Lemonade Diet Tips

The Lemonade Diet, or Master Cleanse, was developed by Stanley Burroughs over 50 years ago as a detoxification used to quickly rid your body of wastes and toxins, according to WebMD. The Lemonade Diet is a 10-day fast that involves drinking a homemade lemonade mixture at least six times daily. It's also recommended that you drink a salt water flush and laxative tea once daily to assist your body in eliminating wastes.

Before Starting The Diet

According to the book "The Master Cleanser" by Stanley Burroughs, following the Lemonade Diet can "help you lose up to 20 pounds, look younger, ease chronic pain, cleanse your body of internal waste, and boost your energy levels in 10 days." Most people can safely follow the Lemonade Diet for 10 to 40 days, up to four times per year.

When beginning the Lemonade Diet, it's important that you gradually ease in to it. This helps prepare your body for the fast. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw foods for about two days before beginning the fast. You can also have light soups and broths. Increase the amount of water that you drink to keep yourself hydrated. Cutting your calories will prepare you mentally and physically for when you won't be able to eat.

During The Diet

Drink the lemonade at least six times per day. Instead of making several one-serving cups of the lemonade, make enough lemonade in the morning to last you the whole day. Combine 60 ounces of purified water, six ounces of organic grade B maple syrup, six ounces of organic lemon juice, and a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Always follow the Lemonade Diet exactly. Use fresh lemons, purified water, genuine maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Never use concentrated lemon juice or maple flavored syrup. Feel free to use fresh limes as a substitution for the lemons. Never use honey or sugar as a substitution for the syrup.

No food should be consumed while on the Lemonade Diet. You should also refrain from taking vitamins and other supplements, according to "The Master Cleanser."

If you're unable to have eliminations during the diet, you must drink laxative tea and the salt water flush. Drink the laxative tea at night before you go to sleep and drink the salt water flush in the morning. Mix one level tablespoon of sea salt with a full quart of water to make the salt water flush. Laxative tea can be purchased online and at most grocery stores. Having regular eliminations is crucial to ridding your body of toxins and wastes.

Weight Loss and After The Diet

Drink several glasses of orange juice for the first two days after ending the diet. Make a raw salad or light soup for the third day. Avoid eating any other foods until at least the fourth day.

Although "The Master Cleanser" mentions undertaking the Lemonade Diet when your weight has become a problem, keep in mind, weight loss is almost always temporary. As with many fasting diets that restrict food and calories, weight loss from fluid is inevitable. Because the weight loss isn't from fat, most people regain the weight that they've lost as soon as they start eating regular foods again.

Change your eating habits after following the Lemonade Diet. A healthy lifestyle change is key to keeping your weight off. Reduce the number of calories that you consume on a daily basis and eliminate foods that are high in fat and calories. Bake or broil lean cuts of meat instead of eating fatty, fried meat. Cut down on the number of cakes, cookies, and sweets that you eat. Finally, increase your water intake to keep your body functioning properly.