What foods are allowed on the Dukan Diet?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Created by French physician Pierre Dukan, the Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate eating plan based on 100 foods. This article outlines the specific foods allowed on the Dukan Diet during each of its four distinct phases, guiding you from the initial weight loss push to the long-term stabilization phase.

Quick Summary

This guide details the permitted foods for each of the Dukan Diet's four phases: Attack, Cruise, Consolidation, and Stabilization. Food lists are provided, from lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables to the gradual reintroduction of other items.

Key Points

Attack Phase: Focuses on 68 pure protein sources, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and fat-free dairy, for rapid initial weight loss.
Cruise Phase: Alternates between pure protein days and days that include 32 specific non-starchy vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, and peppers.
Consolidation Phase: Gradually reintroduces additional food groups, including fruit, whole-grain bread, hard cheese, and starchy foods, to prevent rebound weight gain.
Stabilization Phase: The final, lifelong phase requires three core habits: one pure protein day per week, daily oat bran, and consistent physical activity.
Oat Bran is Mandatory: The daily consumption of oat bran increases with each phase, providing fiber and aiding digestion.
Foods Excluded Initially: High-carb and high-fat foods, including most fruits, grains, and fatty meats, are restricted in the early phases and reintroduced cautiously.
Consult a Professional: Due to its highly restrictive nature, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting the Dukan Diet to ensure it's safe for your health.

Phase 1: The Attack Phase

This initial phase is designed to kick-start weight loss rapidly and typically lasts between one and seven days, depending on the individual's weight loss goals. During this period, the diet is almost exclusively composed of pure proteins from a list of 68 approved items.

Allowed Attack Phase Foods

Lean Meats: Lean beef (sirloin, tenderloin), veal, venison, bison, and lean pork cuts are permitted. Fatty cuts like ribs are prohibited.
Poultry: All types of poultry except duck and goose are allowed, provided the skin is removed.
Fish: Both fatty and lean fish are acceptable, including salmon, mackerel, cod, and tuna, prepared without added oil.
Shellfish: Crab, shrimp, clams, lobster, and mussels are all on the approved list.
Eggs: Chicken and quail eggs can be consumed freely.
Vegetarian Proteins: Tofu, seitan, and tempeh are included for vegetarian options.
Fat-Free Dairy: Skim milk, fat-free yogurt, fat-free cream cheese, and cottage cheese are allowed.
Essential Additions: Daily intake of 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran is mandatory, along with ample water consumption.

Phase 2: The Cruise Phase

This phase alternates between protein-only days and protein-and-vegetable days until you reach your target weight. The duration depends on how much weight you need to lose.

Allowed Cruise Phase Foods

In addition to all the pure proteins from the Attack Phase, the Cruise Phase introduces 32 specific non-starchy vegetables.

Non-starchy Vegetables

Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, kale, and cabbage.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Other Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, and onions.

Important Guidelines for the Cruise Phase

Alternating Days: You must alternate between a "Pure Protein" day and a "Protein and Vegetable" day.
Oat Bran: The daily oat bran intake increases to 2 tablespoons.
Vegetable Preparation: Vegetables can be consumed raw, steamed, or baked, with minimal seasonings and no added oil.

Phase 3: The Consolidation Phase

The Consolidation Phase is crucial for preventing rebound weight gain and lasts five days for every pound lost. It gradually reintroduces a wider variety of foods.

Foods Added During Consolidation

Unlimited Proteins and Vegetables: You can continue to eat all foods from the Cruise Phase.
Daily Additions: One serving of fruit (excluding bananas, grapes, figs, and cherries), two slices of whole-grain bread, and 1.5 ounces of hard-rind cheese.
Weekly Additions: One to two servings of starchy foods per week and one to two "celebration meals". Lamb, pork, and ham are also reintroduced in this phase.
Protein Thursday: One day per week, you must revert to the pure protein diet of the Attack Phase.

Phase 4: The Stabilization Phase

This is the final, indefinite phase designed for lifelong weight maintenance. While most foods are now allowed in moderation, three non-negotiable rules must be followed for life.

Rules for the Stabilization Phase

Daily Oat Bran: 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day.
Protein Thursday: One pure protein day per week.
Physical Activity: Prefer stairs over elevators and aim for a daily 20-minute walk.

Comparison of Dukan Diet Phases and Allowed Foods


Feature	Phase 1 (Attack)	Phase 2 (Cruise)	Phase 3 (Consolidation)	Phase 4 (Stabilization)
Duration	1–7 days	Until target weight is reached	5 days per pound lost	Indefinite
Core Foods	68 Pure Proteins	68 Pure Proteins + 32 Non-starchy Vegetables	All previous foods + new items	All foods in moderation
Oat Bran	1.5 tbsp/day	2 tbsp/day	2.5 tbsp/day	3 tbsp/day
Vegetables	None (except small amounts of herbs/spices)	Allowed on alternating days	Allowed daily	All types allowed
Fruit	No	No	1 serving daily (restricted types)	Allowed daily
Whole Grains	No	No	2 slices of whole-grain bread daily	Allowed daily
Starchy Foods	No	No	1–2 servings per week	Allowed weekly
Cheese	No	No	1.5 oz hard cheese daily	Allowed daily
Celebration Meals	No	No	1–2 per week	As desired
Pure Protein Day	Every day	On alternating days	One day per week	One day per week

Conclusion: Navigating the Dukan Diet Foods

Successfully following the Dukan Diet requires a clear understanding of what foods are allowed in each of its four phases. The diet's structure moves from a restrictive, protein-heavy start to a more flexible, balanced approach for long-term maintenance. By adhering to the specific food lists and rules for each stage, individuals can navigate the plan effectively. However, due to its restrictive nature, especially in the early phases, some health experts have raised concerns about nutritional deficiencies and long-term sustainability. Therefore, always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any new diet.

For more detailed guidance and recipes, you can visit the official Dukan Diet website for resources like the official Dukan Diet food list and other support materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. During the Attack Phase, no vegetables are allowed. In the Cruise Phase, you can add 32 specific non-starchy vegetables on alternating days with pure protein days.

Fruit is not allowed during the Attack or Cruise phases. It is gradually introduced in the Consolidation Phase, with some exceptions like bananas, grapes, and cherries.

Oat bran is mandatory and consumed daily throughout all phases of the Dukan Diet. It provides fiber, helps create a feeling of fullness, and aids digestion.

Yes, vegetarian proteins like tofu, seitan, and tempeh are included in the list of allowed foods from the Attack Phase onward. However, sources like beans and lentils are initially restricted.

The Consolidation Phase gradually reintroduces previously restricted foods while still adhering to a weekly pure protein day. The Stabilization Phase is a lifelong maintenance plan that loosens most restrictions, maintaining only the weekly protein day, daily oat bran, and regular exercise.

The Dukan Diet refers to these as 'celebration meals.' You can have one or two per week during the Consolidation and Stabilization phases, with specific rules about portion size.

Alcohol is generally restricted in the early, more restrictive phases. A glass of wine may be permitted during the Consolidation and Stabilization phases.

Yes, sugar-free gelatin, artificial sweeteners, and diet sodas are generally permitted in moderation throughout the diet.

The weekly pure protein day is a non-negotiable rule in both the Consolidation and Stabilization phases. It helps counter weight fluctuations and solidify maintenance efforts over the long term.