The grapefruit diet is another fad diet, based on the fat-burning properties of grapefruit, although there is no hard evidence of that.

But its success is based not only on the special properties of the fruit but on a near-starvation method.

Permitted Foods

The 21-day diet promises rapid weight loss by allowing only a highly restrictive range of foods.

Permitted foods: red onions, bell peppers, radishes, broccoli, cereal, corn, starchy vegetables, leaf spinach, pasta, corn chips, jelly or jam, sweet pickles, pretzels, low-fat, fat free or diet salad dressings.

Forbidden foods: white onion, green onions, potatoes, celery, peas, cucumbers, carrots, potato chips, cabbage, green beans, lettuce, chili, mayonnaise, hot dogs.

Diet Plan

The grapefruit diet is designed for 21 days.

You must have a grapefruit at every meal and little else.

The meals have a pattern for the whole period of time with slight variations.

• Breakfast: half a grapefruit, two eggs, two slices of bacon
• Lunch: half a grapefruit, salad with any dressing, meat (any amount, any style)
• Dinner: half a grapefruit, salad or a vegetable (red or green) cooked in butter or spices, meat or fish, coffee or tea
• Snack: a glass of tomato juice or a cup of skimmed milk(eight ounces)

Advantages and Disadvantages

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Advantages

Adding grapefruit to every meal is beneficial, as grapefruit is full of vitamin C. Pink grapefruits also contain beta-carotene.

The grapefruit diet works in the sense that a great deal of weight is lost, but this is mainly due to calorie restriction.

Disadvantages

This is a very restrictive, frustrating diet. Its lack of variety deprives the body of calcium, iron and vitamins. Besides being monotonous, it is also unhealthy.

It is based on momentary results. Regaining weight usually follows.

Conclusion

Depriving the body of essential minerals, the diet lasts for too long and can affect health. It is not recommended for people suffering from any illness. The grapefruit diet might be a basis for the changing of eating habits. It might eventually lead towards a healthier diet. But it should be resorted to only as temporary solution, only after you have tried everything else.