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The Grapefruit Diet

Grapefruit Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Fruit diet is a quick fix that may drop pounds, but it's not healthy.

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What is it?

The Grapefruit Diet is a short lasting weight loss diet that claims it can help burn fat. It is a low calorie and low carbohydrate diet that lasts from 10 to 12 days with a 2 day pause in between.

This diet is alternativelyknown as the Hollywood Diet, though it’s unclear why. There are also slight variations on this diet, as some guides offer different suggestions. Certain plans emphasize high amounts of protein with grapefruit and others suggest low calories with grapefruit. The most beneficial weight loss diets as reviewed by our experts were the 18Shake Diet. It offers a fat burning diet pill and a meal replacement that can suppress appetite for hours. Discover more information about the 18Shake Diet by clicking on the link provided here.

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Grapefruit Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

The basic 12 day meal plan is as follows:

• Breakfast: 1/2 Grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened Grapefruit Juice, 2 eggs cooked any style and 2 pieces of bacon.

• Lunch: 1/2 Grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice,
salad with any kind of dressing and meat of any kind and in any amount. 

• Dinner: 1/2 Grapefruit or 4 ounces of unsweetened Grapefruit juice, Meat of any kind and at any amount which can be substituted for fish, vegetables that are green, yellow, or red cooked with any seasoning and butter.

• No white onions, celery, or potatoes are allowed. The only vegetable one can eat are carrots, peas, spinach lettuce, red onions, cabbage, bell peppers, green onions, cucumbers, radishes, cucumbers, and broccoli.

• As a bedtime snack a glass of skim milk or a glass of tomato juice.

It’s also advised for people to keep eating until they are full. Nothing in the menu can be omitted, particularly the grapefruit which is used to help burn fat. Snaking is not allowed and it’s also advised to limit caffeine use due to effects on blood sugar.

There is no evidence provided to help show why these food combinations would be effective for weight loss. It’s likely one will lose weight due to the difficulty of overeating meats and the few food allowances, but it’s not guaranteed.

Our experts have compiled a list of the best diets for weight loss, made available in the link here.

No proof is offered either to help show why grapefruit is considered a healthy fat burning fruit. Although it is rich in vitamin C, there’s nothing unique about this fruit that shows it has a weight loss effect. Furthermore, diet blog.com adds:

“The grapefruit diet works simply because of calorie restriction and doesn’t have much to do with the grapefruit itself”

There is a serious health risk with eating grapefruit however, as the NPS Medicine Wise website adds:

“A review article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights more than 85 medicines that can interact with grapefruit with43 of these having potentially serious consequences”

This can be potentially damaging to the body and should be considered for those who rely on medications. It could have serious health risks if not considered. For people with certain conditions, they would be unable to use the Grapefruit Diet.

Potential side effects can include:

• Kidney damage, bone marrowdamage, reduced or slowed breathing, rapid heartbeats which can lead to death, slow heartbeat, and damage to the skeletal muscles.

The diet itself allows for an unlimited amount of meats which can be harmful as well. This makes it impossible to determine what a safe limit would be. Eating this could also lead to high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat which can have negative health consequences.

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EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Grapefruit Diet Quality of Ingredients

There is no evidence that eating the specified foods would be healthy. An unlimited amount of meats are allowed which can promote weigh gain if one overeats. Diet.com has also mentioned the potential health risks by adding:

“The risk of using the fad version of the grapefruit diet include nutritional imbalance (for both versions) and weight gain (for the high-protein version”

The low calorie version of this diet also has health risks due to the extreme lack of calories. This can promote side effects such as fatigue, lean muscle mass, malnutrition, and other health problems.

It’s for all these reasons that this is a poor quality diet. Click the link provided for a list of the highest rated weight loss diets.

The Price and Quality of Grapefruit Diet

No official book is offered and the only price one needs to pay is on the same kinds of foods since the diet has similar meals planned for the day. Eating these same foods for the total 10 to 12 days can be extremely difficult.

The overall quality is also poor due to the potential side effects which may result in either the low calorie or high protein version. There are many potential side effects which can result for those who are on medications due to the interaction with grapefruit. Furthermore, diets.com does mention that:

“grapefruit does not contain any miracle fat-burning enzymes”

It’s unclear why this diet focuses so much on using grapefruit as a primary food. Grapefruit is a healthy fruit but it’s not uniquely shown to help promote weight loss. No science or any form of evidence is provided to help prove the Grapefruit Diet would be a solution to weight loss. This makes it impossible to know what to expect from this diet. There are also no further tips or suggestions made by guides which feature this diet.

A comprehensive list of the top ranked weight loss diets is available in the link provided.

Business of Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet was created in the 1930’s and became popular once again in 2004 when a study by Scripps Clinic confirmed grapefruit could help withweight loss. However, they have not approved the actual Grapefruit Diet. There was confusion from some cites who used this to claim that this diet would be safe and healthy for weight loss.

A review by Scripps nutritionists mentioned:

“This diet is very restrictive”

“Anytime you start a diet, especially one that restricts carbs, you’ll likely see a lot of water loss... once you reintroduce carbs, the weight comes right back”

Therefore, it’s not considered a lasting weight loss solution. It limits carbohydrates highly which only gets rid of water weight but not fat.

Our experts have compiled a list of the very best diets for weight loss.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Grapefruit Diet

Very few user reviews are available for this diet. Here are some select quotes:

“I haven’t lost anything”

“Can anyone telling me why I have stopped losing weight?”

“it ruins your body”

“Don’t put yourself through this because of what others think”

There was confusion between users who didn’t understand which version of this diet is the real Grapefruit Diet. There were negative reviews from the majority of users, with only a few actually losing weight. Those who did manage to reduce their weight also mentioned how it quicklyreturned as they resumed normal eating habits. It’s clear from the reviews that there are no long lasting weight loss benefits.

People have also criticized the diet for having a limited menu, and for not being satisfying enough to suppress appetite. For many it was difficult to eat high amounts of meat to help reduce their appetite. Though meat is satisfying due to high protein, people found it difficult to eat a lot of it.

Conclusion - Does Grapefruit Diet Work?

The Grapefruit Diet is a fad diet that recommends being used only for a short period. This is often suggested by other similar diets since it would not be healthy toeat like this for long-term use. It may lead to nutritionaldeficiencies and side effects. Another major problem with this diet is that there is no evidence to support its use. It’s unknown who created it, and there are majority negative reviews from users. Grapefruit may also negatively interact with medication which can cause many serious side effects. This potential risk is not mentioned by any supporters of the diet. Since there are different versions of the Grapefruit Diet, it’s also unknown which is the real version.

Our review experts analyzed many diets and they’ve found the most effective for weight loss is the 18Shake Diet. It combines a meal replacement which suppresses appetite for hours sand a fat burning diet pill. They help provide potent weight loss benefits without the use of any preservatives, fillers, stimulants, colors, or any artificial additives. Customers have also left positive reviews and testimonials to showcase how effective it is for weight loss.

The 18Shake Diet also has its meal replacement and diet pill manufactured in a GMP certified facility. This is a way secure way to ensure the facilities used are clean and consistently making quality ingredients. To learn more information about the 18Shake Diet, click the link cited here.

How Does The Grapefruit Diet Compare?
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> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 1 of 8, 144 total comments)

Andrew

Im starting this tommorow i got to lose 6 lbs in less than 2 weeks for my preop appt. Im geyying rid of all the bad stuff. Good luck everyone.

posted Mar 14th, 2018 4:03 pm

Rabi

I started this diet on dec 1 at 287lb. Today dec 6 I am at 284. Will log my weight here every 2 weeks.

posted Dec 6th, 2017 10:42 pm

Mike

I don't know why this diet receives a lot of disapproval everywhere.

I did this diet for about 3 1/2 months back in 2010 and lost 70 pounds. I went from 260 to 190 and competed in weightlifting while following the diet, ending up with a state medal in high school. It took me about 3 or 4 years of eating carelessly to put that weight back on.

Don't listen to all this professional bullshit about putting the weight back on as soon as you quit the diet. It's not true. I recommend you stick with the diet for at least a month though.

I myself just started it again 8 days ago, and have already lost 10 pounds. I started at 227 and have dropped to 217. I plan on going back down to 190 or lower.

posted Sep 29th, 2015 8:15 am

Arnold Passyer

+

I started this diet and after 12 days gained 89 pounds!

posted Apr 23rd, 2015 1:21 pm

WeightGoingDown

+

I have done this diet long term several times. It is a very easy diet to follow, and the weight does come off . . . . slowly, for me. The first time I did this diet, I remember it taking three days until I knew weight was coming off . . . I remember feeling different, too . . . Less anxious . . . I use this diet in conjunction with other diets to slowly lose. I recommend grapefruit be added to any diet when weight loss stalls, because it does seem to have an effect on weight.

I probably lost only two or three pounds every two weeks on this diet. But, weight does not want to leave me. It really loves me. I have a real love-hate relationship with my weight. I keep trying to pack its bags, but it won't leave. LOL.

posted Mar 7th, 2014 7:30 pm

Mom of 3 girls

Starting today weighing in at 162. Will respond with my results after 12 days.

posted Dec 3rd, 2013 1:47 pm

Anita M

I started my diet today at 156.6 so I will see what happens 12 days from now.

posted Nov 7th, 2013 4:01 pm

Alexandra

+

I am starting this diet tomorrow 28/09/2013. I will weight in the morning and I will let you know every day how is it going. Good luck to everyone.

posted Sep 27th, 2013 11:00 am

JUSTICE

+

I started this diet on Monday 9/16/2013. i am the biggest i ever been which is 248 i need to lose at least 70 pounds, i have done this diet in the past and lost about 25 pounds in one month.... will post my weight loss on monday 9/23/2013.

posted Sep 17th, 2013 4:42 pm

on a mission to lose 25

Day 1 weighed in at 164.4

posted Sep 9th, 2013 2:49 pm

on a mission to lose 25

I did this diet in January losing 20 pounds in a month. I'm going to try again for the next 4 weeks and go for 20 more. Going for a total loss of 30 pounds overall.

posted Sep 5th, 2013 11:02 pm

ladyinred

Starting tomorrow!

posted Aug 7th, 2013 9:59 pm

Michele

+

I started this grapefruit diet on Monday and Wednesday I saw that 2 kg are already gone. It does work people, just don't give up. Is nothing harmful in this diet since you eat meat, eggs,salads etc. Don't cheat and you will have great results. To keep you weight after finishing this diet, just don't go back to the bad habits like pizza, sweets and MC'Donalds....promise you the weight will stay off.

posted Jul 24th, 2013 10:56 am

Mom of 3

start weight 166.6 Good Luck to anyone on their journey to a new you.

posted Jun 19th, 2013 12:56 pm

Mom of 3

I'm starting tomorrow. Weight 168, hoping to drop 10 in 12 days. Good Luck everyone! Activia isn't allowed on this diet, no snacks just stick to what the diet shows. It works if you follow it.

posted Jun 18th, 2013 5:49 pm

momof3boys

+

Started Diet today... weighing in at 190 (never have I been this size :'( Need positive feedback.
Do any of you know if activia is something that could be eaten for the snack? I have digestion problems and was trying that but if not then I'll just throw it away...

posted Jun 17th, 2013 5:42 pm

Mom of 3

Back at it again tomorrow!!! Going for 10 more pounds by June 16th. Wish me luck and same to all of you. :)

posted Jun 4th, 2013 10:28 pm

missy

+

starting in the morning.....253#

posted Jun 4th, 2013 9:03 pm

Shawnna

+

I started last week on, i think, Wednesday and lost 5 lbs when I stopped on Friday. I started at 200lbs and dropped to 195 in 3 days Didnt do it over the weekend but ive only gained back 2 lbs but i love it. I also do about 500 crunches a night to help out with the results

posted Jun 4th, 2013 7:29 pm

Mom of 3

161.6

posted Jun 4th, 2013 1:46 pm


 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

For years, the Grapefruit Diet has remained among the most popular of quick-fix fad diets. While the Grapefruit Diet makes for a great magazine article, nutritionists say it does not offer a well-balanced plan that you could follow for any extended length of time because your body requires more nutrients and calories than this calls for.

It's true that people following the Grapefruit Diet drop significant pounds in about 14 days. This is more likely correlated to the significant loss of calories than it is any weight-burning power the grapefruit may hold. The Grapefruit Diet suggests a total daily calorie consumption of around 800 calories, and nutritionists hold a healthy diet would have at least 1,200.

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PRO PRO
  • The grapefruit is a good source of beta-carotene
  • Helps reduce cholesterol and promotes heart health
CONCON
  • Not a long-term solution
  • Not enough variation in nutrients
  • Not enough calories
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

A day on the Grapefruit Diet would look like this:

  • Breakfast with half a grapefruit, two pieces of bacon and two eggs.
  • Lunch with half a grapefruit, as much meat as you like and a salad with your favorite dressing.
  • Dinner would include half a grapefruit, fish or meat, another salad with dressing or substitute buttered red or green vegetables. You can drink coffee or tea.
  • Before bed you could have 8 ounces of skim milk.
EXERCISEEXERCISE

No guidance provided.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

This is not a diet that could sustain a person for any length of time because of the unhealthy calorie intake. You will lose noticeable weight in a short amount of time, but as soon as you stop following the Grapefruit Diet the pounds will just as quickly return.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

Grapfruit Diet, The Grapfruit diet, The Grapefruit deit, Grapefruit plan

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