Tailoring a Great French Diet to your Florida Lifestyle
For those of you who followed my Parislogue posts about the Dukan diet three years ago, you'll be delighted to know that the Dukan diet has finally hit the US of A! I just picked up a copy of the Crown Publishing edition and it's a beautiful translation of Dr. Dukan's inspiring call to arms.
And let's face it, losing weight - whether you want to lose one pound or fifty pounds is a battle against an army of junk food, constant attack of food advertisments, impulse food at cashier check-outs, and the daily stress that drives us to find refuge in our sense of taste and texture.
If you haven't yet read, The Dukan Diet, read it from cover to cover, and tell me you're not inspired to take up arms and do the good battle for your health and happiness.
I have done the diet - and can tell you that it does work. That isn't to say that there are pitfalls if you're doing this for the long haul (all of which are honestly mentioned in the book!).
But also know, that I am here for anybody who wants to take a stab at the program.
Something new about the US version of the Dukan diet:
Originally, exercise was not emphasized with the exception of taking stairways as opposed to elevators - but in places like south Florida where you're living on the 12th or 18th floor of a condo, taking the steps everyday would be a REAL work-out. Therefore, the US edition does emphasize 20, 30, or 60 minute walks as part of the program.
Some of the things not mentioned in the book are your psychological preparation before beginning the diet, so here are some additional suggestions which I've found to be useful:
Assess the influences good and bad around you before undertaking a diet.
Begin by clearing your kitchen and refrigerator of any food that remains as a temptation. If you share your kitchen with others that have no interest in dieting, then you need to set aside a portion of the kitchen/refrigerator that is yours and yours alone.
Do not panic when you are invited out to a restaurant. Accept the challenge. Servers will always try to load up your plate and you need to insist on what you want.
Protein happens to be the most expensive item on a restaurant menu so most restaurants will load up your plate with carbs to mask the miniscule piece of fish or meat. Tell them to bring out your steak, fish, chicken or veal with NO pasta, no potatoes, no rice and the chef will most likely be too embarrassed to skimp on your protein.
When it's time for an aperatif, club soda with a twist of lime is bubbly and refreshing.
Going out to eat is part of south Florida culture - you can enjoy it doubly when you know you are following the plan and working toward your goal.
So, if you've been hesitating to start the Dukan diet, wait no longer!
