The 12 day grapefruit diet is not a new concept. The original plan was developed in the 1930's. This fruit appears to be a dieter's dream. It has no fat, is high in fiber and low in calories. It also carries benefits for your skin as it is high in vitamin C.

So how does this diet work? It's very simple. You eat half a grapefruit before every meal. The enzyme it contains reduces your appetite so you consume fewer calories. It also speeds up the fat burning process helping you to shed pounds. Everyone knows that if you use more energy than you take in from the food you eat, you will lose weight. Some studies suggest that you could lose up to ten pounds in less than two weeks simply by introducing this change. Personally, I believe you would have a better chance of success if you also cut your portion sizes, ate four or five smaller meals rather than three large ones.And took more exercise.

It is completely pointless thinking that one simple change in your lifestyle is going to result in a big weight loss. You need to review all areas of your life. Do you eat food because you are bored? Upset? Do you get enough exercise? Most Americans are not active enough. You don't suddenly need to become a gym fanatic but a little extra activity every day will help. I am sure you can think of a million ways to add some movement to your sedentary lifestyle. You could take the stairs instead of the lift; get off the metro one stop early, walk to the store etc.

In the same way, you can make progress by implementing simple changes at mealtimes. Instead of frying your food which only adds extra calories, try grilling, baking or steaming. Learn how to cook rather than relying on prepackaged meals that add dollars to your bills as well as pounds to your waistline. Use herbs and spices to flavor your meals rather than salt to help prevent fluid retention.

Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are high in fiber, low in calories and very filling. Your skin will glow from all the extra vitamins and minerals you are consuming. Don't eat carbohydrates after 5pm in the evening as your body will not have sufficient time to use up all the energy they release. The body converts excess energy into fat.

Eat protein but chose the leaner cuts of meat and forget about sausages and other processed foods for now. Don't exclude all treats but go for quality rather than quantity. Stop eating when you are full and not when your plate is empty.

Don't mistake being thirsty for feeling hungry. And stop ingesting hidden calories via flavored waters, fizzy pop and perhaps the biggest culprit of all, alcohol.

You can shrink your waistline by using the 12 day grapefruit diet. but only if you combine it with a healthy eating and exercise program.

Beware of imitators! While there have been diet programs in the past named after the Mayo clinic, there is only one diet plan that is endorsed and created by the Mayo clinic. The true mayo clinic diet plans are backed by the clinics own food pyramid and have been developed with dietitians to be nutritionally balanced.

It's more about eating well balanced, nutritious meals forever, than a quick hit diet to lose a few pounds quickly.

The plan basically boils down to providing your body with the nutrients it needs and keeping the simple carbohydrates to a minimum. The plan stresses unlimited amounts of fruits and vegetables and more limited amounts of grains. Eating so many fruits and vegetables will actually lessen your desire to eat a lot of sugars over time...another benefit of the diet, fewer sweet cravings! Another benefit of a high fruit and vegetable diet is that you will be getting a lot of your necessary fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Providing your body with the nutrients it needs will keep it healthy and also make it run more efficiently, all while you are losing weight. While losing weight may be your primary goal, it's important to remember that providing your body with the fuel it needs so it can fight off illnesses and infections, is also a very worthy and important goal.

Of course, as with any good weight loss program, this diet encourages a well rounded approach to weight loss and health. It encourages not just diet changes but implementing some forms of exercise too.

This isn't some quick fix diet, it's a lifestyle change that will encourage you to make healthier choices for the rest of your life. By making these lifestyle changes you can not only lose weight on this plan but you'll be able to effortlessly keep it off for the rest of your life. No more yo-yo dieting!

This diet plan focuses on healthy choices rather than an ultra restrictive food plan. The plan teaches you how to pick more healthy foods that have fewer calories, but that can also help you feel full longer. Foods such as fruits and vegetables will give you a bigger bang for your buck: low calorie, fuller longer.

Following this program can realistically allow you to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds a week. By adding exercise to your diet you can bump up your weekly weight loss a little bit, plus you'll be building muscle which will make it easier for your body to burn more calories throughout the day, no matter what you are doing.

This diet plan comes with a complete online resource to help you with your goals.

When it comes to finding a good weight loss plan be careful of all the mayo clinic diet plans out there. Instead find the one that is actually created by a real clinic that factors the nutritional benefit in with the weight loss benefit to give you a truly well rounded weight loss approach that is healthy and sustainable.