A fruit diet is simply a diet predominantly consisting of fruit. This kind of diet is usually followed for a fairly short amount of time for a variety of reasons, ranging from the physical to the ethical to the spiritual. Also referred to as a fruit fast or a fruit flush detox, other food groups are restricted during the observance period. After the diet has ended, you're able to introduce other foods back into your eating regimen.
Features
For almost all fruit diets, you're allowed to eat only fruits and nuts. Fruits are defined as both culinary and botanical, which means you're not just eating apples, oranges, bananas, pears, grapefruits and other "culinary" fruits; you can also eat tomatoes, avocados, beans, peas, cucumbers, peppers and other flowering vegetables. Pastas and grains are sometimes permitted, but it's usually in smaller quantities and based on their harvesting methods. In essences, a fruit diet is a modified vegetarian or even vegan diet.
Function
The reason for this broad definition of fruit is that a true fruit diet isn't just concerned with the health benefits of such an eating regimen; practitioners of fruit diets are also interested in the environmental implications of food consumption. Most fruits and nuts as well as some vegetables are harvested without destroying the plant. As long as the source of the food is left alive and unharmed after it's gathered, it's included in the diet.
Benefits
The benefits of following a fruit diet often mirror the reasons for the observance. Because of the restrictive nature of a fruit diet, you'll experience weight loss. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain far fewer calories than other foods, causing a caloric reduction that often prompts weight loss.
Fruit diets are also touted as a detox plan. Fruits, vegetables and grains are all high in fiber, which causes an increase in bowel movements. The bowel movements are thought to rid the body of toxins and carcinogens acquired from certain factors, such as the environment and previous diets. They're also thought to sharpen the mind and spirit, allowing for greater joy and understanding.
Effects
Although fruit diets can help you to reach your weight loss goals, certain health concerns are associated with the fruit diet, especially when it is observed for longer periods of time. Fruits and nuts can't provide you with all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients available in a well-balanced diet. This could lead to malnutrition, which brings with it other health concerns, such as depression, fatigue, anemia and even heart problems.
Considerations
If you're interested in trying a fruit diet to help your lose weight, consider observing it for only a short period of time. Three days at a time sporadically throughout the year may help you to feel better and prompt some weight loss.
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