The Master Cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanser or the Lemonade Diet, is an extreme diet that consists of drinking a lemonade mixture. Because the aim of the Master Cleanse is to promote weight loss and detoxification in a short period of time, it is considered a fad diet. Stanley Burroughs, the creator of the Master Cleanse, was not a doctor, and was charged with second-degree murder in 1984, when a patient died while following the Master Cleanse under his care. If you must try the Master Cleanse diet, follow it only under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Step 1
Ease into the diet on day 1 by eating only live foods, suggests Burroughs in his book, "The Master Cleanser." Live foods include only fruits and vegetables. Avoid dairy, processed foods and meat on day 1.
Step 2
Ease into the diet on day 2 by eating only clear broths and fruit and vegetable juices. Focus on nutritious juices like carrot and celery juice and orange juice, as well as vegetable broth.
Step 3
Ease into the diet on day 3 by drinking only orange juice and water. You may drink as much orange juice and water as you want throughout the day.
Step 4
Combine 2 tbsp. grade B maple syrup, 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of spring water into a glass. Use organic ingredients, if possible. Drink as many glasses of this beverage as desired throughout the day.
Step 5
Continue drinking nothing but the lemonade mixture for as many days as you feel comfortable. Burroughs recommended following the diet for at least 2 weeks.
Step 6
Ease back out of the diet by drinking nothing but orange juice on the first day, clear broths and juices on the second day and live foods on the third day.
Tips and Warnings
- Carry a snack with you at all times while following the Master Cleanse diet in case you feel faint or dizzy.
- Follow the Master Cleanse diet at your own risk. The Master Cleanse diet has not been recommended or approved by doctors. Discontinue the Master Cleanse diet if you feel faint or dizzy.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits and vegetables
- Clear broths
- Vegetable juices
- Carrot juice
- Celery juice
- Orange juice
- 2 tbsp. grade B maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 8 oz. spring water
Member Comments