Of all the fruit diet plans available to choose from, one of the most intriguing stories lies behind the famous grapefruit diet. Seemingly older than the internet itself, computers and even typewriters (well almost), and considered a relic by many, this diet has circulated down from the 1930s from generation to generation. It still makes a splash, although to much less degree, but is more known for what people believe about its namesake fruit, grapefruit, carrying a mysterious property enabling it to magically burn off the calories. Once known as the Mayo Diet, possibly stemming from the famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, they have claimed no ownership for the grapefruit diet and even consider it inadequate for several reasons.
What Makes the Grapefruit Diet so Famous?
The grapefruit diet has enjoyed success over the years and was around long before many of the famous diets that came into vogue over the past 20 years. Going on the grapefruit diet could be a good way to jumpstart a diet, as it’s known to help a person lose a good amount of weight in a short period of time, even losing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in 12 days. The diet’s success has been its ability to help the person achieving their weight loss results but not feeling like they’ve starved themselves in the process. A person can eat at regular meal time, eat a good amount, but they are limited to specific foods.
Studies do indicate that including grapefruit actually does reduce insulin levels and promotes weight loss since there is a physiological link between insulin and grapefruit. The grapefruit’s ability to reduce insulin levels means a smaller insulin spike after meals thus allowing the body to efficiently process the food for energy instead of sending it to the fat reserves.
The following is a chart listing the nutritional facts about grapefruit:
| Grapefruit Nutritional Facts | Serving Size: 230 grams |
|
Calories |
97 |
|
Carbohydrates |
25 grams |
|
Protein |
2 grams |
|
Calcium |
50.6 mg |
|
Phosphorus |
41.4 mg |
|
Fat |
0 grams |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
|
Potassium |
311 mg |
|
Sodium |
0 mg |
|
Fibre |
4 grams |
Grapefruit Diet Plan
Contrary to its ubiquitous name, the grapefruit diet includes more than just grapefruit. Here’s a sample outline of what the diet looks like:
Breakfast
Eggs x 2, prepared any way (preferably free range)
Bacon x 2 slices (preferably organic)
½ grapefruit, or 8 oz (250 ml) grapefruit juice
Lunch
Choice of meat, unlimited amount (preferably grass fed)
Salad and dressing (preferably organic)
½ grapefruit, or 8 oz (250 ml) grapefruit juice
Dinner
Choice of meat or fish, unlimited amount (preferably grass fed or wild caught)
Green or Yellow vegetables (no starchy veggies ie: peas, sweet potatoes, corn, beans)
Or fresh salad (preferably organically grown)
½ grapefruit, or 8 oz (250 ml) grapefruit juice
Evening Snack
8 oz (250 ml) skim or low fat milk
