(If you’re coming here from a search engine [ie. Google etc.], you may want to read this first…or last - just be sure to read it!! :))
I’ve been asked numerous times what the recipe is for the lemonade diet or lemonade fast. I’ve partially included it on day 1 of my experience with the lemonade diet. However this doesn’t have all the details such as how to make the Salt Water Flush or what type of tea one should drink at night.
If you’ve never heard of the lemonade diet, basically it is a 10-day fast where you drink nothing but a special “lemonade” drink. It is one of the best known methods for cleaning out your intestinal and colon walls. Although not intended as a weight-loss diet, it is effective at helping you balance your body and “rebooting” the metabolic process - which often results in weight loss (I lost around 10 lbs on this). *If you are looking instead for primarily weight/fat loss I would highly recommend the Burn the Fat Program (plus you can view my results). I had a lot of success with its principles.
Well here goes:
Lemonade Diet Recipe
For at least 10 days, drink around 10 servings/day of the following:
- 2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice NOT BOTTLED JUICE!! (approx. 1/2 lemon),
- 2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) organic Grade B maple syrup,
- 1/10 Teaspoon or more cayenne pepper (hot red pepper), and
- 1 Cup (8 fluid ounces) purified or spring water, NOT fluoridated water.
(This is what I did) This is the equivalent of taking an empty gallon water jug and filling it with:
- the juice of 5 lemons
- 1 1/4 cup of organic Grade B maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 10 cups of water
Shake it all up and you got your days’ serving!
Salt-Water Flush Recipe
Upon rising drink a mixture of:
- 2 level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt to a…
- quart of lukewarm water
Herbal Laxative Tea (You can find this at most grocery stores)
Each evening drink an herbal laxative tea to help with elimination - preferably right before bed.
That’s it! Do that for at least ten days for a complete intestinal cleanse. If you haven’t read my experience with the 10-day lemonade diet, check it out here. Or if you just want to read about the final results you can go directly to the 10th day of the lemonade diet.
I’m giving the diet a go and just mixed up my first batch according to your recipe and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised at how tasty it is! It’s a tad spicy which is great but weird for lemonade
Thanks for sharing your experience with the diet and motivating me to get off my ass and do it. I can’t wait to see how I fare on it!
— Jason,
that’s great! Be sure to let me know how your experience goes,
Erich
Left by Jason DeFillippo on November 11th, 2006
I’d like to try this. I printed all 10 day diets + recipe, but you might consider making this PRINTER FRIENDLY - to accomodate every word. I penciled missing words in. Thank you for your efforts.
I always thought colon cleansing was a good thing and perhaps a must!
I’ll let you know how I fare. Of course I will ask my doctor if I can do this. 1/11/07
Left by Victoria Gonzales on January 11th, 2007
Victoria,
Thanks for the input. In fact, adding printer friendly functionality to this site is one of my near-term goals with this site. Definitely let me know how it works out for you!
- Erich
Left by Erich on January 11th, 2007
I really like the idea of cleansing your body and it seems that this is a very healthy way to do it without any extreme side effects. I will give this a try and see how it goes.
Left by Keny on February 2nd, 2007
Good luck Keny! Keep me posted on your progress.
Left by Erich on February 2nd, 2007
Should I drink the normal amount of water while fasting??
Left by Shawn on February 12th, 2007
Shawn,
Yes. You can drink as much water in between the lemonade drink as you like. As always, it’ s beneficial to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Left by Erich on February 13th, 2007
Hello,
I thankyou greatly for giving us this information to keep ourselves healthy!! I have a couple questions and am looking forward to starting this diet. My daughter is 17 and wanting to try this diet as well, is that unhealthy for her and will she get the same results? Also, funny question but what do you think about chewing gum on this diet? I heard it is easy to get bad breath with this, and also I am always chewing gum..again thankyou very much!!
Leah
Left by Leah on February 14th, 2007
What exactly is the “Herbal Laxative” that you are talking about on here? Is this a certain type of tea I should be buying? Or just regular hot tea? Please help me out here so I can figure out what I am looking for. thank you!
Left by Danielle on February 16th, 2007
Danielle,
The herbal laxative is actually a tea that you can find at any grocery store. Look for brands like Good Earth or Traditional Medicinals. Just prepare it as you would any other kind of tea.
Left by Erich on February 16th, 2007
Is this diet ok for breastfeeding women?
Left by UmmZayd on February 17th, 2007
UmmZayd,
I definitely would NOT recommend it if you’re breastfeeding. Your body is taxed already when you’re breastfeeding, so adding this fast is not a good idea.
Left by Erich on February 17th, 2007
Todays date: February.19th.2007
Hello my name is Volkmar Matthew Scatolini. I am a 24 year old, white (Italian/Irish), Male. I am starting my First Day of the Lemonade Diet & Sea Salt Cleans with my Garcinia & Senna Tea’s. The reason for this is over a short period, the last year or so I have gained a considerable amount of wait. I know that The Lemonade Diet is NOT a wait loss program but sometime this does happen in most cases as a side effect. My weight was about 145LBS last Year, Now I am up to 195LBS. I am also a Cigarette Smoker of about 8 years know and am HIGHLY ADDICTED to them. Well with High hopes of cleansing my system of impurities I am also hoping this will help stop my long term self poisoning of cigarettes.
Well thank you for reading & I will keep you all filled in on my progress.
Sincerely,
Volkmar Matthew Scatolini
Left by Matthew on February 19th, 2007
Matthew,
Good luck to you and definitely keep me posted on your progress!
Left by Erich on February 19th, 2007
Hello, I am starting my second day on the diet… the first day wasn’t so bad except i think the pepper is a bit much for me, i never been a hot spice type a person so i only drank like half the gallon… Is it ok to put in less pepper maybe a half teaspoon per gallon instead of a whole? I just finished my salt-water flush… No effects yet, but it was a bit uncomfortable drinking. Im 25 years old and in great shape. i just want the total cleanse of my system so i can start fresh on a nutritious, more healthy way of eating and living, the glowing of the skin, increased energy, and losing a few pounds here and there isn’t bad either lol… but my reason is to cleanse the system… Ive been wanting to try this for a while and Your journal really helped me in knowing what to expect… thanks for taking the time to share…
Left by Tanya on February 23rd, 2007
Tanya,
Funny you mentioned the pepper. I too had difficulties with getting used to it. Even worse, the longer the pepper sat in the drink, the hotter (spicy hot) it would make the drink. Part-way through I used half the recommended dose of pepper if I was planning to make an entire batch for the day. Since the fast was a definite success for me, I don’t think reducing the amount of pepper had any ill-effects.
Good choice on trying it out. When you finish, let me know how it went!
Left by Erich on February 23rd, 2007
Hi and thank you for writing about your expierence. Do you know if this is safe to do while on antidepressants?
Left by Cher on February 24th, 2007
Cher,
It would be best to consult with your doctor for that question.
- Erich
Left by Erich on February 26th, 2007
Hi I’m 22 years old and this is my first time trying this diet. I’m really happy because I found something new I’m trying to loose 40 pounds before summer to look sexy…
Left by Bonita on March 3rd, 2007
Thanks for your web site. Where can I get the syrup and salt?
Thank You,
Fran
Left by Frances Phelps on March 7th, 2007
Fran,
If there’s a grocery store nearby that sells organic foods (like a Whole Foods), you’ll find it there. If all else fails, you can actually find (the syrup at least) on Amazon:
Coomb’s Maple Syrup, Premium Grade B, 32-Ounce Jug
Left by Erich on March 7th, 2007
Hi - I’m interested in the diet, but what sort of foods do you eat when coming off the diet?
—————————–
Elizabeth,
The recommended approach, for the first and second day after the cleanse, is to drink fresh orange juice to prepare the stomach for solid food. Then slowly begin to introduce raw foods into your diet. If it seems like your body is accepting the food without any issues, you may continue to slowly introduce cooked foods as well, however the goal is not to go back and eat the same crap you did before but instead, try to eat more healthy.
Left by Elizabeth on March 8th, 2007
Re: the cayenne pepper (wheeewwwww! hot hot) // The Lemonade Diet (Master Cleanse)
Just read the original “The Master Cleanser” (c) 1976 by Stanley Burroughs.[Buy it $6.50 and form your own impressions.] His recipe suggests only 1/10th of a Tsp (tea spoon) for every 2 Tbsp of lemon juice.
// My Story…
I too am one of those feeling the “blahhhhhs”, digestives problems, skin problems and overall reduced feeling of wellness. Thinking I could fix this by eating better I “cold turkey” (pardon the terminology) changed my diet to vegitarian and started drinking tons of water (3 L / day). BIG mistake. Not only did I get cleansing symptoms galore (headaches, pimples, B.O. but a distended gut and lets just say the pipes clogged up (very painful).
After this collosal failure I talked to a number of vegitarians, local naturopathic store owners and looked up on Google a number of vegitarian/vegan athletes (I’m into cycling) and they all suggested I had shocked my system and I needed time for it to cleanse slowly. In reading Stanley’s book I saw an opportunity to flush out my digestive system (all components) “safely” without all the fiber and months of torture needed to adapt. So far everyone I talked to says fasting is safe as long as you have some carbohydrate (maple syrup) to keep the ole brain functioning (100 cals / 2 Tbsp). So with this alone you need 64 oz or ~ 2L of the lemon/maple/cayenne drink.
My only fear going into this at this point is gallstones. Most medical sites I’ve checked say that if your diet is below 800 cals (and none fat) then you are at risk of giving yourself gallstones. Stanley’s book hints at but does not suggest Olive Oil to ease the passing of these if we have them (most with poor high fat diets do but don’t know it). Not “sounding” good at this point but I’m going to trudge forward anyway. I’ll let you know how it goes!!!! Let’s hear some more results people!!!
Left by Millahtime on March 10th, 2007
OK Now how do you get that salt water down. I couldnt take to sips I thought I was gonna die. Oh man and the PEPPERS!!!!
I made the drink but I put to much peppers I dont eat anthing not AT ALL so I am gonna make a batch for the day with just a teaspoon
The salt water come on I dont like salt water in my mouth at the beach how am I supposed to drink this dang on water??
Any help please??? Oh and E did you excersize on the diet??
THANKS
Left by Rock on March 12th, 2007
Hi Erich,
This is day 1 for me and I must say - I too was suprised at how tasty the drink is.
I also attempted to drink the salt flush, which was impossible to keep down - that was a bust. I won’t be including this as part of the diet. Do you have any suggestions for an alternate ‘flush’ for what I’ll miss by not including the salt flush?
Other than that I’m experiencing a slight headache (which is probably from excluding my usual 2 cups of coffee).
Thanks for all your information and tips, they are really helpful!
DJH
Left by DeAnna on March 12th, 2007
Should I continue to take vitamins while I am this cleanse?
———
Dr. Burroughs specifically states that (unless it is prescribed medicine) you should not take any vitamins during the cleanse.
- Erich
Left by Wayne on March 14th, 2007
Erich,
What about gum? Can you chew gum while fasting? I think this question was asked earlier but, I don’t think you got a chance to reply. Thanks.
Mel
————
I just responded at the Day 10 Post. (the short of it…yes)
Left by Mel on March 17th, 2007
[...] hi jamitwins dr arturo rodriguez, in monterrey, mexico does excellent work and doesn’t require pre-op diet. if you want to email him, you can reach him at md@thebariatric.com. he did surgery on me a few weeks back and a top bariatric surgeon at NYU said that rodriguez did a terrific job. another option is the master cleanser lemonade diet, which is a great detox program and the lemon juice naturally curbs appetite. i’ve done this as a fast on several occasions. here’s a few websites: lemonadediet.com, Lemonade Diet Recipe the recipe, from the last website is: For at least 10 days, drink around 10 servings/day of the following:2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice NOT BOTTLED JUICE!! (approx.
Left by newbie-preop weight loss - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support on October 12th, 2007
[...] 1/10 Teaspoon or more cayenne pepper (hot red pepper), and [...]
Left by Starting Fresh « The perplexing game on June 7th, 2008
[...] got all my stuff at the store, and am following the recipes on this (http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-recipe.htm) page. Â He also kept a very good log of his days, so I’m interested to see how my experience [...]
Left by Day 1 « Mastercleanseexperience’s Blog on November 23rd, 2008
[...] http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-recipe.htmReferences : Experince =) nenamexicana March 30th, [...]
Left by I am overweight and I want to lose alot of weight quickly and fastly before I start grade 7.? | How to Lose Weight Quickly on March 30th, 2009
[...] http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-recipe.htm [...]
Left by Lemonade diet aka Master Cleanse « Emartins03’s Blog on April 2nd, 2009
[...] http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-recipe.htmReferences : Experince [...]
Left by I am overweight and I want to lose alot of weight quickly and fastly before I start grade 7.? | how to lose weight on June 4th, 2009
[...] http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-recipe.htmReferences : Experince [...]
Left by I am overweight and I want to lose alot of weight quickly and fastly before I start grade 7.? | Herbs Drop Weight on June 7th, 2009
[...] injury) and because of my 8-mile-a-day exercise regimen have never been able to try the infamous Lemonade Diet that my girlfriends have been hyping since high school . So, I’m making the most of my down [...]
Left by Mama’s pies halt a detox on October 14th, 2009
Hey!
i dont like cayenne Peper..
what else can i use besids that.. and please email me the answer.. thanks
scenequeen101@ymail.com
Left by Casey on October 19th, 2009
hi,
I was going to start the detox here in a few days, and just was wondering a couple of things….do you need to use the spring water for the herbal tea and the saltwater flush?? i just figured you did, because if you used the tap water, it would be the same as other reasons not to….also ,i have seen a few people ask about chewing gum but i didn’t seem to see any answer to it…i work around food and people everyday at work, so if my breath does get bad, i would like to control that…..i will post results once i start
Left by Amy on October 22nd, 2009
Amy,
Like you said, spring water (or distilled) is the ideal. However, tap water is not necessarily bad depending on the cleanliness of your water source.
As far as gum goes it’s not recommended due to the need to avoid processed sugar or chemicals (sugar-free gum). A better option would be mint tea. However, in the overall scheme of things, a few sticks of gum here or there aren’t going to sabotage your results.
Good luck!
- Erich
Left by Erich on October 23rd, 2009
I gotta say the drink is horrible. I love spicy stuff, but it was like 0__0 and then dont even get me started on the salt water flush, it was hideous. I like seriously dont wanna drink anything and this is like my first day. I gotta say this is like tough love.
Left by Faby on October 27th, 2009
Hey… instead of cayenne pepper in the lemonade buy the pills… and take the pills and not the pepper in the lemonade…
Left by Nat on October 27th, 2009
Faby,
Nat’s right, try the pills. Or you can also add the pepper only to the serving your going to immediately drink. This way the pepper doesn’t have time to react with the liquid causing it to be “hot”. As for the SWF, it’s definitely tough love but worth it
- Erich
Left by Erich on October 28th, 2009
I am hoping to start this soon. The only challenge I have is an allergy to peppers (this means cayenne). I won’t be using that ingredient and hope it won’t ruin the effect.
Left by Shar on October 28th, 2009
Shar,
Others have still had great success with the cleanse even without the pepper. Go for it
- Erich
Left by Erich on October 28th, 2009
I got great results with the Acai Berry Select free program. I recommend it to anyone struggling with weight issues.
http://www.acaiberryselect.com/?aid=895244
Left by Acai Berry Select on November 3rd, 2009
I tried the MasterCleaning at the end of 2007 and lost about 16 pounds in 14 days. I also worked out each day. I was suprised that I was not tired while on the diet, only a few time while working out, but I just stopped. The diet gave me a lot of enery after I finished and it really cleared up the acne on my face that I was having no luck with. I am about to try the cleaning again, and hoping for the same results of more enery and better skin. If I lose weight in the process then that would be great, but that is not my goal. The only problem that I had last time was when I worked out sometimes, I would drink a lot of the cleanser and at the end of the night I didn’t have anymore, and on light workout days I had to force the last of the cleanser down because I was not hungry.
Left by Gina on November 8th, 2009
I’ve so tried it and it sucks it taste nasty and burns going down and be careful not to drink to fast you might choke on the Chile pepper taste. Be careful using the rest room your A** will burn. I suggest doing this if you know your going to be home for a while because you do use the restroom a lot and trust me the cleansing is true because it will smell. Or start off on a Friday and go through the weekend, first couple of days stinks literally. You have to drink the tea or salt water which ever one your doing at night before bed and in the am upon rising. It gets pretty hectic around the fifth day but at the end it pays off I lost 12lbs and felt great. Start off with a light diet after, to go easy on the stomach. Good luck to all
Left by Miley on November 9th, 2009
Hey,
I’m on day 3 and haven’t yet had any herbal tea or tried the salt water flush. I’m worried I’m not loosing any weight so I think I will start.
Would it be ok if I started doing the flush at nighttime after I’ve drank the lemonade all day?
Also, can I drink a cup of black coffee in the morning?
Thanks
Left by Mellie on November 18th, 2009
Hi everyone,
I recommend you all to put the cayenne peppers in the lemonade to sit for 15 minutes then strain it. So it’s just minimal spicy flavour instead of the intense flavour you get from leaving it in for so long. The peppers would bring out the lemon flavour making everything just awful.
@ Mellie, I DEFINITELY recommend taking the herbal laxative tea because it’s easier to get down then the salt water flush. If you’re luckier than me, than you’ll get something that tastes better than what I’m downing everyday (Natural Slim Herbal Tea).
Anyways, I’m actually at the end of day 4, and I caved into eating a salad today.. I felt really ashamed that I caved in so easily after having a bad day. But at least it was a salad. I actually lost 4lbs and my parents have also noticed the change. I’m going for 14 days and I’m hoping to get more results in the next 10 days! Hopefully I won’t gain like all 4lbs in one night because of the salad.. then I’d just feel horrible for my hard work! PS: I feel great, my face cleared up and I feel lighter!
Left by Vivian on November 21st, 2009
Day 1 for me, can I use organic grade A maple syrup until I can buy grade B? Is kosher salt ok to use and when do I start with salt water, is it everyday? When is the best time to drink the salt water? Is pepermint tea ok to drink I have to work and I don’t want bad breath and gum is not an option. Any help would be great I just read an article and started it right away. Thanks!Robin
Left by Robin on November 22nd, 2009
hello i am starting the diet but i have one question do you have to use organic Grade B maple syrup
Left by bilan on November 30th, 2009