This diet is based on the premise that grapefruit has fat burning properties. The grapefruit diet lasts 12 days, but if an individual wants to continue, they must take at least two days off before doing so. While there is no hard evidence that grapefruit burns fat, some who have completed the diet offer anecdotal success stories.
The Grapefruit Diet: what is and is not allowed
Meals are accompanied by grapefruit. It is also recommended that participants drink about 8 glasses of water per day, along with unlimited amounts of black coffee. This regimented diet does not allow most complex carbs, and doesn’t allow for snacking in-between meals. However, the consumption of most vegetables is encouraged and you are allowed to prepare them in generous amounts of butter.
Typical daily meals on the Grapefruit Diet
For breakfast, a typical meal involves half a grapefruit, eggs, bacon, and coffee or tea to drink. An example of a lunch and dinner involve grapefruit (naturally), salad, and meat of any style and amount.
Grapefruit Diet calorie intake—very low
The only reason that a person following this diet would see success over such a short period is due to the very low total calorie content. Depending on the person, the calorie content may be so low as to be insufficient for daily nutrition. People following this diet have reported dizziness and upset stomach, perhaps from the combination of so much coffee and so little food. Overall, it is best to avoid this diet if you are looking for healthy, sustainable weight loss.