Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet is based on the belief that grapefruit lowers levels of insulin, which in turn helps the body burn fat more quickly.
Dieters are required to eat half a grapefruit or drink 8 ounces of grapefruit juice with every meal.
The set menu, which includes unlimited portions of meat and few vegetables, must be followed carefully.

The Grapefruit Diet seems to work - weight loss claims range from 10 pounds in 12 days to over 50 pounds in a few months.
While supporters think that grapefruit has special fat-burning qualities, critics think it more likely that weight loss can be attributed to the diet's menus, which are very low in calories.
Many dieters find it difficult to adhere to the Grapefruit Diet because it allows little variation.
They lose their taste for grapefruit after eating so much of it.
Other dieters find the meal restrictions oppressive.
For instance, the morning meal calls for two eggs and bacon; no substitutions are allowed.
Grapefruits have many healthful properties: they are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
However, critics of the Grapefruit Diet worry that followers do not get enough calcium and other important vitamins.
Supporters of the diet enjoy the convenience of planned meals, which spares them the tedious task of calorie counting.
Also, the meals are easy to prepare.
The Grapefruit Diet is not suitable for people who exercise heavily because it allows few carbohydrates, which give the body energy.
Critics of the diet claim that it is never successful in the long term; followers lose 'water weight' that they quickly regain after the diet ends.
Grapefruit interacts with many medications.
Dieters who take prescription drugs should consult a doctor about potential problems.
Some physicians worry that the Grapefruit Diet encourages an unhealthy, unbalanced diet.
They argue that focusing on grapefruit prevents dieters from eating other fruits and vegetables.