How To: Follow the grapefruit diet

Looking to drop a few pounds? The grapefruit diet has worked for many. Investigate to see if this citrus-based diet – which started back in the 1930s – is the weight-loss plan for you.

You Will Need:
• Eggs
• Bacon
• Grapefruit
• Unsweetened grapefruit juice
• Water
• Coffee
• Salad
• Red or green vegetables
• Meat or fish
• Tea
• Skim milk
• Tomato juice

Step 1: Plan for the short term
Plan to lose weight quickly, but not over the long term. The grapefruit diet is not intended to be followed for more than a few weeks.

Step 2: Eat breakfast
Eat two eggs and two slices of bacon for breakfast, supplemented by either half a grapefruit or eight ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice.

Step 3: Drink plenty of water
Drink plenty of water. You're also allowed one cup of coffee per day.

Step 4: Eat lunch
Eat a lunch that includes half a grapefruit or eight ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice and as much meat and salad as you want.

Step 5: Have dinner
Eat a dinner that includes as much meat or fish as you want, salad or vegetables that are not starchy, half a grapefruit or eight ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice, and one cup of coffee or tea.

Step 6: Drink skim milk or tomato juice
Drink eight ounces of skim milk or tomato juice at bedtime.

Step 7: Avoid rigorous exercise
Avoid rigorous exercise. The grapefruit diet does not provide enough calories to create the energy level needed for an exercise regimen.

Trivia: The grapefruit was first described in 1750 as the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados.