The Master Cleanse is a diet and detoxification program created by Stanley Burroughs, who wrote "The Master Cleanser" in 1976. The diet, which involves drinking only a lemon, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper mixture for an extended period of time, is touted by Burroughs as a way to lose weight and remove toxins from the body. Burroughs was charged with practicing medicine without a license and involuntary manslaughter when a man died under his care, says Jocelyn Voo in "Fitness" magazine.
Step 1
Eat only fruits and vegetables three days before starting the diet, only fruit and vegetable juice two days before starting the diet, and only fresh-squeezed orange juice the day before the diet, suggests Burroughs. This regimen will prepare the body for the detoxification process.
Step 2
Make the lemonade substance. Mix 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of water in a tall glass. Chill, if desired.
Step 3
Drink as much of the lemonade substance as you want throughout the day to help keep hunger at bay. Besides water, Burroughs suggests drinking only the lemonade mixture throughout the day.
Step 4
Continue following the Master Cleanse diet until the body has detoxified, or as long as is recommended by your doctor. Burroughs recommends following the diet for 10 days or longer.
Step 5
Transition into eating normal foods again by drinking only fresh-squeezed orange juice the first day after the diet, fresh fruits and vegetable juices the second day after the diet, and fresh fruits and vegetables the third day after finishing the diet. On the fourth day, continue your regular eating habits.
Tips and Warnings
- Use organic fruits and vegetables when possible, recommends Burroughs.
- Try the Master Cleanse diet only under the supervision of a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 8 oz. water
- Glass
References
- "Fitness:" What is a detox diet?
- Every Diet: Lemonade diet
- "The Master Cleanser;" Stanley Burroughs; 1976
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