The Grapefruit Diet was originally developed in 1930 by Kelly D. Brownell, PhD to assist overweight people in losing weight and jump start a weight loss program, according to Kristina Benson in her book "Diets Exposed: Analysis of Popular Fad Diets." Since the 1930s, the Grapefruit Diet has become into a fad diet. Consult your physician prior to starting any weight loss program.
Grapefruit Diet Guidelines
According to Benson, the Grapefruit Diet requires you to adhere to a preplanned menu. Nothing except what is listed on the menu is permitted. You are allowed to eat as much as you need to be satiated during each meal. The diet requires you to drink at least 64 oz. of water per day. The only beverage you are allowed to drink in addition to water is black coffee, which is limited to one cup per day.
Grapefruit Diet Menu
Breakfast consists of two eggs, two slices of bacon and half of a grapefruit. Lunch consists of half of a grapefruit, any type of meat you enjoy and a salad with any type of dressing. Dinner consists of of half of a grapefruit, any type of meat or fish you desire and any leafy green vegetables you want. If you're hungry after dinner, a glass of tomato juice or skim milk is allowed as a bedtime snack.
Considerations
The Grapefruit Diet prohibits all fruits except grapefruit and all whole grains. All diets that exclude entire food groups are diets that do not provide balanced nutrition, according to Frances Sizer in her book "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." Although weight loss may result from the Grapefruit Diet, it is common for dieters to regain more weight upon conclusion of the diet than they initially lost, according to Thomas Wadden in his book "Handbook of Obesity Treatment."
Alternatives
Weight loss doesn't have to require cutting out entire food groups or eating the same menu everyday for an entire week. You can eat all foods in moderation and lose weight. By reducing the amount that you eat by 250 calories and increasing your physical activity to burn 250 calories, you can lose approximately 1 lb. per week. Lasting weight loss requires you to make lasting changes to your eating habits.
References
- "Diets Exposed: Analysis of Popular Fad Diets"; Kristina Benson; 2007
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
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