The Dukan Diet: Food for Thought

'There is no question this very restrictive diet will lead to weight loss, if you can actually follow it.  But the elimination of healthy food groups, and the unpleasant side effects, makes The Dukan Diet an unlikely choice for the long haul. 

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, but it cannot stand alone.  A truly healthy diet includes all the food groups -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy and healthy fats along with lean protein. Your body needs the nutrients these foods provide.

Skip this fad diet. Instead, choose a calorie-controlled eating plan that you can stick with for the long term.'

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is director of nutrition for WebMD. Her opinions and conclusions are her own.

(Extract from The Dukan Diet Review)

Comprehension activities

     1. Have a look at the cover of the book:

Does it look familiar? Have you heard of it? Would you consider it a self help book? Might you be tempted to buy it?

2. Read the text above and pay special attention to the words and phrases in bold. Can you guess the meanings from context? If so, explain them in your own words. If not, look them up on an online dictionary, e.g. 

    3. Finally, complete the phrases below using the following expressions:

Just as, Quite a few, At all, A bit of, Entirely

a.      Well, I know __________ people who are into the Dukan Diet.

b.      I see the diet as __________ a trend that will soon fade away.

c.       According to this review, keeping up with the diet in the long term is __________ out of the question.

d.      A protein-based diet is not healthy __________.

            e. A calorie-controlled eating plan should be __________ fine to lose weight healthily.

After doing the tasks, check the answers for activity 3.