Day 6 of my Dukan trial - Today starts the Cruise phase of the program during which time I will add in vegetables from the list of 100 desirable foods. This phase prescribes eating unlimited amounts of lean protein and non-starchy vegetables, with carrots, beets and artichokes in limited quantities due to their high sugar content. Not difficult for me, because I love vegetables. It also increases the walking exercise to 30 minutes a day. I'm even anticipating eating broccoli which is my least favorite vegetable! The Cruise phase prescribes alternating pure protein days and protein & vegetable days according to a prescribed pattern. The program identifies several different patterns, but I will follow the 1/1 alternating pattern, with one day of pure protein and one day of protein & vegetables. The prescribe amount of oat bran increases from 1.5 tablespoons to 2 tablespoons, which I have in the Dukan pancake each morning.

In spite of walking an hour and 20 minutes yesterday, this morning, I lost 1/2 pound, a slow down which I expected to see happen, because the program indicates this will happen at this time and also because my body feels sluggish today. However, having lost about 9 pounds, my clothes are beginning to feel loser which is really nice. Today and tomorrow, my work schedule will not probably allow me to include much walking, but I will try to fit in as much as possible.

The Cruise phase lasts until the prescribed or desired weight loss is achieved. The program indicates I will achieve my True Weight sometime around November 4. However, I would like to lose a few more pounds than my True Weight, so I will see how it goes.

I like the fact that the True Weight is calculated on a number of criteria, not just some government or BMI charts that are really averages and do not take an individual's history, makeup, age and needs into consideration. It is a reasonable and generous goal, although for myself, it is a little higher than what I hope to ultimately weigh. The criteria includes gender, the most and least you have ever weighed as an adult, height, number of previous diets followed, number of pregnancies, family weight history, ability to lose weight easily, energy level when losing weight, and bone structure.

Shopping for groceries has been a little challenging, but now that I will be in this phase for an extended period of time, it should become more routine.