There are many diet plans to choose from, including the grapefruit diet, with each promising astonishing results. If you are desperate enough, you'll choose the plan that guarantees the fastest results without reading past the first line. As tempting as these fast weight loss claims are, the grapefruit diet might not be as safe or effective as you think.
History
In 1930, Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, created the grapefruit diet as a way for people to jump start a weight loss plan. It enables you to lose up to 10 lbs. in 12 days, with claims that you can accomplish this without starving yourself while enjoying normal meals at normal times of the day, according to Grapefruit-Diet.org.
Menu
Eat three meals per day, along with a snack in the evening. With your three meals, consume either 1/2 grapefruit or 8 oz. of grapefruit juice. Two boiled eggs and two slices of bacons comprise your breakfast, any meat in any amount with a salad is lunch and dinner consists of a salad, red or green vegetables cooked in butter, meat or fish and one cup of coffee or tea. Your snack is an 8 oz. glass of skim milk.
Benefits Of Grapefruit
The secret behind the diet may be enzymes in the grapefruit. As WomenFitness.net explains, the grapefruit may block the enzymes responsible for fat and carbohydrate storage, thus increasing fat burn that may result in weight loss. However, the enzymes grapefruit contains are not the only factor in the diet. This wonder fruit is low in calories and sodium; eating a food low in sodium flushes excess water from your body. It may also reduce insulin levels, another factor for weight loss. Although it has many benefits, WomenFitness.net points out grapefruit can be a part of your daily diet, but because it's a good food, not because it's a special fat burner.
Fad Diet
The grapefruit diet has many signs of a fad diet. It promises rapid weight loss in a short period of time, limits your caloric intake beyond a healthy amount and contradicts what many doctors suggest. For example, exercise is not recommended due to the severe caloric reduction. This indicates possible health risks. You are likely to regain the weight, as most of what you lose is body fluid, not fat.
Warning
Grapefruit blocks an enzyme in your intestines responsible for breaking down and absorbing medications. Toxic side effects can result, as the blood levels of these medications increase. Grapefruit doesn't have this affect on all medications, however, it is better to err on the side of caution and talk to your doctor before beginning this diet. Additionally, you must wait a minimum of two days before going on this diet again, as it is not meant for long-term use.
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