7-Day Grapefruit Diet For Weight Loss: Benefits, Cons, And A Sample Meal Plan

What Is A 7-Day Grapefruit Diet?

The 7-day grapefruit diet is among many popular fad diets that have been marketed as the secret to quick weight loss. The grapefruit diet has gained so much popularity that some TV doctors and famous social media personalities have gone on to try and convince the public to try it out. However, before you rush to the grocery store or local farmer’s market in search of this fruit, let us discuss if the 7-day grapefruit diet is the miracle you have been waiting for.

The 7-day grapefruit diet is a low-calorie eating plan that requires participants to have half a grapefruit before or during every meal of the day. As the name suggests, people should be on this diet for 7 days, and can push it up to 10 days.

The origins of the grapefruit diet can be traced to as early as the 1920s and 1930s. This eating plan became so popular among famous actresses that it was dubbed as the “The Hollywood Diet” (22). Since then, the 7-day grapefruit diet has made several comebacks in the 1970s, in 2004, and now in 2020, with many people wrongly believing that is endorsed by Mayo Clinic (24).

How To Do The 7-Day Grapefruit Diet?

While it is referred to as the “grapefruit diet”, it is important to note that the 7-day grapefruit diet is unlike the celery juice diet or the cabbage soup diet, as this eating plan does not fall under the juicing or soup diet. It also cannot be referred to as a monotrophic diet (mono-diet/single-food diet (23)) as it consists of having more than grapefruits or grapefruit juice at every meal. Over the years, this eating plan has gained several variations to it. They include:

1. The Egg And Grapefruit Diet

The 7-day egg and grapefruit diet menu requires you to have two eggs and half of this citrus fruit once or twice a day. Followers of this diet tend to have this specific combination for breakfast. All other meals include this fruit or a glass of its juice and more eggs or meat in unspecified amounts.

Read More: 3 Day Egg Diet: Can It Up Your Protein Intake And Kick Weight Loss Up A Notch?

2. The 3-Day Grapefruit Diet

A shorter very-low-calorie variation of the 7-day grapefruit diet. You must have this fruit at each meal.

3. A 3-Day Diet With Grapefruit

This is a military diet that requires one to have this citrus fruit at breakfast on the first day of the eating plan. You follow the diet for three days and then take four days off, and continue this pattern until you have reached your desired goal (21).

4. The Grapefruit And Apple Cider Vinegar Diet

This version was popularized by a TV doctor who claimed that it would help women slim down. It requires people to drink a glass of grapefruit juice with 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp of honey before every meal. Like all the above variations, this is a fad diet that can lead to side effects such as teeth loss, dehydration, overall weakness, and headaches (6).

5. The 7-Day Grapefruit Detox Diet

This version claims to boost weight loss through nootkatone and fiber found in this citrus fruit. This grapefruit diet 7-day variation requires you to have half of this fruit at each meal and 4 ounces of protein at breakfast and dinner (19).

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What Do You Eat On The Grapefruit Diet?

Many versions of this diet are low in carbs and high in protein. Some are also quite low in calories that they do not even go past 800 calories a day (20). We do not recommend this as it could lead to multiple side effects, some that can be life-threatening. Instead, we suggest that you should have a healthy, well-balanced diet even while on this eating plan. This is a diet that (10):

1. Emphasizes on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Includes fat-free milk, low-fat milk, and other milk products; vegans and vegetarians should include plant-based milk alternatives in their diet
3. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
4. Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars
5. Stays within your daily recommended energy needs

Is There Any Protein In Grapefruit?

Yes, this citrus fruit has some protein in it. According to the USDA food database, 1 medium-sized grapefruit has 1.6 g of protein (8), while the juice of one freshly squeezed fruit (196 g) has 0.98 g of protein (7).

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How Much Weight Can You Lose On A 7-Day Grapefruit Diet?

It seems like there is no single consensus about how much weight one can lose while following a grapefruit diet menu. Some sources claim that you can lose 9 pounds in 7 days, others say 10 pounds in 12 days (20), while others claim that you could even lose 50 pounds if you followed this eating plan for 10 weeks (24).

Despite these staggering numbers, it is important to note that none of these results are evidence-based. It is also important to note that most variations are very low-calorie diets, and that is why they give such high weight loss results. It should be noted that such rapid weight loss is dangerous and can cause side effects such as gallstone, unexplained mood swings, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, dizziness, muscle loss, and menstrual irregularities in women (13).

For effective and sustainable long-term weight loss, it is advisable to try and lose just 1 to 2 pounds a week. This is done through a calorie deficit diet and exercise. A calorie deficit requires you to cut about 500 to 1000 calories a day (3500 to 7000 calories a week) from your typical diet (4).

What Are Some 7-Day Grapefruit Diet Snacks?

Many variations of this eating plan do not include snacks in their grapefruit diet menu 7-day plans. They only call for 3 very low-calorie meals per day. However, as we have established above, this is not the best way to lose weight. Healthy snacks are encouraged in diets because they provide you with energy in the middle of the day, and they help decrease your hunger, which keeps you from overeating at mealtime (17).

As long as they fit within your healthy recommended energy intake for the day, you can enjoy snacks and still lose weight on the 7-day grapefruit diet plan. Some examples of healthy 7-day grapefruit snacks options include (11):

• Mixed nuts and seeds
• Drained and rinsed canned fruit in natural juice or light syrup
• Plain Greek yogurt and mixed berries
• Assorted veggies and hummus
• Fruit or veggie smoothies
• Plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Frozen or fresh fruits
• Wholegrain crackers or rice cakes
• Unsweetened tea or coffee
• A glass of unsweetened plant-based milk
• Bell pepper slices and zucchini or cucumber circles

Read More: Different Types Of Diets: The Lowdown On The Most Talked-About Weight Loss Strategies

Sample Of A 7-Day Grapefruit Diet Plan

This grapefruit diet menu 7 day plan will show you that you can still eat healthy, nutritious, and calorie-dense foods while on a 7-day grapefruit diet and still lose weight. You do not need to starve yourself in the hope of shedding a couple of extra pounds.

Day One

Meal 1 – Breakfast

2 large eggs, 30 g baby spinach, 1 medium-sized grapefruit, 2 whole wheat bread slices, and 1.5 tsp olive oil

Calories: 443. Fats: 19 g, Proteins: 23 g, Carbs: 50 g

Meal 2 – Courgette Noodles with Meatballs (12)

For the mince – 400 g lean beef mince, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 large egg, 8 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp rapeseed oil, 1 fennel bulb, 2 carrots, 500 g carton passata, 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 600 ml reduced-salt vegetable broth

For the noodles – 1 tsp rapeseed oil, 2 large courgettes, and 350 g soya beans

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 380. Fats: 14 g, Proteins: 37 g, Carbs: 20 g

Meal 3 – Hazelnut-Parsley Roast Tilapia (9)

2 tbsp olive oil, 4-5 ounce tilapia fillets, ⅓ cup finely chopped hazelnuts, 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 small shallot, 2 tsp lemon zest, ⅛ tsp salt plus ¼ teaspoon, 0. 25 teaspoon ground pepper, and 1.5 tbsp lemon juice

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 262.4. Fats: 15 g, Proteins: 30.2 g, Carbs: 3.3 g

Meal 4 – Snack

1 medium-sized grapefruit and 23 almonds

Calories: 199. Fats: 14 g, Proteins: 7 g, Carbs: 16 g

Total intake for the day: Calories: 1284.4. Fats: 62 g, Proteins: 97.2 g, Carbs: 89.3 g

Day Two

Meal 1 – Smoothie

1 medium-sized grapefruit, 1 cup strawberry halves, 1 medium-sized apple, 15 g ginger, 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, and water

Calories: 348. Fats: 3 g, Proteins: 24 g, Carbs: 61 g

Meal 2 – Sweet Potatoes with Mixed Grains (5)

2 tsp vegetable oil, 2 small sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 250 g cooked mixed grains, a handful of radishes, ¼ cucumber, ½ red pepper, a small bunch of coriander, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Calories for one serving: 483. Fats: 15.8 g, Proteins: 13.8 g, Carbs: 65.4 g

Meal 3 – Salsa-Simmered Fish (14)

2 tbsp olive oil, 4 ¾ inch thick skinless cod fillets, 1 tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 16 ounces tomato salsa, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 2 tbsp oregano leaves

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 226. Fats: 8.3 g, Proteins: 31.4 g, Carbs: 5.8 g

Meal 4 – Fruit Snack

1 grapefruit and 1 cup watermelon

Calories: 106. Fats: 0 g, Proteins: 2 g, Carbs: 27 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1163. Fats: 27.1 g, Proteins: 71.2 g, Carbs: 159.2 g

Day Three

Meal 1 – Yogurt Bowl

1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 tbsp chia seeds, ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup protein granola, and 1 tbsp honey

Calories: 434. Fats: 10 g, Proteins: 21 g, Carbs: 70 g

Meal 2 – Snack

1 grapefruit and 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Calories: 90. Fats: 3 g, Proteins: 2 g, Carbs: 16 g

Meal 3 – No Bun Burgers (2)

For the burgers– 0.5 kg ground beef, 1 tbsp ghee, and salt & pepper

For the toppings– 1 onion, 1 tbsp ghee, 1 tomato, 1 dill pickle, and 1 head iceberg lettuce

For the sauce– 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp coconut aminos, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ cup mayo, and 1 small dill pickle

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 498. Fats: 41 g, Proteins: 22 g, Carbs: 10 g

Meal 4 – Egg Sandwich and Fruit

1 large boiled egg, 3 oz Romaine lettuce, 2 slices 60 calorie bread, 1 medium tomato, 1 medium-sized grapefruit, and salt & pepper to taste

Calories: 274. Fats: 9 g, Proteins: 16 g, Carbs: 39 g.

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1296. Fats: 63 g, Proteins: 61 g, Carbs: 135 g

Day Four

Meal 1 – Egg and Avocado Salad

4 cups mixed greens, 2 boiled eggs, 0. 5 medium-sized avocado, 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds, and 1 grapefruit

Calories: 471. Fats: 27 g. Proteins: 26 g. Carbs: 36 g

Meal 2 – Mixed Greens Salad

1 cup chopped kale, 6 Brussel sprouts, 2 cups raw shredded radicchio, 2 tbsp dried cranberries, 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds, and 226 g boiled chicken

Calories: 441. Fats: 8 g. Proteins: 65 g. Carbs: 37 g

Meal 3 – Kale Salad with Chickpeas (18)

For the salad– 15-ounce can of chickpeas, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 3 cups roughly chopped kale, ½ cup shredded carrot, ½ cup red onion, and 1 jalapeno pepper

For the dressing– ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, and 1 tsp orange zest

This recipe makes 3 servings.

Calories for one serving: 294. Fats: 5 g. Protein: 14 g. Carbs: 52 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1206. Fats: 40 g. Proteins: 105 g. Carbs: 125 g

Day Five

Meal 1 – Chia Pudding

½ cup oat milk, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp honey, and ¼ cup blueberries

Calories: 243. Fats: 13 g. Proteins: 6 g. Carbs: 35 g

Meal 2 – Snack

5 tbsp hummus, 6 baby carrots, and 1 grapefruit

Calories: 249. Fats: 13 g. Proteins: 6 g. Carbs: 28 g

Meal 3 – Sausage Potato Pie (16)

340 g lean ground sausage, 28 g shredded potatoes, 1 cup shredded cheese, 2 cups shredded kale, 6 eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 and ½ tsp mixed dried herbs, and salt & pepper to taste

Serve with 1 cup of unsweetened soy milk.

Please note that the pie recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.

Calories for one serving: 342. Fat: 14.4 g, Proteins: 28 g, Carbs: 21.8 g

Meal 4 – Yogurt Bowl

340 g plain yogurt, ½ medium-sized grapefruit, ¼ mango, and 4 tbsp protein granola

Calories: 375. Fats: 3 g. Proteins: 42 g. Carbs: 48 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1209. Fats: 40.4 g. Proteins: 83 g. Carbs: 132.8 g

Day Six

Meal 1 – Avocado Toast and Fruit

2 slices whole-wheat bread, 2 tbsp chopped red onion, ½ avocado, 5 cherry tomatoes, and 1 grapefruit

Calories: 383. Fats: 13 g. Proteins: 11 g. Carbs: 63 g

Meal 2 – Tuna, Egg, and Asparagus Salad

1 large egg, 100 g asparagus, 80 g tuna packed in water, ½ small red onion, 62.5 g cannellini beans, juice and zest from ¼ lemon (half if you like lemons), 1 tsp chopped dill, and ½ tsp olive oil

Calories: 279. Fat: 10 g, Proteins: 33 g, Carbs: 12 g

Meal 3 – Brown Rice and Beans

1.2 cups brown rice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion, 1 medium bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 450 g vegetable broth, 425 g canned tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili powder, and 2 cups kidney beans

This recipe makes 3 servings. 1 serving = 1.5 cups

Calories: 495. Fats: 6 g. Protein: 17 g. Carbs: 95 g

Meal 4 – Snack

1 grapefruit

Calories: 60. Fats: 0 g. Protein: 1 g. Carbs: 15 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1217. Fats: 29 g. Protein: 62 g. Carbs: 185 g

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Day Seven

Meal 1 – Cinnamon Protein Pancakes (3)

For the pancakes– ¾ cup oat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, 4 packets stevia, ⅓ cup plain low-fat yogurt, and 2 large egg whites

For the swirl– 4 packets of stevia, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, and 2 tbsp water

1 serving = 2 pancakes

Calories: 282. Fats: 3 g. Protein: 34 g. Carbs: 28 g

Meal 2 – Grapefruit Salad

½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 medium-sized grapefruit, 1 cup baby spinach, ½ medium-sized avocado, and 1 tsp honey

Calories: 280. Fats: 13 g. Protein: 17 g. Carbs: 28 g

Meal 3 – Balsamic Lentils with Pork Fillet (1)

olive oil, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery, rosemary sprigs, 400 g pork tenderloin, 500 g cooked lentils, 2 heads of Little Gem lettuce, juice of half a lemon, 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and ½ flat-leaf parsley pack

This makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 490. Fats: 20.9 g. Protein: 26.8 g. Carbs: 44.3 g

Meal 4 – Salmon Black Bean Salad (15)

4-ounce smoked salmon, 15-ounce can black beans, ½ medium avocado, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, ¼ tsp ground cumin, and ⅛ tsp kosher salt

This makes about 3 cups.

Calories for one serving: 185. Fats: 6.4 g. Protein: 12.3 g. Carbs: 21 g

Meal 5 – Snack

1 medium-sized grapefruit and 10 almonds

Calories: 108. Fats: 6 g. Protein: 3 g. Carbs: 13 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1345. Fats: 49.3 g. Protein: 93.1 g. Carbs: 134.3 g

The Bottom Line

If you are trying to lose weight, the 7-day grapefruit diet could be the answer to your problems, but only if it is done in the right way. Picking very-low-calorie alternatives of this eating plan that also limit the consumption of certain food groups may lead to weight loss, but it is unhealthy, and all the weight is bound to come back.

For sustainable and effective weight loss, opt for a healthy and well-balanced calorie deficit diet, and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. If you choose to try the above diet, please speak to a doctor or dietitian for advice.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

SOURCES:

1. Balsamic lentils with pork fillet (2019, olivemagazine. com)
2. Bunless Burger Recipe (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto) (2019, realsimplegood.com)
3. Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes (2017, kimscravings.com)             
4. Counting calories: Get back to weight-loss basics (2020, mayoclinic.org)
5. Gochujang roast sweet potato with mixed grain salad (2018, olivemagazine.com)
6. Grapefruit and Apple Cider Vinegar Combo Diet (2019, livestrong.com)
7. Grapefruit juice, 100%, freshly squeezed (2020, fdc.nal.usda.gov)
8. Grapefruit, raw (2020, fdc.nal.usda.gov)
9. Hazelnut-Parsley Roast Tilapia (2019, eatingwell.com)
10. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight (2020, cdc.gov)
11. Healthy Snacking (2016, heart.org)
12. Meatballs with fennel & balsamic beans & courgette noodles (2016, bbcgoodfood.com)
13. Rapid Weight Loss (2019, webmd.com)
14. Recipe: Salsa-Simmered Fish (2020, thekitchn.com)
15. Recipe: Spicy Salmon Black Bean Salad (2020, thekitchn.com)
16. Six ingredient sausage potato pie (2014, pinchofyum. com)
17. Snacks for adults (2018, medlineplus.gov)
18. Spicy Kale Salad with Chickpeas & Maple Dijon Dressing (n.d, skinnyms.com)
19. The 7-Day Grapefruit Detox for Weight Loss (N.D, doctoroz.com)
20. The Grapefruit Diet: Does It Work for Weight Loss? (2020, healhline.com)
21. Three-Day Diet and Grapefruit (n.d, livestrong.com)
22. What Is the Grapefruit Diet? (2020, verywellfit.com)
23. What Is the Mono Diet? (2020, verywellfit.com)
24. What You Should Know About the Unofficial Mayo Clinic Grapefruit Diet (2019, livestrong.com)

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The Grapefruit Diet Review: Pros and Cons

The grapefruit diet was among one of the first fad diets to be introduced to the public.

Popularized as the “Hollywood diet,” the grapefruit diet involves eating grapefruit or drinking its juice with every meal.

Supporters of the diet claim grapefruit can help burn fat, quickly leading to weight loss in as few as 12 days. But there’s limited research to support these claims.

This article explores the research behind the grapefruit diet and whether a grapefruit diet is effective and safe for weight loss.

Unlike single food diets like the cabbage soup diet, the grapefruit diet consists of more than just grapefruit.

The diet calls for a protein-rich meal plan that incorporates a grapefruit or grapefruit juice at every meal.

The grapefruit diet promises quick and rapid weight loss due to claims that grapefruit has fat-burning enzymes.

Supporters of the diet believe you can lose as much as 10 pounds in 12 days.

Despite anecdotal evidence, there’s no research that supports claims of this fat-burning enzyme.

Summary

The grapefruit diet incorporates grapefruit into every meal and promises rapid weight loss due to fat-burning enzymes found in grapefruits. However, there’s no research to support this claim.

There are multiple versions of guidelines for the diet, but many sources claim it should last 2 or 3 weeks.

Every version is low in carbohydrates and calories and high in protein.

In some versions, the diet calls for consuming no more than 800 calories per day.

Generally, people following the grapefruit diet can prepare their foods however they like, including with spices, salad dressings, or butter.

Examples of meals include:

• Breakfast: two boiled eggs, two slices of bacon, and 1/2 grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice
• Lunch: salad with dressing, any meat in any amount, and 1/2 grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice
• Dinner: any kind of meat prepared any way, salad or red and green vegetables, coffee or tea, and 1/2 grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice
• Bedtime snack: 8 ounces of skim milk

Summary

Multiple versions of the grapefruit diet exist, but every version is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and calories. Some versions limit you to just 800 calories per day.

Incorporating low calorie, highly nutritious foods like grapefruit into your diet is a smart and healthy choice — not just for weight loss, if that’s your goal, but for your overall health.

A single grapefruit contains over 60% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties known to protect and strengthen your immune system (1).

In addition to protecting your immune system, research shows that grapefruit consumption is associated with higher intake of magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and improved diet quality (2).

Fiber and antioxidant-rich fruits like grapefruit may help protect against heart disease and stroke (3, 4).

Grapefruit’s fiber-rich content may also help you feel fuller and eat fewer calories throughout the day (5), which may help with weight loss.

Although grapefruit has long been associated with weight loss (6), more research is needed to support this claim.

Since no clearly established guidelines for the grapefruit diet exist, it’s impossible to evaluate the full benefits of this diet.

Summary

Grapefruits are low in calories and highly nutritious. That said, more research is needed to support claims that they can help with weight loss.

Although grapefruits are a low calorie, nutrient-dense option with many health benefits, this diet is problematic for other reasons.

There’s no evidence of magical fat-burning enzymes associated with grapefruits.

Quick, temporary weight loss associated with the grapefruit diet is likely due to the low calorie and low carb intake (7). This would result in quick, temporary weight loss even without the grapefruit.

While low-calorie diets may result in initial weight loss, they’re rarely successful for those seeking long-term results.

There are health drawbacks, too.

Low calorie diets can weaken your bones, lower your metabolism, and cause fatigue, muscle loss, and nutrient deficiencies (8, 9, 10, 11).

Another negative aspect of the diet plan is its limitations.

Twelve days on such a restricted plan may be possible, but eating the same foods and such few calories every day could lead some people to ultimately abandon the plan.

The grapefruit diet is also ambiguous. With multiple versions, it’s bound to cause confusion among followers.

In addition, most salad dressings and meats you can eat on the grapefruit diet — especially the daily morning bacon — are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

Summary

Low calorie diets like the grapefruit diet may result in initial weight loss, but they have their share of health drawbacks. The restrictive diet is also unsustainable, limiting, and confusing.

Although claims of some magical fat-burning enzyme in grapefruits aren’t backed by research, studies have found grapefruit to be positively associated with weight loss.

One study found that participants who consumed grapefruit daily with meals experienced reduced waist size (12).

A 2014 study found that body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were lower among female grapefruit consumers when compared to non-consumers (13).

More current research is needed to determine the connection between grapefruit consumption and weight loss.

Although quick and temporary weight loss is possible on the grapefruit diet, it’s probably due to the fact that you’re consuming less than 1,000 calories a day (14).

Promises of losing 10 pounds in 12 days is unrealistic and unsustainable.

You may initially lose weight on this diet. But studies show that low calorie diets rarely keep weight off for good (15, 16).

Summary

Studies have found grapefruit can help with weight loss, but weight loss on the grapefruit diet may be due to consuming fewer calories.

More current research is needed to determine the connection between grapefruit and weight loss.

Grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit can be part of a balanced, healthy diet (17).

But grapefruit can also interfere with certain medications, including:

• some statin drugs that lower cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• some drugs that lower blood pressure, such as Procardia and Adalat CC (both nifedipine)
• some organ-transplant rejection drugs, such as Sandimmune and Neoral (both cyclosporine)
• some anti-anxiety drugs, such as buspirone
• some corticosteroids that treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, such as Entocort EC and Uceris (both budesonide)
• some drugs that treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as Pacerone and Nexterone (both amiodarone)
• some antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine)

Grapefruit juice tends to interfere with the action of these drugs because it contains a class of chemicals called furanocoumarins.

Studies show that furanocoumarins may increase the blood levels of over 85 medications (18).

By slowing down how your body normally breaks down medications in your gut and liver, grapefruit can increase the side effects of these drugs, increasing your risk for complications.

For other drugs, such as antihistamines, grapefruit may have the opposite effect, reducing the drug’s effectiveness (19).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can have fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking these and other medications.

Summary

Grapefruit can be part of a healthy diet, but it can also interfere with certain medications. Ask your doctor before consuming grapefruit when taking medication.

Outside of a couple of small studies, there’s no evidence to suggest there’s any magical power found in grapefruit other than the fact that it’s a low calorie, highly nutritious citrus fruit.

While this diet may help you drop pounds quickly, the weight will likely return as quickly as it left.

It’s a quick fix without any real potential of long-term sustainability.

Well-rounded diets incorporate a variety of healthy foods and fruits.

Instead of focusing just on grapefruits, aim for the recommended 2 to 2. 5 cups of fruits per day (20).

Grapefruits can be part of these servings — but you don’t need to consume them at every meal.

What is the grapefruit diet? – Drink-Drink

At Drink-Drink we believe that there is no one size fits all approach to a healthy lifestyle. Successful nutrition plans must be individualized and consider the individual as a whole. Before starting a new diet plan, check with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian, especially if you have health concerns.

The grapefruit diet is a fad diet that has been around since the 1920s and 1930s (possibly earlier). It is widely believed that the restrictive eating plan is a by-product of the depression era when it became fashionable among actresses and eventually became known as the “Hollywood Diet”.

The grapefruit diet saw a resurgence in the 1970s, and variations of the diet continue to circulate. Over the years, it has also become associated (incorrectly) with the Mayo Clinic. In 2004, a book called The Grapefruit Solution suggested that eating grapefruit could increase the likelihood of success with your chosen weight loss plan.

The essence of any version of the grapefruit diet is usually a few servings of grapefruit per day and is usually extremely limited in other foods. The biggest promise of the grapefruit diet is significant weight loss in a short period of time.

While grapefruit is indeed a nutritious fruit, it does not necessarily have magical powers to speed up weight loss.

What the Experts Say

“Despite the health benefits of grapefruit, the promise of a grapefruit diet for health and fat loss is not based on evidence. Small portions of the diet and limited food choices are not sustainable, and grapefruit has a high risk of interaction with many medications and diseases.”

– Kelly Plow, MS, RD

What can you eat?

Although there are many versions of the diet, the basic premise of the grapefruit diet is to eat grapefruit (usually the whole fruit, although some versions allow grapefruit powder to be added) before all three meals a day for seven to ten days or more. In addition, there is a restrictive meal plan for these three meals.

While there may be some variation in the instructions for the grapefruit diet, all of which call for eating grapefruit (or drinking grapefruit juice) before meals, most versions consistently require three meals a day, no snacking, and a fourth meal (or snacking before bed). usually a glass of skimmed milk or tomato juice.

What you need to know

Although nutrition experts do not recommend the grapefruit diet, it can be especially problematic for people on certain medications, as eating grapefruit (especially often or in large amounts) with certain medications can have adverse health effects.

Over 50 drugs are known to interact with grapefruit, but some of the more common drugs that are not safe to mix with grapefruit or grapefruit juice include:

• Thyroid medications : People on thyroid hormone replacement therapy should avoid eating too much grapefruit, which can make thyroid medications less effective.
• Statins : Statin drugs, including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), and Mevacor (lovastatin), are prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels, and grapefruit can change blood levels of these drugs, as well as increase the chance of side effects . .
• Antidepressants : Some medications used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses may be affected by certain grapefruit enzymes.

If you are taking any medications, check with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.

What to eat

What not to eat

• Other fruits

• All grains and starches

• Added sugar

• Dairy products

• Beverages other than coffee, tea or water

Grapefruit

B as the cornerstone of this diet, the serving size is half a grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice. You can also purchase powdered grapefruit in capsule form. For any of these options, you eat a grapefruit before the rest of the meal.

Eggs and bacon

Some forms of the grapefruit diet involve eating two eggs and two strips of bacon every day for breakfast (after the grapefruit).

Meat

Lunch and dinner on the grapefruit diet consist of a portion of meat along with salad. The diet does not distinguish between lean proteins and proteins with high amounts of saturated fat. It also doesn’t limit serving size.

Salad and boiled vegetables

Meat of your choice paired with salad or cooked vegetables (some versions only list red or green vegetables). In most cases, any salad dressing is acceptable.

Other fruits

Some versions of the grapefruit diet allow the choice of other fruits, while others do not.

Grains, starches and added sugars

All grains, starches and added sugars are excluded from the grapefruit diet, making it very restrictive.

drinks

The Grapefruit Diet encourages water intake and allows one to two cups of tea or coffee a day, but no other beverages.

Dairy

Some versions of the grapefruit diet allow one glass of skimmed milk per day. Other than that, no dairy products are allowed.

Pros and Cons

Cons

Although grapefruit is a nutritious food, a restrictive eating plan consisting primarily of grapefruit excludes other healthy food groups that are part of a balanced diet.

Pros

Healthy Nutrients

Adding grapefruit to your regular diet may provide some benefits, but probably won’t lead to direct weight loss. Rather, adding more fruits and vegetables, such as grapefruit, to your diet can help promote weight loss.

Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables can eat more food and feel full more quickly, and therefore consume fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. The fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as the antioxidant lycopene and some flavonoids.

Compared to other fruits, grapefruit is low in calories and contains fewer carbohydrates. A full serving of grapefruit (154 grams) contains about 2.5 grams of natural dietary fiber.

Grapefruit is a hearty, low-calorie snack. Because of the sour taste and the time it takes to peel them, you also can’t mindlessly munching on a few hundred-calorie grapefruit like you might with other snacks.

Grapefruit may have health benefits, but you should consult your doctor before including it in your diet.

Grapefruit Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Cons

Very Restrictive

The grapefruit diet is low in calories and too restrictive to be considered healthy in the long run. It eliminates almost all carbohydrates and many nutritious foods (such as whole grains and other fruits). Dieting can also lead to excessive consumption of saturated fats, since it involves eating meat twice a day without any recommendation in favor of lean proteins.

False assumptions

One popular belief about grapefruit is that it contains a special enzyme that helps burn fat. It is not true. eating Any Fruit before meals can help you lose weight because it reduces hunger and reduces your total calorie intake.

Another false argument in favor of the grapefruit diet is that grapefruit is a “negative calorie” food, meaning you burn more calories chewing and digesting it than it contains. When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. So the argument is that eating negative calorie foods will help you lose weight. Grapefruit does contain relatively few calories, but does not have a “negative calorie” effect.

Half a regular size grapefruit has about 52 calories. If you’re not jumping around while you’re cleaning, eating, and digesting it, it’s unlikely you’ll burn more calories than it contains.

Is the grapefruit diet a healthy choice for you?

The Grapefruit Diet has much in common with other restrictive fad diets that claim to provide quick and easy weight loss, such as the Egg Diet and the 3 Day Military Diet. However, the grapefruit diet contains helpful tips for people looking to lose weight.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products. The USDA recommends 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for women and 2,000 to 3,000 calories per day for men to maintain weight. This calorie level, as well as the calorie level needed to lose weight, can vary significantly by age, gender, weight, and level of physical activity. If you want to determine your own calorie recommendations, you can use this calculator.

The grapefruit diet usually does not exceed 1,000 calories per day. This is much less than the amount recommended by the USDA, even if you are trying to lose weight. The grapefruit diet also limits many other healthy foods and is therefore not a recommended eating plan.

Health Benefits

A 2006 study found that eating grapefruit can lower blood sugar levels and, for some, even lead to weight loss. Participants who ate half a grapefruit before meals for 12 weeks lost significantly more weight than the control group who did not eat grapefruit.

However, one-third of the participants showed no change in weight after a six-week dietary intervention (eating half a fresh grapefruit three times a day). However, there was some reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels in this group.

While proponents of the grapefruit diet claim that it will lead to rapid weight loss, research confirms that weight loss from these fad diets is often not sustainable and that the grapefruit diet can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

Health risk

Excluding healthy foods such as whole grains can lead to B vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies, which are more common in people on restrictive diets. In addition, grapefruit can interfere with many commonly used medications.

Despite small studies that show some weight loss effects with grapefruit, there are very few high quality studies (large randomized human trials) that support this claim. Eating mostly grapefruits, proteins, and some vegetables is neither a nutritionally balanced nor a sustainable weight loss plan.

You can lose weight on a grapefruit diet due to strict calorie restriction, but a more sustainable option would be to eat a healthy diet that includes grapefruit (if it’s safe for you) as part of a sensible weight loss plan.

A word from Drink-Drink

While the grapefruit diet often found online is not a healthy diet, adding more grapefruit to your diet can be beneficial, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. The fruits are nutritious and low in calories. However, if you are on medication, you need to know how much grapefruit you are eating. Some medications that are used to treat thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, and depression may interact with grapefruit and cause adverse side effects.

In general, look for a meal plan that does not exclude major food groups, offers the potential for slow and sustained weight loss, meets your health goals, and is safe. Your doctor or registered dietitian can help you find a safe and effective diet.

Remember that you may not need to follow a long-term or short-term diet, and many diets simply don’t work, especially long-term ones. While we do not endorse fad dietary trends or unsustainable weight loss practices, we present the facts so you can make an informed decision that is best for your nutritional needs, genetic plan, budget, and goals.

If your goal is to lose weight, remember that losing weight is not necessarily the same as being the healthiest person, and there are many other ways to achieve health. Exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors also play an important role in overall health. The best diet is always the one that is balanced and fits your lifestyle.

how it works, pros and cons, menu for every day

Incredibly effective, with enough meat, fruits, vegetables and eggs – this diet has not lost its popularity for several years! The Maggi diet is very effective and it really helps to get rid of extra pounds.

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Menu for every day

Menu for the week

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The name of this diet has nothing to do with bouillon cubes

Content of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

There are different opinions – someone associates the Maggi diet with a mythical nutritionist who allegedly bore such a surname, someone – and even with Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain. It was rumored that the Iron Lady used a similar meal plan if there was an urgent need to get in shape.

Be that as it may, there are many positive reviews about Maggi’s diet. If you decide to lose extra pounds with the help of this diet, then do not forget to follow all its rules and be sure to follow the menu and diet.

What are the benefits of the Maggi diet and how does it work

The Maggi diet suggests a varied menu for every day. You will be surprised when you find out that:

• no need to count calories
• no need to weigh food
• no need to measure portions
• no need to cook complicated meals
• you can use salt, various seasonings, onions, garlic

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How does the Maggi diet work?

Meals should be regular, at a certain time. This helps stimulate the metabolism to speed up the fat burning process with minimal effort. That is why the products in the Maggi diet cannot be replaced with others.

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It is necessary to strictly, scrupulously observe the diet. Maggi’s diet has a specific menu. If it is said that an apple should be eaten for breakfast, then you need to do it. Products cannot be replaced with analogues, the meal time must be strictly constant. There are no options on Maggie’s diet. You can choose what time you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner (snacks are prohibited), but this time will need to be strictly observed throughout the diet, that is, you can’t have breakfast at 8 on weekdays, and at 11 on weekends. This is the essence of the Maggi diet.

What is the secret of Maggi’s diet?

In a special type of protein diet, which includes eggs, fish, meat, poultry. But it allows the use of fruits, including watermelons and citrus fruits. The main secret of the Maggi diet is that it is designed for four weeks.

You can drink whatever you like, sugar is not forbidden, but the result will be better if you increase the amount of clean drinking water. The Maggi diet has the most positive reviews. Thousands of women have found it effective after using it.

And now we will talk about Maggi’s diet menu in detail. Started?

Maggi’s Diet: Daily Menu

First Week

Monday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half a grapefruit.

Lunch: fruits in any quantity, but only one kind: apples, pears, kiwi, oranges

Dinner: any meat, except lamb, boiled or baked. If you decide to follow the Maggi diet, you can draw up a menu a week in advance and stock up on food.

Tuesday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: chicken in any form (including fried), portion size – any. Did someone say that Maggie’s diet will make you starve?

Dinner: 2 hard boiled eggs, carrot, tomato, cucumber and bell pepper salad, 1 orange, whole grain toast

Wednesday

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs, half grapefruit

900 02 Lunch: whole grain toast , low-fat cheese, tomato salad

Dinner: any meat, except lamb, boiled or baked. By the way, the Maggi diet is posted on the official website, where you can download the menu for all four weeks.

Thursday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: fruit in any quantity, but only one kind: apples, pears, kiwi, oranges. On this day, Maggi’s diet for lunch does not involve dense meat dishes.

Dinner: 2 hard-boiled eggs, carrot, tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper salad, any lean meat

Friday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half a grapefruit

Lunch: 2 soft-boiled eggs, steamed vegetables of your choice: carrots and green peas or green beans and squash.

Dinner: whole grapefruit, salad of carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers, white fish (boiled, baked or fried). On Friday, Maggi’s diet is such that you can fish in different ways of cooking it.

Saturday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: any amount of fruit, but only one kind: apples, pears, kiwis, oranges

Dinner: salad of carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers, any lean meat, fried or baked. The Maggi diet menu for this day is saturated with vitamins and useful trace elements that the body needs.

Sunday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half a grapefruit

Lunch: boiled or fried chicken, tomato salad, choice of steamed vegetables: carrots and green peas or green beans and squash, one orange

Dinner: choice of steamed vegetables: carrots and green peas or green beans and zucchini. Maggi’s diet for a week is over. The first stage has been completed.

Second week

Monday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange. As you have already noticed, the Maggi diet menu for breakfast is repeated every day.

Lunch: carrot, tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper salad, any lean meat, roasted or baked

Dinner: 1 whole grapefruit, 2 soft-boiled eggs, carrot, tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper salad

Tuesday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half a grapefruit

Lunch: carrot, tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper salad, any lean meat, fried or baked. Maggi’s diet on this day allows even a well-done steak.

Dinner: 1 grapefruit and 2 soft-boiled eggs

Wednesday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: cucumber salad and any lean meat, fried or baked

Dinner: 1 grapefruit and 2 soft-boiled eggs. Maggi’s diet menu requires an egg to be served every day.

Thursday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half a grapefruit

Lunch: 2 soft-boiled eggs, low-fat cheese, steamed vegetables (carrots and peas or green beans and squash). The Diet of Magic, as you noticed, recommends steamed vegetables, this rule must be followed.

Dinner: 2 hard-boiled eggs

Friday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: fish (any, cooked in any way, in any quantity). Maggi’s diet on this day allows you to get enough of a fish dish.

Dinner: 2 soft-boiled eggs

Saturday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half grapefruit

Lunch: boiled lean meat, tomatoes, orange

Dinner: fruit salad (melon, tangerine, peach, orange and apple)

Sunday

Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, half an orange

Lunch: tomato salad, steamed courgettes and green beans, chicken, 1 grapefruit. Maggi’s diet is balanced and the combination of essential vitamins and trace elements is optimally selected in it.

Dinner: Tomato salad, steamed carrots and green peas, chicken, 1 grapefruit

Third week ov and grapes). Maggi’s diet for this week does not often require an egg menu.



Tuesday

For breakfast, lunch and dinner – raw or boiled vegetables (except potatoes)

Wednesday

For breakfast, lunch and dinner – any fruit (except bananas and grapes)

Thursday 9 0003

For breakfast, lunch and dinner – fish in any quantity, green salad or cabbage, vegetables (except potatoes)

Friday

For breakfast, lunch and dinner – lean boiled or fried meat or chicken, boiled vegetables (except potatoes). Maggi’s diet for this week is very peculiar – it is light, but at the same time quite satisfying and nutritious. 9Week 4

Monday

Divide between three meals: chicken breast, 1 can canned tuna, 4 cucumbers, 4 tomatoes, 1 whole grain toast, grapefruit. Maggi’s 4 week diet seems to be lean. But believe me – this food will be enough for you.

Tuesday

Divide into three meals: 4 slices of lean meat, 4 cucumbers, 3 tomatoes, 1 whole grain toast, 1 orange, 1 apple

Wednesday

Divide into three meals: 1 tbsp cottage cheese, 200 g low-fat cheese, boiled vegetables (except potatoes), 2-3 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 1 orange

Thursday

Divide into three meals: chicken breast, 1 cucumber, 3 tomatoes, 1 toast, 1 grapefruit. Note that Maggie’s diet eliminated eggs that day, don’t forget that.

Friday

Divide into three meals: 2 hard-boiled eggs, 3 tomatoes, lettuce (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers) and 1 grapefruit

Saturday

Divide into three meals: 2 boiled chicken breasts ki, 100 g low-fat cottage cheese, 2 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 1 glass of curdled milk, 1 orange. For one day, you will have to use the almost curd menu

in Maggi’s diet.

Sunday

Spread over three meals: 2 tbsp. low-fat cottage cheese, 1 can canned tuna, 2 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 1 whole grain toast, boiled vegetables (except potatoes), and 1 grapefruit. What does the Maggi diet now require after following it for 4 weeks? Of course, get on the scales.

Here is the detailed menu of Maggi’s diet!

The result of the Maggi diet

It can be very serious – judging by the reviews, you can lose 20 kg of weight forever without experiencing the pangs of hunger and cardinal menu restrictions.