Slimmers can choose from a long list of diet plans when it comes to losing weight. From the low-carb keto diet – which recently saw one woman lose an incredible 11st – to going vegan like music mogul Simon Cowell, there are many ways to shed the pounds. On top of diet and exercise, there are other things which have been shown to help speed up the process even more. Eating grapefruit can help speed up weight loss, and by incorporating this citrus fruit into a diet, slimmers could see huge changes.
How does it work?
Rich in antioxidants, nutrients and fibre, grapefruit is one of the healthiest citrus fruits that can be eaten.
It has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fibre content, which helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.
Research has shown that it may also have some powerful health benefits.
In a 12-week study in 91 obese individuals, eating half a fresh grapefruit before meals led to weight loss of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg).
The group also had reduced insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality that is implicated in various chronic diseases.
Other studies have found similar weight-reducing effects. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals.
As well as this, grapefruits are also very low in calories, which is helpful when losing weight.
While it’s recommended that the average woman eats about 2,000 calories per day and men eat 2,500 to maintain, a calorie deficit is actually needed to lose weight.
This is because excess energy is stored as fat in the body, therefore slimmers need to burn more calories than they eat to shed the pounds.
Nutritionist Hebe Mills recently spoke to Express.co.uk about calorie counting.
She said: “The best way to lose weight is to follow a diet in which you are in a calorie deficit – exercising and reducing the number of calories you are consuming on a daily basis will lead to weight loss and doesn’t require giving anything up.
“Including lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet will naturally make you feel fuller during meal times and will help you to exercise portion control.”
According to healthline.com, women can eat 1,500 calories to lose one pound of weight a week, while men can eat 2,000.
How should it be eaten?
Slimmers will be surprised to hear that by just eating a small portion of grapefruit daily, they could shrink their waistline.
Eating a half a grapefruit about half an hour before some daily meals is recommended, as it’s said to help people feel more satiated and eat fewer overall calories.