You may have wondered what is the grapefruit diet all about? Better yet, does it actually melt belly fat as some people claim?
In order to see what this diet is all about, we thought we’d do a deeper dive into the basics. Keep reading to see if this could be the plan for you!
As with any decision to lose weight, always check with your doctor before changing your diet. Grapefruit can interfere with many medications. Therefore, it is not safe to eat for everyone.
Brief History of The Grapefruit Diet
It appears that this method of weight loss started back in the late 1920s. In fact, it was referred to as the 18 day diet, as it was meant to be a short-term way to lose pounds quickly.
Moreover, by the 1930s this fad diet became known as the Hollywood Diet. It was sold as an easy way to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. People bought into the notion that grapefruit had magical properties that burned off belly fat.
Whether or not the enzymes in grapefruit can aid in burning fat remains inconclusive. Studies have shown that eating this fruit on a regular basis can lead to weight loss, although research has not proven grapefruit to burn fat.
The creator of this weight loss plan appears to be unknown.
What To Eat On The Grapefruit Diet
This regime is fairly straightforward to follow. Additionally, it shares some similarities with the Atkins or Keto diet due to its low carbohydrate, high protein foundation.
One thing that is not made clear or taken into consideration on this plan is the amount of daily saturated fat. That could be a health problem for some people.
Noteworthy is also the fact that this is a short-term, quick “fix” to shed pounds. Therefore, it is not intended to be done more than a few weeks.
For this reason, this is not a realistic way to keep weight off. More than likely, you will be losing water weight and not actual fat pounds.
List of Foods You Eat
Once you know the basic foods you are allowed to eat, this plan is simple to follow. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
You eat one half of a fresh grapefruit or you can drink 8 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice before every meal.
There have been different variations of the grapefruit diet over the decades. However, if you want to try the original plan, the basic foods you will be consuming are as follows:
- grapefruit
- unsweetened grapefruit juice
- eggs
- bacon
- salad
- meat
- fish
- red and green vegetables
- water
- coffee
- tea
- milk
- tomato juice
These are the foundational foods you are limited to eating.
What Do You Eat For Breakfast On The Grapefruit Diet
First thing in the morning for breakfast, you will eat a half a grapefruit or drink 8 ounces of unsweetened juice.
This meal is very straightforward. You are to eat 2 eggs (scrambled, boiled, poached, fried etc.) This is not specified. In addition, you’d eat 2 pieces of bacon.
A side cup of black coffee is also advised.
A Typical Lunch Would Look Like…
The rules are basic here. Again, you first start with a half grapefruit or 8 ounce glass of its unsweetened juice.
The meal consists of meat and salad. No specific portions are suggested. You are allowed to eat any type of meat and unlimited amounts of salad. Enjoy whatever your favorite dressing is as this is not restricted.
There is no consideration given to the levels of saturated fat nor is a preference suggested for leaner cuts of meat.
Grapefruit Diet Dinner
It should come as no surprise at this point that you start your dinner with another half grapefruit or 8 ounce glass of its unsweetened juice.
The main meal consists of unlimited meat or fish combined with as much salad as you desire. You can also eat red and green vegetables. All vegetables should be non-starchy.
You can also consume another cup of black tea or coffee. Unlimited water is recommended throughout the day.
Grains and starches are to be avoided in order to keep the carbohydrates and sugars to a minimum.
Before Bedtime
The original diet also includes an 8 ounce glass of skim milk or unsweetened tomato juice before you go to bed.
No other dairy products are allowed on this plan.
Pros To Losing Weight This Way
- quick weight loss is possible (likely water loss over fat loss)
- grapefruit provides healthy antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, flavanoids
- eating lots of fruit and vegetables can provide satiety and keep you full longer
- no restrictive portion sizes for foods you eat
- proteins and vegetables can be cooked to your liking
Cons Of The Plan
- grapefruit could be dangerous if you take certain medications
- boredom due to the constriction of foods
- lack of carbs could lead to cheating or bingeing on the wrong foods
- not sustainable long-term
- very restrictive in calories
- exercise (which is healthy) is not recommended
- rapid weight loss will likely come from water and not fat weight
- premise of diet is misleading as there is no magical ingredient in grapefruit guaranteed to burn fat
- grapefruit is not a calorie-negative food, although it is portrayed as such
You may enjoy watching this user’s experience trying the grapefruit diet for 7 days.
What Is The Grapefruit Diet Final Thoughts
Losing weight is attainable but it can be different for everyone. The first problem with the grapefruit diet is that it eliminates certain foods groups, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.
The USDA currently recommends eating a balanced diet of around 1600-2400 calories per day for women and 2000-3000 calories per day for men. In particular, these calorie amounts will differ depending upon age, sex and levels of activity when weight loss is the goal.
In any event, it is always best to find a way of eating that does not cut out entire food groups. A balanced diet with regular exercise is a proven, healthier way to see long-term weight loss results.
Any plan that promises quick, rapid weight loss is most likely not healthy nor sustainable. In the end, it is more important to be healthy. Everyone’s journey will be slightly different.
In summary, losing fat is a process that involves many factors. While diet and exercise are critical, nutrition, stress reduction and sleep are also important. Finding ways that you can live with in order to make a lifestyle change will yield the best results.
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