Lemonade and Maple Syrup Diet

The Lemonade and Maple Syrup Diet is also known as "The Master Cleanse," a detox diet that was started by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. The diet reached popularity when author Peter Glickman wrote about it in his book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days." The purpose of the diet is to rid the body of toxins in two steps. First, the toxins are stirred up and loosened with the lemonade drink, and then they are flushed from the body with a rinse.

The Lemonade Mixture

The lemonade mix is made by combining 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or lime juice, 2 tablespoons of grade B maple syrup, and 1/10th teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Put the ingredients in 1 cup of distilled water and mix well. The water goes down easiest at room temperature, but you can chill the water if you prefer. Drink 6 to 8 glasses a day. The lemon juice is a natural cleanser, the maple syrup is loaded with vitamins and minerals that the body will need while it is detoxing, and the cayenne pepper is added because it loosens the mucous from the linings of the intestines.

A day on the Master Cleanse starts with a salt water rinse of the body. This is done by adding 2 tablespoons of sea salt to 1 quart of warm, distilled water. Drink the salt water rinse down all at once. The flush helps rid the body of the toxins that have come loose. Throughout the day you drink 6 to 8 glasses of the maple lemonade.

In the evening, have an herbal laxative tea. A recommended choice is an herbal tea with Senna. This tea can usually be found in a pharmacy in the same aisle as laxatives. The purpose of the laxative tea is to ensure you eliminate the toxins that have come loose in your system.

Tips

First, The Master Cleanse is difficult to follow. No food can be eaten for a minimum of 10 days. The only thing consumed is the lemonade and maple syrup mixture, the sea salt water rinse and an eliminating herbal tea. Second, you should do the cleanse at a time when there are fewer demands on your life. You will be spending a lot of time in the restroom, and you will not always have time to drive to find one.

Depending upon where you live, the maple syrup may not be easy to find. Most supermarkets carry grade A maple syrup, but grade B is ideal for the Master Cleanse. Maple syrup will be clearly marked as grade A or B, either on the front label or on the top of the lid of the container. You also want to find a brand that is certified organic, and this can often be found in a health food market.

The first few days of the Master Cleanse you may feel groggy, nauseous and irritable. This is a result of the toxins that are once again swirling around within the body. Stick to the diet, and it will pass soon.