The popularity of the lemon detoxication diet, or lemonade diet, has increased recently through the endorsement of celebrities. The diet is designed to help expedite weight loss by eliminating food and drinking only liquids. The safety of this diet and its effectiveness is questionable, despite its popularity. Be sure you talk to your doctor before trying the lemonade diet.
History
The lemonade diet was introduced in 1976 by Stanley Burroughs. The self-proclaimed health expert first used the detoxification technique in 1940 to treat stomach ulcers, but then wrote about the diet's apparent success in his book, "The Master Cleanser." After his book was released, Burroughs advertised the technique as a solution for weight loss, in addition to being a solution for many other types of disorders. The lemonade diet was revitalized in 2004 with Peter Glickman's book "Lose Weight, Have Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days," using the diet's technique as the premise for his book.
Diet Features
The diet is a simple process. You are to drink a lemonade mix for at least 10 days. The lemonade can be made from a variety of mixes and measurements, though, according to the Master Cleanse website, the typical and best-known concoction consists of fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, a pinch of cayenne pepper and water. The diet does not allow for any food during the 10 days. This significantly reduces the amount of calories you receive on a daily basis, which is the main reason you would experience weight loss. The diet does not recommend taking any dietary supplements. It also does not outline any type of fitness program.
Results
The lemonade diet has benefited greatly from celebrity endorsements, such as the one from Beyonce Knowles, who, according to Calorie Lab, claimed to have lost 20 pounds in two weeks. The overall effectiveness of the diet, however, varies greatly, and no hard scientific evidence exists to support any claims that are made about it. But, given that the diet completely eliminates food, the presumption that a person will lose weight is perhaps a claim with merit.
Warnings
The fact that the lemonade diet completely depletes your body of essential nutrition from major food groups is a serious health risk. The lemonade provides your body with just enough nutrition to sustain it and allow it to function properly. However, according to Calorie Lab, the liver and kidneys are at risk after a few days of not receiving proper nutrition. The lemonade diet may be safe to perform for one to three days; however, any longer duration may put your overall health at risk. Consult your doctor before beginning this or any other diet regimen.
Proper Dieting Advice
The lemonade diet can be labeled as part of the "yo-yo dieting" phenomenon, during which you may lose weight rapidly, only to gain the weight back -- and potentially more -- once the diet is over. Short-term diets typically do not have any lasting impact on your body, and any diet that completely eliminates major food groups should be avoided. A proper diet should consist of real life-changing steps that incorporate a nutritious eating plan and fitness, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Gradually reducing your daily caloric intake, while still eating nutritious food, is an effective way to lose weight.
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