Several diets claim to help you lose large amounts of weight in a short period of time, with only a few standing the test of time. One diet has stood strong through the decades -- the Grapefruit Diet. For as many naysayers claim this diet is ineffective, just as many people exist who say the opposite. Only time will tell if it will work for you.
History
The Grapefruit Diet is perhaps one of the most famous diets in history, making its appearance in the 1930s, a creation a Kelly D. Brownell, PhD. In the 1970s, a new name for the diet emerged -- the Hollywood Diet. Although it has various names, and various versions exist, the basic principle remains the same.
Purpose
Before using the Grapefruit Diet, it's important to understand what it's intended for. Brownell created this plan as a means of jump-starting weight loss prior to beginning a weight loss program, enabling dieters to lose a large amount of weight in a short period of time. According to Grapefruit-Diet.org, it is possible to lose up to 10 lbs. in 12 days without starving yourself, and while still enjoying normal meals at normal times.
Food Choices
The Grapefruit Diet is not a horribly restrictive plan, however, it does emphasize the importance of eating a balanced diet. Choose small servings from each of the five food groups when planning your meals.
Eat three to four servings of carbohydrates each day. Healthy choices include whole grain bagels, bran muffins, low sugar cereals, whole grain pasta and brown rice.
Four to six servings a day of fruits are important, and should include oranges, bananas, plums, strawberries, apples, pears and melons, along with grapefruit.
Choose vegetables such as spinach, carrots, celery, broccoli, peas and asparagus to meet your two to four servings a day.
Eat one to two servings a day of dairy products, including cottage cheese, yogurt and milk.
Include two servings a day of protein, such as fish, lean steak, skinless chicken, lentils and eggs.
Menus
Include 1/2 a grapefruit, or an 8 oz. glass of grapefruit juice with each meal, except for your evening snack. For breakfast you can enjoy two eggs any style along with bacon. Lunch might be a salad with salad dressing topped with any meat in any amount. For dinner, saute the vegetable of your choice in butter with spices to flavor, a side salad and meat or fish in any amount. Eat more after any meal if you are still hungry. For your evening snack, drink an 8-oz. glass of skim milk.
Considerations
You must follow basic rules to receive maximum benefits of the Grapefruit Diet. These rules also exist to protect your health as well.
Drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration. The primary weight loss is water weight on this diet; you must replace the lost fluid.
Although most diets encourage exercise, the severe calorie restriction on this diet actually discourages it.
You can double or triple your intake of meat, vegetables or salad. Eat until you are stuffed during your meals; the more you eat, the more weight you lose. Do not snack between meals though.
No desserts, breads, white breads, sweet potatoes or white vegetables, such as corn or white potatoes are allowed.
Eat or drink the exact amount of grapefruit the diet states; this is the fat-burning catalyst behind the diet.
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