Summer and lemonade go hand-in-hand. That may partly explain a current spike in interest in the so-called Lemonade Diet. While the Lemonade Diet, also known as the Master Cleanse or Maple Syrup Diet, has been around for about half a century, interest really began to rise after it became public knowledge that Beyonce followed the diet, losing 20 pounds on the Lemonade Diet for her role in “Dreamgirls.”
What is the Lemonade Diet?
The Lemonade Diet, created by Stanley Burroughs more than 50 years ago, is a fasting plan that will definitely shed pounds quickly. Its followers drink anywhere from six to 12 glasses of lemonade daily. There’s a recipe that includes maple syrup and cayenne pepper.
Regardless of whether you are a disciple of the plan or a detractor, no one can dispute that it’s an extreme dietary approach. So, what are people in the know saying about it? Here are a few Lemonade Diet reviews from around the web:
- “Of course, weight loss is inevitable when you stop eating and drink very few calories. But this kind of diet can also be dangerous to your health… You will lose weight on the Lemonade Diet because the fast creates a serious calorie deficit. But chances are, what you’ll lose is water weight and muscle – not the fat you want to get rid of.” (Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD of WebMD)
- “For the average healthy person, a day or two of fasting will probably not have any ill effects, but that does not mean that the diet is safe. The diet actually calls for about 10 days of fasting. In addition to being a very low calorie diet, this diet is nutritionally deficient in protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals.” (Patrika M. Tsai, MD, MPH, HealthCentral.com)
- “The bottom line is this cleanse may work if you can stick to it and do it under close medical supervision, but it’s not the smartest way to lose weight for the long term.” (CalorieLab)
- “Although the book (“The Master Cleanser“) says anyone with an acute or chronic condition can use the Master Cleanse, this is definitely not true. People with diabetes, cancer, anemia, intestinal obstruction, gallstones, or people who are underweight or who have a history of eating disorders are just some of the people for whom this diet isn’t appropriate. In fact, it’s a good idea for anyone considering the Master Cleanse to consult their doctor prior to starting the diet.” (Cathy Wong ND, CNS, About.com)
Also read our review of the Lemonade Diet.