I have always been a pretty healthy individual. I believe the body is a temple and we should take care of it. Exercise, healthy eating habits, relaxation, and sleep are very important to me! However, my friend has talked me into trying something new, and something I have never tried before. It is called the Master Cleanse/Lemonade Diet or Detox.  Basically it is a 10 day fast (something I also am not so fond of). I have worked in the nutritional field and also done plenty of research on my own to know that this is definitely NOT a brilliant idea! I won’t pretend that it is- but, I need to shake up my routine so I’m giving it a try:

Basically, the lemonade, to be consumed at least 6 or more times a day consist of the following:

• 2 tablespoons of FRESH squeezed Lemon Juice (Organic is best but not necessary)
• 2 tablespoons of GRADE B PURE Maple Syrup (essential)
• 1/10 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (can be taken by pill if needed or in drink as ground or liquid)
• 10 ounces of Spring/Filtered Water (also essential) Beware of bottled water and tap water!

In the evening before bed you are to drink a detox herbal tea. Upon waking in the morning; you drink a Salt Water Flush (and this is when things get crucial)

• 2 tsp UNIODIZED salt
• 1 quart of WARM Purified Water

This along with the tea acts as the elimination stimulant. It definitely works.

Okay, so I know some of you out there have tried this- I’d love for you to share any advice or experiences! The diet has gained popularity recently thanks to Beyonce Knowles drastic success in losing 20 lbs before Dreamgirls in 2 weeks. Of course this is water weight and detoxing so the weight will return if you do not maintain healthy standards upon coming off the system. I am on Day 1.5 in  a sense-  SO lets get down to what is really going on

• The Lemonade tastes good- I’d actually drink it on a normal day
• The salt water flush is SERIOUS- I think fad diets etc are a waste and usually bogus- so after I successfully drank the flush this morning (which took a bout an hour because it is literally ocean water and to much liquid at once) I was surprised at how FAST in worked. Without cramping or pain or anything of the sort- your system is flushed within about an hour! Let’s talk about shitting 7 times within 30 minutes- Whoa.
• I am addicted to caffeine therefore if I do not have it I get migraines and vomit- So I cheated. Im drinking coffee as I write this- Everyone ain’t able! My migraine is finally going away
• I still worked out this morning though some advise against it. You are not taking in any protein or even essential fats so you want to be careful in breaking down muscle.
• My goal is 10 days: but I may have to make the diet more feasibly healthy for myself, regardless of the “fad.” It does work however, I have lost 3 lbs since starting last night. And I never weigh myself. Besides the headache and initial fatigue I feel fine.

Here are some helpful links for anyone interested in more information. Again, this is probably not the smartest thing I have done in my life, but I hope it will restart my systems and awaken my current health plan and workout schedule.

1. http://mastercleansesecrets.com/book2.php?gclid=COLI-8Sdj5kCFQFvGgodp2j1aw
2. http://therawfoodsite.com/beyonce.htm
3. http://www.master-diet.com/2007/12/13/beyonce-master-cleanse-see-what-beyonce-had-to-say-about-the-master-cleanse/

These are just a few sites but type in Master Cleanse and/or Lemonade Diet to google and read up before you decide to try it! It is definitely hard, I will not lie to you! But if you think you want to give it a go, check out all of the benefits it can provide and do it according to your own physical needs of course! Beyonce apparently ate vegetables during hers and I imagine I will be doing the same here soon. I will update on any side effects and progress.

For Inspiration:

One Love- Mandi