The Grapefruit Diet has apparently been around for a long time and is also known as the Hollywood Diet with no specific owner to its name. It has obviously stood the test of time, meaning there probably is some truth to it.
No one knows where it started but it has been passed on through the years by word of mouth. It was said that a “magical” ingredient, found only in grapefruits, will trigger fat burning and thus weight loss when eaten with protein.
Health Benefits of The Grapefruit Diet
- Grapefruits are rich in vitamins C, A, K, D and B complex; simple carbohydrates with high fiber and potassium, folic acid, calcium, phytonutrients and phosphorus.
- A Pink grapefruit is rich in beta-carotene. It is useful in treating eating disorders and obesity issues.
- Pink grapefruit oil (cold pressed from the rind) has many health benefits and uses like making your hair nice and shiny, eliminating oily scalps, stimulating the lymphatic system, increasing circulation, toning skin cells, stimulating liver and gallbladder function, diminishing appetite, enhancing self esteem and many others.[easyazon_image align=”right” asin=”B004G5ZSF2″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JtvhjounL._SL160_.jpg” width=”132″]
- Consume grapefruits to prevent colds, boost your immune system, heal sore throats, get rid of coughs, reduce fever, prevent constipation, control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels, alleviate fatigue, relieve insomnia and so on. They have an alkaline effect on the body and have been known to even help prevent and treat certain types of cancer.
If taking medication, however, seek medical advice before consuming lots of grapefruits as they interfere with the absorption of certain medication and it could lead to dangerous side effects.
The Grapefruit Diet – An Overview
The Grapefruit Diet can take many forms. The bottom line is that you eat grapefruit before every meal during the diet.
I have to point out that the following methods are purely examples of what I have researched and is in no way what I would personally recommend.
12 Day Grapefruit Diet
Image courtesy of diet.lovetoknow.com
Apparently you will lose ten pounds in twelve days. They state that this diet is low in calories and that it is the enzymes in the grapefruit that help reduce insulin levels and encourage weight loss. They also speed up the way our body burns fat and also can reduce appetite. Each day of the 12 day Grapefruit Diet you eat prescribed meals that are similar every day:
Breakfast
1/2 grapefruit – 2 eggs, 2 bacon strips and coffee
Lunch
1/2 grapefruit – salad with low fat dressing. As much meat as you want.
Dinner
1/2 grapefruit – green and red veggies – no starch vegetables like peas, beans corn or potatoes and no onions and celery. Again, unlimited meat.
Snacks
1/2 grapefruit or skimmed milk
You can eat until you’re full; they even state that the more you eat the more you will lose! You’re advised not to eat between meals and not to consume any sugars and starches but to eat a variety of foods.
Another Version of The Grapefruit Diet
According to this diet plan you should follow the following:
Breakfast
-1/2 grapefruit
-2 eggs (boiled or scrambled)
-1 slice of toast
-a little butter or a little jam to the toast but not both
Lunch
-3 ounces of chicken or turkey or fish (grilled or steamed never fried)
Dinner
-1/2 a grapefruit
-3 ounces of chicken or turkey or fish (grilled or steamed never fried)
-fat free salad
Even though there is no mention of the quantity of the meat you eat when doing [easyazon-link asin=”0964238659″ locale=”us”]the Grapefruit Diet[/easyazon-link], there is mention to keep the diet under 1,000 calories and drink 64 ounces of water. The idea is that since there are very few calories consumed you would have a caloric deficit and therefore would lose up to one pound per day.
Is The Grapefruit Diet For You?
Personally I have never counted calories and do not believe in this approach to eating healthy. I absolutely agree with the fact that grapefruit is very good for you and you should definitely include it in your diet; however, the idea that you should eat loads of meat and eat till you basically feel stuffed is one that simply does not add up for me. You are much better off sticking to a healthier plan and ensuring you eat some grapefruits or grapefruit juice throughout the week.
Let me know your success stories, if you have any, following this diet. As always, happy, healthy living from me.
