The grapefruit diet is one of the earliest known Hollywood fad diets. It dates back to the'30s, and many Hollywood stars of the time swore by it. It remained popular until the mid-1970s, when it became one of the diets that was faxed around from machine to machine, popularly known as xerox lore. The diet is attributed to the Mayo Clinic, which clearly states that it has nothing to do with this diet and that the diet is not good.
Originally the grapefruit diet was an Atkins style diet that added one half grapefruit before each meal. There was no cheating on this diet only three meals a day and no in between meals snacks. The diet made astounding claims such as lose a pound each day for 10 days.
The distribution was just as far fetched no weight loss for four days then five pounds lost all on the fifth day. Supposedly grapefruit contains enzymes that destroy fat, but no study has ever proven that to be true.
In 2004 a scientific study determined that it is possible that the grapefruit diet helps people lose weight. 1/2 grapefruit with each meal helped people lose 3.6 pounds in only 12 weeks. Those who drank the serving of grapefruit juice at each meal lost just slightly less weight in the same period of time. Some people lost as much as 10 pounds in the 12 week study.
It was believed that eating grapefruit resulted in decreased insulin levels, which in turn resulted in less stored fat. But the weight loss may have also been due to increased levels of exercise.
Here's a typical grapefruit diet:
- Eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day, this is a must. - Stop eating when full. - Eat all the food listed at each meal, skipping food interferes with fat burning. - Grapefruit is the key so eat that as specified. - Drink only up to 1 cup of coffee at meals. - No snacking. - Butter is OK. - Do not eat desserts, breads, white vegetables, or sweet potatoes. - Meat and vegetables are fine. - Eating more will actually result in more weight loss. - Follow the diet for 12 days, skip two days, then start again. - Eat one half grapefruit, or drink' ounce glass of grapefruit, with each meal.
If this seems like an easy diet to maintain then the grapefruit diet may be for you.
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This review on our health blog is for those that are Looking For The Grapefruit Diet there are many things to consider before commencing any diet. Check out our in depth reviews on many diets marketed online such as the Fat Loss 4 Idiots Weight Loss Program and Diet Center.