Side Effects and other issues

Yes there are side-effects. Yes it is a bit boring, IT IS NOT FOREVER. Yes, it is hard work, but what isn't? There are however some side-effects.

1. Constipation. I didn't do 'number twos' for about six days. No big deal. I wouldn't say it was 'normal' 5-weeks later but then I am eating radically different food. The oat bran is supposed to help that. I guess there is also a lot less 'stuff' hanging around in my gut so I don't need to go as often?

2. Stinky Breath. Didn't happen to me, but I do chew (sugar free) gum a lot anyway. If it does happen take a toothbrush and mouthwash with you.

3. Kidney damage. Drink LOADS of water.

4. Which brings me to: Peeing a lot. This is a bit of a nuisance and requires planning. I am drinking a lot more than I am used to, therefore I pee more. I get up at least twice in the night and have to go a lot more often when I am out.

5. Tiredness. I feel a bit fatigued some of the time, but not to the point that it affects my job/life. I have always had trouble sleeping but now I am sleeping like a baby.

6. Social life. I have avoided socializing a bit, and it is a bit boring drinking soda water in pubs. Eating out is really difficult and you have to be a bit 'American' when ordering. No oil, no butter, no bread etc. I am sure that my many requests have been ignored occasionally. I basically avoid eating out or entertaining. Again, IT IS NOT FOREVER. I have a couple of regular restaurants who are very accommodating (to a point). The few times I have cooked for guests I have made 'Blackened Cod' with cucumber 'tagliatelle'. Sashimi is a good option too. Dessert? Forget it, it is a case of watching them tuck in.

7. Relationships. As I do all of the cooking in my house it is difficult on my partner who has to cook. I have been making us both the same food more or less but adapting the non-Dukan plate. Last night I made filet steak (M&S £5 each, bargain) with a zero fat pink pepper sauce. It was a protein only day so I skipped the salad and (obviously) the fries. I recently made Vietnamese pancakes on my PV day (shrimps, chicken, beansprouts and onion) but used sweetener in the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, and made my oat bran galette as my 'pancake'.

8. Snacks. On PP days, as far as I can figure it out, there are no possible snacks. I have tried experimenting, but so far have just come up with small versions of the main food I already eat. I never really liked biscuits but there is maybe something possible there? No popcorn. No Wasabi peas. No nuts. No seeds. This is quite annoying BUT in 5-weeks I am out of the habit already. I think this is the point?