Fad diets focusing on citrus fruits and soups, particularly grapefruit and cabbage, have been popular for decades. However, according to ACE Fitness, the only healthy way to lose weight and keep it off is to burn more calories than you consume. Fresh citrus fruits and soups can be a significant and helpful part of a healthy weight-loss plan, because they have high water content, rich flavor and relatively few calories. Combine citrus fruits and soups with a balanced diet and a regular exercise regimen to lose weight and stay healthy.
Step 1
Base meals around fruits and vegetables instead of meat and carbs. Fill more than half your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, and think of other foods as side dishes.
Step 2
Eat grapefruit or other fresh citrus fruits as part of breakfast and between meals as snacks. This helps regulate your blood sugar and curb hunger.
Step 3
Drink light vegetable soups as snacks. These kinds of soups are mostly water and very low in calories, yet help you eat less at main meals.
Step 4
Replace heavy lunches or dinners with soup. Prepare broth-based, not cream-based. Include chopped vegetables, cubes of tofu, beans, lentils or lean meats in your soups for flavor, variety and protein.
Step 5
Omit unhealthy foods such as white bread, sugary snacks, saturated fats and processed foods. These are sources of empty calories that promote weight gain.
Step 6
Exercise regularly. Incorporate walking, running or cycling into your routine three to six days each week, and strength train on alternate days. Begin a yoga, tai chi or Pilates practice to build lean muscle and improve flexibility and peace of mind.
Tips and Warnings
- Prepare your own soup whenever possible, instead of eating store-bought varieties. This allows you greater control over ingredients and nutrition, particularly sodium. Don't choose high-sodium broths. Talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
- Grapefruit interferes with some prescription medications. Talk to your doctor about your medications and make sure grapefruit is safe for you. Don't eat fewer than 1,200 calories daily.
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