Since its inception in the 1930s, the grapefruit diet has constantly faced controversies ranging from its effectiveness in weight loss to its safety in relation to general health. And yet, it has survived all these controversies for many years and now, it has finally been vindicated.
The grapefruit diet is based on the weight loss properties of the fruit itself. According to research conducted by the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic, said research under the helm of Dr. Ken Fujioka, grapefruit contains compounds that help control insulin levels and hence facilitate weight loss.
Think of it this way: After eating, your insulin levels increase such that your metabolic rate slows down. When your insulin reaches beyond normal levels, your body cannot efficiently process the consumed food into energy but instead stores it as fat.
On the other hand, when you consume grapefruit with every meal, the chemical compounds in the fruit controls insulin levels. In turn, the body can work more efficiently to transform the food into energy and hence, less fat is stored in the body. Thus, you will experience weight loss!
The grapefruit diet has undergone many changes to account for research on the subject. The latest plan involves the consumption of half a grapefruit or about four ounces of grapefruit juice taken with every meal. There are also grapefruit capsules for dieters who cannot take the natural versions for whatever reason.
Unlike other fad diets, the grapefruit plan advises dieters to eat three square meals a day with a bedtime snack as treat. The meals must be healthy and balanced albeit reduced in number of calories.
For example, for breakfast, you can have 2 bacon slices, 2 eggs and half a grapefruit, all washed down with black coffee. For lunch, you can have salad with dressing of your choice, meat in your desired quantity and 8 ounces of grapefruit juice. For dinner, red and green vegetables made into a salad, your choice of meat and then two grapefruit capsules. As a bedtime snack, skim milk is recommended.
In fact, according to the research by the Scripps Clinic, dieters can continue with their regular eating habits although they will have to slightly increase their physical activity. The only addition to normal eating and exercise habits is the Florida grapefruit and its juice.
Just how much weight can be lost with the grapefruit diet? The good news is that even with your normal eating habits, you can lose as much as 10 pounds although 3.6 pounds is the average weight lost over the course of the 12-week study. Just imagine the weight loss over a year when the grapefruit plan is faithfully followed!
There are many advantages to the use of grapefruit in weight loss. For one thing, it is readily available and natural such that your body will have a constant supply of the chemical compounds conducive to weight loss. For another thing, it is packed with vitamin C, fiber and beta-carotene, all of which are good for the body.
Indeed, the many obese Americans now have hope for their weight problems via the humble but powerful grapefruit!
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