Scooping its flesh from the skin is delicious, but have you tried tossing grapefruit into a salad or dipping it in dark chocolate? Before you start losing your mind over what awaits you below, let's back up a second to remind you of a grapefruit's amazing benefits and why you need more grapefruit recipes in your life. Grapefruits are like the Candice Swanepoel of waist-whittling produce—they steal the spotlight, every time. And here's why: the ruby fruit can help diminish cellulite, reduce inflammation in your body, keep you hydrated, boost your metabolism, and even help slay your body goals. In fact, a study printed in the journal Metabolism found the eating half a grapefruit before a meal may help reduce belly fat, lower cholesterol levels and shrink your waist by up to an inch in just six weeks! (Need to depuff even faster? Then don't miss these 21 Ways to Debloat in 36 Hours!)
Now that you're up to speed on grapefruit's benefits, dive into this flawless list.
GRAPEFRUIT AVOCADO SALAD
Nutrition: 180 calories, 18 g fat (3.1 g saturated), 61 mg sodium, 6.4 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 2.5 g sugar, 1 protein
If you're looking for a salad that'll have you wiggling into your skinny jeans, this is it. The famous fruit has a proven ability to spot-reduce belly fat, lower cholesterol, squash hunger and help you make better dietary choices, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey results, published in Nutrition Journal, found that eating half a medium-sized avocado on a daily basis was highly correlated with improved overall diet quality.
Get the recipe from Simply Recipes.
CHAMPAGNE GRAPEFRUIT MOJITO
Nutrition: 76 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 10 mg sodium, 6 g carbs, 2.2 g fiber, 2.1 g sugars, 1.1 g protein
We're all about popping some bubbly. A little bit of rum, juice of a grapefruit, a splash of champagne and some mint, and we're sold.
Get the recipe from Call Me PC.
GRAPEFRUIT BARS
Nutrition: 119 calories, 5.1 g fat (3 g saturated), 40 mg sodium, 15.3 carbs, .5 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 3 g protein
These wholesome grapefruit bars are low calorie and delicious. Whether you're looking for a guiltless evening treat or an afternoon pick me up, they come together with one bowl, one spoon, one oven and just 15 minutes! For more skinny dessert inspiration, check out these 5 Delicious Dessert Recipes from Maria Menounos.
Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.
RED GRAPEFRUIT PINEAPPLE SLIM SMOOTHIE
Nutrition: 95 calories, 1 g fat( (0.5 g saturated), 36 mg sodium, 18.1 g carbs, 1.3 g fiber, 14.7 g sugar, 3.7 g protein
Banish bloat and sip your way slim with this one. You already know the benefits of the ruby red superfruit, but what about its tropical partner? Aside from being an amazing source of vitamin C, pineapple aids in digestion and banishes bloat, thanks to the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain.
Get the recipe from Happiness Is Homemade.
GRAPEFRUIT AVOCADO AND SHRIMP SALAD
Nutrition: 393 calories, 17.9 g fat (3.4 g saturated), 109 mg sodium, 44.7 g carbs. 4.4 g fiber, 2.5 g sugar, 14.2 g protein
Take avocados and grapefruits waist-whittling effects go one step further with the almighty shrimp.When it comes to protein-dense foods, shrimp is the alpha: each gram of meat packs a whopping 25 percent protein. Not to mention it's also an excellent source of antioxidant-rich selenium, which is key to a healthy metabolism and radiant skin. And that's not all. The tiny fish also boasts 80 percent of your daily vitamin B12 quota, which plays a key role in nervous system function and helps your body metabolize proteins and fats.
Get the recipe from The Kitchen Paper.
BROILED GRAPEFRUIT BROWN SUGAR HONEY
Nutrition: 81 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 3 mg sodium, 21 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 17.7 g sugar, 1 g protein
Take the effort out of dessert; all you need to do here is slice, drizzle, sprinkle and bake! Plus, this recipe is under 100 calories and fat-free. Your flat belly will thank you.
Get the recipe from The Rustic Willow.
THREE INGREDIENT GRAPEFRUIT POPSICLES
Nutrition: 66 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 2 mg sodium, 17.3 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 16.6 g sugar, <1 g protein
Ditching dairy has liberated many people from tummy troubles and weight struggles, but there are few foods that celebrate the sunshine quite like a cool, sweet treat. Cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth than with this three-ingredient, dairy-free recipe. For more icy desserts, check out these 20 Dairy-Free Frozen Dessers.
Get the recipe from Turn Table Kitchen.
HOMEMADE GRAPEFRUIT JELLO
Nutrition: 34 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 5 mg sodium, 6.7 g carbs, <1 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 2.4 g protein
You're on another dreadful diet and late night munchies are your downfall. You know not having something for after dinner will set you up to fail—but before you grab the sugar-free boxed stuff, whip up a batch of this homemade version instead. It's made with fresh, real ingredients and just 34 sweet calories.
Get the recipe from The View Fom Great Island.
BROILED GRAPEFRUIT WITH HONEY AND BANANAS
Nutrition: 84 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 1 mg sodium, 21.5 g carbs, 2.2 g fiber, 14.6 g sugar, 1.1 g protein
Sprinkling cinnamon on your food (in this case grapefruit) can lead to fewer cravings, more appetite control and weight loss. In fact, a series of studies printed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding cinnamon to a starchy meal, like this cannoli tart, may help stabilize blood sugar and ward off binge-inducing insulin spikes.
Get the recipe from She Wears Many Hats.
CHOCOLATE COVERED GRAPEFRUIT
Nutrition: 170 calories, 9 g fat (6.3 g saturated), 24 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 1.3 g fiber, 17.4 g sugars, 2.5 g protein
Stress is one of the biggest contributors to weight gain because it causes your cortisol levels to spike, increasing appetite and encouraging emotional eating. But there's good news: According to a study published in the Journal of Proteome Research, eating small amounts of chocolate every day can help you relax. Nibble on one of these chocolate covered grapefruits and beat the binge.
Get the recipe from She Wears Many Hats.
GRAPEFRUIT HONEY MINT TEA
Nutrition: 38 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 9.8 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 9 g sugar, <1 g protein
Appetite-suppressing mint adds refreshing flavor to this sweet and sour detox tea. Slay your body goals by incorporating a cup in the morning, afternoon or before bed (it's caffeine-free).
Get the recipe from Natural Girl, Modern World.
GRAPEFRUIT TART
Nutrition: 290 calories, 15.3 g fat (8.4 g saturated), 278 mg sodium, 32.8 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 20 g sugar, 2.3 g protein
Pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie and lowest-fat nuts, making them the perfect addition to these tangy tarts. Not to mention, your body prefers to burn the fat in coconut, rather than store it. Just make sure to opt for the unsweetened flakes.
Get the recipe from Blahnik Baker.
GRAPEFRUIT SCONES
Nutrition: 205 calories, 7.9 g fat (4.9 g saturated), 107 mg sodium, 32.2 g carbs, <1 g fiber, 15.6 g sugar, 2.2 g protein
Scones are a dieter's foe. They're calorie laden, nutrient-void and are hardly the most energizing way to start your day (they tend to hang out in your tummy, weighing you down). While we aren't giving you a free for all with this recipe, you can fit it into your day without sabotaging all your efforts to ditch the love handles.
Get the recipe from Around My Family Table.
MEAN GREEN DETOX SALAD
Nutrition: 342 calories, 21 g fat (4.7 g saturated), 132 mg sodium, 32.5 g carbs, 11 g fiber, 6.7 g sugar, 11 g protein
When we first stumbled upon this detox salad, it was love at first sight. It's brimming with nutrients, flavor and waist-whittling ingredients. And with 11 grams of belly slimming fiber and satiating protein, it'll fill you up without filling you out.
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
SUNRISE CHIA SEED SMOOTHIE
Nutrition: 102 calories, 5.8 g fat (5.1 g saturated), 4 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 10.4 g sugar, 1 g protein
If you haven't started adding chia seeds to your smoothie, start now. Two tablespoons of the magic tiny bullets contain an impressive 11 grams of fiber. Aside from keeping you fuller longer, flattening your stomach and aiding digestion, fiber also helps you live a longer, healthier life. In fact, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, increasing dietary fiber intake can significantly lower the overall risk of death. For some chia inspiration, check out these 45 Best Ever Chia Pudding Recipes For Weight Loss!
Get the recipe from Dwell In Beauty.
GRAPEFRUIT MARSHMALLOWS
Nutrition: 116 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 46 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 28.2 g sugar, 2 g protein
Marshmallows are one of those nutrient-lacking foods you can't help but love. And we don't blame you, which is why we found this grapefruit mallow recipe that's just 116 calories and fat-free. While it won't boost your health, it won't ruin your waistline either.
Get the recipe from Sugar Hero.
GRAPEFRUIT TEQUILA SLAMMER
Nutrition: 89 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 4.6 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 0 g protein
Research suggests that the agavins (natural sugar) found in margarita's signature booze helps you lose weight. After scientists had given a group of mice agavins into their water, they reported that the mice had lower glucose levels and were fuller longer. Slam this one back worry-free.
Get the recipe from Self Proclaimed Foodie.
GRAPEFRUIT SORBET
Nutrition: 109 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 28.7 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 27.7 g sugar, <1 g protein
This two ingredient sorbet is light and refreshing. Although it is low in calories and fat-free, its sugar content is slightly indulgent. A little bit goes a long way.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
FRUIT SALAD
Nutrition: 101 calories, 1.1 g fat (0 g saturated). 86 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 7.5 g fiber, 13.2 g sugar, 4.2 g protein
Revive your fruit salad with this fat-burning, mouth-watering recipe. Antioxidant blackberries, flab-blasting grapefruit, and protein-packed greek yogurt come together to satisfy your body and your taste buds. Why opt for Greek over regular? For one, Greek yogurt provides up to double the protein of regular yogurt for the same amount of calories, making it more satiating. It can be one of the most effective tools in your flat-belly arsenal.
Get the recipe from Wonky Wonderful.
SPICY SHRIMP AND CITRUS SALAD
Nutrition: 206 calories, 6.5 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 312 mg sodium, 17.4 g carbs, 3.9 g fiber, 10.9 g sugar, 21 g protein
Remember when we mentioned shrimps 25 protein protein content? Yeah, that's music to the dieters ears. Protein-rich foods help boost metabolic activity, increase satiety, and maintain muscle mass. The more muscle you have on your body, the more flab you naturally torch.
Get the recipe from Lexi's Clean Kitchen.
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