January Means Diet (or so I've heard)

 One of the most common New Year resolutions is losing weight, especially since December involves so many family dinners, celebrations and parties. I'm not a fan of diets because I believe that changing habits permanently is the best way to lose weight and keep it off (not an easy task). However, there's a new trend in diets that I'd like to write about: the Dukan Diet.

Carrots and cheese, a protein-vegetable option?

 Pierre Dukan is a French doctor, who designed a protein-based diet in four phases: attack, cruise, consolidation and stabilization. On the attack phase, which lasts a few days, you're only allowed to eat proteins. Then, during the cruise phase, you can alternate pure protein days with protein-vegetable days. The consolidation phase brings you back slowly to the forbidden foods and the stabilization phase goes on forever. It involves one pure protein day a week and daily oat bran for the rest of your life. Sounds harsh, right?

Pork Schnitzel (not allowed in this diet)

 I learned about this diet through two close friends (husband and wife) who lost a lot of weight with this diet. She lost 12 kilos (26 pounds) and he lost 30 kilos (66 pounds). They definitely look thinner and, according to a recent blood work, they are healthy. They began the diet last June and are still in the consolidation phase. They are my personal testimonials about the effectiveness of this diet.

Veggies for a stir fry (on the top right is cabbage, but it looks like cheese)

 Before I jumped in and began the diet myself, I decided to think things through and look at the pros and cons of it. The pros are evident. I've been unable to lose weight for a while, though I've managed to reduce a few centimeters, and it would be great to move that scale. My friends looked good and healthy and said they didn't starve, so it seems good. On the bad side, a protein-based diet is incredibly expensive and out of my budget. Also, I can't find oat bran here in Venezuela, so I'd be missing a key part of the diet. Finally, would I be strong enough to give up carbs and sweets?

Could I trick my sweet tooth with fruits?

 In the end, I decided on a compromise. I'll reduce carbs and increase veggies and proteins. I'll lower the fat intake and take the stairs more often. I'm also going to read more about this diet, to learn more and see if I can adapt it to my needs. Does it sound like a good plan to you?