This diet has been been passed around for the last 3 to 4 generations - my grandma actually passed this version on to me! One of the most widely recognized fad diets, it originated in the 1930's and has always been popular with Hollywood celebrities.
My version of the grapefruit diet is not as strict as some you might read. The grapefruit diet has received some criticism for containing too few calories and nutritional content, but my adaptation is more balanced and healthy
Grapefruit Diet: Basics
Grapefruit contains fat burning enzymes responsible for reducing insulin levels and encouraging weight loss. The idea is to eat half a grapefruit, or drink a glass of grapefruit juice, with each meal.
This diet is only recommended for those who can live without complex carbs and sweets. The grapefruit diet is pretty low in carbs, like the Atkins diet, but it is not as strict - a little deviation is OK!
Diet
Breakfast
8 oz. unsweetened grapefruit juice or half a grapefruit
2 eggs any style (poached, boiled or scrambled)
2 slices of lean pork or turkey bacon
Coffee or tea (1 cup)
Lunch
8 oz. unsweetened grapefruit juice or half a grapefruit
Fresh, raw salad with any low carb dressing
Fish or meat, e.g beefburger (no bun), chicken, turkey, lamb or fish
Coffee or tea (1 cup)
Breakfast
8 oz. unsweetened grapefruit juice or half a grapefruit
Salad with low carb dressing, or a red or green vegetable cooked in minimal butter or oil
Fish or meat, e.g beefburger (no bun), chicken, turkey, lamb or fish
Coffee or tea (1 cup)
Bedtime Snack
8 oz. skimmed milk
Other Tips
- It's very important to drink 8 glasses of water a day
- Eating between meals is not allowed
- Coffee is limited to mealtimes only and 1 cup is allowed
- Salt, pepper, and minimal butter and oil are allowed
- You can eat as much salad as you want, plus reasonable amounts of protein at lunch and dinner
- Nothing should be deep fried. Grilled, pan fried, boiled and baked are better options
- You can have a bit of cheese or nuts on your salad at lunch and dinner
Grapefruit Diet: Foods Allowed
Protein
All meat (except for processed meat), eggs, cheese, nuts.
Vegetables
Red onions, bell peppers, radishes, broccoli, asparagas, zucchini, mushrooms, cucumbers, green oinions, leaf spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, coleslaw, green beans, dill pickles.
Dressings
Mayonnaise, low carb dressing.
Grapefruit Diet: Foods Not Allowed
Carbs
Bread, rice, crackers, chips, french fries, pretzels,pizza,pasta, doughnuts,cereal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, all fruit except grapefruit.
Vegetables
Corn,carrots, beans, peas, artichokes, parsnips, pumpkin, sweet pickles.
Other
High carb salad dressing,chocolate, candy, jams.
Grapfruit Diet: Pros
- Grapefruit has a natural selection of vitamins that can do wonders for your general health. It is a great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, fibre and antioxidants. It is also a natural diuretic and will help to eliminate water retention.
- This diet produces results if you have the willpower to follow it. It is claimed that you can lose up to 10 pounds very quickly - I have never had such a dramatic result, but I have always lost weight on this diet.
- The meals are pretty easy to prepare and the menu is easy to follow.
- You are allowed to eat as much of your favorite meat, fish, and non starchy veggies as you like, so there is no need to starve. This diet also controls blood sugar levels, therefore reducing false hunger pangs and cravings.
Grapefruit Diet: Cons
- This diet is difficult to follow if you frequently eat out at restaurants. You can take grapefruit capsules as a supplement if you are in a position where you do need to eat out.
- A good, nutritious diet should be varied and balanced. This diet can be repetitive and restrictive, so try to vary the selection of veggies and meat. A little variety will mean a healthier balance, and you'll have a better chance of sticking to the grapefruit diet successfully.
- No alcohol is allowed on this diet plan.
- Grapefruit can interfere with some medication, so you should consult your physician before trying this diet.
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