The 12 day grapefruit diet is not a new concept. The original plan was developed in the 1930’s. This fruit appears to be a dieter’s dream. It is high in fiber, has no fat and is low in calories. It also carries benefits for your skin as it is high in vitamin C which is never a bad thing.
So how does this diet work? It’s very simple. You eat half a grapefruit before every meal. The enzyme it contains reduces your appetite so you essentially eat fewer calories per meal. It also speeds up the fat burning process in your body, helping you lose pounds quicker. Everyone knows that if your body uses more energy than you take in from the food you eat, you will see weight loss. Some studies suggest that you could lose up to ten pounds in less than two weeks by introducing this simple change. Personally, I believe you would have a better chance of success if you also cut your portion sizes down, ate four or five smaller meals rather than three large ones. Of course, adding in some exercise would add to the weight loss goodness too.
It is completely pointless thinking that one simple change in your lifestyle is going to result in a big weight loss. You need to review all areas of your life. Do you eat food because you are upset? Bored? Do you get enough exercise activity regularly? Most Americans are not nearly as active as they could be. You don’t suddenly need to become a gym fanatic but a little extra activity every day will help. I am sure you can think of a million ways to add some movement to your sedentary lifestyle. You could take the stairs instead of the lift; get off the metro one stop early, walk to the store etc. They are very simple changes overall, it just might take a small amount of planning to organize it all. Something funny that I do is I always make sure and pace/walk around any time I am on the phone. All the little things add up!
In the same way, you can make progress by implementing simple changes at mealtimes. Instead of frying your food which only adds extra calories, try grilling, baking or steaming. Learn how to cook rather than relying on prepackaged meals that add dollars to your bills as well as pounds to your waistline. Use herbs and spices to flavor your meals rather than salt to help prevent fluid retention.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are high in fiber, low in calories and very filling. Your skin will glow from all the extra vitamins and minerals you are consuming. Don’t eat carbohydrates after 5pm in the evening as your body will not have sufficient time to use up all the energy they release. The body converts excess energy into fat.
Eat protein but choose the leaner cuts of meat and forget about sausages and other processed foods for now. Don’t exclude all treats but go for quality rather than quantity. Stop eating when you are full and not when your plate is empty. Sausages I mention above, but that also means all the cured meats as well.
Don’t mistake being thirsty for feeling hungry. And stop ingesting hidden calories via flavored waters, fizzy pop and perhaps the biggest culprit of all, alcohol. Water intake is another awesome thing to start making sure you do, its another super simple and very beneficial thing to try. The average person does not get enough water it needs each and every day.
You can shrink your waistline by using the 12 day grapefruit diet, but the only way to keep seeing the results long term it to start focusing on the other little things that we mention above. Happy health everyone!
