1. The Master Cleanse Diet is a Renewed '70s fad
Even though the Master Cleanse Diet has been around since the 1940s, it really took off in 1976 because of a book outlining the diet. The original purpose of the Master Cleanse Diet, also known as the Lemonade Diet, was not weight loss; it was to purge the body of harmful toxins found in the foods we eat and our environment. Recently this liquid diet has experienced a revival as many Hollywood stars shed pounds using it.
2. You Don't Eat
The Master Cleanse Diet is pretty simple. The only thing you "eat" for 10 days is six to 12 glasses of a beverage made of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Participants also supplement the lemonade concoction with salt water. According to the Master Cleanse Book, the diet plan helps you shed up to two pounds a day. It also claims the dieter can safely follow this plan for as long as forty days. That's a lot of lemons.
3. Mixed Reviews for the Master Cleanse
Many people on the Master Cleanse Diet claim to feel rejuvenated and refreshed, since they are free of toxins. However, many others report feeling dizzy, nauseous and hungry. Other side effects of the diet include diarrhea, most likely due to the herbal laxatives included in the diet plan.
4. Not Intended for Long Term Weight Loss
Once you have completed the 10 day Master Cleanse regime, you should follow certain steps. Only drink orange juice on the first day back on the regular diet bandwagon. The next day you can have OJ and some vegetable soup. Then add fruits and salads on day three. Day four you can eat whatever you'd like. Not surprisingly, most people who follow the Master Cleanse Diet end up gaining the weight right back. The diet may be ideal for Hollywood starlets trying to slip into a gown for the Academy Awards, but it is not a safe, practical or even appetizing solution to long term weight loss.
5. Master Cleansing is Downright Dangerous for Some
Eating a constant diet of lemons and maple syrup may be safe for healthy individuals, at least for a short time. However, plenty of people should stay away from this diet all together. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not try this diet, nor should children or teenagers who are still growing. People with diabetes, cancer, anemia, eating disorders or gallstones should also avoid the Master Cleanse Diet. Before starting any diet or exercise program, always speak with your doctor first. Chances are he will talk you out of this particular diet plan.
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