The Dukan diet, known as a high-protein diet, can be adapted for vegetarian eaters in many cases. Since the Dukan diet for vegetarians still includes a large amount of protein, it is necessary to replace the meat with alternative varieties of protein than would be consumed on the original Dukan diet. Vegetarians who eat fish, known as pescetarians, or eggs and dairy, known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, have a much easier time than those who are vegan. The Dukan diet has four stages where protein would need to be replaced for both vegetarians and vegans.
If you eat some types of meat, fish, dairy and eggs, then you will have no problem with a Dukan diet for vegetarians. Individuals who have stricter diets might find the Dukan diet more of a challenge, so you will have to look for lean protein sources that work for you. It might be a good idea to speak with a diet consultant or physician before undertaking this diet if you are worried about restricting your calories too much and becoming unhealthy.
In the first stage, which is known as the attack phase, you will replace the majority of the meat, depending on your diet, with protein from seafood, eggs, dairy and soy products. The length of each phase varies depending on the diet goals of the individual, but also includes a daily amount of oat bran. Acceptable seafood includes non-fatty fishes and shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and mussels. Dairy sources such as cottage cheese and soy sources such as tofu can also be included during this phase.
During the next phase, which is called the cruise phase, you have days where you consume only lean protein interspersed with days where you consume vegetables and oat bran. From this point on, the Dukan diet for vegetarians becomes easier because of the addition of vegetables. The third phase is known as the consolidation phase and includes eating as much lean protein and vegetables as you wish. You can also begin to add bread back into your diet and have one celebration meal per week where you eat whatever you want.
After the consolidation phase is complete, the Dukan diet for vegetarians includes going back to eating whatever you want, but trying to stick with the rules of consolidation as much as possible. This means unlimited vegetables and lean proteins whenever you want. One day a week, you must eat only lean proteins and drink only water.