Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet in the 80's; C'mon, you know you tried it. We believed that grapefruit juice, "like totally shrinks the stomach or something," and we were going to lose weight. As it turns out we may not have been too far off. The Grapefruit Diet does have some merit. Back then, we primarily lost weight because we consumed such a low amount of calories in addition to eating grapefruit. However, recent studies have shown that the grapefruit may have some effect on weight loss.

In the early part of this decade, Physicians at the Scripps Clinic in CA performed a Grapefruit Diet study. Participants in the study who ate half a grapefruit, or drank 8oz grapefruit juice, before every meal, lost weight. (On average 3.5 pounds over 12 weeks) The participants of the Grapefruit Diet study changed very little else about their daily routines, although they were encourage to exercise slightly more than usual. Researchers offered the possible explanation that grapefruit may reduce insulin levels, but believe that further research was necessary to be sure.

The Grapefruit Diet study is encouraging but not definitive. As with any diet it comes with its own risks and you should speak to your physician before beginning. "Why,?" you may ask, "The grapefruit is harmless". Not really. Actually properties of the grapefruit may interfere with some medications. Because of this fact, it is important to discuss the Grapefruit Diet with your physician.

"Eat grapefruit and lose 15 pounds!" Not Likely. However, using the Grapefruit Diet wisely may enhance your dieting efforts.