Ever run a lemonade stand? Head on down to Sunset Boulevard and start selling lemonade today and you may have a lucrative business on your hands (just make sure the lemons are organic). This " diet ", which is in actuality a short fast, is taking Hollywood by storm and creeping into water cooler conversation worldwide. What is it all about, and how can you make sure you perform this diet effectively? Read on to find out.
The Master Cleanse Diet was originally designed in the 1940's by famed nutritionist Stanley Burroughs. It was originally not designed for weight loss at all, but instead to treat ulcers and detoxify the body. So why are we seeing this diet , which historically has remained obscure, resurge and appear in People Magazine, Oprah, and other popular shows such as 30 Rock? It's simple: Smoggy cities, fast food, and the abundance of chemicals in today's society are raising the awareness of detoxification. America's obsession with weight loss, in combination with the rising epidemic of obesity, means an accelerating rate of fat loss trends. So when you take a diet that detoxifies, and also allows for extreme fat loss, you have a winning combination in our increasingly health conscious (and fat conscious) world.
The fact is, nobody truly knows the long-term impact that toxins from the environment have on the human body. The Master Cleanse Diet is supposed to rid the body of these toxins, which accumulate through the standard American diet , pollution, and lack of exercise. Master Cleanse converts claim that it dissolves toxins and congestion, cleans out the kidneys and digestive system, clears up acne, purifies the blood, lowers blood pressure, and cleans the glands. Oh, and also allows for one to two pounds of weight loss per day (expect to gain about half of this back when resuming a normal diet afterwards). There are also the mental benefits: Followers of the diet say that it clears brain fog and boosts the metabolism. The mechanism for these benefits is in the combination three ingredients: Lemon, maple syrup, and cayenne (a combination that Master Cleansers say tastes surprisingly good). The lemon is supposed to purify and impart potassium, the cayenne boosts the metabolism by stimulating circulation, and the maple syrup keeps the blood sugar level from dropping and includes minerals.
Although the Master Cleanse Diet allows for some customization (unlike the "detox in a box" you see on shelves in health food stores), the general instructions are as follows: 3 TBSP of organic Grade B Maple Syrup, juice of one lemon, and cayenne to taste. Fill the rest of the 16oz jar with pure water. You are supposed to drink one serving every hour and continue this for ten or more days.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? Ten days of this and you could be 10-20 pounds lighter and purify your body at the same time! In fact, many people do not make it past the first few days because they simply are not prepared. Here are ten tips that will help you get ready for this diet :
- This diet has virtually no fiber, so many people use a mild laxative tea, such as Senna Tea, to drink at night before bed.
- Rinse your mouth out with water after each drink to prevent weakening of the enamel.
- Weight cycling (losing and gaining weight over and over again) stresses the cardiovascular system and is unhealthy. When finished with the diet , start off eating small meals instead of splurging. Many people report that their desire for unhealthy foods has diminished after the Master Cleanse Diet .
- You may have the desire to make the drinks ahead of time. However, this can destroy the needed enzymes due to oxidation. What you can do is purchase mason jars. Fill them to the very top before screwing the top on tightly. The enzymes should be preserved now for up to three days, since most of the air has been removed.
- Take photos. Before and after photos will encourage you to stick with a healthy nutrition plan once you have finished the Master Cleanse.
- Stay away from vitamins or supplements you are currently taking, unless you have permission from your naturopathic doctor. If you are taking prescription medications, do not perform this diet . Always speak with a doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise routine.
- Rather than going through one purge every year, such as with the Master Cleanse Diet , it is better to keep healthy year round. So when you finish, prepare to make some lifestyle changes so that you can remain healthy.
- Start a blog and find supportive forums where you will be held accountable.
- Avoid temptations on the weekends. Come up with a predefined excuse for why you will miss that company dinner. Try to imagine barriers you will face and how you will overcome them.
- During the diet your tongue may become coated. Many people report that it eventually becomes clear pink again, and that this is a good sign the fast has been successful.
After reading the above, you probably realize that the Master Cleanse Diet is not to be taken lightly. In fact, it is a undertaking which requires correct preparation, execution, and completion. Be sure that you spend some time gathering information and, armed with the above tips, you too can enjoy the detoxifying and fat burning results from proper execution of the Master Cleanse Diet .
