The grapefruit diet, also known as the Hollywood diet, originated sometime around the 1930s. While there is no note of the actual inventor, whoever came up with the diet made the claim that grapefruits have fat burning enzymes that will be helpful in burning more fat if eaten prior to each meal. The remainder of the grapefruit diet menu is made up of mostly protein which feeds the muscle, aiding them with the fat burning process.
The grapefruit diet menu is generally right around 800 calories per day, though there are some variations. Any dieter limiting their daily caloric intake to 800 calories is going to experience a weight loss no matter what it is that is being consumed. Some grapefruit diet followers will eat slightly more calories, but generally no more than 1,000 calories per day and all while eating the same foods.
The grapefruit diet menu should be followed for a period of no longer than 12 consecutive days. If a dieter wishes to continue the diet, it's advised to have a stop period of 2 days before resuming the diet for another 12 days.
Breakfast
- 1/2 grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bacon
The eggs can be prepared using any method, such as scrambled, over easy, sunny side up or hard boiled.
Lunch
- 1/2 grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice
- green salad
- meat
Salad dressing is permitted, along with any style or kind of meat or fish. The dieter can choose from things like chicken, pork, ham, turkey, beef, salmon, etc.
Dinner
- 1/2 grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice
- meat
- vegetables
The last full meal of the day includes meat and just like with lunch, the dieter can choose whatever they want. Vegetables are also allowed and can be cooked or seasoned with butter or seasonings. Starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash and beans should be avoided. Eating red or green vegetables like broccoli, brussell sprouts, asparagus, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers and radishes are excellent choices.
Research has shown that grapefruit dieters lose an average of 3 to 4 pounds during the 12 weeks that the diet is followed, with some losing up to 10 pounds and more. It's safe to say that the grapefruit diet can help people lose weight quick, though it's not a long term solution to weight loss. It's important to remember that the diet should only be followed for 12 days, followed by a stop period of 2 days before the diet is resumed.
