Mayo Clinic Diet

The Mayo Clinic diet has a split personality. There is the Mayo clinic diet that is actually recommended by the Mayo Clinic and then there is the Mayo Clinic diet that is not recommended by the Mayo Clinic. The diets are pretty different.

MAYO CLINIC DIET-officially recommended by the Mayo Clinic

This is not just another diet, but a lifestyle change. The Mayo Clinic believes that most people who diet will constantly struggle with weight loss until they change their lifestyle. The real Mayo Clinic diet will improve health and assist in a healthy weight maintenance. The Mayo Clinic began endorsing his diet at the end of 2005. It is the first diet it has ever endorsed.

The eating plan is the results of research done at the Mayo Clinic. There are four essential components:

1. Eating well with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid-no severe restrictions or extreme hunger. Right foods, right portions, and right number of servings. Weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.
2. Increase physical activity-increase physical activity or formal exercise program 30-60 minutes moderate intense physical activity most days of the week.
3. Action goal setting-set specific goals for better health like decrease fats or increase vegetables.
4. Get started and stay motivated-bolster and sustain motivation

The Mayo Clinic diet is a very healthy and successful diet. It is popular with those who enjoy cooking. The lifestyle change is what helps people keep weight off. It may not be structured enough for some. This won’t work for those who want to jumpstart their weight loss at the beginning.

The cost should be close to what was spent at the grocery store before beginning the diet.

MAYO CLINIC DIET-not recommended by the Mayo Clinic

This diet does not have the health benefit of the “real” Mayo Clinic diet and is often referred to as the Grapefruit Diet. It has been around for about 30 years with an unknown documented origin. Word of mouth, email, and old-fashioned bulleting boards have kept the grapefruit diet alive.

Grapefruits don’t have any untapped magical properties when it comes to fat burning. The low glycemic index, high fiber, and low calorie nature of grapefruits could reduce insulin levels. This gives the feeling of being full and eat fewer calories will be consumed. The diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It allows for unlimited eating of some foods. Foods fried in butter can be eaten in this diet.

The diet is usually followed for 12 days with 2 days off. Some have claimed loosing as much as 55 pounds over 10 weeks.

The diet has the following instructions:

·        Eat until you are full at each meal and can’t eat any more

·        The menus must be followed as described because weight loss is dependent on the combination of foods

·        Caffeine should be limited or avoided

·        There should be no eating between meals and snacks

·        Sugar and starch are not included

For the protein eater and those who don’t want their food portions limited, this is a great diet. It is successful for short-term weight loss. This diet is not healthy for long-term use. A fitness plan is not included but could be added on your own. There is not online support or tools available for this diet.

There are no membership fees for this diet. The grocery bill may be higher due to the higher cost of meat compared to vegetables.