Duncan Diet Creating the "Dunkanniste"

If you're a celebrity and on the Duncan diet then you are a "Dunkanniste". The Duncan Diet has already sold more than 3.5 million copies in 14 languages and is raising to fame as the answer to weight loss. It has been blasted all over the news and magazines alike mentioning those notable names who are followers of this diet according to rumors include Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman.

However, it also has been noted that this new diet just may actually be an enhance carbon copy of the famous Atkin's diet. Some critics are referring to it as just another diet fad.

Duncan Diet

According to the Duncan diet there are four phases in which to lose and maintain weight.

Phase One: The Attack

This phase is noted that immediate results will be seen. In this first phase the diet consists of up to 72 high protein foods which empower you with fast weight loss.

Phase Two: A Cruise

While in this phase the diet switches in between pure protein days (PP phases) and proteins along with 28 vegetables (PV phases).

Phase Three: Consolidation

This is ten days per kg lost which is to get you ready to return to a balanced diet. You do have freedom that is still supervised. This phase is to see a slow return of enjoyable foods with two festive meals.

Phase Four: Stabilization

This phase is said to be based on three simple, easy and concrete but non-negotiable terms. This is said to be the easiest and the most vital part of their slimming method.

In a nut shell it is a high protein low fat approach to dieting.

High protein diets much like low carb do carry their list of pros and cons. High protein diets usually consist of lots of protein packed foods. These foods leave you feeling full.

Dr. Carol Johnston, PhD, registered dietician and professor of nutrition at Arizona State University, states that high protein diets are not alike. High protein high fats and low carbohydrates are the norm for these diets such as Atkin's.

Dr. Johnston recommends consuming fish, poultry, non-fat dairy, yogurt and soy. Consume only two servings of whole grain each day and make sure it is whole grain. Consume a lot of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily. Non-fat dairy at two to four servings each day.

Avoid red meat and if you cannot then limit it to a few servings a week this includes fast foods, bakery items, convenience and processed foods. There really is no room available for soda and sweets on these diets.

Experts voice their opinions

Spokeswoman Sue Moores, RD, for the American Dietetic Association states high protein foods leave the stomach at a slower rate so a person can feel fuller for a longer time. Weight loss does occur fast on these diets. The draw back is it is usually short term weight loss with the weight making a return and in all the wrong places. Once the diet stops the weight returns.

Dr. Carol Watson, co-director of the UCLA Program in Preventive Cardiology states being on high protein and deprived of carbohydrates leads to trouble.

When there is not enough carbohydrates to change into blood sugar the body must use stored blood sugar from the liver and muscles. This leads to muscle breakdown. Muscles are mostly water because of that a person will lose weight fast within a few days. If carbohydrates are restricted for a long time the brain then runs on fat storage for fuel. If that happens more than weight loss occurs it can bring on numerous problems including headaches, kidneys work more and heart palpitations which have been implicated in cardiac arrest.

Other issues of high protein diets

Most of the times the high protein diets are full of saturated fat which can raise the risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. Some of these diets limit intake of high fiber plant foods which aide in lowering cholesterol.

High protein diets also lack vital nutrients. When restricting plant based foods that are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals you are losing protection against cancer and other diseases.

Is this high protein diet the latest fad, a carbon copy of Atkins, or could it be another diet that leaves you in the long run with those packed on pounds you had before starting the diet. Are the health risks associated to high protein diets really worth the risks in the long run.

Sensible eating, exercise and adequate sleep may still be the natural answer to weight loss.

Sources:

OK Magazine

Huffington Post

Duncan Diet

Web MD