Lemonade Diet vs. Other Fad Diets

There have been many diets recommended by various parties claiming to be effective and promising things that sound too good to be true. However, the definition of a fad diet is simply one that gains and loses popularity very rapidly. Some fad diets include the Atkins Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet, the Negative Calorie Diet, the Low Fat Diet, the 3 Day Diet and the Low Carb Diet, to name a few.

The Lemonade Diet is a short term diet that is meant to serve as a detoxification routine, allowing your digestive system to take a break whilst burning excess fat stores as well. The idea for the Lemonade Diet was proposed by Stanley Burroughs in 1976, and is also known as the Master Cleanser Diet. The Lemonade Diet usually lasts 10 days, with a 3 month break before resuming the diet. It is a very strict procedure that allows only the intake of lemonade. Hence, this diet is known also as a cleansing diet or a juice fast.

When on the Lemonade Diet, it is crucial that you consume approximately 12 glasses of lemonade each day. This lemonade has to be made specifically with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1/6 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This provides your body with approximately 100 calories per glass, or 1200 calories a day.

In addition to the lemonade, you are allowed to consume only water or peppermint tea to prevent dehydration. The diet begins with a glass of salt water flush in the morning, followed by the consumption of lemon juice throughout the day, as your only source of energy. It ends the day with a glass of laxative tea. When you wish to get back to your normal diet, it is important that you go through the ending process to allow your system to readjust. This necessitates a gradual shift to raw fruits and vegetables for approximately 3 days.

Bear in mind that whilst weight loss will occur with the Lemonade Diet, it may not be healthy, and the diet is used mainly for detoxification purposes. It is not recommended as a weight loss regime, and if used for long periods of time may lead to fat storage. It is also not suitable for children, or people with health problems. Due to the nature of the Lemonade Diet being similar to a fast, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea. It is recommended to embark on this diet with a professional or with medical advice, and if the symptoms are too severe the diet should end prematurely.

Whilst the Lemonade Diet will kick start your weight loss plan, it should be viewed as a detoxification routine and not a diet plan. Any weight loss during the diet is a result of fasting, and the weight loss is easily gained back if one is not careful. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial to maintaining your weight after you complete the diet.