An all-protein diet menu is a component of the Dukan Diet Plan, a weight-loss regimen popular in France and the U.K. The diet, devised by Dr. Pierre Dukan, begins with an "Attack" phase that promises to help you lose 7 to 10 lbs. in five to 10 days. This phase consists of a "protein-only" diet emphasizing lean meats, nonfat dairy, eggs, fish and poultry. While the plan has people reporting significant weight loss, it severely restricts nutrients and may be dangerous for some people. Before following any new diet plan, check with your physician to make sure it is appropriate for you.
Features
A true all-protein diet menu contains no carbohydrates or fats, making it almost impossible to follow. Even "fat-free" egg whites and shrimp contain trace amounts of carbohydrates and fat. The Dukan plan's all-protein meals contain nonfat dairy and fish products which do have small amounts of fat and carbs.
Dukan's Plan
The all-protein menu in Dukan's plan might begin with coffee or tea, nonfat yogurt, sliced turkey breast and a boiled egg. For lunch, you could have pepper steak with an egg-custard. At dinner, you could enjoy mussels steamed in white wine with a no-sugar cream dessert. During each of your two snacks, you might have a serving of nonfat cottage cheese or yogurt with a slice of roast chicken or turkey.
Purpose
Eating an all-protein plan can help increase your feelings of fullness. The body requires more energy to digest protein, resulting in a slight metabolic boost. Lean and no fat proteins contain fewer calories than fatty foods, resulting in a decreased calorie intake. In Dukan's plan, the all-protein diet lasts for one to 10 days, depending on how much weight you need to lose. After the initial "Attack" phase, you move into a longer "Cruise" phase in which you alternate all-protein menu days with days that include vegetables, such as lettuce, steamed spinach, celery and tomatoes. As you move into the final two phases of the diet plan, fruits and grains are reintroduced, but one day a week is always reserved as an all-protein diet day.
Considerations
Eating an all-protein menu for an extended period of time could put undue strain on your kidneys. It may lead to constipation and hemorrhoids as you consume little to no fiber. During your all-protein "Attack" phase, you may also experience dry mouth and bad breath. Foods with carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients that your body needs for good health. Heart-healthy unsaturated fats should also be included as part of a regular diet as they promote brain development, hormone production and healthy skin and hair.
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