Maple and Lemon Diet

For both health and aesthetic purposes, dieting is a favorite American pastime. Proponents of the maple and lemon diet (also called the lemonade diet, the Master Cleanse and the Beyonc diet) claim that it results in improved immune function and rapid weight loss for the dieter. While some experts disapprove of the severe calorie restriction on the diet---which is more of a fast since there's no food---a number of celebrities applaud its dramatic effects.

History

Alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs invented the maple and lemon diet in 1940, calling it the Master Cleanse. The diet was originally intended to cure stomach ulcers, though Burroughs claimed that it could cure any illness and encouraged weight loss. In 1976, he published the diet in a book called the "Master Cleanser." Peter Glickman published "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days" in 2004 and renamed the diet the Lemonade Diet.

Foods Allowed

For 10 days, the dieter drinks a quart of salt water upon waking and a laxative herbal tea before sleep at night. He or she is permitted six to 12 glasses of a special maple and lemon drink per day. The drink is made from 2 tbsp. organic lemon juice, 2 tbsp. Grade B maple syrup, at least 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of water (hot or cold).

Health Benefits

The maple and lemon diet unburdens the immune system, allowing the body to purge toxins that have accumulated, according to proponents of the diet. This leads to a stronger immune system, a better appearance and greater mental capacity, according to the diet's suppoerters. Since the diet is supposed to release toxins from fat, the weight loss that results is a coincidental benefit, according to those who advocate it for its cleansing purposes.

Results

R&B singer and actress Beyonc lost 20 lbs. in just two weeks for her role in the 2006 film "Dreamgirls" using the maple and lemon diet. Actor Jared Leto used the diet to lose 62 lbs. he had gained to portray Mark David Chapman in the film "Chapter 27." The daily caloric intake from the diet totals around 460 calories, less than half the recommended amount.

Expert Insight

"If you follow this diet for any length of time, you could end up with low nutrient levels, including iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin C," says dietitian Juliette Kellow of the UK-based website "Weight Loss Resources." Dieters will feel hungry for the duration of the diet due to the severe calorie restriction and the weight is likely to return almost immediately after ending the diet, according to Dr. Kellow.