FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) #1

·         Pickles are allowed starting from cruise phase but be careful of the composition: they mustn't contain added sugar.  They contain a lot of salt so you may need to limit them. Gherkins as we know them in Canada are not allowed. The Dukan book says they are but in Europe they are small and salty with out sugar.

·         All dairies should not exceed 2% fat and have no added sugars.

·         Your dairies can not exceed 1 Kgs a day, that is 2.2 pounds

·         It best is to have your oat bran in the morning and to avoid it in the evening, but as long as you eat the correct amount of oat bran per day you can have some in the morning and the other one in the afternoon if you wish. (I have on occasion had to have mine at bed time as I had missed it.)

·         Yes you can have Miso soup as this is suitable for your diet.

·         Ketosis symptoms like dry mouth, bad breathe, head aches, dark urine, often happens during the attack phase, because you are only on PP days. After that, in the cruise phase, you alternate 1 PP with 1 PV so your body accustoms to the ketosis phenomena. In fact, it is the resultant of the protein degradation and its transformation into glucose which leads to headaches and to the feeling of a dry mouth. Don't worry about it, be sure to drink 1,5 L of water per day and eat until you have been satisfied.

·         You may want to support your system with an Omega 3 supplement. If your body is too depleted of good fat, it won't process the food as well and it can slow down your weight loss. You do get quite a bit of fat from fish and some meats but I also only buy eggs with Omega 3. They are more expensive but worth it to us. We do not eat as many eggs any more as we did the first weeks. We do not take Omega 3 supplement but a Multi Vitamin daily.

·         Cooking wine is tolerated during the cruise phase, up to 3 tablespoonfuls per day if you cook with the lid off to evaporate the alcohol in stews and sauces. This is as tolerated, some may not lose as well so limit it

·         You have to eat when you feel hungry but there is no limitation about how often you have to eat per day. The best is to take three main meals and then to have three or four snacks per day and to not eat too much late in the evening. You have to eat when you feel hungry but there is no limitation about how often you have to eat per day. The best is to take three main meals and then to have three or four snacks per day and to not eat too much late in the evening.

·         For your constipation, you can increase your oat bran intake by 2 more Tbls, and try to do some abdominal sit ups in series of 10? You also have to drink really cold water and you can try 200gr  of stewed rhubarb. If you are still constipated the next day take a mild laxative.  Do not worry if you do not go everyday when you are just on PP days as your body uses up the protein.

·         Carrots can be eaten on PV days only, in the amount of 200gms per week maximum (because the amount of carbs is a little bit higher than in the other vegetables). Once again as tolerated….. We chose not to have carrots unless forced to have them by a situation
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·         Baking powder can be used but only 2 pinches if needed in a recipe.

• To make your soups, use lowfat chicken or beef broth. I buy the big boxes as  I use it  in different recipes as well.