The grapefruit diet is a fad diet that has been popular in America for several decades. The diet ascertains that grape fruit contains a fat burning enzyme that will help burn fat when consumed before meals. The diet generally lasts between 10 to 12 days and is high in protein but low in carbohydrates. Consult a physician before making drastic changes to your eating plan.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit grown in sub tropical climates. It is large, round and generally yellow to orange in color. Eating a grapefruit is similar to an orange, removing the peel and eating the flesh of the fruit. The grapefruit is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber and potassium, and is low in calories.
What is Allowed
The grapefruit diet is a restricted calorie and low carbohydrate diet with grapefruit or grapefruit juice added at every meal. The diet recommends eating lean meats that are high in protein. Coffee and tea are allowed, but limited to one serving daily. Eight glasses of water daily is also necessary for hydration and curbing cravings between meals.
What is Prohibited
The low carbohydrate portion of the diet restricts the intake of starchy vegetables, sugar, and grains. Snacks between meals are not allowed. Due to the heavily restricted caloric intake, exercise is not allowed on this diet. Caloric restriction is generally in the range of 800 to 1,200 calories and is considered insufficient nutrition.
Expected Results
A diet in low in calories and carbohydrates will lead to weight loss as long as the dieter burns more calories than they consume. This diet is not intended to provide long-term weight loss. Results from the grapefruit diet are considered to be in regards to the low caloric intake and not the grapefruit itself. There is limited clinic evidence that grapefruit is responsible for weight loss.
Considerations
You should always consult a physician before beginning any diet program. Diets that heavily restrict caloric intake can be harmful and caloric restriction less than 1,200 calories daily is considered unhealthy and unsafe. The grapefruit diet is a fad diet and results are not a permanent method of weight loss. Grapefruit is also known to interact with some medications.
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