The Lemonade Diet, also known as the Master Cleanse, the Maple Syrup Diet or the Master Cleanser, has been used by celebrities like Jared Leto and Beyonce Knowles to lose weight quickly for movie roles. The Master Cleanse, which was originally created by Stanley Burroughs, author of the book "The Master Cleanser" as a detoxification diet, but it may not be as effective or safe as he suggested.
History
Burroughs originally created the diet in the 1950s, and wrote his book, "The Master Cleanser," in 1976. "The Master Cleanser" details the proper way to follow the detoxification diet. In his book, Burroughs recommends drinking nothing but a homemade concoction of water, grade-B maple syrup, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and cayenne pepper for at least 10 days. Before and after the diet, Burroughs suggests eating only fresh raw vegetables and fruit and vegetable juices for three days before and after the diet.
Considerations
Stanley Burroughs did not have a license to practice medicine and. according to an article in "Fitness" magazine, was charged in 1984 with second-degree felony murder and the illegal sale of cancer treatments when a cancer patient died while being treated by Burroughs. This second-degree murder charge was later reduced to involuntary manslaughter.
Expert Insight
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fad diets create unrealistic expectations and are not a healthy way to lose weight. The Master Cleanse is considered a fad diet because it is very low in calories and carbohydrates, which causes quick water weight loss. When you stop following the diet, this water weight will return. Instead, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a slow weight loss of 1 or 2 lbs.per week by eating nutritious foods in moderation and getting regular exercise.
Misconceptions
The Master Cleanse diet has been used as a weight-loss tool for celebrities, but as Stanley Burroughs states in his book, "The Master Cleanser," the diet is not meant as a weight-loss regimen. Instead, the diet is designed to detoxify and rid the body of toxins. Do not use the Master Cleanse diet as a weight loss regimen, because the weight will eventually return. Also, according to the MayoClinic.com, there is also no evidence that detox programs are effective.
Warning
The Master Cleanse diet may cause such side effects as an upset stomach, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal tract distress. You may feel dizzy, nauseous or lightheaded while following the diet. Follow the Master Cleanse diet only under the strict, direct supervision of your doctor.
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