The attack phase of the Dukan diet is the initial stage of the famous Dukan diet, pioneered by French nutritionist Pierre Dukan. Although this phase is supposed to last around 7 days, most people consider day 5 to be the magic day where they would have lost 2-4 pounds. The main objective of this phase is to familiarize the dieter with the eating habits that must be instilled in order to successfully complete the diet. In fact, what is instilled here will become a lifelong habit for the dieter, should they decide to follow the Dukan diet.

During the attack phase of the Dukan diet, most people find that they experience immediate and significant weight loss, sometimes even up to 6 pounds in a week. In the later stages of the diet, weight loss would be gradual, as the body begins to adjust to the new regimen. The first days of the Attack Phase of the Dukan diet are the most challenging for dieters, as not only is the body diverted from its old eating habits (and possibly its addictions to certain foods such as sugar and fat), but it is also left craving carbohydrates and this craving is manifested by tiredness and exhaustion. In many cases, a headache, though not exactly severe, but noticeable, has been observed in many dieters during this segment of the diet. But these uncomfortable symptoms usually go away after completing the Attack Phase.

Another situation that arises as a direct consequence of the new diet is constipation. This should come as no surprise, as the Dukan diet involves eating more protein than anything else; obviously there will be a lack of dietary fiber which will result in constipation. This is why the Attack Phase emphasizes the consumption of oat bran and wheat bran in addition to plenty of water. Water plays an important role in the diet, as dehydration can put additional stress on the kidneys.

A large protein intake can also lead to bad breath, due to the fact that the dieting body is in ketosis. Again, plenty of water and also chewing gum (making sure it’s sugar free) should help alleviate any bad breath generated during the Attack Phase.

During this rung of the Dukan diet, it’s important not to skip meals or go hungry, as most diet veterans are likely to do, probably due to force of habit. Exercise is not a favorite among dieters, therefore the good news for the attack phase is that excessive exercise is not recommended during this segment. However, very moderate exercise in the form of a 20-minute walk every day is necessary during this segment of the diet.