Following The Master Cleanse
Once you have officially started the Master Cleanse, all of your calories will come from a homemade lemon-maple-cayenne beverage.
The recipe for the Master Cleanse beverage is:
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 to 12 ounces of purified or spring water
Simply mix together the above ingredients and drink it whenever you are hungry. At least six servings are recommended per day.
In addition to the lemonade drink, consume one quart of warm salt water each morning to stimulate bowel movements. Herbal laxative teas are also permitted, as desired.
The creators of the Master Cleanse recommend staying on the diet for at least 10 and up to 40 days, but there is no research to support these recommendations.
I Tried This Outdated 70s Diet And Was Shocked By The Results
Created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941, the Master Cleanse is a liquid diet used to promote weight loss and overall detoxification.
The diet was particularly common in the 70s and has most recently seen a resurgence due to Yolanda Hadid popularizing the diet as a way to help control the symptoms she experiences due to Lyme disease.
The premise is simple: ease in, the lemonade diet, and ease out. What this essentially means is a short period of clean eating think fruits and veggies, whole grains, and broths.
From there, you begin the main part of the diet: a mixture of fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and filtered water that is supposed to help clean out toxins in the body while promoting more energy and weight loss. Before ending the diet, its crucial to follow another period of hyper clean eating to seal everything in and fully reap the benefits.
Heres exactly what happened when I followed the Master Cleanse for a weekand why I actually think Id try it again. Note that for the purpose of this journal I did not record my ease in or ease out periods, which is basically my normal diet.
Day One
My partner usually joins me when I do a green juice cleanse or other weird health trend, but he was adamant on sitting this one out and I dont really blame him. While the lemon drink itself is actually pretty delicious , going on an all-lemon drink diet is pretty extremeeven for us.
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
What Are The Keys To Rapid Weight Loss On The Master Cleanse
Generally the amount of weight lost depends on your calorie deficit as well If your body needs 2,200 calories to maintain its metabolism and your drink mix is 1,400 calories, you will lose more than if your caloric needs are 2,400 and your drink mix is 1,800 calories. This still holds relatively true while fasting, but as mentioned earlier, other factors can take precedence.
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Do Juice Cleanses Work
Will a juice cleanse help you lose weight? Yes. Should you do it to lose weight? No, because you’ll likely gain the weight right back.
Although these juices contain healthy ingredients such as ginger, spinach, apples and carrots among other vegetables and fruits that naturally offer vital nutrients, it’s important to note that when juicing, most of the healthy fiber is lost.
Dietitians don’t think juice detoxes are sustainable and that any weight loss dieters experience is only temporary.
“Because the beverages are typically low-calorie, quick weight-loss claims are likely true but short-lived. The weight loss is expected because the juices dont provide enough energy,” said Montemayor. “Once a ‘cleanse’ is completed, participants typically go back to their usual eating habits and regain the weight.”
So unless you’re willing to be on a forever juice cleanse diet, which isn’t recommended, be prepared to gain back the weight you lost.
Dietitians also believe that these cleanses aren’t actually necessary especially if you’re doing them solely for the purpose of detoxing.
“In general, our bodies are well-equipped to remove toxins via our kidneys and liver,” said Heist.
She added that if people are interested in supporting the body’s natural detoxification process, there are healthier ways to do so, including eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, getting enough fiber and drinking enough water.
It Helps To Do The Master Cleanse With A Friend

Doing the Master Cleanse together with family and friends is a great way strengthen your relationship with each other. As with most things in life nothing comes easy. Yes, the Master Cleanse can make miraculous changes in a very short time, but it’s not easy. If you can join with someone and do the cleanse together you’ll find as you support each other through the difficult times of the cleanse your relationship will deepen.
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Will The Weight I Lose Come Back
That depends on you and your body type. If you dropped a significant amount of weight you will be able to keep it off by eating healthy and exercising. However much weight you gain back will most often be water gain. Its not much and people who have gone through the cleanse are still quite slim and have lost their desire to eat processed foods.
Why Are Cleanses So Popular
Cleanses have been popular in the health world for years, and for good reason. These detox diets boast a wide variety of benefitsboosting the immune system, increasing energy levels, improving digestion, increasing concentration levels, and increasing your endurance are just some of them. Cleansing your body will not just boost your physical and mental health, but will also result in better sleep for you.
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The Master Cleanse Weight Loss Is Long
The Master Cleanse is only for 10 days, and you are not expected to do it all the time. But those ten days can be very memorable, and at the end your body can learn new and amazing things. Because your body has adapted to a detox diet, you may be less likely to crave junk foods, high-sodium foods, and other unhealthy stuff. Your body can adapt to healthier habits, which means you can keep off the weight you lost permanently.
You may even find it easier afterwards to quit whatever addiction you have, including cigarettes and alcohol. You will learn how to discipline yourself with the Master Cleanse, and those lessons are definitely long-lasting. And with new found discipline and healthier habits, the Master Cleanse weight loss you have achieved may become permanent.
Filed Under: Weight Loss
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Role Of Exercise When On The Lemonade Diet
The lemonade diet will provide you with 600-700 calories per day. It is best to avoid any rigorous workout routines during this period. Your body will not have enough energy to support it. You may feel weak and fatigued. However, you can do yoga and a few stretching exercises to maintain blood circulation.
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It Hits The Restart Button On Your Eating Habits
The greatest benefit of the master cleanse has been the opportunity to calibrate my diet and start fresh. For example, I heard intermittent fasting eliminates cravings, but in the past I couldn’t imagine not eating breakfast. Having gone eight days without any food made it easy to implement IF post-cleanse. The result has been that my cravings are gone. This may not have happened without the cleanse.
Level Of Effort: High
You’ll likely be hungry on such a strict diet. The website also says you should expect detox symptoms like cravings, tiredness, boredom, and headaches.
Limitations: According to the web site, you must follow the diet exactly or it wont work and can leave you feeling tired, sick, achy, and with cravings.
Cooking and shopping: You need very few ingredients, and prep work is quick. You can make the drink ahead of time and stash it in the fridge.
Packaged foods or meals: No.
In-person meetings: No.
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What To Eat On The Master Cleanse Diet
Master Cleanse lemonade, made from fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water, is the only food allowed during the diet.
Warm salt water can be consumed in the mornings to stimulate bowel movements and herbal laxative tea can be enjoyed in the evenings.
No other foods or beverages are allowed during the Master Cleanse diet.
Summary
The only foods allowed on the Master Cleanse diet are freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. Herbal laxative tea and warm salt water are used to stimulate bowel movements as needed.
What Didn’t I Enjoy About The Master Cleanse

If you do not use fresh lemons or the right amounts of each ingredient, the lemonade will taste a lot less pleasant.
My problems with the Master Cleanse were the following:
#1: The Lemonade Was Too Spicy and Acidic
As I mentioned, I didn’t buy the book, and, in spite of research, I got the amounts of some of the ingredients wrong. I didn’t always prepare my lemonade fresh, which at times made it too acidic. I often added too much lemon, which gave my mouth a burning sensation, and I added too much cayenne, which, again, I hated.
After I came off the cleanse, I seemed to find the right proportions, and when I prepared the lemonade with the right amount of lemon and maple syrup and drank it fresh , it was much better.
#2: I Used Too Little Maple Syrup
I reinforce this as probably the main reason I couldn’t hold it. In my desire to lose more weight, I used so little maple syrup that I basically starved myself and didn’t last. It’s a mistake I honestly don’t advise anyone making.
#3: I Had Serious Migraines
The migraines I experienced on this diet were the worst of my life. However, the migraines could have been caused by a combination of coffee withdrawal and jumping into an all-liquid diet after days of Christmas foodbad idea! If you are to do this, take it easy and prepare yourself. Apparently all of this is explained in the book, which, again, I never bought.
#4: I Had Heart Palpitations and Chest and Jaw Pain
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What Grade Of Maple Syrup Should I Get
What type of maple syrup should you use for the master cleanse?
Grade A or Grade B are both sufficient for a Master Cleanse. Both work really well. The recommended grade is grade B. There are maple syrup samplers you can use to find something you like. You are going to be tasting it for 10 full days, so make sure its something you like.
At the below is some info regarding the grade system, color, flavor, and more. This information is aimed at helping anybody who is considering the Master Cleanse and needs to know what grade and color of maple syrup to use. Maple syrup grades.
How Much Weight Will I Lose On The Master Cleanse
by Mike Olaski | Effects, FAQ |
Youve heard the disclaimer: Results not typical. Results will vary. And that couldnt be more true than with The Master Cleanse, which is why Ill say it again.
Everybody is different. Some people do the cleanse with less lemonade than others, some more. Some do it wrong, but have tremendous results. Some do everything right but dont lose any weight .
Having said all that I am sure youre really wanting to know whats the average weight loss, what can I typically expect?
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Lose Weight In 10 Days With Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet
The master cleanse lemonade diet is a popular diet that consist of a mixture of 4 ingredients: lemon, cayenne, maple syrup and water.
This powerful mixture will cleanse and detox your body from harmful toxic wastes inside your system.
This diet helps to lose weight since body waste is being flushed off from your system and a good cleanse body will boost your metabolism and your BMR.
People who have drink this powerful detox cleanser for 10 days found on average to be 2lbs lighter but these results can vary depending on your age, height and current weight.
Obese and overweight people should expect at least 5lbs of reduction in weight, after 10 days of detox.
Instant Gratification And Clear Results
The Master Cleanse is only one of the many weight loss solutions out there, but it has recently shot up in popularity. Especially with celebrities like Beyoncé, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore talking it up in the headlines. What the Master Cleanse has going for it is the instant gratification. Some diets take such a long time before results appear, and the reality is that not a lot of people have the patience. This is why many give up even before the diets are given a chance to work.
With the Master Cleanse, you actually see and feel the results in just 10 days, and this promise alone makes everything worth it. Even if some days get difficult and temptations abound, people are willing to really make some sacrifices because they know that in 10 days, they will get the results that they want. This mindset alone gives the Master Cleanse an edge.
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How Can I Find The Best Lemons For My Cleanse
Having good lemons is important. You dont want to have lemons that contains too much acidity. You also dont want them to be any more bitter than they have to. It depends on your preference, but most people prefer a lemon that is mild and has low acidity. Thats why many people like the Meyer lemons. They have a sweet nature and carry a low acidity. Meyer lemons are hybrids and are comprised of mandarin oranges. Thats why they are so much more appealing to a lot of people.
How Will I Know When Im Finished
If you completed a full 10 days then CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! Youll see some signs that will immediately tell you it was a success, like more energy, a pink tongue, a craving for health foods, and ailments have vanished. You always have the option of doing it again, but you should give your body enough time to recuperate before tackling it again.
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Does Fasting Cleanse The Body
There is no scientific evidence that fasting detoxes the body. Our bodies are already pretty self-sufficient. The liver is the bodys natural detox center. Other organs, including the lungs, the kidneys and the skin, also remove impurities and toxins from the body. A fast may give the perception of cleaning out your bodys impurities, but thats not what happens. While some people reportedly feel great after fasting, others feel sluggish, tired, achy and unfocused. Thats because theyre often not getting sufficient calories.
Often people who are trying to cleanse their bodies, will also use colonics or enemas. These can be risky to your health, because they can alter your bodys overall salt and water balance. This is also true for herbal tea laxatives.
If you dont eat and you drink a lot of water, you will urinate frequently. And if you eat few carbohydrates, youll also further increase water loss. But this wont help you lose weight. Youre only depleting your body of fluids, which may make it seem like youre actually losing weight. Of course, if you eat few calories, you will lose weight quickly, but that doesnt mean you will keep it off. As the saying goes: easy off easy on.
Is The Master Cleanse Healthy

While fasting for several days is not harmful, theres no evidence supporting its benefits. However, fasts lasting for more than a week, even with some minimal amount of calories, can damage your health. You need to consume enough protein for your bodys needs. If you dont have eat protein, your body starts to break down your muscle in order to get the necessary amino acids . A long-lasting fast can damage your heart, which is a muscle, as well as your liver and kidneys, which can decrease in size, if you dont ingest enough protein. Insufficient protein will also impair their functions.
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