Grapefruit Diet

I have already referred to the so-called 'Mayo Clinic Diet' , the harsh diet that has been doing the rounds for about 30 years and which the Mayo Clinic itself has nothing to do with. I have put that story straight elsewhere and covered the true Mayo Clinic Diet.

What, though, was the fantasy Mayo Clinic Diet? This other diet, which even the Mayo Clinic say can be dangerous, is also known as the grapefruit diet. There are many variations of the grapefruit diet, but as you'd expect from it's name, this diet revolves around the humble grapefruit

With the grapefruit diet you are, with most versions, restricted to less than 800 calories a day. That is a very low calorie intake, so quick weight loss can be expected. Each of three meals a day is preceded by a half grapefruit. The reason for this is the claim that the enzymes in the grapefruit will burn fat.

The grapefruit diet also allow a caffeine based drink with each meal, with tea or coffee both being on the menu, though not both at the same time. Salad is a key part of the diet, and usually at one meal a day up to 6oz of meat.

It must be emphasised that the grapefruit diet is very restrictive indeed, and people trying it are unlikely to persist with its use for very long. While it may help you lose some quick weight, that weight will come back on again as soon as you stop the grapefruit diet.

It cannot be argued that the grapefruit diet is a lifestyle change diet that will bring long term weight loss benefits; it is not the type of diet that will encourage anyone to eat healthily for the rest of their days. In fact, it may have just the opposite effect, as the grapefruit diet is not exactly an enjoyable diet. Losing weight in the long term does not mean having to suffer long term.