Just On Health

Grapefruit Juice Diet

June 8th, 2009

There are a handful of grapefruit diets to consider, and the fruit itself is the driving force behind each weight loss plan. While grapefruits are valuable for their healthful components and alkaline properties, there is no scientific evidence to back that the fruit burns fat.

How Grapefruit Diets Work

The diets typically work much like the Atkins Diet, in that they restrict carbohydrates while encouraging a higher intake of protein. The Atkins Grapefruit Diet, in particular, focuses on the high protein, low-carb eating plan. When people do not eat enough carbohydrates, the body needs to use fat and muscle storage for energy.

All of the grapefruit related diets, in most cases, significantly restrict calories as well. While some allow for as much meat as the dieter would like during lunch and dinner, the caloric intake in most of the grapefruit weight loss plans are slashed. People can expect to lose weight whether they drink the juice or not.

Grapefruit Weight Loss

The fruit has naturally healthy properties that make it an ideal food for dieters. It is low in calories, is rich in antioxidants, and high in fiber. The generous nutrients combined with a small number of calories make the fruit a wonderful choice for dieters. The fruit may aid weight loss by:

* Reducing insulin levels
* Controlling appetite
* Provide nutrition

Some proclaim that grapefruit burns fat, but no studies appear to back this claim. Many other fruits and vegetables are equally as healthy and equally as effective in helping people to lose weight.

Sample Weight Loss Plans

The rapid weight loss plans can help dieters lose a significant number of pounds in very little time. Dieters can expect to lose between 10 and 30 pounds in just under two weeks, according to some Grapefruit Diet websites. The plans typically have very restrictive requirements to follow in order for dieters to succeed. Rules include:

* Cannot substitute any foods on the menu
* Must have juice at each meal
* Cannot deviate from the amount of juice you drink, neither more nor less
* No eating between meals
* Eat until you are very full
* Follow a 12-day on, 2-day off cycle
* One cup of coffee a day

The diet allows for one bedtime snack that consists of eight ounces of skim milk or tomato juice.

Forbidden and Permitted Foods

The plan forbids many foods including breads and desserts. Surprising restrictions include:

* White onions
* Potatoes
* Celery
* Starchy vegetables
* Fruit
* Low-fat / fat free or diet salad dressings

Equally as surprising are some of the foods that the diet allows:

* Mayonnaise (hence the term Mayo diet)
* Any cheese
* Hot dogs
* Regular salad dressing
* Red meat

Grapefruit Weight Loss Plan

A similar grapefruit diet plan promises dieters a loss of 10 pounds in 12 short days. Dieters can expect to eat no more than three meals each day, followed by a small bedtime snack, as appears to be the nom with these plans. This menu allows dieters to substitute juice for ½ of a grapefruit.

The meals are mundane, and though the weight loss is rapid, the plan can become tiresome very quickly.

* Breakfast
o Eggs
o Two slices of bacon
o Grapefruit

* Lunch
o Salad
o Unlimited meat
o Grapefruit

* Dinner
o Salad or cooked vegetables
o Meat or fish
o Coffee or tea
o Grapefruit

* Bedtime snack
o One cup skim milk

Fast Weight Loss

Many people find the guarantee of fast weight loss to be very appealing, and diets based on drinking grapefruit juice make substantial promises when it comes to rapid weight reduction. However, it is important to keep in mind that the weight lost during the duration of the plan is not likely to be fat. People who lose pounds very quickly typically lose fluids and possibly muscle.

Restrictive Menus

Be wary of any weight loss plan that severely restricts the types of foods you can eat. When a menu does not allow foods like celery and fruit but allows mayonnaise, hot dogs and cheese, it does not have your best interests in mind. While the Grapefruit Juice Diet can yield rapid results, it is likely that dieters will gain the weight back equally as fast once they return to their old eating habits.

Entry Filed under: Diet & Exercise