The grapefruit diet is a fad diet that promises quick weight loss: up to 10 lbs. in less than two weeks. It's a low-carb, high-fat, high-protein diet that claims eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice at every meal will speed up weight loss. Supposedly grapefruits contain special enzymes that speed fat burning, but there are no scientific studies to back up this claim.
Weight Loss
The grapefruit diet is extremely low-calorie and low-carb. It is high in animal protein and subsequently high in saturated fat, and you will lose weight following the plan, but following this type of diet long term could result in serious health consequences such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and an elevated risk of heart disease. Much of the weight you lose will be water weight, the same as the first two weeks on any low-carb diet. Weight loss comes from a combination of eating a low-calorie diet and the diuretic effect of cutting carbs. Expect to lose between 6 and 10 lbs. in two weeks.
How to Follow the Grapefruit Diet
You are expected to eat the same meals daily. There is very little variation and very few foods are permitted. No grains, legumes, or added sugars are allowed, and most carbohydrates are limited. Grapefruit and tomato juice are the only fruits permitted. No starchy vegetables are allowed, nor are white onions or celery. You must consume 8 oz. of grapefruit juice or half a grapefruit with every meal, three times daily. You must eat only three meals, with no between-meal snacks. You may have a bedtime snack of a glass of tomato juice or skim milk, the only dairy allowed.
Meals
Breakfast will consist of two pieces of bacon and as many eggs as you care to eat. Lunch is a large salad with the dressing of your choice and unlimited quantities of animal protein. Dinner is similar to lunch: unlimited meat, fish or seafood and vegetables cooked or served with butter. The high fat content of this diet will help keep you satiated and avoid feeling hungry. You may eat as much as you'd like but cannot make substitutions. Beverages that contain caffeine are limited to one cup per meal.
Choices
The only choices the grapefruit diet offers are allowing you to choose which vegetables or type of meat you want to consume. Limiting choices actually helps cut calories because as boredom sets in, you might eat less. In the end, weight loss is a mathematical equation. If you eat fewer calories than you need, your body will break down stored fat to use as energy and you will lose weight. The grapefruit diet is not a good long-term weight loss solution. Expect to gain back any weight lost when you resume your normal eating habits.
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