Recently in the news was talk of how Beyoncé Knowles lost weight quickly for her role in the film Dreamgirls. Beyoncé went on what is more commonly known as the Maple Syrup Diet, which is in fact a form of fasting, rather than dieting.
Beyoncé’s Maple Syrup Diet simply involves eating no solid food at all. Instead, a mixture of lemon juice, Grade B/Medium Maple Syrup, water and Cayenne pepper is drunk. This mix can be taken cold, as a cordial, or hot, as a tea. The mix contains some essential vitamins and minerals.
As solid food is not eaten it is necessary to help the digestive system eliminate material and avoid constipation. This is achieved in two ways: laxative tea is taken every night, and in the morning, 32 ounces of lukewarm sea salt water serves as a top-down enema. This passes through the digestive system extremely quickly—30-60 minutes.
The diet is for a recommended minimum of ten days, although it is not uncommon for people to stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time. Fasting for such long periods requires careful breaking, as intestinal cultures need to re-develop and mucus linings re-build. This usually involves drinking “full strength” juices for a day or two, while slowly adding in soups, then fruit, vegetables and nuts before resuming a regular diet. This fast break is an ideal time to add probiotics to re-establish a healthy intestinal culture.
Maple Syrup Diet Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) organic Grade B maple syrup
- 1/10 Teaspoon or more cayenne pepper – as much as you can comfortable cope with
- 1 Cup (8 fluid ounces) purified or spring water
Beyoncé’s Maple Syrup Diet is said by Stanley Burroughs and later authors to eliminate toxins and congestion that have built up in the body. Because it is not a complete source of macro-nutrients, it should be considered as another form of fasting, rather than a diet.
Supporters of the Maple Syrup Diet have credited it with helping them lose weight and reduce stomach fat, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases.
Some in the entertainment industry have misunderstood fasting as a weight loss diet. Recently, the Maple Syrup Diet received media attention as a result of being embraced by some celebrities. The singer/actress Beyoncé did it for 14 days and lost 22 lb (9 kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls. Howard Stern’s cohost Robin Quivers claims to have lost 73 lb using the Master Cleanse. Similarly, Jared Leto says he lost the weight he gained to play ‘Mark David Chapman’ (he gained 62 lb) all from the Maple Syrup Diet
The Different Juice Fasting Stages of Detoxification
Stage 1 (Day 1 To Day 2) On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for half a day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period unless the enema is used which quickly assists the body into the fasting state by ending digestion in the colon.
Stage 2 (Day 3 To Day 7) Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the glyceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. Ketones are formed by the incomplete oxidation of fats. It is suspected that the ketones in the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety centre in the hypothalamus. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40 to 60 days, depending on whether you are on water or juice.
The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing and healing. White blood cell and immune system activity increases. You may feel pain in your lungs. The cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucous matter through the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-coloured mucus can be shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted faeces on the intestinal wall start to loosen.
Stage 3 (Day 8 to Day 15) On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since childhood. On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body’s increased ability to heal during fasting. If you had broken your arm 10 years before, there is scar tissue around the break. At the time of the break, the body’s ability to heal was directly related to lifestyle. If you lived on a junk-food diet, the body’s natural healing ability was compromised.
During fasting, the body’s healing process is at optimum efficiency. As the body scours for dead or damaged tissue, the lymphocytes enter the older, damaged tissue secreting substances to dissolve the damaged cells. These substances irritate the nerves in the surrounding region and cause a re occurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared years earlier. The pain is good as the body is completing the healing process. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected, as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth. Daily gargling with salt and water will prevent or heal cankers.
Stage 4 (Day 16 to Day 30) The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homoeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt at this time. Memory and concentration improve.
Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast) The sticky, toxic, mucous coating on the intestinal wall is loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by intense diarrhoea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.
Some critics point to lack of essential nutrients in Beyoncé’s Maple Syrup Diet, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals. As a result of these deficiencies, individuals on the diet may experience dizziness, delirium, and fainting in the short term, with possible damage to the body occurring in longer-term applications. Many authors assert the benefits of fasting are related to its lack of nutrients, particularly macronutrients. People with intestinal conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome may experience added discomfort while on the cleanse.
There is a risk that the saltwater flush may remove both beneficial and harmful bacteria from the body. A no-food diet may cause the gut to stop passing food, resulting in constipation, or may make the consumption of food immediately after the fast painful. These are the important reasons to follow the fasts’ instructions correctly.
Beyoncé Knowles said of her decision to adopt the Maple Syrup diet: “My nutritionist suggested the only way to do that was the maple syrup fast. As soon as it was over, I gained the weight back.
“I’m very conscious of being a curvy woman and I’m very happy that I am a curvy woman.”
She added: “I would never recommend it to anyone unless you are doing a movie and it’s necessary, and you have proper help.”
Remember that people like Beyonce Knowles have a great incentive to lose weight fast, as this ensures that they win contracts to appear in films, commercials and television. These diets are not really that healthy, and it is recommended that a longer term approach to weight loss is taken. Crash diets can be a useful way to kick-start yourself into a healthy lifestyle, as quick results can give you the boost of confidence that is often needed. However, they should not be considered long term solutions to weight problems. We recommend a good balance of healthy diet and regular exercise. Also, remember to consult your family doctor before embarking on a period fasting or extreme dieting.
If you revert to your old ways after this fast, you will gain nothing, and maybe actually put on more weight. Yoyo dieting is not good for your health, and cannot be sustained long term. Eat healthy, exercise hard.
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140 responses so far ↓
1 -linnea // Jun 22, 2008 at 5:25 pm
can i use ordinary syrup?
2 MotleyHealth // Jun 22, 2008 at 8:00 pm
In theory you can use any form of syrup as the purpose of the diet is really to create a starvation effect. However, artificial maple syrup is made with an extremely large amount of dissolved sugar. The solution is heated so more sugar can be put in than normally possible. So artificial maple is not as healthy as natural syrup.
Just mix it with water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper and drink at meal times. Remember to take an A-Z vitamin and mineral supplement.
Personally I would suggest adopting a low-carb diet rather than a maple syrup one for anyone looking to lose weight quickly.
3 anita // Jul 11, 2008 at 12:56 am
are serious no type of solid food at all
4 MotleyHealth // Jul 12, 2008 at 12:59 am
That is correct Anita. The diet is extreme. It is not healthy, and it is not a long term solution to being overweight. It only works because it restricts calories so drastically. You have to adopt a good healthy diet in the long term to maintain a healthy weight.
A better solution if you do not have a strict Hollywood deadline to lose weight would be to take things slower, eat a well balanced diet and exercise more. I personally used Atkins to lose weight, and it worked for me, although studies show that over a one year period it does not fare much better than calorie controlled diets.
Always take care in whatever diet you chose to adopt Feel free to blog your experiences here.
5 Sexiest Celebrity Bodies // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:08 am
[...] Beyoncé Knowles (Beyoncé’s Maple Syrup diet) [...]
6 Lena // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:52 am
Even though she went on a diet to be on dream girls I think she would have looked good wit out going on a diet. I LOVE YOU BEYONCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 D // Sep 14, 2008 at 2:21 am
do you have to use the cayenne?
8 MotleyHealth // Sep 14, 2008 at 10:32 am
Cayenne pepper is thought to aid weight loss, as it can help to increase metabolism and aid digestion. It has been used in herbal medicine for many years to improve circulation also.
If you really dislike it, then simply do not use it – but you may be missing out on some of the benefits of the maple syrup diet if you do so.
I have not been able to find any hard evidence that it improve metabolism, however according to about.com it is one of a few things you can use to speed up your metabolism; specifically, it “contains an ingredient called capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and accelerates your metabolism at a safer level.”
However, green tea has also been shown to improve metabolism in similar ways, so maybe drink a few cups of green tea everyday too instead.
9 regina // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I really would just like to loose my belly fat and weight in my back and arms, any suggestions?
10 MotleyHealth // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Take a look at our “how to lose belly fat” article first, then take a look at the weight loss section.
For losing belly fat and toning back and arms, then basic compound exercises (squats, lunges, press ups, sit ups) are the key, combined with a healthy, junk free, diet.
11 Marie // Jan 12, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Just wondering about all the spots and bad breath….anything we can do to prevent them? Also, if on medication, will this diet effect the release of medication in the system?
12 zoey // Feb 5, 2009 at 6:24 am
what are the imprtance of lemon, honey and all the other ingredients. Because I’m thinking of doing just water and cayenne for faster weight loss.
And by the way, in what kinds of stores can I be able to buy cayenne?
13 MotleyHealth // Feb 5, 2009 at 8:42 am
Zoey, lemon and honey are for flavour and vitamins really. You should be able to buy cayenne in most large supermarkets or oriental stores. Take care with this diet, fast weight loss is not healthy weight loss.
14 zoey // Feb 6, 2009 at 5:50 am
well then, exactly how much of the required ingredients do I need to put in one drink and how many times should I drink it in one day?
can I still exercise?
15 mel // Feb 6, 2009 at 6:23 am
can I use spinach instead of lemon? because I was acidic before so lemon is not that good for me, besides spinach is healthier.
can spinach make the weight loss slower?
16 MotleyHealth // Feb 6, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Zoey, I have added a recipe above in the article. As for how much – as much as you like within reason. Drink enough to make you feel full, but not too much so that you make yourself ill.
17 MotleyHealth // Feb 6, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Mel, if you cannot stomach lemon, then maybe you should consider the Cabbage Soup Diet instead?
If you can juice spinach, then by all means add it instead of lemon. Let us know how you get on.
18 mel // Feb 7, 2009 at 11:11 am
what are the only kinds of exercises can i still do?
walking, crunches, push ups, squats, 1 pound weight lifts or what???
19 MotleyHealth // Feb 7, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Mel, you should be ok with any of those exercises. Avoid heavy weight lifting. You may find that you lack enough energy to perform a full workout, and recovery will take longer.
20 Jasmen // Feb 12, 2009 at 6:05 pm
will there be complications for people who are on medications?
21 colleen dawson // Feb 12, 2009 at 6:22 pm
how many glasses a day do i drink this detox solution. 2,3 5 glasses?
22 MotleyHealth // Feb 12, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Jasmen, you should consult your GP if you are on medication. I would suggest that you should not fast while on a course of medication though.
23 MotleyHealth // Feb 12, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Colleen, you can drink as much as you like, within reason. So long as you do not eat, then you are sticking to the rules. Please remember that this is not a healthy method of weight loss though. It is designed to be very short term, and Beyoncé actually dissuades people from trying it.
24 Aly // Feb 24, 2009 at 3:41 am
How many cayenne pepper per day?
25 ebony martinez // Feb 25, 2009 at 6:33 am
Can I use 100% grade a maple syrup instead of grade b?
26 MotleyHealth // Feb 25, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Aly, really it is up to you. The pepper is to help boost metabolism, which will burn more fat. But too much pepper may upset your stomach, so go easy. You could also try Tabasco sauce, and count the number of drops you put in, and adjust the next drink accordingly. Really it is down to personal preference.
27 MotleyHealth // Feb 25, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Ebony, use what you can get. I you only have access to grade A, then that will be OK. Really the key is that you are reducing your calorific intake dramatically during this time. The different grades of maple syrup are mostly due to seasonal variations.
28 aly // Mar 6, 2009 at 6:36 am
Can I use honey instead of Maple syrup?
I can’t find an organic Grade B Maple syrup here in my place (I live at Manila, Philippines) so instead I’ll use honey from Palawan, it’s not sterilized or filtered thus still having bee pollens which makes it healthier so what do you think?
Is it going to be as effective as Maple syrup?
What’s your whole opinion about this?
Besides what’s going to be my protein source because they say protein is important for an effective weight loss?
29 MotleyHealth // Mar 6, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Aly, you can use honey, but then it will not be a maple syrup diet, but a sweet honey diet!
As for protein, yes, protein is essential if you are working out. But this is a fasting diet. It is not healthy long term. It is to get quick results (i.e. weight loss). Once the weight is lost, you need to maintain a healthy well balanced diet and exercise more. This is the time to start eating more protein.
30 maggie // Mar 7, 2009 at 9:33 am
How fast will weight come back after it’s been lost? I’m getting ready for an event, but it would be nice to lose the weight and not gain it back as soon as I end the fast. Is there a way to slow the weight gain? Would a slow reintroduction of foods (juice, broths, soups, and eventually solid foods) help prevent immediate weight gain?
31 Tiffany // Mar 16, 2009 at 3:12 am
With doing this type of diet and working out how will it effect my energy throughout my work outs? Will it be safe?
32 MotleyHealth // Mar 16, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Maggie, the weight will come back quickly if you revert back to your previous lifestyle. Only by making a change, to eating healthily and exercising more, will you keep the weight off.
33 MotleyHealth // Mar 16, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Tiffany, you will feel very drained of energy, and may not have the energy to workout at all. It is a fasting diet, designed to cause a massive energy deficit – meaning you will have no energy.
34 A.. // Mar 27, 2009 at 5:27 am
Hi. I am doing this diet for about 7 to 10 days. I am actually trying to lose weight for my Grad. I want to lose about 20 pounds because I am currently 130. I want to lose this weight and keep it off. Will I be able to if I stick to a good diet and exercise?
35 MotleyHealth // Mar 27, 2009 at 8:33 am
A.. you should be able to if you do the right exercise and eat well. I would suggest starting your new regime as soon as the fast is over.
36 A.. // Mar 28, 2009 at 9:38 am
Thank you Motley Health!
So I will not gain weight if I do this right?
Also, I play sports. Will this diet affect me in any way? I wont lose muscle mass right? Bcuz that took me a long time to gain.
37 MotleyHealth // Mar 28, 2009 at 10:45 am
With any fasting diet you have to expect to lose some muscle tissue. The purpose of this diet is to lose weight quickly. Remember – it is NOT a healthy diet. Certainly not long term. Use it if you need to get your weight down quickly, but ensure after that you eat a healthy balanced diet, and get plenty of proteins to maintain and build muscle. If losing muscle is out of the question, then it is probably wise not to do this fast. Remember, Beyoncé said “I would never recommend it to anyone” and she gained the weight afterwards pretty quickly too. If sports are your thing, then you should concentrate on exercise to compliment those.
38 Lexie // Mar 31, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I want to do this fast as a cleanse to give my body a break and clear all the crap out in my body as well as lose weight. is this a good way to cleanse my system?
39 MotleyHealth // Mar 31, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Some would say that a fast is the nest way to detox. However, just eating healthy fruits and vegetables (mostly raw) and drinking nothing but water is also an effective way to detox. Our bodies are very efficient at detoxing without going to any extremes.
40 alicia // Apr 7, 2009 at 12:57 am
is there and kind of shake that i can have once a day while im on the fasting
41 SEGZ // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:08 am
i have read all the discussion and it as been really helpful i am about to start these maple syrup diet and all my fears have kind of been talked about thanks to you all.
One question though is it okay if I ate like fruits and veg in between instead of just the mixed syrup and water and lemon as I normally fast anyway.
I await your advise in the mean time enjoy the Easter break…
42 MotleyHealth // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:33 am
Alicia, all types of shakes contain energy (calories) in some variety, so this would actually stop the fasting effect.
43 MotleyHealth // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:34 am
SEGZ, if you usually fast, and are happy with that method, then by all means add fruits to the maple syrup diet. If you keep the calories down, and lose weight, then you are doing it right.
44 nazia khan // Apr 15, 2009 at 3:58 pm
i want to loose weight fast,ive tried the maple diet & tellin u it work cuz i body is in pain & dat means the diet is work lol im so happi.SO u ppl out ther get in 2 shape 4 summer.
45 D // Apr 21, 2009 at 12:49 am
Hi!
I just want to clarify
“As solid food is not eaten it is necessary to help the digestive system eliminate material and avoid constipation. This is achieved in two ways: laxative tea is taken every night, and in the morning, 32 ounces of lukewarm sea salt water serves as a top-down enema. This passes through the digestive system extremely quickly—30-60 minutes.”
so on top of the “maple syrup diet juice” the fast requires cunsumption of 32 ounces of salt water before starting the fast and then cunsumption of laxative tea every morning and night?
46 Hawaii808 // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:43 am
what is the maximum days you should take it?
also when you stop using this maple syrup diet, What do you have to eat/drink a certain way for a few days then finally be able to get back to your regular eating and work outs?? or u can just start back to your regular eating habits??
47 MotleyHealth // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:31 pm
D, that is correct. Without this then your digestive system may become severely constipated, which may be even less pleasant than the fast itself. Remember, this is not a healthy way to lose weight.
48 MotleyHealth // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Hawaii808, the fast lasts for 30 days. You probably will not want to dive straight back in to your previous diet until your body has recovered from the fast. Take it easy, get over the possible intense diarrhoea that may follow. Also, you probably do not actually want to get back to your regular eating and workouts, you need to do something different to ensure that you do not pile on the extra weight in the first place.
49 Gwen // Apr 25, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I’m considering doing this diet but I only have one question which I have not seen addressed above. Does this diet help to trim fat away on your stomach, hips, and buttocks? If it does, then I’m completely down for this diet.
50 MotleyHealth // Apr 25, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Gwen, where the fat disappears from first and last is entirely down to your genetics. If you put fat on your hips first, then this will probably be where it goes last. If you want to work the last of the fat off through exercise after the fast, then check out Bums Tums and Thighs which has some video tutorials for different workouts.
51 Y // Apr 26, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I have a question. I know that when we do this diet that we should still take our vitamins. I have a hard time swallowing pills, so I take my vitamins in a shake form. Is that ok to take my vitamins as a shake and still do this diet?
52 MotleyHealth // Apr 26, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Most shakes contain many calories, either in the form of carbs of fat, so you will not be doing “this” diet if you drink shakes. You may be better off following a SlimFast type of diet which still restricts calories but is not actually a fast.
53 Y // Apr 27, 2009 at 3:02 am
I have one more question. My friend did this diet and she said that when she got hungry and she felt like she had to eat something, she only ate grapefruit and she lost a lot of weight. Is it ok to eat grapefruits while doing this diet?
54 MotleyHealth // Apr 27, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Y, strictly speaking, no. But if you do, you are still having a severely restrictive diet. It may not officially be a “fast”, but you will lose weight. Seeing that grapefruit actually boosts metabolism, this is actually a very good choice of fruit to add to the diet.
55 A***P // Apr 27, 2009 at 11:37 pm
so is it ok 2 eat grapes and bannas are any type of fruit??
56 MotleyHealth // Apr 28, 2009 at 12:04 am
Not in a fast, no. But in a healthy diet, yes.
57 Hawaii808 // Apr 29, 2009 at 7:20 am
Will using 100% honey have the same amount of effect as the maple syrup?
Oh and I have this friend and she wants to know if you can use any other pepper/salt instead of cayenne pepper?
58 MotleyHealth // Apr 29, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Cayenne does have some properties that helps to boost metabolism. However, so does chilli pepper. Common black ground pepper may not be so effective. As for the honey, I do not see why not. It is still sugar based, and gives some energy.
59 sunshinefifty // Apr 30, 2009 at 8:10 am
I have found that lemon is a natural appetite suppressant and grade B organic syrup contains minerals, amino acids, balanced sugars, and vitamins you need during a fasting diet. I would suggest to follow the recipe as is. Also cayenne does come in capsules, you are supposed to take 1 capsule 4 times during the day.
60 Clopez // May 3, 2009 at 4:26 am
Can I drink organic low calorie juices while on the maple diet and still lose weight ??
61 hottybabs // May 3, 2009 at 5:23 pm
gargling the salt water was unpleasant but i did it and i plan to start the diet next week.
62 A***P // May 3, 2009 at 7:00 pm
what will happen if 1 day i ate a piece of grilled chicken then turned back around and continued to drink the maple syrup would that interfere with me loosing the weight?
63 MotleyHealth // May 4, 2009 at 11:32 pm
No, nothing really wrong with that. Remember that this is an extreme fast, that is not really healthy at all. You are actually always better off with a restrictive calorie diet and exercise, rather than a complete fast.
64 Cilly // May 5, 2009 at 4:33 am
Hi, I am also starting this diet. today is my first day. I did it once sometime last year and it worked. I lost like 15 pounds in 10 days.
I am planning to travel sometime next week which is why I have returned to this diet.
I used Maple B the first time and now I am using Maple A. Maple B is definetly the best for substain energy. Maple A is also good if you cannot get your hands on Maple B. I have added B-12 drops in my drink until I am able to get the Maple B.
Today I have a headache, and I felt tired earlier at work. I am hoping it will get better soon. I have a feeling once I get the B, the headache will subside and my energy will return so I am able to work out.
If you are doing this diet for a long period of time, it is essential that you do some exercise to keep your skin firm.
65 S // May 5, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Does eating a light bowl of cereal in the morning and salad mid-afternoon mess up the idea of this diet ?
66 Sara // May 5, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Hello!
I just have a couple of questions. Am I supposed to take a vitamin while doing this? And where do I get laxative tea?
Also, will it still work if I do it for less than 30 days?
67 MotleyHealth // May 5, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Clopez, S, A***P, you should still lose weight. As mentioned before, it wil not strictly be a fasting “diet” but you will still be restricting your calories, so you will lose weight. It is actually healthier to do it this way.
Sara, yes, take a multi vitamin. If you do for less than 30 days you will still lose weight for sure.
68 hottybabs // May 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm
If I am not eating anything and the salt water flush serves as an enema, do I have to take the laxative everyday?
69 MotleyHealth // May 5, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Only drink the laxative tea if you really need it.
70 hottybabs // May 6, 2009 at 1:33 am
THANK YOU
71 Cilly // May 6, 2009 at 4:20 am
so this is day two. yesterday I had a huge headache. today is better. I haven’t been exercising but I try to walk in the morning.
maybe I will start exercising tomorrow.
Please everyone let me know what day you are on and how it is going so far?
thanks
Cilly
72 MotleyHealth // May 6, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Cilly, you may want to head over to the community section to blog your progress there.
73 Cilly // May 7, 2009 at 3:24 am
Hi MotleyHealth,
Can you take B-12 and B-6 and /or Acai supplements while on the fast?
74 AlexSlim // May 7, 2009 at 6:43 am
How much of this do you have to drink a day???
75 MotleyHealth // May 7, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Yeah, supplements are OK. In fact, it is recommended that you take a multi-vitamin and iron supplement.
76 MotleyHealth // May 7, 2009 at 10:20 pm
AlexSlim, you can drink as much as you feel comfortable with really. Make up a large bottle in the morning and drink throughout the day at regular intervals, especially when you feel hungry or thirsty. Just do not drink too much, as too much is not good for you.
77 pat // May 8, 2009 at 11:20 am
hey guys and motleyhealth:)
I started this diet today.. is going quite good actually… just looking at food and wanting to eat it is the worst haha!
please tell me do u gain all the weight back after?? I was thinking of doing this diet, but at night eat just vegetables. Once I stop the diet keep just vegetables and protein at night. wat u guys think? motleyhealth please tell me wat exactly to do to NOT gain the weight after! thank u!!
78 MotleyHealth // May 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Well, the main thing NOT to do to gain the weight back after, is to return to your old eating habits. Everyone puts on weight for the same reason – they eat too much. Some have medical conditions which mean that they are more likely to put on weight, however the ultimate reason remains the same – over eating. So, once you have lost the weight, to keep it off, you need to find your ideal diet. The best way to do this is to introduce food slowly, keep portions small and meals frequent. Keep a log of everything you eat, and monitor your weight. As soon as your weight increases, you know that you have gone too far, so cut back on portions. Also, get more exercise. This is vital. One of the good things about the Atkins diet is that the final stage aids people maintaining a healthy weight (although few dieters actually stick with the plan after induction).
79 Cilly // May 9, 2009 at 3:59 am
Hi guys and Motleyhealth,
So I have been now almost 5 days, since Monday. The first three day I saw weight lose everyday. Somehow on the 4th day I did not lose anything?
why do you suppose that is? the only thing I did different that day is chew gum and drink 2 cups of Acai Berry Juice. could that be the reason I did not lose any weight yesterday?
80 Caro // May 9, 2009 at 10:37 am
Hey MotleyHealth, so we’re not supposed to add water when we make the recipe, and please can you talk more about the sea salt thing, how are we suppose to prepare it? i’m kinda confuse. thanks
81 Dezzy // May 9, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hey Motley Health,
I am very kean on this diet but how does it work? why do we not add water to this recipe? Do you only drink the mixture thru the duration of the diet or do you also incorporate other stuff like soups etc..I need to shed 20kgs post baby weight, quickly. Please help.
82 MotleyHealth // May 9, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Dezzy, this is a fasting diet, which means you do not add soup etc. However, it is not a healthy diet. If you are breastfeeding then definitely do not go on this fast/cleanse. Instead eat healthy and exercise lots. As with any diet, you can drink water with it.
83 Cilly // May 9, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Hey Motley,
I have been on this diet for 6 days now. I do not have the same results as I did last time I did this diet with Maple B. The last time I had plenty of energy (so much I did not even need vitamins) and I lost weight at a quicker rate. I am feeling so tired and exausted some days that I try adding B-12 drops to the drink.
I also have feel to cheat more than the last time I did it. this morning I had a cup of cocoa with soy milk. I have lost about 5 pounds now. last time I did this diet with Maple B, I lost an average of 2-2 1/2 pounds a day.
Do you think it is because Maple A has more refined sugar contained in it?
84 MotleyHealth // May 10, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Unlikely to be the sugar content alone, although it is bound to have some effect. If last time you had more energy, maybe your metabolism was working differently. However, losing 2.5 pounds a day is still an achievement, even if a lot of that is water at the moment. The cup of cocoa means that your broke the fast, however, as I mentioned before, it is still a very restrictive diet in terms of calories. Keep taking those supplements, although you had more energy last time you should have still taken some to ensure that your body did not go without.
85 bert // May 11, 2009 at 4:43 am
motley,
if I took that maple diet, can i still go to the gym and continue working out?? is it necessary for me to go weight lifting with that maple diet?? or just cardio exercises??
i also take a medicine 30 mins before i go to the gym.. it helps me to burns out fast when working out… do i need to take it to? or i have to take that away and use the maple diet instead.. how many times should i drink that mapple solution a day?? meal time?
hmm… in this kind of fasting… i don’t need to eat any solid food right?? but can i drink water?? or the maple syrup diet must be the only one to intake??
does my staying up late at night affects this kind of a diet?? but i still get 8hrs of sleeping habit… and my time of sleeping adjusted by the time i slept.. is that ok???
in this fasting.. it will drain fats and also my muscle tissues right?? how long should i take this kind of fasting in order to build up my body again… because after this fasting we all need to reshape our bodies right? and to gain back the muscle tissues i will be draining though it is not much of a muscle tissues.. i want to try this kind of fasting to cleanse my body and also remove the fats.. and of course having a slim body..
86 Dezzy // May 11, 2009 at 2:52 pm
It is my first day and it’s going pretty well, it’s just the smell of food that’s driving me beserk but I have will power, i am not breastfeeding so thats ok. I have’nt had any hunger pangs yet…thumbs up!!!
87 Ashley // May 13, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I really want to do a diet like this but i am not a big maple syrup fan.!!! if I do less maple syrup is it going to make me or hungry? are there alternatives to the maple syrup?
88 MotleyHealth // May 14, 2009 at 12:39 am
Hmmm, Ashley, if you do not like maple syrup then this is not really for you. If you want a very restrictive diet, you could always go for something like the cabbage soup diet.
89 juicy // May 14, 2009 at 9:42 am
I don’t think people understand. This is not a diet. It’s a fast intended to help the body recover, and strengthen your ability to fight disease. Improved concentration, increased energy, improved skin and hair has also been a result of the detox. Honey cannot replace the quality of the maple syrup and hence should not be used. Also if you dislike the taste of cayenne pepper ginger can be used instead.
Please remember, in today’s society many are judged on appearance and so if we classify this detox as a diet, people will turn to it as a rapid weight loss method. Many people become engrossed in weight loss and soon it loses its purpose, to make you healthier and maybe become more active.
If you are not active and are involved in this detox, I suggest you take up some sporting activity, walking, running, cycling, during the end of the detox as you will have increased levels of energy and this will help you prevent putting back on those pounds when you return to a solid food diet. I also suggest that you do not take this detox for more than 14 days. If you do, consult a doctor. Treat you body with respect, and you will have many years to come.
To those participating in this detox, best wishes, I hope your body feels better after and don’t give up.
90 MotleyHealth // May 14, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Excellently put Juicy. The focus on using it for weight loss really stems from the fact the Beyoncé Knowles used it to lose weight for Dream Girls, so people now look at it as a weight loss method and not a detox. However, it still remains a detox.
91 bentcreek // May 15, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I really want to do this cleanse “right’. But I am a little confused about the sea salt and water thing. Is this this salt drink a part of the daily routine, and how much salt is proper?
92 Reem // May 17, 2009 at 11:34 am
I really want to do this kind of diet. But how i can do this….. I buy the maple syrup but it show (maple srup organic) is this the right syrup that i can use? And do i need o do exercise once i started to do the diet?
93 Dezzy // May 17, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I crashed!!!!
94 MotleyHealth // May 17, 2009 at 8:47 pm
What happened Dezzy? Do you mean that you gave up? It is a tough way to lose weight. Many people think that a fast is the easy option, but it is not. A quick (short term) option yes, but easy it is not. Did you lose much weight?
95 crystal // May 19, 2009 at 5:45 am
so i have to mix maple syrup, lemon juis, and that pepper in the water right? o and do i take the drink and laxative everyday?
96 BENI // May 19, 2009 at 2:30 pm
You can do it, its all about WILL POWER from the 53 year old group this is my fifth day. BE BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
97 MotleyHealth // May 19, 2009 at 9:34 pm
That’s about it. The laxative is to keep the bowels moving, as a severe lack of fibre can cause problems.
98 crystal // May 22, 2009 at 12:44 am
can i drink water with salt instead of laxative
99 MotleyHealth // May 22, 2009 at 1:19 am
If your bowel movements are satisfactory. Just do not drink too much, i.e. more that the recommended daily allowance of salt.
100 mss // May 25, 2009 at 3:51 am
can you use cayenne powder or ginger powder instead?
101 sonia // May 27, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Hello,
I am considering this diet, but I want to know if you can take vitamins while on this diet.
102 MotleyHealth // May 27, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Sonia, this is really more a fast than a diet, and yes, you can take vitamins. In fact a multivitamin and mineral supplement is recommended while on this fast.
103 Sara // May 28, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hi
I would like to try this diet but we v got no maple syrup in our country. Can I just do the rest of the recipes? thx
104 b // May 28, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Hi
I am due to start this tomorrow, am a bit cinfused about sea salt and laxative tea. Where do I buy this tea from?
105 MotleyHealth // May 28, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Without the maple syrup, it would just be a plain fast.
106 chay0618 // May 30, 2009 at 7:56 am
HI!..This is is my 1st day to do the detox…so far so good…the first intake of the mixture, I really felt weird, bcoz my stomach was crunching then I felt my whole body a bit shaky,but the best part is I was sweating like a pig,arms, legs…I was dripping.. so I guess I burned tons of calories there, I used 2tbsp for all the ingredients, but I’ve realized 2tbsp of cayenne pepper is risky bcoz it’ll harm the intestines….for the people who lives in Manila, you can get grade B maple syrup in any Healthy Options stores for Php754.00…
I really can’t wait for the result after 2 weeks=)
107 hottybabs // May 30, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I CRASHED ON THE DIET, I JUST GAVE IN TO MY CRAVINGS. I AM HOWEVER GETTING BACK ON IT TODAY,HOPEFULLY I STICK TO IT THIS TIME ARD. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP MOTLEY HEALTH.
108 MotleyHealth // May 31, 2009 at 2:16 am
Crashing is not so bad, so long as you do not then binge. Our philosophy is to do what works for you without putting yourself under too much stress / suffering. This fast is extreme, and anyone that manages it for just a few days is doing very well.
109 Sara // Jun 1, 2009 at 9:24 am
Can i use tate and lyle syrup instead of maple syrup
110 MotleyHealth // Jun 1, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Not really Sara, as it is made from sugar cane, and not from the Maple tree.
111 Melanie // Jun 2, 2009 at 4:30 pm
How much sea salt should be added to the 32oz of water?
112 Jemima // Jun 4, 2009 at 11:44 am
Hi, I have just started this diet today and i prefer the drink as a hot one. Will this effect the way it works at all?
thanks,
113 Jemima // Jun 5, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Well day 1 is done
All going well! got hunger pangs today but slugged down a bit mug of lemony maply, peppery water. I had a headache last night but its to be expected at first i guess.
It felt very wierd to go all day and nothing solid passed my lips but hey ho! Day 3 here i come!
114 daryl // Jun 5, 2009 at 9:45 pm
This program is based upon book by Stanley Borroughs’ THE MASTER CLEANSER. Read the book (50 pages, $7) It is a cleanse not a diet or a fast. Grade B Maple Syrup has a higher vitamin and mineral content that other syrup. Lemons are acidic. However they are alkali producing in the body. I use organic lemons, organic grade b maple syrup, organic cayenne, and organic teas. I think the book suggest 8-10 glasses a day, enough for the body to get plenty of calories from the maple syrup. If you are tired you are doing something wrong. Finally, you may want to check out MASTER CLEANSE SECRETS for some help and adjustments.
115 daryl // Jun 5, 2009 at 9:52 pm
PS I put the cayenne in a small amount of the lemonade and drink it first, then sip this delicious, tasty, healthy drink throughout the day.
116 Ash // Jun 6, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I am on the diet/detox at the minute and it’s day 8 today, i’m doing the diet for 10 days. The first 2 days are the hardest because the body is adjusting but i prepared myself by eating only fruit 3 days before i started the diet so my body was used to eating very little leading up to it. I have done it for detox reasons as i stopped drinking/smoking last month and wanted to completely rid my body of all toxins. Honestly it has been great, after the first 2 days I haven’t felt hungry instead i have felt alert energetic and basically have been able to go to work everyday and carry on as normal. The trick is to make up a days worth of “lemon drink” in a bottle and carry it around with you or have it to hand at work, when you get any hunger pangs just drink the drink, hunger will soon pass. Good luck everyone!
117 Ash // Jun 6, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Oh yeah just to add there is alot of talk about using different ingredients, after months of researching prior to going on the detox this is how to make the drink, any adaptions just wont work and all the effort will be for nothing..i have Stanley Borroughs book and have read it word for word…
Fill a glass with 4 oz water
Add 2 tablespoons madal bal syrup or medium grade maple syrup
Add half a lemon (must be juice squeezed from fresh lemons)
I put in a pinch of cayenne pepper but you can put in as much or as little as you want (depending on your taste) alternatively you can use ginger
Mix and add another 4 oz of water
I have been drinking 6-8 glassess, this is the recommended amount …
Hope this helps!
118 Megan // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I want to lose weight for my prom on June 28th. However I am currently doing my A levels and have exams on the 10th, 11th, 16th and 18th of June… Is this diet going to ruin my concentration and effect my grades?
Also, is the bad skin inevitable because obviously i dont want bad skin at prom!
119 MotleyHealth // Jun 9, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Hi Megan,
In 19 days you can make some good progress with exercise and good diet alone. As you have exams I suggest that you avoid this fast/detox method of weight loss. You need to be in excellent shape mentally to perform well in your exams. My suggestion is to wake up early, do 30 minutes of cardio exercise (running, circuit training, dance etc.) then eat a healthy breakfast (fruits, oats, milk, yogurts). Study hard, then eat a healthy lunch (tuna salad would be ideal). Drink plenty of water throughout the day (dehydration also impairs concentration) and then in the evening before dinner do another workout, with some weight bearing exercises (or just bodyweight, such as circuit training again). Study more, then get an early night.
The exercise should help you concentrate and sleep well. The healthy food will keep your body and mind in good health. The water will prevent dehydration and aid concentration. And you should lose some weight and tone up the muscles without fear of wasting away while fasting for 19 days! You skin should look more vibrant too. Good luck with the schedule, and good luck with the exams.
120 aizamay // Jun 10, 2009 at 9:55 am
hi.. i just want to ask if is it ok to use red pepper powder intead of cayenne powder? plz do answer..thankx!
121 Thato // Jun 10, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I am planning on going on this diet and I have read all the comments, I still don’t understand a few things. 32 ounces of salt water, what do I do with it do I drink it? I am from south africa so 32 ounces would be how many litres. Please explain in simple terms although I am well educated the U.S has a more slang then us.
122 Jemima // Jun 12, 2009 at 11:09 am
Hi,
Well im on day 8 and all is going well. I feel fantastic, more energy and concerntration which i certainly didnt expect!! Also, got on the scales last night and fould i’d lost 11lb in 7 days!!! I think a lot of it is water as i had quite a high salt diet before! I cant believe the diffrence this detox is making to me all over! I shall do another week and then have a break from it! Anyone who is sceptical… DONT BE!!! THIS detox / diet is fab for body and mind!!
123 Dezzy // Jun 13, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hi Motley, I guess I did give up but only because I under estimated the toll it takes having a newborn, I lost a little but I am determined to do it again and go the distance.
Losing the weight will be a huge confidence booster for me…it feels good to know that I am not alone…thanks guyz…Dezzy
124 bentcreek // Jun 14, 2009 at 1:50 am
I am on day 30 now. It is an exercise in freedom. Mind, body, and spirit. I have read the book by called ” The Master Cleanse” and it suggests to go for 40 days.
I really haven’t lost that much weight, but I have found calmness and peace again.
I followed the diet, cleanse very closely, no cheating, in anyway.
I hate to give it up just yet.
Anyone out there have thoughts on 40 days,
have you done it?
This web site suggest only 30 days.
125 barbara D // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:50 am
My first day
Barbara D
126 MotleyHealth // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:06 am
Good luck Barbara, let us know how you get on.
127 PAM // Jun 16, 2009 at 12:11 am
Hi I just have a question, can you use 100% lemon juice or it must be freshly squeezed lemons
128 MotleyHealth // Jun 16, 2009 at 8:45 pm
No problem with using lemon juice really. Fresh is best, but use what you can get hold of.
129 donna // Jun 17, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I just have one question I don’t understand how should I take the 32ounces of sea salt water please explain to me
130 G // Jun 18, 2009 at 11:06 am
motley,
i have a question… im taking this detoxification for almost 5 days… i just want to know if i can eat a meal at lunch time only and still drink this on breakfast and dinner time… can i still loose weight on this kind of a habit???
Every time i’m with my friends.. they eat food and with them i want to eat food also but i refuse because i want to loose weight.. and instead i drink this one..
131 MotleyHealth // Jun 18, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Well, yes and no. If you have a meal at lunchtime, then it is likely that you will still lose weight, however it will mean that you will not be fasting / cleansing. However, we believe that you should do what works for you always, and if you want to enjoy lunch with friends while using the principals of the Maple Syrup Diet to restrict total calories, then go for it!
132 Ca$hmere // Jun 19, 2009 at 2:39 am
Hey, im starting the cleanse in the morning. I have to be at work at 10am, so what time should should I drink th sea salt solution? I work in retail so I don’t want to be running back and forth to the restroom all morning.
133 MotleyHealth // Jun 19, 2009 at 7:27 am
Everyone is different. Why not start the cleanse on a day off work, that way you will not have to worry about upsetting customers or managers!
134 Nene // Jun 20, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Well I’m about to start the clense today…The only thin i’m a bit nervous about is my skin breaking out..Is there anything i can do to help with that?
135 Nene // Jun 21, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Is it ok if i eat one apple a day for two weeks while on the clense.. or will that affect the results?
136 Jenn // Jun 23, 2009 at 3:19 am
In response to Nene, you shouldn’t eat ANYTHING while you’re cleansing.. lemonade drink only.. I know some folks on this board asked if you can use regular maple syrup instead of Grade B.. You really shouldn’t. It’s not recommended by the founder of the diet. It’s hard to find where I’m at too so I buy it from this site called TheLemonadeSite.com. I actually buy a Master Cleanser Kit from them whenever I do the lemonade diet, it makes it really simple for me to start because I get everything I need at once.
137 A Dieta de Maple Syrup (Xarope de Bordo) de Beyoncé Knowles // Jun 24, 2009 at 7:12 am
[...] English version: http://www.motleyhealth.com/articles/2008/02/beyonces-diet-aka-maple-syrup-diet.html [...]
138 shelly // Jun 27, 2009 at 7:12 am
are you only allowed to drink this lemonade drink only? or are you allowed to drink plain water? or even water with lemon wedges?
139 BHRen // Jun 28, 2009 at 10:32 am
I started yesterday and so far so good. Am away working for 2 days so I think this is where it will be hardest. Ill keep you posted. Thank you all for the advice.
140 Lee // Jul 2, 2009 at 2:46 am
I have drank the sea salt water for two days now and it does nothing. Can I just take laxatives that come in pill form? Also, how badly does drinking alcohol defer this diet? I’m on day 3 and have been following the diet and have not seen any loss in weight so far. But could this be due to the salt water not working for me?
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