The Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet: What it is

The Grapefruit Diet has been around a long time - since at least the 1930s. A short-term, quick weight loss plan also known as the Hollywood Diet or the Mayo Diet (not associated with the Mayo Clinic in the US), the Grapefruit Diet surprisingly has survived the test of time, being circulated by word of mouth, online and in book form - yet no one claims ownership of the plan.

The premise of the Grapefruit Diet is based on an alleged "magical" ingredient in grapefruits, that, when eaten with protein, theoretically triggers fat burning and causes weight loss. The diet is designed to promote fast weight loss; unfortunately, the weight lost is primarily from fluids and not fat and generally returns as soon as the dieter comes off the diet.

The seeds of the Atkins Diet may have been sown by the food choices of the wacky, very low calorie, low carbohydrate, high protein Grapefruit Diet.

Most versions promise a 10 pound (4.5 kilogram) weight loss during the 12-day diet. Dieters who want more than 12 days of monotony must wait two days before starting the diet again. Exercise is recommended in some versions and absent in others. Long-term weight control is not part of the diet plan. Experts say this is not a healthy, sustainable rate of weight loss. Aiming to lose one to two pounds a week (0.5 to 1kg) is a realistic weight loss goal.

The Grapefruit Diet: What you can eat

In most versions of the Grapefruit Diet a small variety of foods are required at breakfast, lunch, dinner and at bedtime. Dieters are encouraged to drink black coffee and plenty of water throughout the day.

Sample meal plan:

Breakfast

2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon, black coffee, 1/2 grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice.

Lunch

Salad with salad dressing, unlimited meat and 1/2 grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice.

Dinner

Red or green vegetables (except starchy ones such as peas, beans, corn, sweet potatoes) or salad, unlimited meat or fish, and 1/2 grapefruit or 227? ml grapefruit juice.

 Bedtime snack

Glass of skimmed milk

In the Grapefruit Diet you can use all the butter and salad dressing you desire and prepare foods in any method, including fried. Grapefruit juice must be unsweetened. Any food or beverage not on the diet is not allowed. Snacking is only permitted after dinner. Drink eight glasses  of water a day. Eat all of the approved foods.