The grapefruit diet, originally called the Hollywood diet in the 1950s, promotes the consumption of both grapefruit and grapefruit juice with every meal. Proponents of the grapefruit diet promise rapid weight loss and cite the fruit's ability to burn fat, although research is lacking to support the claims.
Significance
Several versions of the grapefruit diet exist, according to Maria Adams, a registered dietitian at the University of Southern California. Many versions are low in calories and give users limited food choices. The most common grapefruit diet encourages four meals daily for a 12-day period, with grapefruit included in three of the meals. Followers of the diet take two days off after the expiration of the 12-day period, then repeat the cycle again for as long as desired. Dieters are allowed to eat eggs and meat and can drink black coffee. A typical breakfast may include eggs, bacon and grapefruit with coffee as a beverage.
Benefits
No proof exists that eating grapefruit will help you burn more calories, although a small study in 2004 by Dr. Ken Fujioka of the Scripps Clinic in California found significant weight loss was achieved when participants added grapefruit to meals for a three-month period. More research is needed to support the results. Grapefruit has been shown to promote your well-being because of its fiber content and glycemic index, which is lower than that of bananas and oranges. Foods with low glycemic index scores prevent sudden changes in blood sugar.
Considerations
USC dietitian Adams notes that most grapefruit diets feature too few calories and lack a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as limited food-choice options. Grapefruit interacts with several medications, which increases your risk for negative side effects. Consult your physician before starting any diet, and eat three servings of fruit daily, as well as foods that are rich in nutrients.
Types
Recent versions of the grapefruit diet allow the consumption of grapefruit in the form of dietary supplements. Users are directed to take one or two capsules three times daily with a full glass of water. Some supplements combine grapefruit extract with apple cider vinegar, kelp, chromium and vitamin B6. Obtain your physician's permission before using any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, use prescription medications or have existing heath conditions.
Warning
Some followers of the grapefruit diet experience stomach discomfort and dizzy spells, likely because of the low-calorie intake associated with the diet and the encouraged consumption of coffee. The grapefruit diet has been called "The Mayo Clinic Diet," although the Mayo Clinic issued a disclaimer and grouped the grapefruit diet with other fad diets that promote unhealthy activity.
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