Grapefruit Diet Information

Unlike most fads, the Grapefruit Diet has stood the test of time. Invented in the 1930s, it is still in use today by those seeking a quick way to drop a few pounds. Not surprisingly, grapefruit lies at the foundation of the diet and the notion that it contains enzymes that help the body burn fat. The Grapefruit Diet currently exists in several forms, but all plans require you to eat at least half a grapefruit before each meal and follow a low-calorie plan 12 to 14 days, allowing you to lose up to 10 pounds.

The Basic Plan

In general, participants in the Grapefruit Diet are encouraged to eat a variety of foods, as long as the total daily calorie intake remains below 800. Before each meal, half of a raw grapefruit is to be eaten to discourage overeating and help bolster metabolism. Dieters are to take in a minimum of 64 ounces of fluid each day with drink selection being limited to black coffee, unsweetened tea or water, though one eight-ounce glass of skim milk before bedtime is permitted.

Effectiveness

The plan works by encouraging a low overall caloric intake, though the additional fiber from the fruit and the high fluid intake can help enhance the diet's total effect. Average reported results are between three and 12 pounds lost, depending on the adherence of the participants to the plan, though the need for grapefruit exclusively is unclear.

Grapefruit is a highly nutritious source of vitamin C, beta carotene, antioxidants and insoluble dietary fiber, which helps dieters feel full longer. It is fat-free and naturally low in calories. Additionally, grapefruits have a low glycemic index, which helps to maintain healthy insulin levels, promoting weight loss in general. However, this could be said of a number of fruits.

Conclusion

Although the Grapefruit Diet seems effective for short-term weight loss, the majority of the weight loss is from fluids being flushed from the system, not fat. When participants return to their normal routine, the weight is likely to return. Additionally, an 800-calorie per day plan could leave some participants undernourished, particularly if they do not use their calories wisely. Undernourishment can lead to dizziness, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating or thinking coherently. If not corrected, it can lead to repression of the immune system, hindering the body's ability to fight infection. For this reason, it is not advisable to follow the Grapefruit Diet for more than two weeks in a given four month period.