Understanding What Are the Phases of the Dukan Diet?

December 15, 2025 •

2 min read

First created in the 1970s by French doctor Pierre Dukan, this protein-focused diet has gained global recognition. It is structured around four distinct phases of the Dukan diet, each with specific rules for food and exercise to achieve weight loss and prevent rebound weight gain.

Quick Summary

The Dukan diet uses four progressive phases: the high-protein Attack phase, the protein-and-vegetable Cruise phase, the gradual Consolidation phase for reintroducing foods, and the long-term Stabilization phase.

Key Points

Four Progressive Phases: The Dukan diet is organized into a four-stage process that moves from rapid weight loss to long-term maintenance.
Attack Phase is Lean Protein Only: This initial phase restricts intake to a list of 68 lean proteins for rapid weight loss.
Cruise Phase Adds Non-Starchy Vegetables: Dieters alternate between protein-only days and protein-plus-vegetable days until their target weight is achieved.
Consolidation Phase Reintroduces Foods: This stage slowly adds fruits, starches, and bread back into the diet to prevent weight regain.
Stabilization Phase is Long-Term Maintenance: The final phase focuses on three key lifestyle rules, including one weekly protein-only day, for permanent weight management.
Oat Bran is Crucial for Fiber: A daily, increasing dose of oat bran is mandatory throughout all phases to aid digestion and fullness.
High-Protein Focus Aims to Curb Appetite: The emphasis on lean protein helps dieters feel full longer, which may reduce overall calorie intake.
Potential for Nutritional Deficiencies: The restrictive nature of the early phases can lead to a lack of essential nutrients, emphasizing the need for caution.

The Four Phases of the Dukan Diet

Dr. Pierre Dukan designed his diet around four distinct, progressive phases to guide dieters from rapid weight loss towards long-term weight maintenance. The initial two phases focus on weight loss, while the latter two concentrate on maintaining the achieved weight.

Phase 1: Attack Phase

This phase aims for rapid initial weight loss and typically lasts between 1 to 7 days, depending on individual goals. It is a high-protein phase, relying almost exclusively on lean proteins which can lead to ketosis.

Duration: 1 to 7 days.
Allowed Foods: Selection from 68 lean proteins (e.g., lean beef, poultry, fish, eggs, fat-free dairy).
Mandatory Additions: 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and at least 1.5 liters of water daily.
Exercise: 20 minutes of brisk walking per day.

Phase 2: Cruise Phase

Continuing until the target weight is achieved, this phase focuses on gradual weight loss. Non-starchy vegetables are introduced, with the diet alternating between pure protein (PP) days and protein with vegetable (PV) days. The duration is roughly three days per pound to lose.

Duration: Until goal weight is reached (up to 12 months).
Allowed Foods: All proteins from the Attack phase plus 32 non-starchy vegetables.
Mandatory Additions: 2 tablespoons of oat bran per day.
Exercise: 30 minutes of brisk walking per day.

Phase 3: Consolidation Phase

Designed to prevent weight regain, this phase gradually reintroduces more diverse foods. Its length is determined by the weight lost, at a rate of 5 days per pound.

Duration: 5 days for every pound lost.
Allowed Foods: Unlimited protein and vegetables, plus daily portions of fruit, whole-grain bread, and hard cheese.
Weekly Allowances: 1-2 servings of starchy foods and 1-2 "celebration" meals.
Mandatory Additions: One "Pure Protein" day per week and 2.5 tablespoons of oat bran daily.
Exercise: 25 minutes of brisk walking per day.

Phase 4: Stabilization Phase

The final phase is a lifelong approach to weight maintenance with three core rules.

Comparison of the Dukan Diet Phases

{Link: Fitelo fitelo.co/diet/dukan-diet/} provides a table comparing the phases, including focus, duration, core foods, and oat bran intake.

Considerations and Recommendations

The Dukan Diet can be motivating due to rapid initial weight loss. However, concerns exist about potential nutritional deficiencies from its restrictive nature, especially early on. The high protein intake might also affect kidneys and liver. It's not suitable for everyone, particularly those with conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. Consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian is recommended before starting. For a more detailed review, you can consult The Dukan Diet Review.

Conclusion

The Dukan Diet's four phases offer a structured weight loss and maintenance plan. It starts with a protein-only phase and gradually adds food groups. While the structure is appealing, its restrictiveness and risk of deficiencies require careful consideration and professional advice. Following all phases is key for long-term management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Attack phase lasts 1-7 days, the Cruise phase lasts until your goal weight is reached, the Consolidation phase lasts 5 days for every pound lost, and the Stabilization phase is for life.

During the Attack phase, you can eat from a list of 68 lean proteins, including lean meats, poultry, fish, and fat-free dairy, along with 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and plenty of water.

The 'True Weight' is the weight that Dr. Dukan's method calculates you can reach and maintain without excessive struggle. You remain in the Cruise phase until this weight is achieved.

No, vegetables are not allowed in the Attack phase. They are introduced in the Cruise phase and are a standard part of the Consolidation and Stabilization phases.

During the Consolidation phase, you are allowed 1-2 "celebration meals" per week, which can include one appetizer, one entree, one dessert, and a glass of wine.

Once a week, ideally on a Thursday, followers of the diet revert to the strict protein-only rules of the Attack phase. This is a core rule for both the Consolidation and Stabilization phases.

Common side effects include constipation, fatigue, and bad breath due to the restrictive nature and low fiber intake, especially in the early phases. High protein can also pose health risks for some.

Following the Dukan diet as a vegetarian is very difficult, as it heavily relies on animal protein. The only vegetarian protein options listed are tofu, tempeh, and seitan.