The Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet with a strict list of allowable foods and beverages. Though the diet does relax its food restrictions in the final "maintenance" phase, Atkins.com recommends sticking to the food list introduced in the first three phases. Grapefruit is allowed, though its carbohydrate count must be tallied to stay within recommended daily carbohydrate limits. Grapefruit juice is not included on the food list, but it could be included during the maintenance phase, with careful monitoring of "carb intolerance." Before beginning any weight loss plan, consult your doctor.
Fruit List
Due to its carbohydrate content, fruit is allowed sparingly on the Atkins Diet. It is restricted during Phase 1, the induction phase, and during Phase 2, only a short list of fruits and fruit juices are included: blueberries, cantaloupe, raspberries, strawberries, lemon, lime and tomato juice. Phase 3 introduces a longer list of fruits, including grapefruit. Atkins.com always recommends measuring the serving size of fruit and keeping track of the carbohydrates contained within it. Grapefruit juice never appears on the food lists for any of the four phases.
Carbohydrate Intolerance
During Phase 4, Atkins.com warns against the dangers of "carb intolerance," as dieters begin to reintroduce foods previously avoided during the course of the diet. Atkins.com describes "carb intolerance" as excessive food cravings and hunger, experienced after eating too many carbohydrate-laden foods. The predominant danger of carbohydrate intolerance is weight regain, so consumption of grapefruit juice during Phase 4 should be carefully monitored.
Juice vs. Fruit
When selecting a fruit source, choosing the whole fruit over the juice of the fruit has some added health benefits. Though both a piece of fruit and its juice contain vitamins and minerals, the juice contains a higher concentration of natural sugars and therefore more calories. Whole fruit also has more fiber, found in the skin and membranes of the fruit. Fiber promotes digestive health and also may help lower the risk of heart disease and some cancers. Choosing to eat grapefruit rather than drink grapefruit juice may be a healthier choice and also help you to stick to the Atkins Diet food list.
Weight Mantenance
Atkins.com encourages reintroducing food items, but doing so carefully and all the while monitoring any intense cravings or hunger they may cause. A recommendation during the final phase of the diet is to avoid any foods that cause these cravings or if you notice yourself regaining some of the weight you lost. For weight maintenance, Atkins.com also recommends engaging in physical activity.
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