Grapefruit diet is a short procedure for weight loss, and it has been widely popular for decades – the first data is from the 30ties of the last century. It was initially spread by word of mouth and the grapefruit diet has withstood the test of time. Today it continues to be very popular and for some people the best solution for a weight loss.
The grapefruit diet combines eating fresh grapefruit with foods rich in protein. It is designed for a rapid weight loss, which however, according to most experts, is mainly due to fluid loss and not burning fat.
Grapefruit diet is low-calorie, low in carbohydrates but protein-rich. Most versions promise losing up to 8-10 pounds within 12 days. After this period it is recommended a two-day rest before doing another round – if you need to lose more weight.
Important! Consult your doctor before starting any kind of diet, especially if you have health problems. Also avoid eating grapefruit if you’re taking medicines that can interact with grapefruit juice or if you’re allergic to citruses.
Grapefruit diet – What to eat
Grapefruit diet is very monotonous diet, which recommends the consumption of a limited variety of foods throughout the day – breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime snack. Also you should drink 8 cups of water daily and a cup of black coffee daily is allowed.
Example of a daily menu:
Breakfast: 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, a cup of black coffee, 1 / 2 grapefruit or 8 oz of grapefruit juice.
Lunch: Salad with light dressing, lean meat (as much as you can eat), 1 / 2 grapefruit or 8 oz of grapefruit juice.
Dinner: Red or green vegetables (except the vegetables, rich in starch, such as peas, beans, corn and sweet potatoes) or salad, unlimited amount of lean meat or fish, 1 / 2 grapefruit or 8 oz of grapefruit juice.
Before going to bed: 8 oz of skimmed milk or tomato juice.
During the 12-day period, you can consume oil and dressing and you can prepare the dishes in any way, including frying (just don’t overdo with the oil).
Grapefruit juice should be unsweetened!
You are not allowed any food or beverages not listed in the diet above. You should cut back on carbs like rice, potatoes, and pasta, cut back on sugar and don’t eat between meals.
How the grapefruit diet works
The grapefruit diet is low in carbohydrates and moderate to high in protein diet and it’s another low-calorie diet plan with approximate intake of 800-1000 calories per day. Keeping these limitations, most people will really lose weight with or without the consumption of grapefruit at every meal, since the food intake and calories are very low compared to a normal diet. Unfortunately the grapefruit diet doesn’t explain how the mysterious enzyme in grapefruits works and why it is found only in grapefruits but not in other citrus fruits. Currently there are no serious scientific studies which can demonstrate the ability of grapefruit to burn fat.
Although grapefruit undoubtedly contains important nutrients such as vitamin C and fibers and it is low in calories (66-84 calories per serving), it has no magical ability to burn calories. Its low glycemic index, low in calories and high in fibers will reduce the insulin levels in the blood and help you feel full longer with less food. However, these qualities are characteristic of the majority of fruits and vegetables.
What the experts say about the grapefruit diet
There is no evidence that grapefruit contains enzymes that support the weight loss.
Despite the undoubted benefits of consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit diet is characterized by many deficiencies and should not be used by people seeking a serious long-term diet for weight loss. The very limited variety of foods is definitely not helpful if you seek a long term change, getting rid of the harmful eating habits and having a healthy lifestyle.
The limited range of foods in small quantities is a recipe for boredom, monotony and fatigue, nutritionists say. This is precisely the most common reason that causes most people to quit the grapefruit diet.
Healthy weight loss is a long and reasonable process, not a transient restriction of calories. If you are looking for long-term success, grapefruit diet will most likely be a waste of time. Instead go toward a more flexible regime for weight loss, according to your individual needs and include healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Final thought about the grapefruit diet
If you’re seeking a long term weight loss solution, experts agree: Don’t do the grapefruit diet.
Although beneficial fruits such as grapefruit can and should be part of any healthy diet, they don’t have the mysterious ability to burn excess fat. And yet – if you love to eat grapefruit, don’t hesitate to eat a little before your meals. The pink grapefruit contains more nutrients than the rest of the grapefruits.
Have a healthy and well-balanced long term diet and don’t forget to include a regular dose of physical activity, which is proven that will help you to lose weight.
