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Grapefruit Diet Menu

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Grapefruit is a great 'fat-burner'. A 12-day grapefruit diet is perfect to boost metabolism. Want to burn that extra fat? Know how.
Grapefruit is a nature's gift for those who wish to lose weight the healthy way. It is low in calories and sodium, full of vitamin C, and contains absolutely no fat. It contains simple carbohydrates and high fiber.
The basis of grapefruit diet is that the fruit contains fat burning properties. The plan lasts for 12 days. If you wish to continue for a longer duration, then you can do so after a two day break.
This plan has been used around 1930s, and tried by many people. Many thought of it as just another fad diet blown out of proportion. But, a research carried out by the scientists at the Nutrition and Medical Research Center in San Diego, America, have proved that adding grapefruit and its juice in the diet helps in weight loss.
Its health benefits are not just limited to weight loss, but this bitter sour fruit is also a boon to diabetics, and people with low blood pressure.

About the Diet

This diet plan was introduced by Kelly D. Brownell, PhD in 1930. It has helped many people lose a lot of weight in a short period. Since then, there have been a lot of variations in the plan. The concept, however, remains the same, that is eating a grapefruit or drinking its juice before every meal.
The grapefruit diet plan is strict and needs to be followed religiously. It won't make you slim and trim, but will surely help you put your weight loss program back on track. You need to consume the fruit along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with eight glasses of water everyday.
You also need to have unlimited black coffee, but cannot eat snacks between meals. Vegetables and fruits are welcome and should be eaten generously.

The Diet Plan

There are number of foods that can be consumed when following this diet like:
  • Green vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce and cabbage.
  • Radish and carrots
  • Tomatoes, red onions and coleslaw
  • Hotdogs, chicken, bacon, fish, tuna, pork chops, and chili without beans
  • Cottage cheese
  • Condiments, spices, herbs, salt, vinegar, pepper
  • Lemon Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and mustard
This long list of foods that you can consume makes it an interesting way to lose diet. People who dread staying hungry do not need to abstain themselves from their favorite foods. This doesn't mean you can indulge in over-eating. Keep your food intake to a limit, and do not forget to eat or drink grapefruit before your meals.
The foods that you are supposed to avoid eating during your diet are:
  • Starchy vegetables like potato, corn, etc.
  • Celery
  • Peas
  • Cereal
  • Chips, pasta, jam
  • Low-fat salad dressings and pretzels
So along with your regular weight loss exercises, start on with your grapefruit diet. The following menu is a sample plan, and should be considered under expert guidance.

Breakfast:
  • 2 slices of bacon
  • 2 eggs boiled
  • ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice without sugar
Lunch:
  • ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. juice without sugar
  • Chicken, fish, or lean beef
  • Salad
  • One cup of coffee or tea
Dinner:
  • ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. juice without sugar
  • Salad, or a red or green vegetable cooked in butter, or spices
  • Meat or fish
  • One cup of coffee or tea
You can keep changing the menu everyday for the next 12 days, and eat foods that are allowed in the menu. You can even treat yourself to a cup of skimmed milk as a bedtime snack. The given diet will help you reduce weight in the healthy way.
It is important to include some servings of carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins in your daily menu. You should never go below 1100 calories intake daily to be on the safe side.
When following a weight loss regime, you should not deprive your body of the important nutrients it needs regularly. Control your eating habits, and include healthy foods and drinks in your diet. Regular exercises like walking, swimming, and other physical activities help keep your weight under control.
Do not binge on junk foods, and avoid alcohol. Consult an expert or your doctor, and gather all the information. Under your weight trainer's or doctor's advice, follow a healthy weight loss program, and lose weight the healthy way.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.