We all know that obesity is becoming a big issue in wealthy countries such as Australia. In fact, we’re one of the most obese nation of people in the world – not a stat that we like to discuss given that we are considered such a sporting nation.
As individuals, it’s not our job to tackle the bigger issue of increased obesity in the nation though some individual food outlet owners could provide more healthy options. A walk through the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney CBD looking for something low fat, low sugar proved almost fruitless: one fish and chip shop had grilled fish!
As individuals, we can only make a difference to our own lives and perhaps to our loved ones. I know that losing the 10 or more kilos that I have lost on the Dukan Diet has made a huge difference to my life. I look better for a start. I love that I can try on just about any size 12 outfit and it fits! I also feel better, healthier and more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I don’t get hungry, don’t feel that I am ‘on a diet’ because I’m not. I’ve simply changed the way that I eat.
My husband and I are still adhering to the principles of the Dukan Diet – it’s become second nature really. We are simply eating healthier.
Lots of fresh seafood on protein days is a great way to stay healthy and trim
We do one protein only day a week. We have our celebration meals and we eat lots of vegetables, protein and some carbs on other days. Rolled oats is my preferred breakfast on such days. Great for keeping a watch on cholesterol and one of the most inexpensive ‘good’ foods one can buy on a supermarket shelf. On the protein day, we tend to steer away from a lot of red meats (excuse the pun) and focus on eggs, dairy and fish – lots of fish. And on protein only days, we take a metamucal-type drink to ensure regular bowel movements.
We also follow Dr Dukan’s advice and exercise every day. An early morning walk just about each week day and longer walks (later in the day on weekends after a good sleep in) The sleep in is essential!
At the same time I began the Dukan Diet, I took up yoga. It’s become a bit of a passion for me. I do Japanese Yoga and Hatha Yoga at my gym, Affordable Fitness in Balmain, and love the meditation part of it as much as anything else. I’m sure the regular walking and yoga are a big part of feeling so good about life.
A lot has been said about the Dukan Diet – good and bad – but our experiences have been all good. Our weight has stabilised at 91 and 60 kilos respectively. Even though we haven’t followed the Stabalisation stage to the ‘T’, we have followed the overall principles. And yes, we do have a glass of wine or two when we want one. We’ve probably cut down on wine and alcohol intake without really noticing it but we still enjoy a glass of a good Pinot Noir!
We give the Dukan Diet the thumbs up – and we’ve shown that you can fit it’s principles into your particular lifestyle.
Obesity and health related facts
- 1.5 billion adults globally who were overweight in 2008
- 500 million obese adults in the world in 2010 (I’m not one of them!)
- 43 million overweight children in the world in 2010
- 216 is the number of Australian women who die each week from heart disease – now four times the number of deaths from breast cancer
Figures from the Sydney Morning Herald, 8–9 October, 2011
Read about Dukan Diet meals that Susie has made
Exercise is important on the Dukan Diet: find out more