What to Eat & What Not to Eat on the Grapefruit Diet

The grapefruit diet is based on the notion that grapefruit has fat-burning properties. It cuts out sugars, a lot of carbohydrates and a significant amount of calories. To follow this diet, it must be done for 12 days. If a person wants to do it for longer, he must take a two-day break between cycles.

The Basics

Learn the history of the diet. Since the 1930s, the grapefruit diet has been a short-term weight loss plan with numerous success stories. The basic idea is that when eaten with protein, grapefruits help shed significant weight. The weight loss is mostly from fluid, though, not fat. It works best for quick weight loss of about 10 lbs. for special events. The Atkins Diet is said to have evolved from the grapefruit diet. Grapefruits have a low amount of calories per serving, along with vitamin C, fiber and a low glycemic index.

What To Eat

Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner--but no snacking. Coffee, tea and water are recommended throughout the day. A sample menu includes: breakfast--black coffee, two eggs, two slices of bacon, 1/2 grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice; lunch-- salad, meat, 1/2 grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice; dinner--red or green vegetables (no starchy vegetables), salad, meat or fish, and 1/2 grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice. You're allowed to have butter, salad dressing and fried foods. The grapefruit juice must be unsweetened and all natural. Drink eight glasses of water daily. This menu is recommended to be exactly what you eat. Other foods you're allowed to eat include red onions, radishes, bell peppers, pasta, butter, salad dressing, broccoli, cereal, corn, spinach, corn chips, peanut butter, jelly, jam, pickles, pretzels and fruit.

What Not To Eat

Don't eat most complex carbohydrates, and completely eliminate sugar and starches. No eating any desserts, bread, sweet potatoes, white vegetables, white onions, potatoes, celery, peas, cucumbers, carrots, nuts, hot dogs, cole slaw, any cheese, chili, mayonnaise, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, potato chips or green onions.