The Grapefruit Diet Review
A classic, the grapefruit diet first became popular in the 1930's. Based on the claim that special enzymes in grapefruit enhance weight loss, the grapefruit diet was considered by experts to be just another fad diet (Master Cleanse, Cookie Diet, Negative Calorie Diet). Any weight loss was attributed to the extremely low calorie intake allowed for the twelve days most versions recommend.
However, new research done at the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic by Dr Ken Fujioka has shown that grapefruit does, in fact, lower insulin levels and does increase weight loss.
New research has shown that grapefruit can lower insulin levels and increase weight loss
How Does The Grapefruit Diet Work?
On the Grapefruit Diet, dieters eat half a grapefruit before each meal or drink 8oz unsweetened grapefruit juice. Calories are restricted to about 800 per day, and most complex carbohydrates are forbidden, except those on the list of recommended foods.
However, dieters can eat an unlimited amount of meat at lunch and dinner, must eat bacon for breakfast, and are encouraged to eat large amounts of vegetables, which can be prepared using butter.
The diet lasts for twelve days, and can be repeated after a break of at least 2 days.
The Grapefruit Diet Plan
Breakfast
- ½ grapefruit or 8 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 eggs prepared in any way
- 2 slices of bacon
Lunch
- ½ grapefruit or 8 oz grapefruit juice
- meat of any kind and any amount salad
Dinner
- ½ grapefruit or 8 oz grapefruit juice
- meat or fish of any kind, prepared in any way
- salad
- a cup of tea or coffee
Bedtime
- 8 oz of tomato juice or skim milk
General guidelines
- the diet lasts for 12 days
- it is important to drink enough water
- eat until you are full, even if you need to eat large portions
- the dieter must eat all the foods in the planned menu
- use as much butter in cooking and preparation as you want
- add foods from the recommended food list, and avoid those on the forbidden list
List of Recommended Foods
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cereal
- Corn
- Corn Chips
- Jelly or Jam
- Fruit
- Spinach
- Pasta
- Peanut Butter
- Pretzels
- Sweet Pickles
- Radishes
- Red Onions
List of Forbidden Foods
- Bread
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Chilli
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber
- Green Beans
- Spring Onions
- Lettuce
- Hot Dogs
- Mayonnaise
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Salad Dressing
- Tomatoes
Debate On the Grapefruit Diet
Is this a fad diet? The grapefruit diet does have some of the tell tale signs of a fad diet- the extreme restriction of carbohydrates and calories is not a healthy way to lose weight. But on the other hand, grapefruit is now believed to be a valuable diet aid, lowering insulin levels and encouraging weight loss.
Dieters should consider a more balanced approach such as the Mediterranean Diet or Weight Watchers (WW)
The Grapefruit Diet- For
- grapefruit is known to aid weight loss
- inexpensive (depending on the price of grapefruit)
- easy and quick to prepare, and can be packed for eating at work
- lots of vitamins and minerals, especially if you eat a lot of salad
The Grapefruit Diet- Against
- restricts complex carbohydrates excessively
- restricts calories excessively
- cannot be used by vegetarians
- does not change long term eating habits