The Dukan diet for women over 50

There are those who love it and describe it as a miracle program for weight loss. And there are those who criticize it harshly for being excessively restrictive. Let’s talk about the Dukan diet, famous for promising rapid weight loss without hunger pangs. Chosen by Kate Middletonwho apparently followed after each of her three parts (recommended by her mother!), the diet of French physician Pierre Dukan proposes an approach to weight loss based on the consumption of protein foods combined with vegetables, cutting carbohydrates almost entirely. The Dukan diet may suit women over 50, perhaps in perimenopause or already in menopause, worried about not gaining weight and wanting to stay slim in the face of hormones? We asked an expert.

The Dukan diet for women over 50, what you need to know

“The Dukan diet, we anticipated, cuts carbohydrates almost entirely. This category of nutrients is completely banned during the first two phases of the program, ”recalls nutritionist and naturopath Laura Quinti di Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa. “The attack phase indicates to consume only animal proteins for a period of 5-10 days, with green light for veal, lean meats, poultry and raw or cooked fish. During the second phase (the duration of which depends on the weight you want to achieve) you can also add cooked or raw vegetables in moderate quantities, plus a variety of dietary supplements. Only in the third phase (of consolidation) is it possible to consume 2 servings of carbohydrates per week, while the fourth phase (stabilization) involves a mix of the various foods mentioned, with the rule of remaining minimalist when it comes to carbohydrates. It must be said that this program has some disadvantages, for a woman over 50 to consider. First of all, it risks causing generalized fatigue, lacking fiber in the first weeks and being very low in carbohydrates. A woman over 50, in particular, must evaluate the risk of losing muscle mass. It is essential to continue physical activity by being followed by a trainer or you will easily run into this problem. Plus such an unbalanced diet it tends to put the body in a state of stress, a condition that a woman close to menopause should avoid. If you are already in menopause and want to keep fit you can try the stabilization phase of the Dukan diet, with a day of protein only. But be careful not to overdo it with meats, especially red ones. Better to get the protein content from tofu, seeds, soy milk and sproutsrich in plant estrogens useful for the ailments of this phase of life », emphasizes the doctor.

In the gallery, some key information regarding the Dukan diet.

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