How to Transition to a Raw Diet After Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse is a liquid diet where the body receives no food and only water lightly sweetened with fresh lemon juice or raw maple syrup. This diet lasts anywhere from seven days to two weeks. Transitioning to a raw diet after this cleanse must be done carefully because of the extreme nature of the cleanse and the drastic change in eating habits. It will also take time and patience because, according to a study at Vanderbilt University, "Living and raw foods are foods that are organic and have not been heated, cooked, or processed in any way." (See References 1)

Instructions

Transition Steps

1

Drink only water and fresh fruit juices (not canned or packaged) the first day after the Master Cleanse. Sip these juices every three to four hours starting with breakfast. Add one to two raw foods back into your diet. Examples of raw foods are half an apple or fresh seasonal fruit as a snack in the morning. Have a half-cup serving of fresh vegetables such as broccoli for dinner.

2

Drink a vegetable broth or soup (preferably homemade) on the second day for lunch and dinner. Simmer the vegetables in broth or soup until very tender so the vegetables are easy to chew. Continue to drink your fruit juices for breakfast and eat your fruit for a morning snack. Eat a few more fresh vegetables for dinner or have one cup of fresh vegetables, depending on how your body feels.

3

Boost your raw-food intake by adding a salad in your diet on day three. Have a salad for lunch and add more vegetables for dinner. Make an eating plan. Stock your kitchen at least once a week with enough fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts to last you through the week. Plan a day in advance for foods that need to be sprouted or soaked overnight. Get rid of meats, packaged foods, cheeses and any other foods that are not raw.

4

Continue to eat raw fruits and vegetables by day four, but begin to add nuts, seeds and grains. Eat some fruit for breakfast for variety. Have some fresh fruit and a salad for lunch and a small salad with carrots and broccoli for dinner. Snack on a handful of nuts or seeds throughout the day. Follow the same eating plan on day five and six, but vary the fruits and vegetables to maintain interest and variety.

5

On day seven, eat three raw meals per day and one to two snacks throughout the day. Look for local sources of raw foods such as farmers markets and health food stores.