The Atkins Grapefruit Diet

Though not allowed on the induction phase, the Atkins Grapefruit Diet lends a flavorful twist on the low carb system that welcomes fruits in phases 2 through 4 of the Atkins Nutritional Approach.

The induction phase is meant to supercharge the body into ketosis, that is, to get it into the fat burning mode rapidly. If you choose to skip the phase, however, you can still incorporate aspects of the Atkins diet plan to pursue a moderate low carb lifestyle. Adding grapefruit to your diet will give you yet another powerful food source in your fight to lose the fat.

Grapefruit is a no fat, low-calorie, low-sodium, high-potassium food that is also high in vitamins A and C. Wait, there’s more: it has a low glycemic index score, helps to lower cholesterol, and pink and ruby red grapefruits are high in antioxidants. What a perfect food for dieters!

Three Forms of Grapefruit

Fresh grapefruit eaten either before or with each meal is the preferred type of serving. Since it has a high water content, it will help you feel fuller sooner, which in turn may lead you to eat fewer calories.

While whole foods are always better than processed foods on the Atkins Grapefruit Diet, you can take grapefruit pills at each meal, or drink grapefruit juice as long as it does not contain added sugar.

Grapefruit as a Low Carb Food

The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance for carbs in healthy adults is generally about 130 grams maximum to reduce the risk of chronic disease, yet most people eat on average anywhere from 200 to 400 carbs every day.

If you follow the maintenance plan of the Atkins Grapefruit Diet, you will try for a low carbohydrate range of 20 to 50 grams daily. A medium-size pink or red grapefruit has around 11 grams of carbs and 2 grams of dietary fiber. White grapefruit has slightly fewer carbs but not as many nutritional benefits as the pink ones. For comparison purposes, a glass of grapefruit juice has 9 grams of carbohydrates, so two glasses a day will add up to 18 grams.

The pills have even fewer carbs. Using them will allow you to have a “grapefruit serving” three times a day and still stay within a restrictive carb count. You can also dine out and take a pill if grapefruit won’t be available.

Nutrition and Great Taste

While the Atkins Grapefruit Diet may sound faddish, the plan works thanks to the many nutritional benefits of this marvelous fruit. With just 60 calories in a medium grapefruit, this easy source of vitamins and fiber is one of the most powerful food choices to have in your daily diet plan.

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