What is it?
The Lemonade Diet is a weight loss fad diet that claims it can detoxify and cleanse the body. It’s also known as the Master Cleanse Diet, and it became popularized by the celebrity Beyoncé who also used it.
Only liquids are allowed and it claims it’s able to promote an improved digestive system for more energy, vitality, happiness, and overall health improvement. It was originally mentioned in a book but there have been numerous variations on this diet. Our review experts have researched many different dietsand the most effective for weight loss was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It combines an appetite suppressing meal replacement alongside a fat burning diet pill. Both have natural ingredients with no cheap fillers, stimulants, colors, preservatives, or artificial additives. Read more about the benefits of the 18Shake Diet by clicking the link here.
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Lemonade Diet Ingredients and Side Effects
For 10 days the goal is to only drink the following:
• Salt water mixture: 2 full tablespoons of non-iodized salt and a one quart of slightly warm water. First thing in the morning one has to drink this on a completely empty stomach.
• Lemonade drink: 10 ounces of spring or purified water are mixed alongside 2 tablespoons of either lemon or lime juice, a tenth of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. A minimum of 6 to 12 glasses need to be drank each day.
• A laxative or peppermint tea: The herbal laxative is needed for those who can’t have a normal bowel movement. It’s preferably drunk before bedtime in order for it to process fully by the body. Peppermint tea is also recommended as it can help reduce any bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea.
Under no circumstancesare there any other kinds of food allowed. This is to properly detoxify the body so it can flush out toxins and rejuvenate itself. After the full 10 days are done and weight loss results are achieved, it’s then advised to slowly introduce light foods such as soup, juice, raw fruits, and raw vegetables.
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It’s mentioned that side effects are possible, and that’s why they allow for peppermint tea and the laxatives. Possible side effects revealed by the official diet are:
• Nausea, food cravings, headaches boredom, nausea, and lack of a normal bowel movement.
It’s claimed that these kinds of side effects are normal, as it’s the body flushing out harmful toxins. This is not proven however. These same kinds of symptoms are possible from eating a diet that is rich in sugary maple syrup, acidic lemon or lime juice, and a diet high in sodium. It may also be due to the lack of sufficientvitamins and minerals.
A Dr. Hansa Bhargava adds:
“If weight loss is your goal, it may work temporarily. Anytime you limit your food intake, especially this drastically, you will lose some weight”
Other issues mentioned by the doctor are:
“problem is, you will losemuscle mass. This diet puts you at risk for nutritional deficiencies, too”
As far as sustained weight loss the doctor saw no benefit:
“you will likely gain the weight back really quickly once you start eating normally”
These are serious issues which show that this diet has not enough nutrition, calories, and an unlikelihood of promoting positive weight loss results. This is why this fad diet has not been proven to be safe and effective. The doctor finally recommends:
“it is better to lose weight gradually with a balanced diet that makes sure you get the nutrients you need. Cross this one off your list”
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Exercise is not mentioned by this diet, but it's unlikely with a 650 calorie limit that it would be advised. Health US News.com adds:
“it may even be dangerous to exercise when you’re consuming so few calories. Ask your doctor before exercising while (on this diet)”
This can also potentially make it difficult to perform regular tasks as the caloric demands for both men and women are around 2,000. The Lemonade Diet offers less than half of the advised daily amount for maintenance and proper physical functions. This can potentially lead to issues such as fatigue and brain fog.
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Lemonade Diet Quality of Ingredients
While lemon or lime juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup can be healthy in moderation, relying on theingredients for weight loss is not a good way to lose weight. There are far too many potential issues with this mixture, as it does not have enough vitamins and minerals.
There’s also a need for laxatives in order to promote a bowel movement, as no solid foods are allowed on this diet. The fact that one cannot rely on their own body for a natural process shows how potentially unsafe this diet is.
There’s also a salt flush which can contain a large amount of sodium which can promote water weight gain. The extreme limit by eating only 650 calories is also another issue which can cause many side effects.
Better options for weight loss are available via the list of the top ranked weight loss diets.
The Price and Quality of Lemonade Diet
The price will likely be cheap since the bulk of the diet is limited and relies on the same basic foods. Howeverthere’s no evidence that sustaining oneself on these kinds of foods would be safe and effective for weight loss. Health experts have also agreed that this is simply another fad diet lacking in sufficient nutrition and calories.
Due to the many potentially side effects which can damage the body, there’s far too much risk involved with this diet.
Business of Lemonade Diet
The diet was first mentioned in a book called the “The Master Cleanse” which was published in 1976 by Stanley Burroughs. The creator has not provided any proof showing whether or not this is a safe and effective diet.
He has also been charged in many lawsuits for proving false and ineffective nutrition and health advice. He was a specialist in natural medicine, which is a field of medicine which his not accepted in the medical community.
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Customer Opinions of Lemonade Diet
Featured below are some reviews from users of the Lemonade Diet:
“This diet is very restrictive”
“I was miserable. I had no energy… felt like I wassuffering from a rare disorder”
“It’s mostly nonsense from those who don’t understand physiology or any aspect of medicine”
“The cleanse is not the best way to lose weight”
People often had extreme hunger pains from a lack of solid foods. There were major complaints as well from those who lose some weight but managed to pile it back on as soon as they ate normally.
The majority of users had trouble not thinking about food, and once they resumed eating they felt like they had to binge. Some failed to lose any weight at all.
Common symptoms were listed by users including nausea, headaches, fatigue, low blood sugar, mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and low mental performance. Some also experienced serious issues such as extremely low blood sugar and depression.
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Conclusion - Does Lemonade Diet Work?
The Lemonade Diet is similar to other fad diets which suggest limiting oneself to just a few foods. Only liquids are allowed, and the diet suggests only using it for 10 day periods. Since the caloric limit is 650 a day, this will likely result in weight loss. Any extreme caloric deprivation like this is known to promote weight loss. The issue is that it’s not sustainable. Many people have experiencedseriousside effects, and they also mentioned how all the lost weight returned as soon as normal eating continued. The diet has also not been proven to be safe and effective. There are health professionals who have concluded that this diet is not safe or effective. It enforces a strict lack of calories with very little to no nutrients.
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User Feedback
(Page 15 of 18, 343 total comments)basia10
+My Grandmother who was from Louisiana used to tell me about this lemon and cayenne pepper cleanse hum! I wonder if this is it. Anyway it works wonders for cleansing, I did it recently for 4 days, which today is the fifth day and I'm taking a break today, but I will be back on it tomarrow. You can truley feel the effects. I have done fasting many times in my 46 years of life for cleansing purposes. But I must say this will really test your will power! (mind over matter)!!!!!
posted Nov 20th, 2008 10:34 pmMiss Gates
+I tried it once before but didnt stick to it. I will try it this year again on the first of Decemeber (after Thanksgiving) and will motivate myself to stick to it.
posted Nov 20th, 2008 6:18 pmWish me luck!!!!!!!!!!
Kinyonga
+I am on day one, started with my Mrs. she has a migraine and resting after 12 hours, I am hanging in there. :- )
posted Nov 18th, 2008 1:21 amoneroxie
+I did the cleanse while teaching aerobics twice a week, ten of my pounds came off of my 130 pound frame and upon completion I could not stop losing for another five pounds, but somewhere i picked it back up so im thinking of doing it again.
posted Nov 15th, 2008 5:39 pmcandy
-i do not like diets!!!
posted Nov 13th, 2008 2:01 pmha ha i laugh at you
-i do not belive in diets even if they cleanse the body!!!!
posted Nov 13th, 2008 1:53 pmGarcia
+I start today...wish me luck!!!
posted Nov 13th, 2008 10:36 amWeight-142lbs
Emily Cox
+I tried the 4 day cleanse using Simply Slender Lemonmade Diet. I do not feel like I was starving myself and have experienced all the claims made by a "cleansing" diet. I have so much more energy, my skin looks more radiant, no bloated feeling and just an overall feeling of well being. I recommend . . Emily
posted Nov 12th, 2008 1:39 pmKARMISHA
+I TRIED THIS DIET AND I TELL YOU IT DOES WORK. AT FIRST I THOUGHT TO MYSELF ANOTHER FAD DIET. YOUR NOT HUNGRY AND YOU ARE FULL OF ENERGY. I LOST 12 LBS IN 10 DAYS. WHEN I FIRST STARTED I EVEN TOOK PICTURES TO TRACK MY PROGRESS.
posted Nov 11th, 2008 10:02 ammeme
+I will start the process tomorrow. I am not sure what to expect. I want a jump start on eating healthier. I will post my process.
posted Nov 8th, 2008 4:37 pmAnna
+I did the diet for 4 days and over the course (plus the days after) lost 7 pounds. (i'm 5'6" and now 140lbs). I feel that besides the weight loss and added energy, it has taught me discipline in being able to say "no" to foods i couldn't refuse in the past (I have a terrible sweet tooth.)
posted Oct 30th, 2008 2:35 amI don't suggest doing it for too long, but if you are healthy, a few days of the diet will do u good. :)
Michelle
-Made me fatter
posted Oct 28th, 2008 11:50 amcoco
+started today.
posted Oct 26th, 2008 7:16 amhorrible taste, but motivated. the lemonade is somewhat ok... but the water in the morning!!!! with the salt! I can barrely chunk that down my throat for one day.... i hope ill be able to do it 10 more times....
still havent gone to the bathroom...
found maple syrup in europ! WOOHOO! but dont know if its b... hopefully doesnt matter???
and if i really cant make it with the water in the morning can i do tea instead?
thanx
good luck ;0) im sure motivated when i saw the comment that she went from 130 to 118, cause im 130 and my goal is 120 :0)
coc
+can i substitute it with honey? will i still lose 2 kg in 11 days? we dont have maple syrup or any other substitutes they reccomend here in europe.... :0( so will i still lose the weight with honey?
posted Oct 25th, 2008 3:23 pmcoco
+hej u guys! i live in europe. i am 58 kg and i want to lose weight in the next few days to go on my trip all refreshed :0) i want to be 55kg like before! i have 11 days left. however here in europe we dont have maple syrup (i know, i loved it in the u.s.) but can i substitute it with honey? will i still lose the weight? please answer quick, i need to start it tomorrow! i know of all the other substitutions but we dont have them here. only honey. please answer, and good luck to u guys doing it! thanx
posted Oct 25th, 2008 3:19 pmRobby
+I'm on my 10th day and so far so good !!!
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 8:20 amMy opinion only;
Step 1 is to get past the 2nd day-craving food and a staving.
Step 2 is by about day 5-6 it becomes more of a routine. Still get hungry but since you're well into it it's much easier to stick it out.
Step 3 is waiting for your tongue to go back to "pink"-I'm told this is the indicator that your body has been "cleansed" I'm sure a few extra days won't hurt.
Step 4 is to come off the diet "As explained" follow the directions and don't shock your body.
Step 5 is to eat healthier, I'm not giving up my pleasures but will definitely watch what I'm eating-Remember to enjoy life but be smart.
Step 5 is to do this probably once a year-when is TBD spring or fall.
On day 10 my tongue is almost pink; I've lost 8lbs, 1.5" off my waist, 2.5" off my stomach and 2" off my chest-all looking and feeling better. I'm 5'9" and started at 165lbs
teine
+this works..No joke..I lost mad weight, and I felt great..This is the best cleanse. I am planning to do go a month..I want to lose more!!!!!!!
posted Oct 22nd, 2008 6:20 pmkayla
-I hate it!
posted Oct 19th, 2008 6:40 amcarla
+today is my second day and all is well so far I have been going to the restroom very often.. bm's and urinating far to much..I want to eat really bad but im hanging in there...
posted Oct 17th, 2008 7:37 amASIA
+WELL TOMORROW WILL BE MY FIRST DAY STARTING THIS CLEANSING AND IM EXCITED I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN BI MY WHOLE LIFE SOME PPL WILL SAY IM THICK I FEEL IM HUGE SO WISH MY LUCK
posted Oct 16th, 2008 7:03 pm