The "New" Mayo Clinic Diet (1999)
In 2-2 1/2 Months You May Lose 52 Pounds
The Mayo Clinic and I deny all responsibility for the creation of this diet. A copy of this diet was given to me by a patient. I have merely recopied and edited it somewhat. But, basically, it is in its original form. Although it is not my "usual style," I have found it to be a very effective diet. Some patients who have been unable to lose weight any other way, have been able to lose weight on this diet. I prefer that patients lose weight on a fruit, vegetable, limited protein diet, but if they are not successful with my recommendations, then I offer this diet for their consideration because I believe using this diet is likely much safer than remaining overweight. I'm not sure of the comments that accompany this diet are the truth, but patients lose weight on it and that is a major concern. The "brown rice-vegetables-beans-fruit with some fish" can and should come later.
Breakfast:
1/2 grapefruit or juice (unsweetened)
2 eggs, any style
2 slices of bacon
Lunch:
1/2 grapefruit or juice (unsweetened)
salad, any dressing
meat, any style, any amount
Dinner:
1/2 grapefruit or juice (unsweetened)
meat, any style, any amount - fish may be substituted
vegetable, any green or red (cooked in butter or any seasoning), OR salad as above
coffee or tea, 1 cup
Bedtime Snack:
glass of tomato juice or skim milk
Instructions:
At any time you may eat until you are full (until you cannot eat any more).
Do not eliminate anything from this diet, don't even skip the bacon at breakfast or omit salads. It is believed that the combination of foods burns fat.
The grapefruit is important as a catalyst that assists the burning process.
Cut down on coffee. It affects insulin balance and may hinder the burning process. Try to limit coffee to one cup at mealtime.
Don't eat between meals. If you eat the combination of foods suggested, you will not be hungry.
Note: You can fry foods in butter or use butter generously on vegetables.
Do NOT eat desserts, breads, and white vegetables or sweet potatoes. You may double or triple helpings of meat, salad or vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed. The more you eat the proper combination of foods, the more you will lose.
You can lose 10 pounds in 10 days. There may be no loss the first 4 days, but you can lose 5 pounds on the 5th day. Thereafter, you will likely lose 1 - 1 1/2 pounds every 2 days until you are where you want to be.
All soft drinks need to be diet and caffeine free.
You may NOT have: white onions, potatoes, celery
You can have: red onions, bell peppers, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli, green onions, spinach leaf, cheese, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes.
Important:
Stay on the diet 12 days and stop for 3 days, and then restart the 12 on/3 off cycle.
H. Robert Silverstein, MD
Hartford, CT