Grapefruit has been a weight loss aid for decades. It is a popular fruit, but grew more popular when its weight loss properties were exemplified the early 1930's. Grapefruit's fresh, citrus flavor grew to new heights with the development of the Grapefruit Diet, also known as the Hollywood diet, created by Kelly D. Brownell, PhD., in the 1930's.
The premise of the diet is to eat half of a grapefruit before every meal to help burn more fat. It was combined with a low calorie diet, between 800 to 1000 calories a day, with higher protein and low carbohydrates.
The Grapefruit diet was brought to my attention when I was 20-years old. I was told by a doctor to eat grapefruit first thing in the morning, and before I exercise to help burn an extra 5% fat due to the special effect of the enzymes in grapefruit.
In my experience, did grapefruit work as a diet aid? No, it did not. I do not like grapefruit so it was difficult to eat it without loads of sugar; which is counterproductive.
In The Grapefruit Diet: What the Expert Say "There is no evidence that grapefruit has fat-burning enzymes nor is it a magic bullet for weight loss," says American Dietetic Association past president Connie Diekman. However, there are some foods that have weight loss properties due to their nutritional value.
For example, pears have been noted as a weight loss aid. Pears do not work magically, but rather, helps you feel fuller due to its high fiber content--nearly 15% of the recommended daily amount. Eggs, which are nicely paired with pears for breakfast, are also another weight loss aid because of its clean protein content. When combined in an energy deficit diet, eggs were shown to aid weight loss in the Egg breakfast enhances weight loss study.
Meanwhile, none of these foods act alone as weight loss agents. Although they are helpful, they work best when combined in reduced calorie weight loss programs that include exercise.
