Most Popular Diet and Fitness Programs

Number Four in our list of top ten most popular Diets, The Mayo Clinic Diet Review : Although the name suggests a connection with The Mayo Clinic, its origins are unknown and The Mayo Clinic deny any connection with it. Read our full Mayo Clinic Diet Review and find out what its all about.

Official word from the Mayo Clinic

"For more than 30 years the so-called "Mayo Clinic Diet" has surfaced in many forms and places. Various versions push grapefruit or eggs or meat and promise to peel off pounds magically.
We can offer you clear and official advice: don't believe any of these diets. They did not originate at Mayo Clinic and are not approved by Mayo Clinic."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Review

No one seems to know the exact origins of this diet, but one thing is certain it has nothing to do with The Mayo Clinic. It has been around in various forms for about 30 years. In recent years a form of this diet has been touted on the Internet making wild claims about weight loss and calling itself 'The New Mayo Clinic Diet'.

The Mayo Clinic Diet Basic Theory

In its basic form the mayo clinic diet promotes a low carbohydrate diet. Grapefruits are used at each meal and are supposed to aid weight loss. The diet is usually aimed at quick weight loss and lasts no longer than 7 days.

There are no restrictions on grapefruit, meat and fat. Portions can be large and include fatty and fried foods. In fact the only thing that is restricted is, in fact almost banned are complex carbohydrates.

Sample Mayo Clinic Diet Menu

BREAKFAST:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.
2 Eggs any style
2 Slices of bacon
Black coffee or tea, no sugar

LUNCH:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.
Salad and or raw veggies (any dressing, {not low fat or fat free})
Meat (Cooked any way)

DINNER:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.
Meat (cooked any way)
Vegetables (any green or red, may be cooked in butter or Seasoning or a salad as above)
Black coffee or tea, no sugar

BEDTIME:
(opt) 8oz Tomato juice or skim milk

YOU MAY NOT HAVE: White onions, potatoes, celery, peas, cereal, carrots, corn, starchy vegetables, bread, noodles, rice, potato chips, pretzels or fruit or diet dressing.

The Good

• Not a lot

The Bad

• The idea that eating grapefruit helps weight loss has been officially debunked
• Dodgy use of The Mayo Clinics name
• Short term fad diets might lead to weight loss but it is almost always regained and does not help develop a healthy long term life style
• High fat can lead to cholesterol and heart disease
• Restricting carbohydrates can lead to drowsiness and nausea