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Home 
Diets
Calorie Counting
How Does
The Grapefruit Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
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PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
The Grapefruit Diet?
Diets
Calorie Counting
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.
Top Rated Diets of 2024What 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.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?
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.
For a comprehensive list of the top ranked weight loss diets, click the link provided here.
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.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Easy to follow
- Cheap Price
- Fast Results
- High Protein Diet
- 91/100
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- Dukan Diet
- 89/100
-
-
- Paleo Diet
- 87/100
-
- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
-
- The Grapefruit Diet
- 51 /100
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-
BACKGROUND
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.
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
PRO
- The grapefruit is a good source of beta-carotene
- Helps reduce cholesterol and promotes heart health
CON
- Not a long-term solution
- Not enough variation in nutrients
- Not enough calories
DIET 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.
EXERCISE
No guidance provided.
CONCLUSION
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 Misspellings
Grapfruit Diet, The Grapfruit diet, The Grapefruit deit, Grapefruit plan
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The Grapefruit Diet?
User Feedback
(Page 5 of 8, 144 total comments)Kelly
I just started this diet today so far after all the reviews i read it looks like a good diet i will keep you posted on how im doing :)
posted Feb 8th, 2011 4:07 pmKHarvey
+IM SO EXCITED. IAM STARTING THE DIET THIS MONDAY WHICH WILL BE 10/01/11. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED. CANT WAIT TO MOVE THIS BABY WEIGHT :)
posted Jan 8th, 2011 9:55 pmManda
+I started this on January 2. It is now January 6, and I have lost 7 pounds. I didn't follow it to a tee because sometimes I will have a 1/2 cup of oatmeal with a 1/2 of skim milk with some cinnamon for flavor. I've tried this before (Jan. 26-March 19) and lost 50 pounds. I cheated a lot during that time too because I ate pizza. and I also ate a lot of soups. I did work out every day though, and I mean every day because on the days I am supposedly supposed to take off I just did really light exercises. I also drank nothing but water, and sometimes some skim milk. I cut all juices, and ate fruit instead. I will keep updating.
posted Jan 6th, 2011 1:23 pmLaura
+I've been struggling with weight for 2 years now since I had my youngest daughter. Nothing seemed to work for me. I started the grapefruit diet 3 weeks ago and have already lost 10 pounds give or take a little. I never thought I would lose it. I could see myself getting fatter and fatter by the week. I'm so thankful for the grapefruit diet. I plan to stay on it for a long time. Even without the weight loss, it has made me feel better about my eating habits and I never get that "too full" feeling anymore. I can't wait to lose more! =D
posted Jan 4th, 2011 4:01 pmI have only cheated two times, with thin crust grilled chicken ceasar piizza, and so far the weight hasn't changed. A lot of my friends have tried this, but they go in knowing they can't do it and they fail. I hate dieting, but even when I feel like I'm starving myself seeing the pounds shed off with this diet is soo worth it. I don't exercise, but plan to start when the pounds stop dropping so. Summertime in a bikini, here I come! (I hope)
supertrooper
i started it on saturday and had lost 2 pounds in two days but i've gained one pound since yesterday ..i had milk at 4 am is that a problem also i had coleslaw as a salad? PLEASE HELP!!!
posted Nov 30th, 2010 9:10 ami dont eat pork so i had turkey thigh stips..which i guess is the same as bacon ??!! i need to lose fast ..any help will be appreciated
Sunshinebooty
I'm starting this tonight:)
posted Nov 25th, 2010 3:54 amHopefullly it works!
Milla Googy
I just stated this diet but I don't eat meat. I have been subtituting with tofu or chickpeas with my salad. Is that OK or Is it a waist of my time. Please comment. Thanks.
posted Nov 3rd, 2010 5:00 pmGrand Diva
Ive tried this diet for years! Its so true u do lose alot of weight watchn those carbs! Howeva, if u go back2 ur old bad eatn habits u will gain it back. The main purpose of this goal is2 jump start your weight loss & develop healthy eatn habits. If u dont exercise w/this diet u will still lose lbs. But if u do exercise u will lose more lbs plus build muscle which burns more fat! Startn this meal plan again 2mar. I like2 begin on Mondays so i will have everu otha wknd off. On the off wknds u can cheat a little but dont ova do it bcuz it will b hard2 adjust. Make sure u drink plenty of water w/grapefruit cuz its harmful2 ur kidneys, they need flushing! Get creative w/salads so youre not bored! 3mos later u will b 50 to 55lbs lighter! Good luck& will post results weekly!
posted Oct 3rd, 2010 7:53 pmBrian
+I have been on this diet for a full week now and have lost exactly 7 lbs. Started out at 289 and am now 282. I am looking forward to the two day break, but my goal is to lose 100 lbs. over the next 3-5 months.
posted Sep 20th, 2010 2:10 pmtonie
+just started hope it works out for me, i want to lose about 15lb
posted Jul 10th, 2010 2:44 pmhany
im really confused here, some say this diet plan is only a week some say its 10 days, 11 days n the recent one said, its only a 3 day diet plan. Really, can someone tell me the specific days please. thank you :)
posted Jul 1st, 2010 12:34 amsam
can u eat bids eye bugers and sausages cause some contain bread? confused about that bit but doing really well lost 2 pound since wed its now fri
posted Jun 25th, 2010 5:54 amKC
+I love this diet! Although I have never followed it strictly. Obv I cut down on food, but still ate, Id just have plenty of grapefruit throughout the day. In my first week I lost 5lb then averaging 3-4's a week. when I stoppped doing it I did gain a few pounds, but now I eat normally with plenty of grapfruit and that maintains my weight.
posted Jun 2nd, 2010 3:26 amJessica - I think you asked about boobs, yes unfortunatly it did shrink mine! From a DD to a C, where as before when I was at my slimest I still had my chest.
Dave
I started this diet about 8 months ago weighing 220. And after the 3 months i weighed in at 174 pounds. I dropped 45 pounds give or take. That was without much cardio mainly weight training. And for the past 5 months ive been off the diet and havent put a pound back on! Im at my natural weight now and my body is happy with that. haha
posted May 30th, 2010 6:27 pmMirsad
-Dont even think of takin this diet serious Its a KILLER totally unhealthy for ur body unless u workout like a horse and take allot of nutrients.. i wouldnt recommend of this diet,,,800 calories a day is STARVATION and after u this diet eatin 1 wrong thing ul put on the double weight back which is very unhealthy for ur heart, .
posted May 20th, 2010 8:02 pmCelia
I started back on this diet on Friday May 14. I Started @ 172 and am now down to 168.5 and its only monday. I have PCOS and this is the only diet that really works long term for me. I can live w/ out the carbs. I have to limit them anyway. I plan to be very strick until the 29th... and then give my self a break for 3 days (Vacation/Anniversary). I should note though I am also working out. I do a Teo Bo Video @ night and 8 min Abb (billy Blanks) every night. 3 Mornings out of the week I walk/run for 20 or so min in the morning on the tread mill. Mornings are hard for me because I get up really early anyway for work. Good luck everyone. I do not miss any carbs. If you really stick to it and start seeing results you wont miss them either! :)
posted May 17th, 2010 6:20 ambrittany
ok im confused.the diets going good,but im confused on a few things.some sites say you can eat cucumbers and pasta and peanut butter,etc,but then some say that you cannot eat those things.anyone know any better.
posted Apr 6th, 2010 2:27 pmbrittany
i have just started this diet today,and already cheated alittle at lunch.but i feel good about this diet,i just hope i can keep the weight off once i lose it.i am going to put in alittle exercise to hopefully help get healthier and to see how much more weight i can lose while doing it(fingers crossed) btw "sweetie" you can usually buy turkey bacon in walmart.its my fav.bacon and i use it instead of regular bacon.its delicious! good luck everyone!
posted Apr 5th, 2010 6:07 pmoneata
I tried this diet back in 2000. I weighed in at 225 in February. by August I was 200, by December I was 185. I lost a total of 55lbs by 2001.I also exercised. But as of todays date, 2010, I have gained back all of the weight and the inches. I also acquired high blood pressure and high cholesterol. this is not a good thing nor a life time commitment. I also had gallbladder surgery due to the quick weight loss. I do not recommend this diet, it is not heart-healthy.
posted Apr 3rd, 2010 6:45 pmTerri
+I did the diet for 12 days and lost 6 in a hlf pounds...I know it may not be alot to some, but Im glad cause I never loose weight on any diet, and I didnt do any exercise, now im gonna add some cardio with the diet to see if I can loose more. The diet is easy to stick to causr I change up my meats and salads dressings often!
posted Apr 1st, 2010 9:41 am