This Grapefruit diet is based on the premise that grapefruit has fat burning properties. The grapefruit diet lasts 12 days, but if an individual wants to continue, they must take at least two days off before doing so. Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, potassium, several carotenoids including beta-carotene. The white pith contains pectin and bioflavonoids which makes grapefruits an excellent antioxidant food.
The theory goes that grapefruit contains a special enzyme that burns fat. No one has explained exactly how this works, or if it holds true for other citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, but that’s the premise.
Do’s and Don’ts
Meals are accompanied by grapefruit. It is also recommended that participants drink about 8 glasses of water per day, along with unlimited amounts of black coffee. This regimented diet does not allow most complex carbohydrates, and snacking in-between meals. However, the consumption of most vegetables is encouraged prepared in generous amounts of butter.
With its high fiber content and low glycemic load, grapefruit may be a secret weight-loss weapon. Research suggests that dieters might be more successful if they select foods with staying power like whole citrus that help curb appetite and prevent overeating.
Summary of the Grapefruit Diet
oHave half a grapefruit for breakfast – it’s virtually fat free and contains just 35 calories. Sprinkle artificial sweetener rather than sugar if you like it sweet.
oHave a glass of grapefruit juice with each meal but make sure it’s unsweetened. Try diluting it with sugar-free lemonade if it’s too sharp for your taste buds. Allow 45 calories for a 150ml glass.
oMake a Florida cocktail and serve as a starter – peel and segment half a grapefruit and one orange and mix with a little unsweetened grapefruit juice.
oAdd grapefruit to salads – it goes well with crab, prawns, chicken, avocado, red onion, celery, radicchios and spinach.
oUse grapefruit juice as a mixer for alcoholic drinks such as vodka or gin.
oFor special occasions splash out 170 calories on a Sea breeze cocktail – shake 50ml vodka with 75ml each of grapefruit juice and cranberry juice. Serve over ice.
Advantages
oIt helps you shed stubborn pounds safely and easily by speeding up your metabolism, cleansing your digestive system and curbing your appetite.
oAdding grapefruit to every meal is beneficial; as grapefruit is full of vitamin C. Pink grapefruits also contain beta-carotene.
oThe grapefruit diet works in the sense that a great deal of weight is lost, but this is mainly due to calorie restriction.
Disadvantages
oThis is a very restrictive, frustrating diet.
oIts lack of variety deprives the body of calcium, iron and vitamins.
oBesides being monotonous, it is also unhealthy.
oIt is based on momentary results. Regaining weight usually follows.
Susan Gerald is author and webmaster of http://www.MySeniorHealthCare.com a thorough resource that promotes Senior Health Care and Health Living globally.
