Biologically, it has been noticed that the body has the tendency to start the process of “excretion”, of wastes, towards a time period between 4 AM to 12 PM, which is basically from early morning towards noon. This is one reason why you have a bad breath, coated tongue, dusty eyes and bowel movement in the morning as you wake-up.
It’s quite a revelation to understand that the process of excreting wastes, or “detoxifying”, actually continues till noon time (till around 12 PM). When the body is not given ample time to relieve the wastes, not just in the intestines but also in the blood stream and cells in general, it starts storing up these wastes in the cells, intestinal linings and also in the fat tissues. The more wastes that are stored up in the body the more unnecessary weight you carry around, plus the toxicity of these wastes leads to a slow down of your body’s functioning leading to health disorders.
Eating fruits for breakfast, how it helps weight loss?
Eating fruits for breakfast, and sticking to fruits till noon-time, is one of the best ways to not only supply the body with energy for the detox process but also allow the body the “free time” to give full attention to detoxification instead of being bogged down in the process of digesting foods/beverages that we are in the habit of in consuming in the morning. So instead of consuming that bagel, donut, buttered bread, milk & cereal, omelet or bacon, have a bowl of citrus fruits for breakfast followed by some sweet fruits for mid morning snack. You will be amazed at how brisk you feel in the morning when you eat a fruit breakfast and will notice a definite reduction in your weight within just a couple of weeks of following this eating practice.
Whatever be your diet plan for lunch or dinner, you can certainly lose weight fast by including an all fruit breakfast plan into the mix. A wholesome fruit breakfast has several other health benefits than just losing weight, but it’s a definite catalyst to help quicker weight reduction.
My personal experience with eating fruit breakfast
Having lived a highly unhealthy lifestyle of eating processed foods and unwholesome/fattening foods, and touting a sluggish and puffy body as a result, I decided to detox with a fruit breakfast plan based on the insights I got from a book called “Fit For Life” by Harvey Diamond. I decided to focus on eating whole fruits (so that the dietary fibre is not removed) instead of juicing them. I also understood that citrus fruits are like virtual fat burners because of the Vitamin C content present in them that helped the body metabolize fat. So my plan was to eat a bowl of citrus fruits in the morning on empty stomach (around 8 am) and have a snack of sweet fruits, or have a glass of juice, around 11 am.
Some fruits that I included in my breakfast are – Oranges, Kiwi fruit, Grapefruit, Grapes, Tangerines. I also ate an apple, pear or guava, if I felt an appetite for it. Around 11 am I would have a couple of bananas or eat some cut pineapples, mangoes, apple or papaya.
Eating fruits allowed me to have an active morning, with no “sluggishness”. I felt more energized, my brain felt more focused and creative and my body as a whole felt agile. I liked the feeling generated by this simple breakfast of fruits and so it was easy for me to continue this eating pattern without requiring any “will power” or discipline.
I was able to see some very vivid results with respect to weight loss. I easily lost close to 5 pounds in a period of 2 weeks, despite the fact that I was not into any exercises or work outs at that time, neither did I make a marked change in my eating patterns at lunch or dinner (I had stopped over-indulging in processed foods, and was focused on eating more whole foods for quite a while before I started this fruit breakfast plan). So the fruit breakfast plan accentuated the process of weight loss for me and helped improve the overall fitness/health of my body. If you’ve never tried this before you will be amazed at the positive results you will see within just a few weeks of sticking to this plan of eating.
I would like to answer a few common questions that come through from people who are planning on trying the fruit breakfast plan for weight loss.
Are there any fruits that I should avoid eating?
Eating fruits has never lead to weight gain in anyone, because it’s a natural food the body can sense when it has a reached “satiation” and thus avoid over-eating, and hence prevent an over dose of non-required calories. You can eat as much citrus fruits, or sweet fruits, as your body allows for until it reaches satiation. There are no fruits that you need to avoid, even avocados (that are the only fruits with high fat content) are healthy fruits because they contain essential fats and anti-oxidants.
Also, some people find that mixing citrus fruits with sweet fruits (like bananas, papaya or guava) causes unpleasantness in their stomach, so you might want to avoid this combination. It’s best to give a one hour break between eating citrus fruit and eating sweet fruits.
How much fruit should I eat for breakfast?
As explained above, you can eat fruits till your body reaches satiation. Fruits are rich in water content which allows for a quicker feeling of satiation, and the natural sweetness of the fruits allows the body to judge clearly on how much calories can be obtained from it, thus giving a “stop” signal as soon as its has had its fill of required calories.
Can I eat only fruits through out the day for quicker weight loss?
There are some people who try a radical eating change of only taking fruits through out the day, for a quicker weight loss. It’s okay to follow such a diet for a couple of days or even for five days, but I personally feel that any period longer that this would require some educated supervision and consultation. It’s hard to imagine that the body can get all the required essential fats, proteins and minerals simply by eating fruits through out the day. It’s best to focus on eating wholesome foods for lunch and dinner, and eat fruits for breakfast alone. This plan of eating can be continued as a lifestyle and thus allow for a permanently healthy and fit body.
Should I follow a specific plan for my lunch and dinner also?
Eating fruits for breakfast allows your body the time to “detox” and thus prevents the depositions of wastes in the body even when one is indulging in a slightly unhealthy lunch or dinner based on processed foods, junk foods or fried/fattening foods. But you would be helping yourself lose weight faster if you would stick to a wholesome lunch and dinner, while indulging your “unhealthy” cravings as moderately as possible. Whole foods like vegetables (boiled or stir fried), whole wheat preparations, brown rice (or less polished rice), fish (preferably grilled or baked), chicken (lean cuts without skin, grilled or baked), red meats (moderately), lentils etc not only provide the required calories but also provide dietary fiber and minerals required for a healthy functioning of the body. Here’s a list of some easily available wholesome fat burning and fat reducing foods.
Can I drink coffee or tea with fruits?
It’s best to avoid the consumption of coffee, but one can have green tea 30 minutes, or so, after the consumption of fruits or before the consumption of fruits. Coffee, or even milk based tea preparation, may create some unpleasantness in the stomach when taken with citrus fruits.
Can I undertake rigorous workout with this breakfast plan?
If you are into aerobics or cardio exercises like running, speed walking, cycling, swimming or skipping, you should have no issues with a fruit breakfast, since fruits can easily compensate for the body’s requirement for calories after these exercises (however, you might have to consume more fruits than a person who is not working out in the morning). If you are into resistance work outs like lifting heavy weights, you might have to consider having a protein shake after the workout and eating fruits later in the morning. You can also a have a fruit based protein shake (by adding protein powder to fruit smoothies).
In conclusion
Eating fruits for breakfast provides very positive results in your goal towards losing the excess weight in your body. Try it for a couple of weeks to seek the impact it has on your overall health and on weight reduction per se, once you see the results you will no want to change this habit/plan of eating.
I tried Fruit only breakfast for a week as per your article and the result was wonderful. I’m not an obese person, but have a slight tummy coming up. Now I feel flat in my tummy and my face is more radiant!
Thank you for your website its very informative.
I would love to eat the following fruits (Oranges, Kiwi fruit, Grapefruit, Grapes, Tangerines, Pineapples etc.) but I find that they are very acidic and tend to give me a heart burn straight away? Therefore what is the best solution for this?
Lilly, you can try eating more “base” fruits like water melon, cantaloupe, sweet melons, apples, papaya and custard apple. You can have a glass of lemon juice (squeeze lemon juice in plain water) an hour or so after having the fruits if you wish to add more Vitamin C to your breakfast.
Thanks Tim. Tomato juice is something that doesn’t go down well with me either. I’ve tried the lemon juice in water in the past but it still irritated me. But I think sticking to the base fruits might be a good idea.
Oops sorry, the tomato juice was just a comment although nothing related to the topic. It just annoys me that I can’t have all these fruits that are so rich in vitamin C
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Thanks for this article, it’s gratifying! I have been eating fruits for breakfast for about 5 months now, and it’s been miraculous. 2-3 days of following this immediately trims the inches around my tummy, and the breakfast makes my body strong enough that week-long vacations with junk food don’t do too much damage (nothing that days back on the fruit wagon can’t solve, anyway). Also, my skin glows and shines. Definitely, fruit breakfast benefits are clearly visible.
Hi There, I’m a 21 year old guy with a big build. I’m build like a rugby player. I have a problem with fat around my waist, thighs and butt. Will I lose weight by cutting back on coffee and the other bad food choices and replacing it with water and fruits? I love apples! Thanks!
@Tiaan – Eating a fruit breakfast, especially citrus fruits, can allow for a speedy lose of fat around these regions. Take up an aerobic workout like jogging in the morning (increasing your mileage and intensity on weekly basis). Jogging coupled with fruit breakfast is sure to deliver positive results with respect to losing fat around the waist and hip region, and build muscular thighs.
Hi Tim, It’s really good that you have posted such a nice site which helps all of us. I have read in the other article that an egg or two a day is really good and good for breakfast as well and here you say that it’s good to have fruit breakfast. I am confused. Is it okay if I take fruits and egg as breakfast? what do you suggest?
Can I have 2 eggs along with 2 bananas, grapes and an apple as break fast or do you think I am having too many things at a time? Issue is I don’t have much of citrus fruits; got grapes and lemon as suggested by you. I am having lemon juice in warm water and as said above all these things and wanted to know if i am on the right track.
Also I heard like that eating banana can increase the sugar levels in the body and would cause diabetics, so doctors suggest not to eat banana if a person is suffering from diabetics. My friend has sugar levels high and doctor said to take care of health and not to eat fatty foods. So please suggest if he can take bananas as breakfast.
@Ravi – If you are looking to lose weight, it may be helpful to only focus on having a fruit-only breakfast for a couple of weeks and test if you are losing weight. Results should be evident in a couple of weeks. If you see positive results, you can look at continuing with the fruit only breakfast plan as much as possible until you attain your ideal weight. It’s okay to eat any type of fruit, but some people have some unpleasantness when they eat citrus fruits with sweet fruits like bananas. Fruits like bananas are more filling than citrus fruits, so if you have a good appetite in the morning you can focus on eating a few bananas and an apple. Fruits are easy to digest and their sugars are easily assimilated by the body, they are also full of minerals that assist in the digestion of sugars without depleting the mineral reserves in your body. You can have an egg, or two, for lunch or a mid-evening snack. Of course, if you have any medical condition you would need to check up with your doctor on the type of diet you need to go on, since I am not a medical consultant or physician I am not in a position to advise on the right diet for diabetic patients.
So can I simply loose weight by eating fruits for breakfast without exercising? Also can I take fruits as supper too?
This might be a little off topic, but I had this question in mind while reading this article. Should I have breakfast after the workout or before it? I’d heard people say two different things and so I’m confused.
Sanya – It’s best to not workout on a full stomach as it can lead to some unpleasantness and even cramping. A simple routine to follow would be to have a some fruits (cut or juiced) 30-45 minutes before the workout so that your body has some easily available calories to help with the rigor of the workout. Since fruits digest within 15-20 minutes it ensures that your stomach is not digesting food while you are working out. After the workout you can have a regular breakfast, an add benefit is that your metabolism will be high after the workout and hence your body would be able to burn the calories, taken in from the meals you have, more efficiently.
Is it recommended to use artificial sweeteners with black tea as part of the breakfast ?
Sydney – You may want to try out green tea as a substitute for black tea. Green tea has far more anti-oxidants and is also known to help improve your metabolism.
You are so thorough with your contents, it’s really very helpful. I think eating healthy food in healthy amount is the most important thing.
You are a fountain of knowledge. I have just started on the fruit for breakfast and already after a couple of days I feel great. Could you recommend any vitamins or diet programs to help me with my weight loss. This time I want to make sure the weight stays off.
Just found your site, I love it! Will I lose weight if I do the fruit breakfast and have salad for lunch? Can I have blue cheese dressing? My salad would consist of lettuce, cheese, mushrooms, garbanzo beans, olives and onions. Also, in the evenings after dinner is fruit a good snack ? Thanks. Can’t wait for your reply – Sherry.
Sherry – Having fruits from breakfast allows your body to have plenty of time for detox since the digestion of most fruits usually only requires 15-30 minutes. Also citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C that the body uses to metabolize fat from the “fat cells”. So having a fruit breakfast gives you positive results with respect to weight loss and also ensures good health.
Have a lunch that is filling and provides ample nutrition to your body, don’t starve yourself. If you feel under-nourished (feeling tired all day) it’s an indication that you are not eating enough. You don’t have to starve yourself to lose weight, just eat right, have plenty fruits and veggies (for snacks) and workout in anyway for at-least 30 minutes a day. Cheese is a good source of calcium, but focus on eating low fat cheese. You can have some fruits after dinner if you have an early dinner – but avoid eating fruits after a heavy dinner because then they might end up fermenting in your stomach due to delay in digestion.
I was searching the internet for healthy eating, basically considering fruits as part of my diet. I came across your site and it is loaded with information. I am going to start this fruit breakfast. I’m sure I’ll be able to see a difference in me. Will post again after trying out this diet. Keep up the good work!
Have been following your fruit breakfast program for three weeks now and although I feel certain benefits I have still to experience any degree of weight loss. Perhaps I am expecting such results too quickly. I am in my seventy first year and I suppose weight loss takes longer in my age group. Am I correct? However, I do wish to express my appreciation for your efforts. In the past I have inquired into various diet programs on the internet which ultimately turned out to be simply scams.
I am yet to try the fruit breakfast but with the comments I’m sure it will work cause my tummy needs reduction.
Lar – Consider eating more vitaminc C loaded fruits like – oranges, kiwi fruits, grapes, tangerines, plums, cherries and apples for breakfast. You can also trying doing some basic aerobic exercises after consultation with your doctors. It’s true that with age our metabolism does slow down, but eating citrus fruits for breakfast can help with it.
I have really bad acid reflux so should I still eat the citrus fruit before the sweet fruit or sweet fruit only? Thanks!
Hello Tim, I am really glad I visited this website accidentally 20 days ago. From then I just started this fruit breakfast and the results are incredible. Believe me guys it really gives very good results. Please give it a try if you are seriously looking forward to loose weight. You not only loose weight but there is a shine and glow on your face and you feel rejuvenated and fresh. Have healthy life!
Sherry – A lot of people who have acid reflux find that eating citrus fruits creates a lot of reflux and hence they avoid it. You can stick with sweet fruits until your acid reflux condition can heal. Actually eating sweet fruits in the morning, and eating plenty of fresh raw vegetables, can help heal your acid reflux issues owing to the strong anti-oxidants present in them which can help inflammation.
Can I mix the fruits with natural yoghurt into a smoothie type mix?
This is indeed a very helpful website! I will try fruit breakfast. What if I combine it with light exercises?
This is wonderful! Walking to work after a fruit breakfast instead of any other form of exercising, is that okay?
I am yet to try this fruit breakfast but I feel it will give me a good result!
Okay, due to the acid reflux, I’ll eat sweet fruits. Also, how about tuna fish sandwiches and boiled eggs, will that help get rid of the belly? Love your site!
Sherry – Tuna with whole wheat bread and boiled eggs are wholesome foods which can be had for lunch, they are rich in minerals and essential fatty acids while being a great source of protein. Definitely makes for a healthy meal option which can assist you with your weight loss journey.
Love the context of the website, it is so insightful and inspiring. Will be going on to the fruit breakfast soon!
About 10 years ago I must have come across the book “Fit for Life” and did the eating fruit in the morning. I generally had a banana at breakfast time and then mid morning at work I would have an apple and some prunes. I still drank tea – about 2 – 3 cups in the morning (not coffee as I have never been a coffee drinker) with milk in it. For lunch I would have crackers with tomato and cheese and then whatever I cooked the family for dinner. It was only the morning food that I changed within my diet.
I didn’t change any portion sizes or anything. I’ve never been a big eater. I would also exercise in the afternoon instead of the morning. That was due to the fact that I was too busy getting ready for work and the kids for school that there really wasn’t time to exercise in the morning! I would walk for about 25 mins in an undualting area so that I was basically interval exercising – wasn’t something I knew about back then but obviously it worked a bit. I lost about 10kgs.
I stopped the fruit in the morning plan after I had lost the weight and over the last 10 years have put on about a kilo per year – not sure what that is in lbs but I am in Australia so we are in kilos! I do believe that the fruit in the morning does work. I had been trying to remember what diet is was so googled fruit in the mornings and found your site. It will be interesting to see if it works again this time. I have tried quite a few different things over the last few years to try to get drop a few more of these kilos. I really have to lose it now due to the fact that I have a partially torn plantar fascia in my foot and the extra weight will not help that at all.
I have had a hysterectomy 4 years ago and am nearly 40 this time, instead of in my late 20′s! So it will be interesting to see if I can lose a little with changing back to just fruit in the morning. Today is day 1! I’ve had pineapple so far this morning and am about to cut up an apple. Later on this morning at smoko (thats what they call morning tea break here!!) I will have some prunes and a banana. Thanks for your site. It has certainly jogged my memory!
Me again; if I stick to a fruit breakfast and a sensible lunch will i still get a flatter belly, without exercise? That’s my problem area. Thanks.
Thank you Tim for the enlightening article. I have been on a fruit only breakfast regime for over a year and frequently extend it to include lunch as well. I wish to highlight that, apart from losing weight fast, another amazing effect is you loose cravings for ‘heavy’ food as well. Previously, I used to crave for typical ‘heavy’ food, rich with salty and spicy taste especially before lunch or dinner but now, I cant be interested even is such meal is spread in front of me.
Found your article while googling if bananas were fattening, lol. I had a full tummy tuck and breast lift on 7/27/11, better known as “mommy makeover”. I enjoy fruits like bananas, oranges, and grapes mainly. Anyway, since I had the surgery I have been fighting swelling, better known as “swell hell”. I have cut out my favorite snack of whole wheat gold fish and went back to my fruit. I have seen such a difference in just a week. The puffiness you described is almost gone.
I was carrying 12lbs of fluid since my surgery. I am so glad to have found your article, it has eased my mind that people can really swell from poor eating. I never had to deal with swelling, heartburn, or any funky reactions. The Tummy Tuck changed everything. I was forced to face swelling, something I thought would just magically go away when it was ready. I started noticing an increase based on my eating. As soon as J went to the fruits for breakfast & on. Swelling had no chance!
Thank you for taking the time to share such great information!!!
I am currently on an all fruit diet until noon. I have adopted some very unhealthy food choices and my goal is to lose 10 to 20 kilos and I was wondering if it’s okay to include some natural yogurt in with my fruits in the morning and still get the same results? Thanks for your help
I am having weight issues so I am happy to read this. I think I will have fruits for breakfast, wheat roti with any roti or daal chicken for lunch and fruits again in diner. And two hours work out including walk and exercise. I am going to follow this. Hope this will work.
Heather, it’s a healthy choice. Go for non-fat yogurt if you are looking to cut back on calories. Yogurt is a great source of calcium and this mineral helps with fat metabolism.
Tim, you are doing an incredible job. Thanks for the insight, I am off to the fruit section now!