How Many Carbs Are in the Dukan Diet? A Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with four distinct phases, and its carb intake varies significantly throughout the process. Initially very restrictive to jumpstart weight loss, the plan systematically reintroduces carbohydrates to help dieters maintain their results long-term. Understanding the specific carb rules for each phase is essential for successfully following the program.

Quick Summary

The Dukan Diet's carb count varies drastically by phase, starting with near-zero intake and gradually reintroducing limited carbs like vegetables, fruit, and starches. The amount of daily oat bran also increases throughout the program's progression.

Key Points

Attack Phase is Nearly Carb-Free: The initial phase restricts carbohydrates to only 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran per day to jumpstart weight loss.
Cruise Phase Adds Low-Carb Veggies: This phase alternates between pure protein days and protein-plus-vegetable days, with non-starchy vegetables being the only new carb source, along with 2 tablespoons of daily oat bran.
Consolidation Reintroduces Controlled Carbs: During this phase, foods like fruit, whole-grain bread, and starchy foods are gradually added back in controlled portions to prevent weight rebound.
Oat Bran is a Constant Carb Source: A consistent and increasing daily intake of oat bran provides fiber and a small amount of carbs throughout all four phases of the diet.
Stabilization Phase Allows Flexibility: The final phase lifts most food restrictions, provided followers adhere to three key lifelong rules, including a weekly pure protein day and a set daily oat bran amount.
Consult a Professional for Risks: The restrictive early phases may lead to nutritional deficiencies or other health issues, making medical consultation important before beginning.

Understanding the Dukan Diet's Carb Structure

Dr. Pierre Dukan's diet method is designed to use lean protein as its primary source of fuel while minimizing carbohydrate and fat intake. This multi-phase structure guides followers from a very low-carb approach to a more balanced, sustainable eating pattern. The allowance of carbohydrates changes with each phase, making it crucial to understand the rules for each stage to achieve the desired results and properly transition into maintenance.

Attack Phase: The Zero-Carb Launch

The first and most restrictive phase, the Attack phase, is almost entirely carbohydrate-free. Its purpose is to trigger rapid weight loss and initiate ketosis by burning stored fat for energy. The only source of carbohydrates is a daily intake of 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran.

During this phase, dieters consume only lean proteins from a list of 68 options, including lean meats, fish, eggs, and fat-free dairy. All other carbs, including fruits and vegetables, are strictly forbidden.

Cruise Phase: Adding Low-Carb Vegetables

The Cruise phase continues the weight loss effort by introducing non-starchy vegetables. Followers alternate between two different days until their goal weight is reached:

Pure Protein (PP) Days: Days where only the 68 lean proteins are consumed, just like the Attack phase.
Protein and Vegetable (PV) Days: Days where the 68 lean proteins are combined with 32 specific non-starchy vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, cucumber, and spinach.

During this phase, the daily oat bran intake increases to 2 tablespoons. No other forms of carbs like fruit or starches are allowed yet, emphasizing the continued restriction on carbohydrate intake to ensure steady weight loss.

Consolidation Phase: Reintroducing Carbs Safely

Once the target weight is achieved, the Consolidation phase aims to prevent weight regain by gradually and carefully reintroducing certain previously forbidden foods. The length of this phase is five days for every pound lost. The carb allowances are split into two halves of the phase:

First Half: One serving of fruit per day (excluding high-sugar varieties like bananas, grapes, and cherries), two slices of whole-grain bread daily, one portion of hard rind cheese daily, and one serving of starchy foods per week.
Second Half: Two servings of fruit per day, two slices of whole-grain bread daily, one portion of hard rind cheese daily, and two servings of starchy foods per week.

Dieters must also continue one weekly "Pure Protein" day and increase oat bran consumption to 2.5 tablespoons daily.

Stabilization Phase: The Lifelong Maintenance

The final phase is a permanent lifestyle approach designed to keep the weight off for good. While no foods are explicitly forbidden, three non-negotiable rules form the foundation of the diet:

Eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran daily.
Have one "Pure Protein" day per week, following the same rules as the Attack phase.
Walk briskly for 20 minutes daily.

By following these rules, individuals can manage their carbohydrate intake and eating habits to maintain their weight without constant restriction. The diet's developers suggest using the Consolidation phase rules as a flexible guide for the rest of the week.

Dukan Diet Carbohydrate Comparison by Phase

To clearly illustrate the evolution of carbohydrate intake, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences across the four phases.


Feature	Attack Phase	Cruise Phase	Consolidation Phase	Stabilization Phase
Carbohydrate Intake	Minimal (Oat Bran Only)	Low (Non-Starchy Veggies & Oat Bran)	Moderate (Controlled Reintroduction)	Flexible (with weekly rules)
Daily Oat Bran	1.5 tablespoons	2 tablespoons	2.5 tablespoons	3 tablespoons
Non-Starchy Vegetables	No	Yes (on PV days)	Yes (unlimited)	Yes (part of a balanced diet)
Fruit	No	No	Yes (1-2 servings/day)	Yes (controlled)
Whole-Grain Bread	No	No	Yes (2 slices/day)	Yes (controlled)
Starchy Foods	No	No	Yes (1-2 servings/week)	Yes (controlled)
Weekly Pure Protein Day	Every day	PP/PV alternation	Yes (one day/week)	Yes (one day/week)

The Role of Oat Bran and Non-Starchy Vegetables

Oat bran serves a critical function throughout all phases of the Dukan Diet. Its high fiber content helps promote feelings of fullness and aids digestion, which is especially important during the initial low-carb phases. The gradual increase in daily intake of oat bran is a staple of the program's progression.

Non-starchy vegetables, introduced during the Cruise phase, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are missing from the purely protein-based Attack phase. This step adds nutritional diversity and makes the diet more sustainable without significantly increasing the overall carbohydrate load.

Risks and Considerations for a Low-Carb Diet

While effective for weight loss, restrictive diets like the Dukan Diet carry potential health risks. In its early, low-carb phases, dieters may experience fatigue, headaches, or bad breath due to ketosis. A study of women on the Dukan Diet also showed insufficient intake of certain micronutrients like Vitamin C and folate during the initial stages. Long-term adherence to a high-protein, low-carb diet may also place strain on the kidneys and has been linked to increased risk for certain diseases. For these reasons, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any highly restrictive diet. For more insights on diet-related health concerns, the National Institutes of Health provides valuable information on nutrition.

Conclusion: Navigating Carb Intake on the Dukan Diet

In conclusion, the question of "how many carbs are in the Dukan Diet" has a different answer for each of its four phases. The journey begins with a nearly zero-carb, high-protein attack, then gradually reintroduces healthier carb sources through the cruise and consolidation phases. The final stabilization phase establishes a lifelong pattern of moderate carb consumption centered around three core rules, ensuring that the initial weight loss is maintained. By understanding this progressive approach to carb intake, dieters can effectively navigate the program and manage their weight goals over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, fruit is not allowed during the Attack and Cruise phases. It is reintroduced in controlled portions during the Consolidation phase (1-2 servings per day) and can be consumed in moderation in the Stabilization phase.

Yes, non-starchy vegetables are introduced during the Cruise phase on alternating "Protein and Vegetable" days. Starchy vegetables like potatoes are not allowed until the Consolidation phase.

The amount of oat bran increases as you progress. It is 1.5 tbsp in the Attack phase, 2 tbsp in the Cruise phase, 2.5 tbsp in the Consolidation phase, and 3 tbsp daily in the Stabilization phase.

Celebration meals, which allow for a broader range of foods, are introduced during the Consolidation phase. You get one celebration meal per week in the first half of the phase and two per week in the second half.

The low-carb nature of the Attack phase is designed to promote rapid initial weight loss by forcing the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

The Stabilization phase allows for a wide range of foods, including carbohydrates, but with three lifelong rules, such as one pure protein day per week and three tablespoons of oat bran daily, to maintain weight.

No, grains and starchy foods are not permitted in the initial Attack or Cruise phases. Controlled servings of starches like brown rice or whole wheat pasta are allowed only during the Consolidation phase.