The (So-Called) Mayo Clinic Diet
What's in a name? When it comes to one particular diet... not much.
The diet plan that makes the rounds at offices, via e-mail, and personal Web sites, called "The Mayo Clinic Diet" is actually anything but! It is neither designed by nor distributed through the well-respected medical clinic.

You've probably seen it come through your fax machine at some point. It's fairly easy to recognize ... it recommends eating a lot (and I mean, a lot) of grapefruit. The diet usually claims that particular fruit can actually "burn up" fat.

But, alas, as you might imagine, there's no such fruit. (If there were I'd have it delivered by the case!)

To learn more about the diet that masquerades as the "Mayo" plan, read on. You can also learn how to spot a fad diet (there are some sure-fire giveaways!).

It's Not What You Think it Is
The diet plan often referred to as The Mayo Clinic Diet is actually not recommended or approved by the actual Mayo Clinic in any way and is not considered to be nutritionally-sound by experts.
The Mayo Clinic Diet has been around for about 30 years and was originally shared through junk mail, word-of-mouth, and bulletin boards. Then came fax machines--offices everywhere were inundated with anonymous faxes touting this "miracle diet." Now, thanks to the Web and e-mail, the diet has reached more people than ever.


If it Quacks Like a Duck...
A preface that is often included with this diet promises you can lose up to 52 pounds in just a couple of months if you follow it to the letter.
This statement in and of itself should send off warning bells; unfortunately, some of us want a quick fix and just don't hear them.
But, remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It definitely is in this case.


What's Not in a Name?
Real Mayo Clinic dieticians, nutritionists and media personnel have being trying to get the word out for years: This diet is not--and never has been--affiliated with the clinic.
The Mayo Clinic published a book, The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid, in 2006 that provides healthy eating recommendations, but it in no way resembles the diet plan that's been falsely using the clinic's name all these years.


What is the Diet Like?
The Mayo Clinic Diet is three to seven day, high-protein and high-fat eating plan. There are several different versions of this plan floating around, each having different foods included in the plan.
While I won't post any versions of the diet here, the following description should allow you to recognize it when you see it:

Almost all versions of this diet suggest you eat unlimited amounts of meat, poultry, and fish. All versions greatly limit the amount of vegetables you can eat. The most unusual (and unpleasant) part of any version of this plan is the extremely high amount of grapefruit or eggs you are required to consume.

The main principle of each version is the consumption of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. The plan also claims that eating grapefruit actually burns up fat.


How to Spot a Fad Diet
The Mayo Clinic Diet is most certainly a fad diet--one that promises quick results and isn't healthy or nutritious. The following are more warning signs of a fad diet:

Ruling out of entire food groups
"Unlimited" consumption of anything high in fat, sugar, or cholesterol
Promotion of increased caffeine intake
Lack of variety or extremely stringent rules
Certain foods or food combinations said to "burn" fat
Promising that certain foods increase your metabolism





Questionable Statements
I have seen some of the following statements appear on various versions of The Mayo Clinic Diet:

"It is crucial that you do not eliminate anything from the diet ... especially do not skip bacon at breakfast."
"Grapefruit is what starts the fat-burning up process."
"If you eat the combination of foods suggested, you will not get hungry."
All of these are questionable claims and not based on accepted nutrition guidelines or scientific research.


Empty Promises
Whichever version of The Mayo Clinic Diet you encounter, they all have one thing in common: They promise you will lose a lot of weight and very quickly.
Like other "quick weight loss" diet plans, most of that weight is actually going to be water.
Water weight is quickly gained back and doesn't actually reduce the amount of fat in your body.
If you do follow this diet long enough to begin losing significant weight (which I do not recommend), keep in mind that the faster you lose weight, the more likely it is to come back--and then some.

A loss of anything close to 52 pounds in a couple months isn't probable. Even if it was, common sense says that a diet bringing such drastic results so quickly just cannot be safe.


The Bottom Line
Always approach any new diet with caution. Quick results are never worth sacrificing good nutrition--or ultimately, your health.
A sensible weight loss diet plan will allow a variety of healthful foods, contain at least 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, and will incorporate exercise into its recommendations.


Learn More
To receive informative literature about the dangers of this and other fad diets, you can write to the Consumer Information Center, Department 378-C, Pueblo, CO. The Mayo Clinic has set up a special recorded message about the diet at (507) 538-0287.
Before You Decide on Any Diet:

Talk to Your Doctor
Ask the Right Questions
What You Need to Find Out