The Grapefruit Diet Just A Hollywood Fad Diet

By Ron Cripps

One of the popular fad diets in Hollywood was the grapefruit diet. 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 sent from fax machine to fax machine, creating a phenomenon known as xerox lore. The diet is credited to the Mayo Clinic, which clearly states that it has nothing to do with the diet and that this diet is not healthy.

The grapefruit diet is essentially like the Atkins diet with the addition of a grapefruit before each meal. There are no snacks allowed on this strict three meals a day diet. The diet made astounding claims 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. It was based on the claim that grapefruit contains fat burning enzymes, something that has never been proven.

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.

Researchers attributed the weight loss to decreased insulin levels caused by eating grapefruit. However, all the participants slightly enhanced their exercise programs, which may account for the lost weight.

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.

The grapefruit diet may be for you if you like this regimented lifestyle. ut to me you need some flexibility in your diet and at least some foods that you like to eat. - 17274

About the Author:

This article on our health blog is for those that are Looking For The Grapefruit Diet there are numerous things to consider before starting any diet. Check out our in depth articles on numerous diets found online such as the Fat Loss 4 Idiots Weight Loss Program and Diet Center.