these chat sessions, they really do inspire. Sue xx
Moderatrice cathy : Hello sue15cat, all the Dukan Team and especially Sonja and I would like thank you for these nice words, we are so happy to see that this new way of living suits you so well. I really feel some high motivation in your message, that is so hopeful! You always find solutions and craftiness to get around dangers, congrats! We really try to do our best to lead you to your true weight. You stay on the good slimming way, so keep going, you will do it! Thanks a lot and I hope to read you soon on the next chat!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Friday!




October 8 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 8th of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Pierre DUKAN, Cathy our dietician, Carine and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

adelasolomon : Is physillium husk allowed in the cruise phase? If so, in what quantity? Thank you.
Moderatrice Carine : hI Adelasolomon, welcome to the chat! Yes, physillium husk is allowed but please just have the quantity you need to get better! Have a great day!

abibro : Are Edamame allowed during cruise phase? Are onions allowed on PP days? thank you
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Abribro, welcome! Unfortunately edamame is not allowed. Onions are allowed on PP days but please don't have more than half an onion on !Enjoy your coaching!

pblasso : Hello. I've recently joined from SA. 2 questions. is fructose an option for a sweetner and does one need to to have all 3 items from the suggested menu? I don't usually have desert but sometimes I crave something sweet, especially when pre-menstrual. thanks
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Pblasso! I'm sorry but fructose is not allowed as it's the sugar from fruits and as fruit are not allowed as well during the two first phases you cannot have it. For your menus they are optional and not follwing them will not influence your weight loss so don't worry and eat what you feel to as long as it's allowed food; Keep going!

homestreich : I continue to be constipated. Is Miralax (1 capful a day) OK to take to "get things going" again? Thanks!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello homestreich, welcome to our chat at that end of the week! Have you ever tried really fresh water (stored in your fridge overnight) in an amount of 2 L per day at least ? (find some water which contains more than 100 mg magnesium per litre). Increase your physical activities, as for example crunches or walking. Moreover, don't forget to have your daily oat bran intake, you can also have 100 gms of cooked rhubarb (no sugar added) on PV day. If that disease persists, you can take Miralax indeed. Please ask more informations to your doctor. Take care, I hope everything will be ok soon!

ekrome : what should i eat after exercise? i go to the gym 5 times a week for 2 hours.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello ekrome, I am really happy to see that sport is an important part of your everyday life! Before going to the gym, please have an oat bran pancake and any other food allowed in that diet if you are hungry. During the effort, if you feel a lack of power, you can have 200 mL of orange juice (no concentrate juice and without any addition of sugar). After that session, follow your daily instructions and have a Dukan adapted meal in satisfactory amount. Have fun!

HalaZaki : can i use oats and not oat bran
Moderatrice cathy : Dear HalaZaki, I am afraid but classical oat will be allowed only during the celebration meal of your consolidation phase. Otherwise, you can only have oat bran in limited amounts. (2 Tbsp per day in the cruise phase). Have a nice coaching!

pashca : Bonjour, do we keep refining/tone up ourselves during phase 3?I'm 60.6kg today, will be phase 3 end of october. I don't think I'll be 55-57kg by then and I'm looking forward to my celebration meal and bread...I feel wonderful. Thank you so much!!!Xx
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Pashca, that is a really good question. Sometimes when the diet is too long and the results are sufficient the motivation decreases and some of our dieters asked me to enter on consolidation phase before reaching their true weight. I can tell you that a lot of them keep losing weight even on this phase IF they follow really strictly their instructions. Try to lose 2 or 3 more kilos and start your consolidation phase as planned. Then it is possible for you to lose your last kilos especially if you walk or move enough. Don't forget to give me some news during this really important last phase. Have a very nice day.

wendav : I was ill on the first days of my attack phase and managed to eat two dry biscuits and tea and water. Should I start re-start the attack phase, as I am only due to be on the attach phase for two days?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Wendav, No, you don't need to do more attack days; just keep going and start your cruise phase tomorrow like it was planned and increase your physical activity! Don't worry about this little lapse! Have a great day!

simbut : On nights at the moment work as a nurse and find it hard to do exercise while on nights so just sticking to diet for 1st 4 days is that ok.
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Simbut, Welcome to the chat! Even though exercices are really useful while dieting, the most important is to move as much as you can and to focus on allowed food! Don't hesitate if you have any other questions! I hope you'll enjoy your coaching with us!

wendav : Yesterday 7/10 was the first day of my attack phase, however I was confined to bed with a gastro bug. I only had water, two cups of tea and 2 dry biscuits. Although I am feeling better today, I feel weak and unable to do my normal 30 minute walk. Obviously I have lost weight, but not in a good way!! What do you recommend?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Wendav, the most important for you is to rest and get better soon! Don't worry about exercising at the moment. Please wait until you feel better to start your exercices! I hope you'll feel better soon!

page1234 : i am going to follow the diet apart from alcohol from now on if I want to drink I will what effect will that have.
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our Friday's sunny chat! You will have to know that alcohol contains a lot of calories (7 kcal per gram of alcohol) in a little amount, so if you drink some, it can be possible that your weight loss will be disturbed. Both attack phase and cruise phase focus on a quick and high weight loss, but if you do some lapses, you can enter in a stagnation phase. Please try to avoid alcohol as much as possible but if you don't have any other choice just limit yourself to one glass of red wine, the impact will be less important. Have faith and please try to be strong and leave aside alcohol. The celebration meal of your consolidation phase will allow you that pleasure!

ktylor : When on a mixed pp and pv day should i be eating mostly proteins with some vegetables or can I eat mostly vegeatbles?

Moderatrice cathy : Dear ktylor, your question is very relevant, thanks a lot! On PV days, the part of the proteins must be more important than the vegetables one in order to optimize your weight loss. Enjoy your meal!

miffin : I had a lapse and DR. Pierre said to do live chat as he has a suggestion for me. Brian miffin
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Brian, I'm glad to welcome you for the very first time on this chat. Reading on your daily report that you have made a lapse I asked you to come and see me not to scold you but only to support and help you. I have noticed that you are used to do frequently some lapses and I'm quite worried about your future when you are not under control any more. So try to do your best to finish quickly with your last few kilos to lose; After that you will enter the third phase of the diet and it will be easier for you because of the celebration meals, the starches and a glass of wine during the week. Give me some news during this last period and to worry you will be rewarded. Have a nice day.

Goldenfool : If my GP has confirmed that I have no problems with cholesterol, can I have more egg yolks per week than the recommended amount? I love my scrambled eggs in the morning!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Goldenfool, welcome to the chat! Please don't have more than 5 egg yolks per week! The good news is that you can have as many egg whites you want on both PP and PV days! Have a great day!

KYMMULLEM : Can we have a bran cracker on stabilisation instead of brown bread occasionally I find that bread bloats me and fancy crackers sometimes?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello KYMMULLEM, I am afraid but bran crackers can not replace wholemeal bread because the satisfying effect won't be the same. However, if you feel bloated while having brown bread, you can have rye bread until that disease disappears. Keep us updated as soon as possible in order to readapt your instructions if necessary. Take care and have a nice week-end!

DayWeaver_2 : Hi. I've been on this diet for 3months and have only lost 1kg. I have had a few minor lapses but have done excessive amounts of exercise. Why is my weight stagnating so severely?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi DayWeaver, I understand your feeling but there is unfortunately no secret formula: lapses slow down your weight loss at first and then stop it. Please try to avoid lapses at all cost during the next four days also do not eat any tolerated at all for a few days and I'm sure you'll have a great surprise! Please keep us updated! I'm sure you can do it!

xxmariaxx : Hi! On my previous diet I've always plateaued at 132-134 lbs, now I'm on my 6th day of cruise phase and I seem to be stuck at 133-134 again. Are there any ways of breaking the plateau without having to reduce my calories? (Reducing calories usually makes me binge, so that's why I don't like the idea.)
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maria, that's a really interesting point that you always have this same weight plateau. For sure your body kept in memory this line of resistancy and we have to break it without eating less, as you asked me in your message. For that drink a little bit more than two litres. For two days eat as less as salty as possible, walk an hour a day for five days, eat more fish and less meat. Don't eat more than 500 grammes of dairies per day and buy some natural drainers and I'm sure that in a week it will done. Please come back to me on next Friday to tell it to me; Have a nice day.

gloriakao : During this diet, I am experiencing diarrhea everyday. I heard that we will experience the conspitation, but It seems I am oppsite of it.I never have conspitation in my life and hardly having diarrhea. After this diet I am having diarrhea everyday, and I feel weak. What can I do to stop it?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our chat gloriakao, this is really bad news. First of all, stop eating oat bran because it can irritate your bowels. Replace milks cow dairies by plain soya yogurt until your diarrhea period stops. On PV days, focus on the following vegetables (always peeled of, seeded and well cooked) : french green beans, carrots, asparagus, lettuce, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin. Last but not least : go and see your doctor in order to do a complete check up and keep us updated about that. Take care, I hope you will soon feel better!

MissShell : I am concerned about the cost of meat... we have 5 children so are on a budget... how much meat protien would be considered enough for protien days.. I am also eating eggs but get a little tired of the. I am in my first week .
Moderatrice Carine : Hi MishShell, welcome to the chat! The best is to have 1 portion of meat/fish for lunch and for dinner (around 150gr). I completely understand your concern and canned tuna and salmon, dairies could be a cheaper alternative. Please let me know if you have some more questions!

taha911 : Hello. I usually work out in the GYM, (running,Body building,swimming) does that make it any deferent and can i eat more ? and would it help in losing the wight faster ?
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Taha911, yes, working out regularly will certainly help your weight loss! One the principle of the Dukan diet is not quantity counting, there is not quantity restriction regarding meat, fish, sea foods and veggies! You're on the right track so keep going!

gloriakao : Sometimes When I looked at sugarfree fat free product. on the label the contains of sugar is 0% however, when I looked at ingredint it says it is contain sugar alcohole. even though the carbohydrate is only 2% , in this case am I still allow to have this product?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again gloriako, that's a very interesting question! Some sweeteners like polyols are classified as part of sugar alcohols but be reassured : nutritional values won't rise up, these nutrients won't have any influence on your body because he won't absorb them. So, yes, you can't have these products for sure! Have a nice day!

DeborahNunn : I am in the US and ways of cooking and some of the products you suggest I can't find. Is there any way substitutes or equivalents could be include in the recipes? I apologize if this asking for to much. I appreciate all that you do. Thank you
Moderatrice Carine : Hi DeborahNunn, I understand that you might have doubts about some products especially dairies. Remember the golden rule: dairies should not have more than 2% fat and not contain any added sugar or fruits bites. You're really lucky to be in the US, it is one of the most welcoming and beautiful country but moreover you have extra light Philadelphia Cheese! Please let me know if you need any other help, I used to live in the US and I'll be more than happy to help!

sk8trgirl1979 : i am limited on the stuff i can buy being on a military installation in japan...any suggestion on the best foods to buy
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Sk8trgirl1979, welcome to the chat! You're on the attack phase, so you can have meat, fish sea foods and dairies! As you are in Japan, it should be pretty easy to find fish (sashimis are yummy for ex) or tofu. If you have a doubt about dairies , please send us more details about the products that are available in Japan! I hope you'll enjoy your program with us!

carlajessica : You say take 1 and a half litres of water per day. Is it alright to exceed this amount? Could do with quite a bit more!
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Carlajessica, yes, you can have a little bit more but please stick to 2 litres per day! Have a great day and enjoy your coaching!

janran : I have a few of really low weeks where I have had a viral illness which has set my energy levels at an all time low. I lost interest in the diet and want to start again but I find the history of my non achievement is in my face every day. This does not help my motivation.Can I wipe clean and start again?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear janran, I hope you feel better right now! In theory, your coaching session can not be reinitialized, so please follow my instructions : follow 3 PP days (as if it was an attack phase) and then follow the instructions of your cruise phase in order to reach your target weight. Increase your physical activities to optimize the weight loss, I am sure you will kick these kilos off! Moreover, you can have some polyvitamins supplements in order to prevent weakness, ask your druggist he will give you some advises about that! If you are lost, just send us a message in the mailbox of your slimming apartment, we will do our best to lead you precisely. Let's go!

rabbipete : A lot of my eating is from habit rather than from hunger. In the past I have eaten sweets, crisps, anything at such times. More recently, to avoid carbs, I have eaten nuts - but these are very fatty. What are good snack foods out of the following? carrots, celery, radishes, tomatoes, cucumber, tehina, salsa, guacamole? Should any be avoided? Any at all allowed on PP days? Thanks for your support.
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Rabbi, what you tell me is frequently coming back in messages we receive everyday. Snacks and cravings on sweet and fat food is a very bad habit. For the first items you are talking about as carrots celery radishes and tomatoes and cucumber, it's really fine. The problem is with the three last ones including nuts this is not possible; If during the day you need something to eat you can use low fat dairy products, crab sticks, dryed meat as bresaola, and something really interesting soya bean chunks which is nuggets prepared with textured soya proteins. Instead of preparing it as a vegetarian meal you can eat them raw but dried, it's really crunchy and taste as a peanut. Try to find them to eat them and come back to me to tell me if you like them as I love them. Have a nice day.

ladurs : Can I have peppermint or fruit tea in the attack phase
Moderatrice Carine : Hi Ladurs, I'm really sorry but I made a little mistake while typing. Yes, you can have fruit tea and peppermint tea during your diet! Have a great day!

maggiea : Hello Team D! I'm curious as to why my ketosis sticks show no reading on this diet? I am still losing, but why no ketosis even on PP days?
Moderatrice Pierre : Dear Maggiea, you haven't told me how you noticed that you are not on ketosis but if you are really sure about that it can be explained because you alternate PP/PV and when you are on PP day you keep in blood a rest of a few quantities of carbohydrates contained in vegetables and it could be enough to switch of the signals of ketosis. But don't be afraid it is not absolutely necessary to be a high ketosis to lose weight. If you really want to be on ketosis you have to have to stay on proteins for more than two days. Have a nice day and give me some news.

gloriakao : I heard that in this diet we don't count calories from the food we intake, however I still got the advice about we are not allow to eat this becasue the calories is too high, That really confused me. I thought if we are in high protein diet, we swtich our body's metabolism from burning glucose as fuel to burning stored body fat, so in this case why do we still talking about the calories in food?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear gloriakao, the Dukan method doesn't consider calories but nutrients composition instead by focusing on food which contains a lot of proteins and few carbs and fat. Your body burns a lot of calories when he transforms proteins in glucose because he uses a specific metabolic way. Some food in the coaching is restricted because the amount either of the carbs or of the fats is a little bit higher than in the other food autorized in the Dukan diet. That rule is available for crab sticks, sugar free fat reduced cocoa powder, sugar free fat free yogurt with mixed fruits, etc... they are called "tolerated items" (2 tolerates per day in the cruise phase). I hope those informations were clear enough. If not, please send us a message in your slimming apartment, we will be glad to help you. Have a nice coaching!

DayWeaver : Hi I've been on this diet for almost three months now since 25th of July and have only lost 1kg. I'm now getting extremely frustrated. I've only had a few lapses and have done heaps of exercise. Why am I not losing anymore?
Moderatrice Sonja : Hi Day weaver! I'm contacting you via the email box of your slimming apartment today.Don't worry I'm sure we will find a solution.

Gipsey : Hi I have just started and am a bit unsure about quantities, can i have as much skimmed milk or eggs as i like (no health problems), also I felt a bit dizzy during a tennis match is this normal?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to the Dukan diet coaching website and thanks for taking part to our live chat! Dairies (including skimmed milk and sugar free fat free yogurts) are restricted in the amount of 1 kg per day. Moreover, don't overeat eggs, you can have 2 whole eggs per day and beyond that amount, just keep the whites (cholesterol is only brought by the yolks, that's why the whites are not limited). Headaches and dizziness happens often in the first days of the diet because of the cetosis phenomen due to the high protein intake. As your body is not accustomed with that way of eating, it needs a little time to manage that process. In the meantime, don't forget to eat until you are satisfied, drink 1,5 L of water per day and moderate the time spent on the tennis court. Don't worry, that disease will stop soon. Have a nice coaching period!

Kaytol : Is it acceptable to have a bowl of porridge each morning
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Kaytol, if porridge is prepared with oat bran and skimmed milk, of course yes, you can have it for breakfast! It is so delicious! Bon appetit!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Monday evening!


    
October11 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good evening everyone! We are on the 11th of October welcome to our live chat!tonight we introduce for the first time a chat in the evening. We hope that you will enjoy it and that this time will be convenient for all of you! Please do not hesitate to let us know as it's possible to change it for later if you hope so!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Tonight your live chat will be with Sonja and Hannah. The chat will last for one hour.Have a good chat!

homestreich : I continue to be constipated and I was wondering if I could add fiber powder, like Metamucil, to my food to see if that would help. Thanks!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi homestreich, welcome to the chat! For constipation increase your oatbran intake by one tbs a day and have rhubarb and plenty of green veg on your pv days. Drink plenty of cold water and make sure you keep exercising. Let us know how you get on...

grandmamarilyn : because I am unable to do the glutes, abdominals, squats and walking upstairs exercises due to physical and medical limitations are there any alternatives that I could do while sitting in my chair?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Marilyn! How are you these days? Do the best you can as the most important is to move as much as possible. Also if you can you can try to go to the swimming pool it can be really nice. Have a very nice evening!

claire1baxter : I've started today and expect to get my first menu plan tomorrow. Is it possible to use this plan the next day so that I'm always working for the next day rather than the current one? Thanks Claire
Moderatrice hannah : Hi claire1baxter, Yes of course you must make the plans suit you, use them as you like and remember you don't have to follow the daily menus they are there for inspiration as much as anything. Good luck and enjoy! Let us know how you are getting on!

nenette_25 : How do I get ready for my first day?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi nenette_25, welcome to the coaching! For your first day it might be nice to get lots of protein ready in your kitchen, especially snack food like low fat yogurt, meat slices and so on so you feel prepared and are not tempted by other things when hungry or in a rush. Godd luck and we look forward to helping you with your diet! We are here to help so do not hesitate to ask us any questions...

therezitta : i should finish the second phase in 5 days but i still have almost 700 grms to lose, so what will i do to consolidate? i am also very scared.. i am afraid to start consolidation and gain weight.. what should i do?
Moderatrice sonja : Therezitta, don't worry we can adjust your portions in function of your needs. And you will lose these 700 grammes easily in five days I'm sure of that!

therezitta : should i consolidate gradually? and how r the instructions going to be? can i start the first week by gradually adding one new thing? like first week the slices of bread then second week fruit...etc
Moderatrice hannah : hi there therezitta, nice to have you back. Don't worry! The program is carefully planned so you can introduce everything on your instructions...one piece of fruit a day, 2 slices of wholemeal bread and so on...keep sending in your daily reports and we will keep an eye on you don't worry!

burcuk : Are miso soup, seaweed, konnyaku, wasabi, pickled ginger allowed in PP or PV phases? Is seaweed considered vegetable?
Moderatrice sonja : Burcuk, you can have all of these items without any problem on PV days and also on PP for pickled ginger and wasabi. Bon appetit!

Feistyloveheart : what portions of meat should we be eating or is it truly unlimited?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Feisty! As I have told you in the email I have send to you today there is no limited amount for proteins except for dairies and eggs especially when you are stagnating so go for it!

nenette_25 : Hi, do you know where to find the food flavours? (aromes in French?) like which brand in the UK/Ireland?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi nenette_25, thank you for your question. Our french boutique sell a wide range that deliver all over the world. You can go on the French website regimedukan.com section "ma boutique" for most people they seem to find them on the internet, try asking in the forum as I know there are discussions going on in there. Let us know how you get on and if you need help ordering from the French website then feel free to give us a call!

therezitta : to lose the five hundred grams in 5 days before i consolidate. should i go more of pp days. or should i stay normal 1/1 day alternation?
Moderatrice hannah : therezitta I really advise you just be patient and stay with the programme alternating pp/pv until you reach that true weight of yours-it won't be long just be patient and strong!

therezitta : i have the armas from the frnch website that i never use some of the them. the beurre fondu, orange blossom and mint.. i dont know in what should i use them.. also i wanted to ask if 100%natural rolled oats containing also oat bran in it is actually allowed?
Moderatrice sonja : Therezitta, for the "beurre fondu" I use them for cakes for example or for usual dishes as meat with vegetables. The orange blossom I do a lovely libanese dessert with it and I also use it for the galette.Mint you can mix it with chocolate! For your oat rolls you will be able to have some on consolidation phase be patient!

nenette_25 : What can be a nice example of breakfast in PP?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nenette! I really like your user name! for breakfast you can have the famous dukan pancake with some salmon or chicken for example. You can drink a cup of tea or coffee with it and a low fat yogurt. The best is to eat until you feel stuffed. And remember that breakfast is the most important meal in the day!

Feistyloveheart : how many eggs a day should i have? x ps - thanks sonja!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Feist! the average amount is 5 yolks per week but that really depend on the person. Have a nice evening!

therezitta : as u know i live in egypt. and not yet found the wheat bran ;( so is the two slices of bread in the consolidation what kind of brown bread exacty? can it have sesame included or nuts? and how many grams are the two slices all together?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi therezitta, the brown bread that you want is wholemeal brown bread, not one with nuts. If you are unsure perhaps you can send us the nutritional information to be sure.

thgolembiewski : Good evening from Poland , I've questions.1. Is ksylitol allowed as a sweetener?2. Is Soya Milk Allowed? If yes on what phase?3. Are You answering questions asked before chat started??
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Thgolem! You can have xylithol as a sweetener, soya milk is allowed as a tolerated (one glass) you can find the list of tolerated items in the cupboard of your slimming apartment.You can have tolerated starting from the cruise phase. And actually we reply on line but sometimes you can ask your questions in advance but not on this chat tonight as it's our "première"!

burcuk : Is it allowed to eat grilled eel?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Burcuk! You sound to like a lot Japanese food! I'm the same as you actually! Yes you can have grilled eel as much as you want!

Feistyloveheart : if i go for a chinese what can i eat at the restaurant on cruise phase?
Moderatrice hannah : hi Feistyloveheart glad to see you on the chat! hmm chinese is a bit tricky! Avoid all the deep fried things and go for something steamed or grilled if possible, they often have things with tofu. If they have any miso soup type soups then they are also better to have. Let us know how you get on.

gloriajackson : i am on day one of attack. tomorrow, i have a dinner party to go to i can not get out of - and i dont know the people well so i cant demand special dinner. i must go, as its business. what do you suggest? should i eat before then nibble when i get there? what if the dinner is only pasta? can i have one glass of wine, then start attak all over again the next day? thanks!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Gloria! The first thing to do is to eat with moderation. As you are going to do a lapse in any case try to do it moderatly not to put on weight too much. What I recommend you is the next day to increase your physical activity and to drink cold water. Also do a PP day and do not eat any tolerated at all for a few days. All of that will help you to compensate your unchoiced lapse. Keep going and do not hesitate to come back to us via the email box via your slimming apartment. Have a nice evening and talk to you soon!

nancykath : hi, i start the diet tomorrow! am i allowed bread?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi nancykath welcome to the chat! No sorry bread is not allowed yet, apart from Dukan bread of course! You will find a list of all the things you can eat in your slimming apartment, and remember in the attack phase you can only eat protein and your daily oat bran and whatbran. Please send us an email from your slimming apartment if you have any questions about the site or the diet. We look forward to hearing how you are getting on!

Feistyloveheart : sorry, one more question... what is the proportion of vegetables to protein on cruise pv day? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Feisty! I think you worry too much about proportions. You can have any of the allowed vegetables as much as you want don"t worry!

nenette_25 : How can I prepare prawns? I'm in PP, the bag is now defrosting ... Thanks :)
Moderatrice sonja : Nenette well I envy you for the prawns as I just love them! Well you can make them fry in a non sticky pan with some garlic and parsley it's delicious! I hope you will enjoy it!

SalsParsons : I have been on the diet for 10 days and haven't lost any weight - why is this? Am I also allowed to drink milk? If so, how much?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi SalsParsons, thank you for your question and welcome to the chat! Firslty please send us an email from your slimming apartment so that we can help you as there is always a reason why you haven't lost the weight..don't worry we will help you find a solution. As for milk yes you can have skimmed milk and up to 1kg of dairy a day as long as it is under 2% fat. We look forward to hearing from you...

therezitta : in consolidation instead of the wholemeal bread: sometimes can i switch the bread with musli, oats with fruits, or corn flakes bran?
Moderatrice sonja : Therezitta, try to keep this food for your celebration meal only as it's really too high in sugar. It would be pitiful to mess up everything now what do you think?

westerham_1 : Microwave Cookie Bit - Recipe states cook for 5 mins. in microwave. At what power? I ask because when I tried this recipe it resulted in a 4-5" pale yellow rubbery sort of omelette which had to be levered out of the basin. I did then bake but it was not very pleasant and did not look like your brown cookies!!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi westerham_ham1 thank you for your question, firstly make sure that the ingredients are well mixed and try it at a higher power for longer so the mixture can harden. Let us know how you get on!

linsbins : Hello! I've just started the cruise and my instructions for the PV day (today) is eat all green veggies along with the proteins. In my fridge and my menu choices there are carrots and tomatoes, can I eat these today even though my instructions said green veggies? Also, is butternout squash and sweet potato allowed? Thanks for your help !
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Lin! Nice to see you here! When we say green vegetables that includes all vegetables sorry for the misunderstanding; Of course you can eat every vegetable you want on PV day except for carrots and artichokes to eat with moderation. Go for the butternut squash especially in soup with this weather it's becoming useful! But no sweet potatoes are they are too sugary and considered as a starch.Be patient you will be able to have them on consolidation phase!

burcuk : Well, I want to eat out and have no lapses! So I am planning to go to a Japanese restaurant :-)
Moderatrice hannah : Good idea burcuk! It is much easier to eat at a Japanese restaurant you will have a much better choice of foods you can eat there!

baxman : Hi i can never find Quark or fromage frais in the uk - is it ok to use 0% greek yoghurt
Moderatrice hannah : Hi baxman, I know for a fact that you can get 0% Normandy fromage frais in the supermarket because I bought some myself today from Sainsbury's! You can use 0% yogurt instead but it does not have quite the same taste...let us know how you get on!

thgolembiewski : Sonja thanks for replay!I've found that lots off ducanist makes common mistake by eating too much of diary products. I've found in previou chats that You allowed ppl to eat not more then 1000g of dary products. So the question is. If cheesecake is made from white chees have I count it as a daiy product too?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Thgolem! Actually for dairies it really depends on the person as for eggs.Some people will eat more than one kilo of dairies and not stagnating at all but some even with less than one kilo will be stagnating.That really depends on how your body assimilate sugars in general. So for cheese cake yes you have to count it as a dairy and not to take more than two slices per day as it's included in your daily dairy intake. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you have any other question!

Feistyloveheart : what can i eat in a japanese restaurant please/
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Feisty! you are in an Asian mood tonight! In japanese restaurant you can have sashimi or grilled fish and meat but in your case remember what I have told you: no tolerated for a while so avoid sweet soya sauce! An of course no rice but you can have grilled or raw vegetables.Bon appetit!

nancykath : Thanks Sonja you are very kind!! so for 3 days i can have any kind of meat, cuccambers,yuoghurt and low fat cheese. Is fetta cheese(cypriot cheese) allowed?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Nacy! well you will be able to have any vegetable you want on Cruise phase but from now try to focus on proteins. You can find a list of allowed ones in the fridge of your slimming apartment. Have a nice evening!

thgolembiewski : Thanks sonia! :) The last one for today. Is japan style soy sauce allowed as a dressing? And as I'm person who likes drinks alot of water pay day. Somethimes over 3liters have I controle myself and shrink it to 2 liters per day? I'm a very sporty person (cycling) and I think I need more water then average person...
Moderatrice hannah : Hi thgolembiewski wow your username is a mouthful! You can a little soy sauce but don't overdo it because it is very salty, and as for the sugary one it is tolerated at 1tsp a day. Wasabi and ginger is allowed unlimited! As you do a lot of sport 3 l is ok btu don't drink any more than that as it can slow down your weight loss and you have to watch out for water retention. Enjoy your japanese!

ranahabarana : Hello, is there a limit during the phases of how much cottage cheese or yogurt one can have per day
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ranahabarana firslty assuming we are talkign about the low fat varieties of each you should really limit your total dairy intake to 1kg a day. Try to eat as many other proteins as possible meat, fish, tofu, quorn etc to make your diet as varied as possible.

nancykath : sorry again, on friday i have to go for a dinner and it;s a meze (salad, dips and meat) all of the meat will be fried! what shall i do?:(:( sorry i bother you with so many questions:(
Moderatrice hannah : Hi nancykath don't worry we are happy to answer your questions! Hmm this one is a bit tricky! You can eat protein and veg on this one and try to stick to undressed salad and at least lean meats like chicken don't eat any lamb (kefta). the next day drink lots of water and do lots of exercise and let us know how you get on.

burcuk : What is protein powder and where can I get it?(I live in the Netherlands, only a couple of hours from France, 10 minutes from Belgium!) I saw it in the "Chocolate Layer Fridge Cake with Vanilla Cream" recipe.
Moderatrice sonja : Burcuk, for protein powder the best is to give us the composition and then we will say if it's suitable for the diet. You can have protein powder as a snack with skimmed milk during the day or make some cakes with it. As the Dukan diet is mainly based on protein that can help you to have more proteins if you don't like meat for example!

burcuk : What is the composition of the protein powder in the recipe "Chocolate Layer Fridge Cake with Vanilla Cream" on your website?
Moderatrice sonja : Burcuk, it's pure proteins you can find some at your pharmacy shop. I hope you will enjoy but you have to know that this is not an obligation to use it!

ranahabarana : sorry hannah one more question I really do not like the oat stuff, can I do without?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ranah, I really suggest that you try to eat the oatbran as it will really help you. You can make it into all kinds of things, have you tried making the Dukan galette yet? You can disguise the taste in all sorts of ways look in your recipe book or the forum for ideas!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. That was a really nice chat and we hope you have enjoyed it as we did! The history of this chat will be available to view later on in the evening so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed. If we didn't get a chance to answer your question, please do not hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way. Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Wednesday morning at 9.30 AM 


October 15 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! And good afternoon to those in Australia! We are on the 15th of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Hannah and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

glyniskt : I have been invited to a chinese meal what can I eat?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi glyniskt, steer clear of all the deep fried foods and try to have some clear soup and grilled meat and fish. Japanese is a better choice for the future!

inas_moneim : Hi Dr. Dukan, I feel tired and dizzy all the time... I don't have time prepare meals at home, I usually depend on ready made food... but I can not find proper deserts. Please advise
Moderatrice hannah : Hi inas_momeim, thank you for your message. You shouldn't be feeling tired and dizzy from the diet are you eating and drinking enough? Perhaps you can also ask your pharmacist for a sugar free multi vitamin. For easy dessert you can eat low fat yogurt or sugar free jelly...Lots of our meals are easy to prepare if you plan ahead and already have the foods available in you kitchen. Please see your shopping list for ideas. Let us know how you are getting on...

Leha27 : Dr. Dunkan, Hi there. I just signed up to start your diet last night. I'm a 27 year old college student from the U.S. (Mississippi). I learned about your diet through several health magazines and I am very excited about starting it, however I am slightly confused about what exactly I need to be eating and doing on the "ATTACK" phase. I know it's an ALL PROTEIN phase. I've read all info on the Slimming Apartment but I am still kind of confused. Can you please map me out a very "simple" example ATTACK menu of what I should be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner, please sir. Can I eat baked salmon, tilapia and Catfish? What about Whey or Soy Protein shakes? Greek yogart? I love eggs so I assume egg whites are ok? Also, on the ATTACK phase, NO veggies or cheese is allowed, correct? I should be consuming ALL proteins and ONLY proteins, right? Thank you a ton! Lee Ellen Haskins
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Leha and welcome aboard! Any type of fish is allowed you can go for it! Also for dairies remember the rule: no more than 2% fat no added sugar and no fruit bites. For eggs the average amount is 5 yolks per week but as many white as you want. Fro protein shakes please let us know the composition before having them! it's really important; Keep going and do not hesitate to contact us via the email box of your slimming apartment.

bombili : hie, it's my 1,5 monts and -9 kgs! Thank you very much. I'm planning a vacation to italy for 7 days, in November. i don't want to ruin everything, but i don't want to diet in italy also? What happens if i give a break for 7 days, and when i come back i start from the attack phase. Thank you for everything.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi bombili first of all congratulations that is just fantastic! Ok so for your holiday it is really important that you do not ruin all of your hard work. I'm sorry but you really can't ignore the diet completely for a week because you will really set yourself back. Italy has a wonderful range of fresh food so enjoy lovely griled meat, fish and fresh vegetables. You can also have one glass of red wine just keep drinking lots of water and exercising. Please send us an email from your slimming apartment with the dates that you will be away and we can suspend your coaching for that period.

babygirl1981 : When it says fat free yoghurt can it be cherry or does it have to be plain
Moderatrice hannah : Hi babygirl1981, the yogurt has to be under 2% fat and sugar free. For fruit flavours just be careful that there are no fruit pieces in it.

KarenPaul : Is the special K cereal classed as oat bran?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Karen! Cereals are too sugary I'm sorry! There is no subsitute for oat bran you can find some at your usual supermarket. Have a very nice day!

ladurs : Can you have tinned rhubarb in light syrup
Moderatrice hannah : Hi ladurs, thank you for your message. Hmm it sounds like that certainly contains sugar so the answer is no i'm afraid...

maya : Today is my first day on the Dukan Diet and therefore will be in the attack phase for 6 days. I have been on countless diets before, seen dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, etc... And they all told me the same thing.. that for my age, my metabolism/the number of calories that I burn a day is significantly lower than the average number of calories i should be burning in a day. I was told I only burn around 1200 calories a day... I have a feeling this is going to hinder my weight loss and discourage me.. what do I do in this situation?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maya, firslty welcome to the coaching! We are very happy to see you with us. Ok so maybe you have a slow metabolism so your weight loss might be a bit harder for you than it for others but everyone is different and we will be with you every day until you have consolidated your true weight so don't worry about that. We are here to help, support and advise you so do not hesitate to get in touch through the email in your slimming apartment... we look forward to helping you, enjoy the attack phase and focus on losing weight one day at a time. Have a nice day!

xxmariaxx : Dear Dr Dukan, thank you for your advice the last Friday. Reducing dairy and adding exercise seems to have helped, as I'm losing weight slowly again. I don't think I'll get to my goal in time, as my pace is so slow... My body must be tired from all the yo-yoing in the last years. But I swore to myself this will be my last diet ever, so I don't mind if it takes a little more time :). Thanks again.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi xxmariaxx We are so glad that you are doing better this week...stay strong you will get there and just be patient. As you say the more diets your body has been through the more resitant it tends to be! You'll get there is no rush just focus on one day at a time. You can do it!

CLIFTONGIRL : Is there a limit to the gum I can chew on the Dukan diet? I can eat an entire pack of sugarless chewing gum - Trident tropical fruit flavor is great for taking away cravings for fruit.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi CLIFTONGIRL thanks for your message. Sugar free chewing gum can be very handy but don't have more than 5 sticks a day and be careful of acid in the stomach. Remember that the amount of correct foods that you can eat is unlimited so if you are hungry it is better to eat!

llena62 : I have lost 10kg 3 years ago. I was 77 and now I am 68.400 or 67kg. i have used Atkins method. Losing weight beyond 67 is almost impossible with the same methode. Why is that? I will be happy if my weight will be stable at 65 kg not even 64. When I am eating oats even just with water I always put on weight. I like friut and salads, but I do not lose weight when I eat protein and salads. I read lots of books lately, which say that only with 20g of carbohydrate a day I can loose weight? what is your wiew?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Leena! Our diet is mainly based on proteins; As it's really difficult for your body to digest protein he needs to use a lot of energy and guess where he find this energy? In his fat stocks! That's why by eating more proteins you get slimmer. Oat bran helps your body to eliminate fat but if you put too much on weight when you have oat bran please divide by two your oat bran intake. Keep going and if you have any specific question please feel free to write to us via the email box of your slimming apartment!

Goldenfool_1 : Hi folks! Just a quick question about oatbran - I've read that teh official "size" of a tablespoon differs from country to country - do you guys know what *weight* of oatbran is permitted during Cruise? Many thanks, Charlotte
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Goldenfool_1 15g should be perfect. Enjoy!

maya_makkawi : It's my first day onthe dukan diet and I have 6 days ahead of me for the attack phase... can i have salmon and tuna sashimi for lunch with soy sauce? Also, are wasabi and ginger allowed? Thanks!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maya_makkawi, Yes absolutely that is a great sounding lunch, just don't go overboard on the soy sauce as it is very salty so just use a little bit. Enjoy!

magdalev : I was never into soft drinks or artificial sweeteners. My palate is therefore quite sensitive and I hate the taste I also get a heartburn after it. I noticed that most of the recipes which are in some way comforting (diet puddings) are made with sweeteners. I wanted to know if there is anything else that could do the job for me- as I am getting chocolate cravings when my period starts and I am afraid that without some kind of smart substitute I may go for a real thing.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Magda! For sweeteners I recommend you to have natural one as Splenda or Hermestas. For chocolate as you may know you can have one teaspoon of 11% fat chocolate powder as long as it's sugar free; With some skimmed milk it can be great in case of chocolate craving. Bon appétit!

abeerh : I am in the Cruise phase. Can i use oil in cooking. How much can i use and which oil?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Abeerh! I'm sorry but you cannot use oil during the two first phases of the diet; Be patient you will be allowed to have some on your celebration meal in your consolidation phase. Keep going!

maytegf : Hi again , I forgot to ask... Can I use sweetenenes sacarose instead of aspartame?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi May! yes you can use sacharose instead of aspartame for sure! have a nice day!

annutie : Good morning everyone! Need a piece of mind - seem to be getting bored with the diet, can't overcome it. My weight's been jumping around the same figures for almost 2 weeks now. Been trying to talk myself in again, but keep feeling like not bothered with the cooking etc. Pls need a kick!:-))
Moderatrice hannah : Hi annutie, welcome to the chat! Variety is the spice of life so they say and the same applies for your menus on this diet! Try not to eat the same things each day, this is exactly why we suggest menus for you and have over 650 recipes in the recipe book in your slimming apartment! Not everyhting takes a long time to make-go on have a look and be inspired again! You will get there!

nenette_25 : Hi There, In PL, can I have black olives in brine or are olives too fatty? What about avocado? Thanks.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nenette! Nice to see you there! How are you today? I'm sorry but neither olives or avocado are allowed during the two phases of the diet as they are really too fatty. Be patient you will be allowed to have some on your consolidation phase. Have a nice day!

maya_makkawi : I don't have any fromaige frais where I live..Would Philadelphia Light cream cheese do? I'm in my attack phase...
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Maya! Yes you can have philadelphia extra light cream cheese that's a perfect dairy for your diet! Enjoy!

saskia35 : Hello all!! Is mustard allowed and if yes how much per day?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Saskia! You can have mustard during all the phases of your diet but no more than one tea spoon per day. Bon appetit!

maya_makkawi : In the attack and cruise phases, can I eat fat free/sugar free Jell-o pudding? How many can I have a day? Thanks!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maya_makkawi yes you are very welcome to have sugar free jelly as long as it does not contain fruit pieces! It is a great easy pudding to have. Enjoy!

grandmamarilyn : are quark and normandy fromage frais interchangeable in the recipes if I only have one of them in my fridge?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi grandmamarilyn how are you it is nice to see you again on the chat with us! Yes they are both low fat cream cheese so go for it whichever you have available. Enjoy!

Daniela29 : Dear pierre, i'm following your diet now 1 month and the result is unbelievable. My question is why can we not eat fruits in the cruise phase. I'm really struggeling with this, because i really like fruits and not to eat them until January is very hard for me. Can you advice me . Thanks Daniela
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Daniela29 thank you and we are glad you are enjoying the diet! If you tell us that you are really missing fruit you might just be given a joker portion of fruit which will keep you going for a while, keep going you are doing great!

grandmamarilyn : is bicarbonate of soda the same thing as baking powder and can it be used in recipes which say to use baking powder?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Marilyn! A long time we haven't seen you! Yes you can have bicarbonate of sod as it's an equivalent of baking powder. I can feel that you want to bake some cakes! enjoy it!

tricciesyquia : Are Tofu and soya milk allowed in this diet?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Triccie! yes you can have tofu as much as you want but for soya milk please have no more than one glass per day as a tolerated. keep going!

motowngirl : I have been in acute pain with my shoulder, and I have not eaten anything as yet, it is 14.15 I have 2 mugs of green tea and 1 mug of coffee. Will this affect my progress? Being Thursday I should be on PP but as I said i have no appetite.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi motowngirl please take care of your health and see a doctor. You should keep eating to keep your strength up but please see a doctor for advice and take care of yourself...

motowngirl : As we have 2tbsp of oat bran, do we have 2tbsp of f/f fromage frais to the mix?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi motowngirl, I am not quite sure what you mean in your question but you can have a maximum of 1kg of low fat dairy a day.

maya_makkawi : hi, it's me again.. sorry for the million and one questions but it's my first day and super excited and just want to make sure i have all the facts straight so i make sure everything goes smoothly.. just to clarify, i can have flavored (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry) fat free/sugar free jello as long as there are no pieces of fruit, or chocolate, etc? It is also allowed to have during the attack phase? Thanks!!!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi maya_makkawi no problem you can ask us as many questions as you like! I have never seen the chocolate variety but certainly the fruit flavoured fat free/sugar free jelly is allowed unlimited go for it! You can alsways send us the nutrtional info of the chocolate flavoured one so we can check it for you.

KYMMULLEM : Hi I see people on the forums talk about having their fruit joker. Is this something they are making up or it's new. I have been on the Dukan for 5 months and lost nearly 3 stone by reading the book like my bible,and having coaching.I would like to understand the joker food/ fruit Thankyou for your help
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Kym! A fruit joker allows you to have fruits once and only once if you really crave for fruits and you say it on your daily report. Keep going!

maytegf : Hi , I´m in my second day of the attack phase and doing good so far. But I have some doubts concerning crab sticks , is there any restriction concerning them in attack phase? Thanks in advance
Moderatrice sonja : Hi May! As crab sticks contain some corn flour you can have 8 sticks per day and no more. But that can be a really nice snack during the day. Keep going!

lynettesykes : I am cruise and have a small problem with constipation> Can I have the oat cereal as well as Dukan bread or only one . Rhubarb does not seem to be available at this time of year in France Lynette
Moderatrice hannah : Hi lynettesykes ok for constipation please increase your oat bran intake, drink cold water, do some abdomiunal exercises, eat plenty of green veg on PV days and if necessary ask your pharmacist for a very gentle and natural laxative.

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Monday evening!


  October 18 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good evening everyone! We are on the 18th of October, welcome to our second Monday evening chat! All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Tonight your live chat will be with Hannah and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour.Have a very good chat!

norazaben : hello all,Im having a terrible mood these days i feel horrible for no reason could it be from the diet?
Moderatrice hannah : hi norazaben, welcome to the chat! Could it be that you are not eating enough? You can eat as much as you like of the allowed foods and remember to exercise as it makes you feel good! Lets us know how you are getting on from the email in your slimming apartment... have a good evening

YouCanBe : Hi, I have just signed up for your coaching programme, however I am dairy free, I don't drink milk I use soya milk unsweetened and soya yoghurt. I have looked up and this is not mentioned. Can you please let me know if this is acceptable? otherwise I will have to ask for a refund as I will be unable to follow the diet plan. Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi You can be and welcome to the chat! As you have a intolerance to dairies you can have soya products instead. Just try to have them moderatly and to chose them plain to be sure not to be on stagnation. HAve a nice evening!

Mia : I don't understand why, some times I get huge cravings for chocolate, cakes, croissants. I won't rest until I have some of it. The problem, is that im afraid of not being able to stop. Specially now, that I'm close to moving to the consolidation phase. I have the feeling that it'd be harder to control myself with the quantities, and the celebration meals.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Mia, please don't panic, you have done great so far so why would you ruin it now? Don't worry the consolidation phase is carefully designed so that you slowly re-introduce other foods. Stay strong you can do it and have a diet coke or a dukan cake if you feel like snacking.
mod : Good evening everybody! Do not hesitate to ask your questions we will be happy to answer them!

denlott : i have been on your diet for nearly 4 weeks and have just joined your online program today , i have lost so far 10lbs which is fantastic but anxious about getting complacent ,thats the reason for joining , my one questionsi far is soya milk and soya yogurts are they allowed in the diet , i prefer both than normal skimmed milk and low fat yogurts , but as i have only lost 1lb in the last 5 days im worried that im damaging my diet
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Denlott! As you are not really intolerant to dairies I advice you to have a very few soya products as tolerated.For example one glass of soya milk per day as a tolerated. You can find the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Keep going!

llena62 : I have lost 10kg on atkins diet 3 yers ago just by reading a book. I put some kg back , but i can loose it easily going on pure proteins for three weeks for example. The thing is I would love to eat fruit and vegetables. Could you please advise how much veg in gramms and fruit in grams I can eat per day and in which combinations in order to keep my weight stabile. From several books supporting atkins views I found a number of 20g of carbohydrate per day, including fruit and veg. The problem is as soon as i start eating veg, i put on weight. If I add fruit to my diet and we are not talking about figs and grapes, just berries ,I put on weight. How dangerous is it for the kidneys to live on mainly protein diet for long periods of time? Is it any data or studies supporting your point of view, which i can read. constipation is another problem, while leaving on pure protein diet. So far two table spoons of bran oats do not help me? Salad with olive oil will, but it is a lot of fat?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Ilena62 welcome to the diet! This diet is designed so that you will not put the weight back on again, and in the cruise phase you can have vegetables every other day and the quantities are UNLIMITED. So just eat until you are full. As for fruit as it contains a lot of sugar it is not allowed for the first two phases but then you can have it every day. On pv days you might seem to put on weight but this is just water retention so don't worry about that. Unless you have existing kidney problems you will be fine on this diet. As for constipation you can increase your oatbran intake, have some stewed rhubarb on pv and pp days, drink plenty of cold water and do some abdominal exercises. Every other day on your pv days make sure you eat plenty of veg. Sorry no oil of any kind is allowed.

1jayne : Good Evening Dr Dukan/Team, I am on day 66 of the Stabilisation Phase and I seem to be yoyoing a couple of pounds up and down all the time. If I do a couple of days PP only, I can lose the weight, then I go up again. My daily instructions tell me not to put on this weight, please could you advise me what to do in order to lose and keep my weight totally stable again ? I love the diet I have learned so much and your daily motivation is wonderful, thank you.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jayne! If you have some weight changes don't worry and just do one or two days of PP and increase your physical activity. Also avoid tolerated for a while and try not to eat too much bread or fruits. You will see that your weight will be stabilized again. Also do not forget your PP Thursday it's really important. Have a nice evening!

fuchsie : hello, kind find cottage cheese lower than 3,9% fat in germany. how do I manage?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi fuchsie, for that you can have 30g a day as a tolerated food. Try to find some other low fat cream cheese as well.

theblibs : Apart from blip from minor operation in hospital, the diet is working well for me. My weak point is 7pm-8pm in evening when I succumb to munching and nibbling. I dont want to eat anything too heavy before bed. Any suggestions? Thanking you in advance
Moderatrice hannah : Hi theblis, I hope that you are recovered and taking care of your health. Make sure that you have a proper supper even if you only have a small portion of it as you shoudl always be full. If later you want to snack then have handy some sliced meat, chopped up veg sticks, yogurt etc. It is very important that you do not go to bed hungry so try to have a proper supper. Let us know how you get on

Gargine : when on a PV day I know I can eat 'green' vegetables but are sweetcorn and carrots off the menu? I love raw carrots!How about raw mushrooms or mushrooms cooked witout fat. Getting on well with the diet. So easy and ideal for busy lives as you don't have to think to hard as to what you can and can't eat.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Gargine! I'm sorry but sweet corn is not allowed during the two first phases of the diet as it's considered as a starch. As far as carrots are concerned you can have some but with moderation (once a week is enough). The same for artichokes and beet roots. Mushrooms are really fine as they contain mainly water. I'm also really glad to see that you enjoy your diet and I would like to thank you for your kind message. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need help via the email box of your slimming apartment!

smiley58 : hi, is low fat (3%) creme fraiche, single and double cream are tolerated items?thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi smiley58 yes you can have 1 tbs a day as a tolerated food, look in your cupvoard for a list of tolerated foods. Enjoy but remember only to have maximum 2 a day and avoid if you are stagnating....

miaalexandra : Dr. Pierre; I've been wondering.... What happens to your body when you have so many major lapses? When I say major, I mean, like eating everything out of anxiety for a whole day/ days. I know, it may retain more of everything, but what else, and healthwise?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Mia! As lapses really influence your weight loss doing too much of them will make your body stagnating. Your body is as a child if you make it used to food he likes at the end he doesn't want to work without a treat! You really have to avoid them to be sure to lose weight correctly. If you feel nervous and you need to eat try to focus on allowed food and you know what? You are allowed to have up to 5 sugar free sweets per day! Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need help or support we are here for you!

gabriellegrubanovich : Hi, I am in my second day of the attack programme and I have only lost 0.3 kilos. I have had wine though... Am I doing anything wrong? I'm not having ANY carbs.. Thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi gabriellegrubanovich I think you have answered your own question there! Sorry no alcohol is allowed, stick to the rules and you'll have a more effective weight loss! If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask...

Giogiaina : is there a phase when one can eat pasta or noodles? I'm Italian it's my 1st dieting day and I already miss pasta....
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Giogiana, welcome to the diet! Yes I can imagine that this will be hard for you at first but just focus on all the delicious meat/fish/veg that you can eat. Don't forget to use your oat bran allowance to make dukan bread or something like that as it should help you. If you say in your daily reports that you are missing pasta you might just get lucky one day and Pierre might grant you a portion. Stay strong you can do it!

tsivia99 : I'm excited to start the diet. I do, however, take an antidepressant which has increased my weight. Also, I need a knee replacement in January, which has limited my ability to walk for a long time on pavement. I'm concerned that these 2 factors will inhibit my ability to lose 15 pounds. Encouragement, please. Thanks!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Tsivia! For your anti depressants they can have an influence on your weight loss but don't worry as no matter the time it will take we are here to help you to reach your true weight and the most important is the result. For your knee operation I know how much it can be painful so please take care and again don't worry as the most important is to move as much as possible so do what you can and if you can do some exercises at the swimming pool. It's the smoothiest way to do physical activity with such kind of operation but ask to your kinesitherapist as well he will be able to advice you more specifically on what you can do or not.Keep us informed of your state and if you need to we can suspend your coaching for a while. Have a nice evening!

smiley58 : hi, i am having homemade roast chicken and read somewhere that we are allowed the wings without the skin but read somewhere else that we aren't?! help. thanks.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Again Smiley! The best is not to eat wings at all but if you really want to have them but without the skin of course! Also be careful not to eat the fatty parts of your wings. Bon appetit!

smiley58 : hi, can i have the juice of my roast chichken or is it too fatty? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, I'm sorry but it's really too fatty as the juice comes from the skin and this is not allowed in your diet!

Dressagemaven : Hi Sonja and Hannah. I've been on the diet for 3 weeks today and doing well! However, I have had very bad dreams since starting the diet, like being chased and anxious ones. Is this normal?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Dressagemaven, congratulations for doing so well so far! Your dreams are probably reflecting some anxiety in your life, and if your diet is going well it is probably not that. Make sure that you are not hungry when you go to bed and have anice calimg herbal tea. Make sure that you have always done some exercise as well so that your body and mind are tired and can rest. Let us know how you get on and congratulations again!

YouCanBe : Hi,I have just started the attack phase. I have an intolerance to milk. I am OK with fermented milk like yoghurt but not ordinary milk. Is it OK to use soya milk in my tea?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Youcanbe! If you can have fermented mik it's fine you can have a few drops of soya milk in your tea. Remember that you are allowed to have one kilo of dairies per day on Attack and then on Cruise if you are on stagnation. Keep going!

claire1baxter : Hello :-) I signed up last week and was doing ok until Saturday when I had a little breakdown, tears, the lot and really just wanted chocolate. I had a hot chocolate which was ok... the craving is just not going away... Do you think the low fat chocolate mouse from say M&S is ok as a treat? - I'm struggling with most of the recommended foods each day - as in they don't seem appealing so I'm worried I'm not eating enough of the right things....
Moderatrice hannah : Hi claire1baxter, I am sure that everyone can sympathise with you on this feeling but really you have to be strong and focus on the positive aspects of the diet. We have some reciped that have cocoa powder in just be careful not to use the full fat cocoa powder. Using low fat sugar free (under 22%fat) you can make a hot chocolate with 1 coffee spoon of cocoa powder, skimmed milk and sweetener that shoudl staify your cravings. Also make sure that you are always stuffed after a meal and have a dietcoke or something as they can be quite filling and satisfy your sweet tooth. You can and will be strong I know it! Keep us updated :)

Giogiaina : but i think there's no oats in the attack phase, is that correct?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Giorgiana, no normal oats but you should have oat bran every day if you can, for more info please see the link on our home page http://www.dukandiet.co.uk/en/344...community/focus-on-nutrition.html

smiley58 : hi, i'm looking at my measurement and all 3 waist, hip and thighs haven't stopped going up and down since i started the diet. why is that?thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, to stop this try to focus on specific exercises. You can find them in the gym section of your slimming apartment. Also you might do a bit of water retention so as I have adviced you before try to take some drainers that will help you to evacuate extra water from you body!

smiley58 : hi, when you make bird's custard cream how long does it keep in the fridge? thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi smiley58, it depends how fresh you milk is but I would say not more than a couple of days...

smiley58 : thanks sonja, what about the rest of the roast chicken (i already know we're allowed the breast and legs)?thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, I feel that you are going to eat chicken tonight! it's the same as for wings try not to eat the fatty parts as the chicken bottom for example and it should be fine!

goingtosucceed : hiin other diets that I have done, I have given up because I give in to snacks / cravings, sometimes through boredom in front of the tv.any tips here?thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi goingtosucceed, YES you will succeed! The main thing to remember is that you shoudl never be hungry on this diet and you can eat as much as you want of the allowed foods. Tyr to eat three good meals a day especially supper if the evening is your weak point. If it is not hunger that makes you snack you can have some sugar free chewing gum or a diet drink. However if it is genuine hinger then have some yogurt, sugar free jelly, sliced meat, chopped up veg sticks, whatever you fancy! Stay strong you can do it.

smiley58 : hi, i read somewhere that we are allowed 1/4 milk / day, is that right as i realised i have been having more. thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, actually as milk is a part of your dairies intake per day you can have it as much as you want as long as you don't take no more than 1 kilo of dairies per day especially in case of stagnation. Keep going!

marretje : MarretjeHI, I am in the cruise phase and have remained the same weight for 5 days. I'm desperate to eat apple/grapefruit /clementines............are these allowed? I am getting so bored with fish and meat! Thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi marretje, Sorry no fruit is allowed yet but for your little stagnation I wonder if you might be suffering from constipation? If so then have 200g of stewed rhubarb which will also help your fruit cravings.

smiley58 : hi, i haven't stopped having drainers, do they stop acting if you take them too often?thanks.
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, usually you take drainers two weeks in a month to have really good effects. But for your hips and waist again try to do some specific exercises and it should work don't worry!

YouCanBe : Is it OK to have xylitol instead of splenda?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi YouCanBe yes go for it. Enjoy!

Dressagemaven : are the pre-made roast chickens/rotisserie chickens from the store ok or are they too salty?
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Dressagemaven, they might be a bit too fatty depending on how they are cooked, so if you buy one make sure to remove all of the skin.

smiley58 : hi, where can you buy stevia in the uk? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, I'm sorry but Stevia is still not allowed in Uk....

karenalthorpe : I am training for a half marathon so I run regularly. Where do I input this into my daily report? I usually reply that I have done none of the required exercises but obviously have done a lot more than this!
Moderatrice hannah : Hi karenalthorpe, wow that is very impressive I would say you do much more than the obliged activities so tick all the boxes! For a big run you might need extra energy so send us a message from your slimming apartment so that we can advise you specifically. Well done!

smiley58 : hi sonja, is there a reason why stevia's not allowed in the uk? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, as Stevia is a quite new product in Europe some countries are still making some researches to allow it or not. In France it has been allowed only a few months ago. Don't worry it should be available soon in UK!

smiley58 : hi, can i freeze my custard cream puds so i can enjoy them when i'done with my 3 pp days? thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi smiley58, Yes go for it great idea!

YouCanBe : How about agave syrup (cactus juice) is this allowed?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Youcanbe!I'm sorry but agave syrup is really too sugary, you cannot have it. Have a nice evening!

Giogiaina : is quaker oats ok? i could only find this in the supermarkets over here. nOtherwise they sell plain oats
Moderatrice hannah : Hi Giorgiana, No sorry they are not the same..try ordering some from the internet and let us know how you get on, our French Dukan Shop sell it and they deliver arounf the world...the only thing is that the site is only in French at the moment. Here is the link for the oatbran http://www.maboutiqueregimedukan....uits.cfm?type=3&code_lg=lg_fr

smiley58 : hi, is it normal to feel hungrier after you've exercised for about an hour? thanks
Moderatrice hannah : Hi smiley58 yes as you have used energy so you need to replace it. Eat as much as you like! (of the allowed foods of course!)

pwolfeukip : I am dairy wheat and all corn products causing irritable bowel
are all soya products ok to have as long as they are low fat but soya dream eq to single cream is higher in fat as I note cream is acceptable i.e. 1 tablespoon on the Dukan diet so is soya ok? I also normally use it for savoury and sweet sauces, in place of wheat bran

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Pwol! you can have soya products as milk or plain yogurts but with moderation. As far soya cream is concerned that the same of dairy cream 3% fat. you can have it as a tolerated (one table spoon per day). Please check the list of tolerated food in the cupboard of your slimming apartment and remember that you are allowed to have two tolerated per day. Enjoy!

YouCanBe : Is it allowed to mix skimmed milk and skimmed milk powder with egg yolks and xylitol to make ice cream?
Moderatrice sonja : Youcanbe, yes you can do that but be careful with skimmed powder as it's a tolerated. Your recipe sounds yummy though! do not hesitate to post it on the forum and we can also add it in the recipe book with your permission of course!

smiley58 : hi, could it be possible to have all the gym videos regrouped in one as i enjoy doing them all especially at the week end and it would take me less time to open them and then do the activities, thanks.
Moderatrice hannah : Hi smiley58, at the moment we ave them sectioned so they are easy to find but we'll see what we can do!

smiley58 : hi, i have noticed that when i exercise in the evening just before going to bed i don't manage to go to sleep straight away, is that normal? thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Smiley, it's normal not to sleep straight away after doing sport as your body has secreted some hormones. That's why it's better to do sport 2 hours before going to sleep. Have a very nice evening

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over. Thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on tonight so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed. If we didn't get a chance to answer your question, please do not hesitate to send an email via the email box of your slimming apartment so we can answer you that way. Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Wednesday morning with Cathy our dietician and Sonja at 9.30 AM UK time!



October 20 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! We are on the 20th of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician and Sonja. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

vickiski04 : You allow yogurt in your plan, the brands you mention are European. In America we have Weight Watchers, Yoplait Light, Dannon Light and Fit, and Dannon Low Carb. Are any of these acceptable?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Vicki! For dairies there is a simple rule to remember: no more than 2% fat, no added sugar and no fruit bites in them. I'm sure you will find the appropriate one in your list! Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you need help!

rina1964 : I am not close to consolidation phase yet but I am confused about the exact details of it. Some things I've read say 2 celebration meals a week, others say 1? Also, how much fruit per day on consolidation? And do I start the 1 day per week protein only on consolidation or on stabilisation? Thanks!
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our chat rina1964. Don't worry about the consolidation, all the instructions will be given on the D day. You will be able to reintroduce 1 fruit per day, 40 g of cheese (less than 40% fat), 2 slices of wholemeal bread (40 to 60 gms), 200 gms of starchy food per week and 1 celebration meal per week, in the first part of the consolidation. In the second part of the consolidation, you will be able to have 200 gms of starchy food twice a week as well as 2 celebration meals per week (the other item won't change). The PP day on Thursdays starts from the consolidation phase yet. I hope these informations were clear enough. Keep going!

trishcherry : I am currently on extra time on cruise for my goal weight, which is only one pound more. I hav e everything against me. Dieting all my life, yo yo dieting, age 66, and am on anti dpressants. I have now been swinging to and fro at the last one or two pounds. I have only had one minor lapse ( a little veg on a pp day) get loads of walking often far more than you tell me, Do stairs about twenty times a day, as we only live in a small cottage. Do you think that this is worth all the hassle for another pound, I would be walking whether I was on the diet or not. am going away for two days next weekend, and was hoping to be on consolidation by then. On my daily instructions this morning, you said go on three days of protein. I am going to do that, but if I dont lose, then I am happy to stay on cruise if only I could have the three days on pv next weekend. Or even better on consolidation. Any suggestions?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Trish! Nice to see you there! As you may know everybody is different. Some people lose weight easier than others but remember that the most important is the result and the time it will take to reach your true weight doesn't matter. You Are doing perfectly fine with your diet so keep going like this.Yes please do your three days of PP and then you can do three days of PV during the week end. If you hope so I can add you some extra days of cruise for you to be able to reach your true weight. Please let me know about via the email box of your slimming apartment and again keep going as you are doing great!

miffin : I thought that I had reached my ideal weight at 165lbs. But on my programme it states 75.3kg. My coach says that I have reached my correct weight for consolidation. I think that I have. What is the truth here please.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Miffin! Actually you are on consolidation phase since the 18th of October as you have reached your true weight! Congratulations on that weight loss and keep going! Have a very nice day!
annafdm : On my program am I allowed to take Proslin powder protein products?

Moderatrice cathy : Dear annafdm, only protein powders made of 100% protein are available in the Dukan diet. Please check that information on the packaging informations or forward us both the ingredients list and the nutritional values by using your mailbox in your slimming apartment. Then, we will give you the right advises about it. Have a nice coaching!

shekie : Is there any known substitute for gelatine, i can't have it and it seems to be a key component of many of the desserts.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Shekie! Yes you can have agar agar instead of gelatine but be careful as you just need a little pinch of it to do a dessert. Have a nice day!

maya_makkawi : I just completed the second day of the attack phase and find myself experiencing diarrhea.. I would expect a high protein diet to result in constipation, but not diarrhea. I'm drinking fluids and following the attack phase without any deviations. What could this be from?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello maya_makkawi, you are right, a diet which advises a high protein intake leads often to constipation rather than to diarrhea. Don't you overeat oat bran ? How much dairies do you eat per day ? In the next days, please stop eating oat bran, continue your PP days, stop having milk cow sugar free low fat dairies and replace them by plain soya yogurt or plain light soya milk. If these problems persists, please go and see your doctor and give us the feedback. Take care and keep us updated! 


brook951 : Hi I am a real newbie - on day 2 of attack. Can you tell me can you buy anything similar to the gallettes in a uk supermarket?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Brook and welcome to the chat! Actually for the moment there is no galette available in Uk now but it will in the future don't worry. For the moment you make the galette by yourself with the recipe in the cupboard of your slimming apartment; You will see it's easy to do and delicious! Bon appetit! 


subutio : it was day one of my diet today so there was no oat bran in my cupboard - i sit ok if i dont have any as not particularly bothered or is it crucial to success
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Subuto! Don't worry and try to find some at your usual supermarket. Of course it's better to have oat bran everyday but if you cannot for some reasons you will still lose weight. Keep going!

dritchie : Would it be possible to have the oat bran measurement given in grammes rather than tablespoons which can vary.

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Dritchie! Pierre Dukan have already replied to this question actually! He said that honestly it doesn't really matter to count how many grammes there is in a table spoon so don't worry and if you have extra grammes it will still be ok. Have a nice day!

vsutich : Hello, i am in the middle of Attack and so far so good. Can you confirm is MISO soup (with not seaweed or tofu) allowed?

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Vsutich! Yes you can miso soup during your attack phase with the tofu is you want but of course without seaweed; Have a nice day!

gabriellegrubanovich : Can you please tell me what I can drink? Obviously, I am trying to increase my water intake but can I also have carrot and ginger juice (fresh)? And how bad is wine. I'm finding giving that up, the most difficult!!!

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Gabrielle! You can have 2 litres of liquids per day including tea, coffee or diet sodas. For your vegetables juices they are not included in your intake but of course have them only on PV days. Wine is not allowed of course and this lapse can make you more than stagnating but even put on weight. Be patient you will be able to have one glass on your celebration meal during the Consolidation phase. Have a nice day!

freedom4me : Hi Pierre and the team Here is a question that may be of interest and use to a few people. If constipation is an ongoing issue, how often and in what quantity is ok to take rhubarb? I tried it once as suggested by Sonja to great effect and feeling...but now 3 days later can feel the blocked feeling coming back. By the way I am very excited with my loss so far...from start to now I have lost 18.2kg....so amazing...I never thought it would happen for me again and I am determined to stabilize after reaching my weight. Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Dear freedom4me, thanks a lot for these lines which show your determination! Congratulations for your weight loss : 18,2 Kg kicked off, that's amazing! If you feel constipated, you can have 100gms of rhubarb puree (no sugar added) on PV days. What is more, try to find a water which contains more than 100mg of magnesium per Litre and place the bottle in your fridge. Cold water will accelerate the bowels' peristalsis indeed. Don't forget to take your daily oat bran too. Last but not least : physical activity will help you to solve the problem, especially crunches. If these problems persists, please see your doctor. Give us some news at the end of week, in order to see if it has been resolved! Have a nice day!

taniatango : why i'm not loosing weight? i am not even eating the whole food in my diet, i used to eat 10 times more before and here i am stuck! pls advice.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Tania and welcome to the chat! I could see on your weight curve that since you have started the diet you are doing a lot of lapses. You really have to avoid them to lose weight as these lapses make you stagnating. Starting from today avoid them and increase your physical activity. Please contact me via the email box of your slimming apartment to tell me how things are and focus on allowed food now please! Keep going!

ren1234 : Hello, This last week I have been feeling extra hungry. I have been eating the same kinds of foods and quantities since starting consolidation but it is only in this last week that I have been feeling hungry. For example, I will eat lunch ( eg a tuna or chicken salad which I have been eating for weeks) but then I finish it and feel hungry straight away. Why might this be?
Moderatrice cathy : Dear ren1234, I am pleased to see you among us today! First of all, I have to give you the following fundamentals : take enough time to eat (20minutes at least), in a calm atmosphere, without speaking too much in order to avoid swallonwing air. Secondly, vary as much as possible the food eaten in the consolidation phase, so you and especially your stomach won't get bored. Vary also the textures : tender food, crispy one (starchy food, cooked "al dente"), crunchy (raw vegetables) or soft (vegetable puree, ...). Moreover, listen to your hunger and eat until you have been satisfied. No frustration in the Dukan diet : you can eat PP food as long as you feel satisfied. If you are afraid about that extra hunger feeling, you can also have other solutions : our french boutique called "Ma Boutique Regime Dukan" sells an appetite suppressant called Devorcal, it is totally safe (made of cider vinegar and apple pectin) and it can become a precious help for you. Please follow these instructions and if your scale doesn't go in the wrong way, there is no matter to worry. Keep us updated about that. Have faith!

MESKUTE : Good morning, Mr. Dukan, I exactly follow your instructions. I losted weight according to the plan. And I am very satisfied with the results. 2-3 weeks ago my weight stabilized and is approx. 58. I have feeling it could happen because, as it was recomended by my doctor, I have changed my contraceptic pils. I will need to use these pills one more month. Today is the last cruise phase day. I want to continue my cruise till I reach my planned weight, i.e. 55.6 kg. So I would like to know your opinion ref. possibilities to rech my task. Thanks, Aura
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Meskute! You will stay on cruise until you have reached your true weight don't worry. For your contraception pills you will see which effects it will have on your weight but any case talk to your doctor first and keep us informed about that.Have a very nice day!

Citurri : Today is my first day and I can't see my lunch or dinner menus. Can you please tell me where to find them? Also, my excercise routine is not there. thanks,
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Citurri! Don't worry as the day of your subscription is not your first day of diet. You have received everything now it's fine. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you have any spefici question via the email box of your slimming apartment!

ascotlady : I am thrilled with how I look now, and my eating habits have changed for good I am sure, however, now I am only a kilo away from the True Weight, and nothing will move it! should I shift to the Consolidation phase, and accept this and not try and force it lower?

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Ascotlady nice to see you there! As you will start your consolidation phase on the 28th of October, if I were you I would wait until this day as you will probably reach your true weight at that time without notice it! Keep going and have a very nice day!

trishcherry : Hi Pierre, Trish again, just to let you know that I have reached goal! Can I have rice cakes or ryvita instead of bread on consolidation, as bread has been a problem for me in the past. It can send me off on a binge! Thanks for your support, its not been easy, but you were right I got there.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello trishcherry, all the Dukan team would like to compliment you! Woow, the weight just is reached! In theory, rice cakes and Ryvita can not replace Wholemeal bread on consolidation phase, but if bread can leads you to binge-eating, I'd rather prefer to authorize ONLY the following sorts of Ryvita (warning : rice cakes are forbidden) : light rye, dark rye, rye and oat bran, in the amount of 3 slices (30g) maximum. Be careful about that and don't forget that it is an exception for your personal case! Have a nice consolidation phase!

suetpud61 : hello Pierre Can we use Coconut milk/cream in cooking. Also can we cook with cocnut oil at all Thank you - going well so far
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Sue! I'm really sorry but coconut is not allowed in any way as it's really too fatty and sugary. Be patient you will be able to have some on your celebration meal during consolidation phase; You can use some coco nut flavouring though as sold our our French website regimedukan.com section ma boutique. Try it's really delicious and of course suitable for your diet!

joannastafford : I due to start the cruise phase today, but lost only 2lbs during the attack phase (3 days) - can I continue with the attack phase for a bit longer?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Joanna! 2lbs is really nice! Please go now on Cruise phase as your programme has been created in function of you so follow it carefully! Also try to avoid lapses as they really can influence your weight loss; Have a nice day!

freekydeek : I've just started the cruise phase and would like to know if during the PV days I could occaisionally juice my vegetables? Thank you.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Freeky! yes of course you can juice your vegetables on your PV day! I would also say that it is a great idea! Enjoy and do not hesitate to post some of your vegetable juices on the forum I will be glad to try them!

dawson1199 : Hi Dr Dukan, can you tell me if it's ok to have semi-skimmed milk instead of skimmed once a day in coffee? Also in the many coffee shops can I have a "skinny latte" (ie milky coffee with skimmed milk). Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Dawson! you can only have skimmed milk only during your diet I'm sorry. Also remember that skimmed milk is a part of your daily dairy intake and that you can have up to one kilo per day on Attack. Have a nice day!

francisepe : Hi everybody.I am close to the end of cruise and still have 1 kg to loose. I have been stagrating for about 20 days, in which no lapses, only part of the obliged exercise programme. It has been quite frustrating. What should I do now, move to consolidation or stay in cruise?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello francisepe, one kilo can be kicked off, I am sure you can do it! Please follow very very strictly your instructions, stop having tolerated food and increase your daily physical activity (by walking 15 to 30 minutes more each day), it will give a boost to your weight loss. Avoid salted food like ham, smocked fish, preserves and drink 1,5 L water per day in order to exclude the chances of water retention. Moreover, forward us a message (in your mailbox) in which you will notice the food you have eaten these last 3 days (food - beverages - quantities). We will help you to chase away that remaining weight, don't worry and continue in the cruise phase!

dawson1199 : Tomorrow I will be on the 1st day of my attack phase but the information you have on file is incorrect. My start weight is different so therefore all the goals and timings are out of sync. Not sure how this has happened but Iam 3.5 kg heavier than on your graph. I'm really motivated and excited to be doing this but can the info be altered to my true position as this will be a very powerful visual tool and since I have yet to start the diet(therefore its not because I've done anthing wrong or lapsed or anything) I really want all the help I can get by having an accurate picture to start with. Please help. Thanks

Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Dawson! Please contact me via the email box of your slimming apartment with these informations and I will ask to the IT team do it for you! Also I'm glad to see that you are motivated! That's maybe the most important part of this diet so keep going and have faith!

carmelmat : there are no meals or options for lunch or dinner on my menu for today. I dont think i am supposed to not eat

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Carmel! Don't worry all your menus are there now as your coaching start the day after you have subscribed and fill in your questionnaire. Welcome aboard and do no hesitate to use the email box of your slimming apartment to contact us!

dawson1199 : Hi Dr Dukan. This is my first day on the attack phase but my question is for when I go on the cruise phase. Can I have virtually fat free salad dressings that you can buy at the supermarkets? Also is low fat salad cream allowed? (but I think I can guess the answer to that one!!) Thanks

Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Dawson! I'm sorry but these "ligh" salad dressinf and other salad creams are not allowed as you can guess! But try to make a sauce with low fat yoghurt and herbs (chives...) it's really tasty and suitable for your diet. I hope you will enjoy!

subutio : i start my plan tomorrow but really want milk with my coffee yet i know its 3.5% fat content. Am i allowed in the attack phase?not sure i can cope with black coffee
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Subutio! Of course you can have milk with your coffee but only skimmed one of course. Have a nice day!

hattiep : I have been diagnosed with diviticulosis and have to be careful about seeds, nuts and veg skins, will it be ok for me to use oat bran to increase my fibre intake. I have been symptom free for three months
Moderatrice cathy : Dear hattiep, you have to be very careful about your diverticulosis. Leave aside oat bran during all the coaching because it is too irritant for you. During PP days, there is no need to change anything. However, in PV days, please focus on the following vegetables, always peeled off, seeds removed and well cooked : french green beans, zucchinis, asparagus, pumpkins, squashes, lettuces, carrots, betroots, eggplants. All the other instructions can be followed. If you have any doubt about the food, don't hesitate to send us a message in your mailbox of your slimming apartment. Have a nice coaching!

lkomorowska : Again i forgot what is the recipe for oat bran pancakes/ it is not in your recipes
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Ikomorowska! The recipe of oat bran galette is in the cupboard of your slimming apartment! Bon appetit!

pinkjacs : Hi there are ready made Quorn foods such as ham or beef substitute slices and sausages acceptable as protein to replace meat or fish occassionally?

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Pink! Yes you can Quorn as much as you want as it's a great source of protein. You can check in the fridge of your slimming apartment for food you are allowed to eat. Have a nice day!

Giogiaina : hello. I've just joined your slimming programme and my 17 year old daughter would like to join you too. Is 17 too young? She just needs to loose 4 kg and she is not visibly overweight, but just "round". I will try to join this chat session this evening but if I can't I really woild appreciate an answer
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Giorgiaina nice to see you there! I'm sorry but you can do our diet starting from 18 years old. Your daughter has to be patient. Please let me know if you need any other help via the email box of your slimming apartment!

pashca : Hello everybody!!! I'm not losing much weight towards end phase 2...I miss tolerated food ( I stopped them a month ago) so I'm thinking to introduce them again to be able to cook more interesting recipes...hope it's ok to do that...Xx

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Pashca! Of course you can have your tolerated food now! Keep us informed on how you are feeeling we will be glad to have some news from you!

linpitt : if i'm going to thee gym three times a week and also walking my dogs twice a day do i have to do the exercises you state, i also am a nurse and work night shifts frequently, i snack on my allowed foods
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Linpitt! You are doing everything right and i would like to congratulate you for all of this physical exercises! That's nice to read that you follow so perfectly our diet. Keep going and have a very nice day!

MICHELLE_ANSELL : I cannot work out if I am meant to take Oatbran during the attack phase

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Michelle! You have to take oat bran during your whole diet. On attack you have to take one table spoon and a half per day; I suggest you to make the "Dukan galette" with it. You can find the recipe in the cupboard of your slimming apartment. Enjoy!

Fanackerpants : I am starting the diet tomorrow and would like to get a hold on the family's eating. Is the Dukan diet safe for an overweight nine-year-old boy to follow? Or some modified version? Thank you.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Fanackerpants, tomorrow will be the D day for you! That diet has been created for adults and not for children who have other special needs, especially growth-related. There is no way that your nine-year-old boy follows that way of eating. If he is a little bit overweighted, the first thing to advise him is to stop nibbling if it was the case. A well balanced diet including some moderates and punctual extras (a slice of home baked cake in the week-end as for example or a pinch a grated cheese over vegetables or pastas, etc..) will be much more appropriate. Last but not least, a dietician or a nutritionist will help him precisely by doing an personal food planning including your boy's settings. Ready, steady, go!

agnute : Hello, I just started an attack phase. Normally I don't eat food with preservatives or unnatural ingredients. However, it is impossible to find 0% or 1% fat milk or yogurt that is natural/ biological in Lithuania. Is it ok if I take 2% fat yogurt and milk?

Moderatrice sonja : Hi Agnute! for dairies they have to be no more than 2% fat, without any added sugar and without any fruit bites. So yours sounds really fine. But for milk you have to use skimmed one.Have a nice day!

mod : thanks for having chat with us! The chat is almost over and these will be the last questions! But we hope to see you on Friday with Pierre Dukan at 11.30 AM UK time!

YouCanBe : I have an intolerance to milk. I am OK with fermented products ie. yoghurt and cottage cheese. I stated that I do not want skimmed milk included, but the recipes that are sent through all include it, can you tell me how to correct this? I cannot use many of the recipes. Plus is it OK to have 30 cl of Soya Milk in the attack phase? just for tea, which as an Anglaise I do not like without. Many Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Hello YouCanBe, thanks for your interest. If you have milk intolerance you can remplace it on your own by plain soya milk in recipes which suggests that ingredient. Sugar free fat free (a maximum of 2% fat is allowed in dairies if you don't find fat free ones) fermented products like yogurts and cottage cheese. As long as you don't exceed 1 Kg of dairies per day (soya milk included, even in attack phase), it is ok! Your tea time pleasure won't be removed, are you reassured? I am sure you are! Enjoy your coaching!

mothermary : Thank you for your wonderful support, I am sure that this is what has got me this far. I hope you don't get tired of me emailing you so often. I was supposed to start the Consolidation Phase on the 19th but have said that I wish to stay on the Cruise phase as I have not reached my true weight. What happens now? If I get a bit closer I will probably want to go onto the Consolidation Phase. Do you keep asking me each week? Love you all, Mary.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Mothermary! Please contact us via the email box of your slimming apartment and I will be glad to help you in that. I would also like to thank you for your nice message and don't worry you really don't bother us with your quesitons we are here for you! I'm also glad to read that you enjoy our service so again do not hesitate to ask if you need help we will be really glad to answer you!

jens_23 : Hi I recently joined the program but I'm having hard time to find right ingredients when preparing the food. For example the low fat Quark cheese. I think we dont have it Montreal, Canada. Can I substitute it with another brand of low fat cheese?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jen! for dairies don't worry and try to find the lowest ones as possible (no more than 2% fat) and without any added sugar. If you have specific Canadian products you need to ask for please do not hesitate to send us the composition for us to be able to help you! I hope it's not too cold in Canada now, have a nice day!

Goldenfool : Hi folks, I've only been signed up on this website for a few weeks, but I've been doing the diet for 20 weeks now. I've done pretty well - have lost almost 3.5 stone. But my weight loss in the last 4 weeks or so has slowed down significantly - and in no small part due to the fact that I can't seem to stay away from carby foods any longer. It used to be easy, when the weight was coming off, but then I went into a downwards spiral - less weight loss, or weight gain, or stagnation even, and I find myself craving (and caving) to chocolate/crisps/biscuits. There's the added factor of heading into Winter here in Edinburgh - the days are getting short, it's getting darker earlier, my daily walk is happening in the dark, and my motivation is WANING! Help!!
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Goldenfool, please calm down you seem so anxious and sad. However, I fully understand, winter is coming and days are shorter, colder and darker unfortunately. But will you let all these negative points win and lead you to the infernal circle of cravings? I am sure you don't want to! You have to be stronger than those devils, I trust in you! Moreover, the weight loss can't be the same during all the coaching, it is normal! The first period is always the best because kilos fly away very quickly. If you crave for sweetness, you can have a sugar free fat free dairy with few drops of chocolate flavouring (see our french boutique "Ma Boutique RegimeDukan") and sweeteners. Moreover, you will find a supplement called Sugaro in our french boutique, it will help you to stop these cravings. Release your mind as much as possible in those moments : call your best friend, go the cinema or do some work out. Have faith, I trust in you. Keep us updated!

patriziahegarty : is there anything i should do or not do with underactive thyroid during this diet. I am taking 175mcg daily for 10 years. I have had problems losing weight because of thyroid problem.
Moderatrice cathy : Hello patriziahegarty, if your thyroid treatment is well adapted, there is no problem about loosing weight. But please make a complete hormonal check up and ask your doctor if your medicine is ok. Thanks a lot for giving us the feedback then. Have a nice wednesday!

Doodlebug53 : May we have flaxseed during the Cruise Phase? I found a recipe for bread with flaxseed at a Dukan chat sight. All of the other ingredients were on program but I wasn't sure about the flaxseed. It sounded very good! Thanks for the great support!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Doodlebug53, you can have 1 Tsp flaxseed per day during all the coaching. You can add it on your dishes or mix it in your dairies or in your Dukan bread. Enjoy your meal!

maytegf : Hi there , I´m very happy with this diet but my main concern is that in my last blood test before beginning the diet my Uric acid was slightly higher than normal. Should I avoid seafood and meat altogether or can I eat them with restrictions? Thanks in advance
Moderatrice cathy : Hello maytegf, I am happy to see that you enjoy the diet! If you have a high uric acid rate, read these advises : avoid game, giblets and offal, very fatty fishes (anchovies, herrings, eel...), smocked meat, seafood, alcohol. Moreover, avoid the following vegetables on PV days : spinach, sorrel, cabbages, watercress and asparagus. Please check your uric acid in 2 months again in order to see is everything is ok. Give us some good news, I hope so! Have a nice coaching!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Friday at 11.30 AM UK time with Pierre Dukan, Cathy our dietician, Carine and Sonja!


October 22 Weekly Chat With Dr. Dukan

mod : Good morning everyone! We are on the 22nd of October, welcome to our live chat!All of your questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer to all of you. Today your live chat will be with Cathy our dietician and Sonja. Pierre Dukan will not be with us today for professional reasons, he sincerely apologizes for that. The chat will last for one hour. Have a good chat!

Ritamargarita : I am at the first day of attack phase. I am confused at breakfast how many things I can choose? I did 1 and a half spoon of oatbran(poredge) with little of skimmed milk for every morning. Then for lunch in one menu there is for example tuna tart-veal-cheesecake. Is this all for lunch? do I have to eat it all or can I eat one piece of chicken breast? For dinner there is veal carpaccio-roast quail and custard tart.Is this one meal?? Is not too much? I am little confused. I have read Dr.Dukan's book and on attack phase you eat whenever hungry from the allowed food. So do I have to stick to the menu?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Rita! Actually there are three types of menus per day and you can pick up one starter, one main dish and one dessert from them. Also remember that these menus are optional and not following them will not influence your weight loss. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you have more questions!

Wheelerrgra : I had a hip replacement in July and also have arthritis in the other hip and my lower spine.What exercises should i not do?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to our Friday's chat Wheelerrga, I hope you can move slowly but safely. I would rather advise you to ask your physiotherapist about specific work out which would not traumatize your hips and your spine. To my mind, walking in the swimming pool would be the best thing but please ask your physiotherapist also. Take care!

homestreich : To meet the goal of drinking 1.5 liters of water per day, is it better to drink pure water, or is it just as fine to drink coffee and diet soda? Thanks!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Homestreich nice to see you there! I would say that the best is not to drink too much diet sodas as they can make you feel bloated but if you don't take more than three cans per day it's fine. Have a nice day!

Ritamargarita : ON PP we i am not allowed more than 1and a half tb.spoon of oat bran.I found for my dinner recipe to have in the same day the dukan sandwich with surimi and vanilla cake and this two recipies exceed the 2 tb.spoon of oats. how can this possible??
Moderatrice cathy : Dear Ritamargarita, you noticed an error in your daily meals suggestions. You are allowed to have 1,5 Tbsp oat bran per day in the attack phase, so please don't overeat that amount, choose one of the both recipes. Thanks for your understanding. Enjoy your meal!

amandapym : Last sunday, I weighed 72.3 kilos and when we were at a restaurant, I ordered the wrong thing by mistake which had alot of oil. I ate a little of it but not all and since then my weight has gone up to 73.1 kilos and is stagnating. Have I completely ruined my diet- my weight was going down every day until my lapse!!!!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Amanda! Don't worry you haven't ruined your whole diet. Such kind of lapse can happen and also you haven't done it on purpose! The best thing to do in such kind of situation is the next day to do a PP day and to increase your physical activity; Also try not to eat tolerated for a few days and increase your oat bran intake. You can also drink cold water. All of this will help you to restart your weight loss. Keep going and have a very nice day!

tlerm1 : I am on cruise stage from today and my instruction says 1:1 PP and PV. What does this mean?
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to your cruise phase tlerm1, 1 PP / 1PV means that you have to do 1 PP day followed by 1 PV day and so on. 1/1 is the average alternating in the Dukan method. Have a nice coaching!

elderflower : I'm having trouble with lunch I work and the only thing we have is a microwave. I started off ok but am getting board with the same thing every day and so I find myself eating whatever I can get my hands on. Please help as I was doing well and now I'm not. Thanks Sarah
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Elderflower! I think you should try to do your Dukan meal the evening before and to bring it at work. Try to bring enough food with you; Like that you will not be temptated by others. I'm sure you can do it. Keep going!

mimi_papadatos : If I am doing intensive exercise of 1 hour per day, 4 days a week, how does this change my diet?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Mimi! the more you move the best it is so the only influence it can have on your weight is to lose weight quicker so keep going as you are doing great!

leabennett : I have been the same weight for a week although the only lapse I have had is a glass of wine a week ago. I have done extra exercise and been very careful to ensure I keep strictly to the diet since. Is this diet just not right for me?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello leabennett, the 16th October's lapse can still have an incidence today and it can explain that little stagnation period. Please follow very strictly your instructions, leave aside tolerated items, continue to do extra exercises and be careful about the salt added on your dishes as well as salty food (ham, preserves, smocked fish). Drink 1,5 L water per day also. I am sure your weight will go down again, be patient and keep your motivation! Let's go!

dawson1199 : Hi Dr Dukan, Just want to start by saying a huge thankyou. I have just done 2 days of the attack phase and lost an astonishing 2.2kg!! Fab! My question is in regard to the physical activity section in my daily instructions. When it says eg abdominal exercise 12 moves..... does that mean that i follow the on-line video for that exercise 12 times or just 12 singular movements instead of the 10 that the lady does on screen? Hope my question makes sense, and thankyou again. I'm really excited!!!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello dawson1199, thanks for your question, you are right to ask us that precision if it isn't clear enough. In fact, you will have to do 12 singular movements of the work out shown on the video. Have a nice sport session!

candishibbi : elderflower - I am the same as you and I discovered this genious lunch recipe. Mix one small drained tin of tuna in springwater with the same amount of cottage cheese and black pepper, microwave for 1 minute and enjoy! It is soooo nice and tastes like a pizza :) then add vegies to it on PV days!! Its soo good for work! Quick and yummy!!!
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Candi! that sounds really yummy! Thanks for that and do not hesitate to post on the forum to share this recipe with others!

bachuandme : I have noticed that I gain a couple of pounds on PV days which is very demotivating and makes me want to give up. Is it just water retention ? I didn't gain this much in a day when I was eating like a pig. What is going on?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi bachua! How are you today? Don't worry it's completely normal to weigh more on PV days as vegetables contain water. But it's only water and that is evacuated the day after. Also that doesn't mean that you don't get slimmer. You can take some drainers that can help you to eliminate extra water from your body. Have a nice day!

candishibbi : Hi Crew, What can I do to rectify a major lapse of alchohol (Say a bottle of red wine and a few vodkas) I feel sick today :( Should I do an Attack again? Thanks :)
Moderatrice cathy : Hello candishibbi, woow, that is a very major lapse indeed, it is not surprising that you feel sick today. How come, please forgot that negative event and focus on the future which will be more positive for sure! Please follow 2 PP days from now on and increase your daily physical activity in order to kick off that lapse and restart your weight loss. Moreover, drink 2 L of water in order to rehydrate yourself after that high alcohol intake. Don't worry, you will reach your true weight but next time try to limit yourself to one glass of good red wine, you will enjoy it much more. I trust in you!

Jannrobert : I will be away from home in Canada from November 1 thru 5. How should I proceed during that time?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Jann! If you hope so I can suspend your coaching during the time you are away. Just let me know via the email box of your slimming apartment. Also during your trip try to focus on allowed food only and remember that it's better to do a PV day instead of a PP day if you have no choice than doing a lapse. Have a nice day!

maytegf : Due to my work the next months I´ll have to travel abroad and assist to business meals. I´m worried because Í don´t know how to keep eating according to the Dukan diet and it´s a pity because I´m really enjoying this diet. What should I do? Could you give me some advice? Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi May! I completely understand your situation. What you have to do first is to avoid lapses as much as you can and to eat only allowed food; Also I have said in a previous answer it's really better to do a PV day instead of a PP if you have no choice than doing a lapse. In case of a lapse the next day do a PP day and increase your physical activity. Keep us informed on how things are!

nenette_25 : Hi girls! I just need a boost as my weight has been now stagnating for the last 3 days ... I have started the cruise phase last Tuesday, I guess that's why?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello nenette_25, your weight goes down slowly again, don't worry we can't talk about stagnation in that case. To optimize your weight loss, leave aside tolerates, follow strictly your instructions and walk 15 to 30 minutes longer each day. Have faith!

candishibbi : Ive made the dukan Galette a few times and no matter what I do it sticks to the pan and doesnt turn out like a 'pancake" - I even bought a new non-stick pan? Also it tastes a bit like an omelette and I am really intolerant to egg, please help :)
Moderatrice sonja : Hi again Candi! What you can do is to try to bake it in your oven it's really efficient and that make it a bit crunchier. Bon appetit!

nenette_25 : Many recipes on the Fr. site have powder skimmed milk, couldn't find any in Ireland? What brand would be the more common one?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Nenette nice to see you there! In that case don't be bothered by that and just use liquid skimmed milk it will be fine!

homestreich : Yikes..another question. I can't find rhubarb anywhere this time of year. Can you suggest another food to help with constipation? Thanks again!
Moderatrice cathy : Hello homestreich, don't you have supermarkets specialized in forzen food (like Picard in France ?), as for example Iceland or Creative Gourmet? If not, you can exceptionally have 1 kiwi fruit in the morning, don't forget to drink a glass of fresh water, it will help you to fight against constipation problems. Keep us updated!

SG1845 : I am in the cruise phase but I find it very difficult to make wise food choices when eating out and even more so when eating at friends houses. I feel really motivated to lose weight and have accepted that these lapses are just that and not an excuse to resume bad habits. Is this acceptable? Even though it can mean small fluctuations in your weight lose?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi SG! Well the best to do of course is to avoid lapses as at the end your body can stagnate for a while. Try to focus on allowed food and tolerated only. It's even better to eat maybe three tolerated per day than eating delicatessen for example. In case of a lapse increase your physicalactrivity first and avoid tolerated for a while. You will see that this work. Keep going!

subutio : am on day 2 in the attack phase and am starving - have had skimmed milk in coffee, 3tsp no fat cottage cheese, a bite of chicken, a piece of salmon, and 3 egg omelette. I dont have all the recommended ingredients in the cupboard as not been shopping - i just want a vodka and dt coke and a big chocolate but dont want to ruin things - i have some cheese in the fridge but dont think thats allowed
Moderatrice cathy : Welcome to the Dukan diet coaching programme subutio, first of all be sure to have enough allowed ingredients to prepare your meals, so go shopping to buy authorized food. You've just begun the coaching so it would be really a shame to have chocolate or vodka yet. Focus on your goal and don't let it go, be strong! Don't forget also that the food allowed in the Dukan diet can be eaten until you have been satisfied. All the authorized food can be found in the fridge of your slimming's apartment. As fas as tolerated items are concerned, you can have 2 items per day, the list can be found in your cupboard. Classical cheese is forbidden unfortunately. Don't hesitate to send us your questions if you have a doubt about any other food, your mailbox is an important tool to communicate with us. Have a nice coaching!

aslisayili : Helloo from Cyprus :) all of my family here are dukanians. We have been following the programmes for about 2 months. They have reached their aims and they want to move on to stabilisation phase. We read the dukan diet book in detail but we have some hesitations regarding the daily intake of food. (I think this is just because of the translation) What should be the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables? Can you send me an example stabilisation menu for them so that we can adjust the rest according to that?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Aslia! Nice to read that there are so much Dukaners in your family! As far as stabilisation phase is concerned you can eat everything you want but with moderation; The only thing to respect is one day of PP only for your whole life and not use escalators never ever again!

pwolfeukip : Can you tell me if there is any alternative to wheat bran as I am intolerent to wheat and cannot do some of the recipes. Thanks
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Pwo! I'm sorry but there is no alternative to wheat bran but don't worry as you can make your diet without it. Keep going and do not hesitate to ask if you have any other question!

eunicedoc : Is carob powder allowed on the diet
Moderatrice cathy : Hello eunicedoc, I am afraid but carob powder is not allowed in the diet. It is usually used to replace cocoa powder but the Dukan method tolerates only the sugar free fat reduced (11% fat maximum) cocoa powder in the amount of 1 tbsp per day. Have a nice week-end!

aslisayili : Hello again;I have been on holiday for 3 days. I had to quit my diet. I was in cruise stage. I have gained three kgs there. What should I do now? Should I continue with the cruise phase or should I start from the attack phase again??? Helppp meee pleaseee
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Aslisa! Don't worry you don't need to start everything again from the beginning! Starting from tomorrow do three days of PP and do not eat any tolerated for a while. Increase your physical activity and of course do not do any lapses any more. We will see how things are in a few days but for the moment stick on my advices it's really important; Have a nice day!

smiley58 : hi, i am losing faith in the dukan diet as i don't understand how on pp days you can lose weight (i weighed 71.2 yesterday) when on pv days you put a lot of weight on (today i am weighing 71.6), which takes a few days to lose again (it's taken me 5 days to reach 71.2 so that means it's gonna take me as long to weigh 71.2 again before i can lose more!) i feel really disheartened and am close to giving up. indeed, what's the point? i don't see how i'm gonna reach my true weight at this rate, do you? i keep hearing that time doesn't matter but it does for the person making all these efforts and losing weight is as important for us too. please help urgently (i have also sent this message in my appartment) regards, smiley58- not really smiley anymore! :-(
Moderatrice cathy : Dear smiley58, I am sure we will help you to find your smile again. There are always solutions, so keep your entire motivation! Vegetables are mostly made of water, so it is consequently possible that you do some water retention after a PV day. If it is the case, be careful about the salt shaker, avoid salted food (ham, smocked fish, preserves, ...) and vegetables which offers a high sodium rate like cabbages, celeriac, turnips, radishes, etc... Moreover, don't drink more than 1,5 L water per day and don't forget to give a boost to your weight loss by increasing your daily work out! You will do it I am sure!

eunicedoc : Although I drink 1 1/2 litres of water per day and have my 2 tbsp oat bran I am still constipated. Is there anything else that I can do to ease this?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Eunice! for your constipation you have to drink really cold water high in minerals first ;Also do some abdominal exercises and try to have some baked rhubarb. That will help but if you are still constipated please go to see your doctor for a more appropriate treatment. Please let me know how you feel tomorrow, have a nice day!

pblasso : i've been on a point system before and always battled to use up my points. wine was a good option to boost it even though its not ideal. My weekdays are usually hectic and i have to remind myself to eat, mostly foods on the go and in many instances my pv days end up as pp days. the problem is really at dinner time as most nights i get home at 8pm and it's easier to eat whatever's available, and try to avoid the starches I do not have time to experiment with recipes or always follow my activities. i do however take a walk at lunch time for an hour and take the stairs everyday, varies between 5 - 8 floors. I'm afraid of stagnating. Any advice?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello pblasso, I checked your daily report which shows many lapses, how disappointing it is! The Dukan diet focuses on proteins whereas point system diets are based on calories. Forget the past and have a look to your positive future : stay on the slimming way and don't walk away! Try to have enough allowed food in your fridge, which don't need a too long time preparation, like cooked chicken breast, ham, smocked salmon, sugar free fat free dairies, crab sticks. Don't forget that frozen fish (like cod, trout, salmon) can be microwaved 5-7 minutes, then you can just add some capers or some dairy dip (0% fromage frais mixed with dill and spices) and your plate will be ready few minutes later, yummy and tasty! Continue to walk one hour a day, it is a great healthy measure! So, please, follow my advises, I am sure your weight will go down again. Have a nice Friday!

homestreich : I was asked to "chat" about my significant lapses (4 in 27 days). I am trying my hardest to follow this diet without lapses. But given the astronomical turmoil in my life (mostly outside my control), I am actually relieved that it’s only been 4 lapses. Two of the lapses were expected and I think justified: I'd gone to people's homes for dinner and these were important stress reducers; I was as careful as I could be about eating/drinking. The other two happened at night, generally the most dangerous time for me. Those are the ones I’m focusing on eliminating by leaving the kitchen and not making evening runs to the grocery store in the evening. I also need to exercise more! I am so much happier on those days that I don't have any lapses, and bearing this in mind is a main reason I have had so few, considering the enormous stress in my life. Thank you for keeping me honest (it's been tempting to fudge on my daily report so I don't get reprimanded, but that'd be ridiculous). I am committed to following this to the end and beyond. Thank you for the first diet that has actually shown miraculous results, and has been relatively easy to follow.
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Again Homestreich and thanks for your kind message. You are doing fine and you will reach your true weight don't worry. You are right to give us all of your information even about your lapses as that really helps us to give you the right advices. Thanks for your honesty and do not hesitate to ask if you need any help or support we are here for you!

aslisayili : Hello again :) I have a lot of questions today because I can not usually catch up with the live chat sessions beca?se I am working. As I said eralier my mother is also following the dukan diet. She is in menapouse and she has minor osteoporosis. She walks for one hour everyday. But she can't lose any satisfying weight. She has lost only 300 grammes this week. What should she do?
Moderatrice cathy : Hi asliayili, tell to your mother to eat 4 up to 5 dairies per days for a right calcium intake. Moreover, as D-vitamin helps fixing calcium on the bones, advise her to eat more fatty fishes like salmon, herrings, eels, trouts, tuna, mackerel, etc... and to go outside as much as possible because the natural light (daylight) will also bring some D vitamin. Furthermore, she mustn't worry about her weight loss because it can not be constant during all the diet. If she follows the instructions, if she is careful about water retention, everything will continue in the right way. Have a nice family coaching!

nenette_25 : I'm losing on average 400 Kcal a sports session and I go 3 to 4 times a week + I walk 30 min a day, is it enough?
Moderatrice cathy : High nenette_25, it is really very good! Perfect! Maintain that frequency and try to walk 15 minutes more if you can. Thanks a lot for your questions!

dawson1199 : Hello again. Just a quick question regarding eggs if there is no cholesterol problem what is the daily limit? on my daily suggested reipe it talks about an onion omelette made with more than 1 egg for 1 person. I thought I read somewhere that it shouldn't be more than 1 egg per day. Also if you've had your limit can you still enjoy the dukan mayonnaise for example?Thanks
Moderatrice cathy : Hi again dawson1199, if you don't have cholesterol problems you can have up to 5 eggs a week. If you have reached that daily amount and if you want to prepare a recipe which contains eggs, just leave aside the yolks and use the whites ones. Indeed, only the yolks contain fat and cholesterol, whites are exclusively made of proteins. Enjoy your recipes and your Dukan mayonnaise!

Chantel78 : I dont understand the difference in the obliged and supplementary exercise so I am not sure if I am doing everything I should be or answering the questions right? What are the obliged exercises and what are the supplementary exercises?
Moderatrice cathy : Hello Chantel78, you have to do the obliged daily exercices, the supplementary ones are facultative but of course if you can do some of those proposed, it would be better! It will optimize your coaching. If you have a doubt, please send us a message in your mailbox. Let's move!

trishcherry : I just want to say how pleased I am with this diet. I have tried just about every diet under the sun, but this one is ideal for me. I did try it when the book first came to uk in May, but failed to complete it. With the coaching on line though it has made all the difference. Now I am into my third day on consolodation. How long does the initial payment I made last?
Moderatrice sonja : Hi Trish! I'm really glad to read that you enjoy our service, thanks for your kind message! You will be with us until the 22nd of November. You still have the possibility to susbscribe to the stablization phase if you want to stay with us for a longer; Keep going and have a very nice day!

Moderatrice mod : The chat is now over, thanks to everyone for your participation. We hope that you enjoyed it! The history of this chat will be available to view later on today so those who might have missed it can see what we discussed.If we didn?t get a chance to answer your question, please don?t hesitate to send us an email so we can answer you that way.Thanks again and see you for the next chat on Wednesday the 27th October at 8 o?clock PM UK time!


10 σχόλια:

  1. Καλώς σας βρήκα. Συγχαρητήρια για το blog σας. Αποφάσισα να ξαναξεκινήσω τη Ντιούκαν. Την είχα κάνει πριν από 4 χρόνια και ήταν όντως αποτελεσματική. Αλήθεια είδα παραπάνω τη φράση "You say you are having trouble finding 0% dairy, don't worry you are ok to eat any dairy that has less than 97-98% fat." Τι ακριβώς εννοεί γιατί δεν βγάζω συμπέρασμα. Ευχαριστώ πολύ εκ των προτέρων.

    ΑπάντησηΔιαγραφή
    Απαντήσεις
    1. Καλώς όρισες Vita και σε ευχαριστώ για τα καλά σου λόγια! Τα γράφει όντως μπερδεμένα (μάλλον ανάποδα) ο coach, εννοεί ότι μπορείς να τρως γαλακτοκομικά μέχρι 2% λιπαρά, έως 1 λίτρο τη μέρα.

      Διαγραφή
  2. Καλησπέρα και συγχαρητήρια για το όλο έργο! Οι συνταγές είναι φοβερές κι είμαι σίγουρη ότι και χωρίς δίαιτα είναι πολύ λαχταριστά πιάτα! Ξεκίνησα σήμερα κι ήθελα να ρωτήσω. Μπορώ να καταναλώνω 1 κουταλάκι μουρουνέλαιο τη μέρα κι αν ναι, σε ποια φάση?

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    1. Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ! Φοβάμαι πως δεν επιτρέπεται το μουρουνέλαιο, μιας και το ελαιόλαδο το επιτρέπει κατ εξαίρεση ο Ντουκαν.

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  3. Καλησπέρα και συγχαρητήρια για το υπέροχο site !Εχω ενθουσιαστεί με τις συνταγες και θα ξεκινήσω σύντομα την δίαιτα αυτή και ειχα μια απορία.Τα προϊόντα Dukan πχ dukan δημητριακα,ταλιατελες,μπισκοτα κτλ σε τι ποσοτητα επιτρέπονται ?

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    1. Οι ταλιατέλες και τα shirataki γενικότερα είναι ελεύθερα. Για τα υπόλοιπα δες εδώ:
      http://dukandiaita.blogspot.gr/2015/05/dukan.html

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  4. Όσον αφορά τον λιναρόσπορο, επιτρέπεται 1 κουταλιά του γλυκού ή 1 κουταλιά της σούπας ως ανεκτό; Στην σχετική κατηγορία αναφέρεις 1 κ.σ., αλλά στο παραπάνω post ο coach λέει 1 κ.γ... Επίσης, υποθέτω ότι μετράμε την ποσότητα ως σπόρο, έτσι? Γιατί αλεσμένος, βγαίνει παραπάνω από 1 κουταλιά... Ευχαριστώ!!!!

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    1. Μία κουταλιά του γλυκού επιτρέπεται, παλιότερα ξέραμε ότι ήταν της σούπας αλλά στην πορεία το άλλαξαν! Σε ευχαριστώ για την επισήμανση, το διόρθωσα κι εγώ γιατί το είχα ξεχάσει! Ναι την ποσότητα τη μετράμε ως σπόρο.

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  5. Καλησπέρα, ήθελα να ρωτήσω υπάρχει κάποιο προϊόν από ντοματάκι κονκασε στο σούπερ μάρκετ χωρίς ζάχαρη και λιπαρά;

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Τα σχόλια περνούν από έγκριση πριν δημοσιευτούν. Παρακαλώ αφήστε το σχόλιό σας μόνο μία φορά. Σχόλια με ερωτήσεις που έχουν απαντηθεί στο κείμενο με την περιγραφή της δίαιτας, όπως πχ αν επιτρέπεται το μέλι ή το αλεύρι, δεν θα δημοσιεύονται πλέον λόγω έλλειψης χώρου στο μπλογκ. Σας ευχαριστώ για την κατανόηση!