The lemon diet consists of reducing calorie intake and consuming large quantities of lemon juice daily. It is broken down into a day of detoxification followed by a daily food program. The lemon diet would promote weight loss by combining a low-calorie balanced diet and detoxification of the organs using the active substances contained in the lemon.
The main points of the lemon diet:
- Balanced and varied diet
- Low calorie diet
- Consumption of lemon water throughout the day
- Detoxifying effect of lemon juice
The main principles of the detox cure with the lemon diet
It was Theresa Cheung who first mentioned the principles of the lemon diet. She was inspired by the advice of naturopath Stanley Burroughs who had discussed the positive effects of lemon juice in the 70s. Their hypothesis concerns the detoxifying aspect of lemon juice in the body and its contribution to good digestion. .
How does the lemon juice diet work?
The lemon diet does not consist in consuming only lemon, it is rather a question of integrating it daily through all meals and of following a balanced diet rather low in calories in parallel. To optimize the effects of lemon, this diet recommends consuming 4 glasses of lemonade* over 24 hours as well as water at will for the first day of detoxification. Subsequently, we will integrate a low-calorie diet with all food families.
The 7 main principles of the detox cure with the lemon diet are:
- Drink lemonade every morning when you get up and plenty of water during the day.
- Enjoy the benefits of vitamin C by eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
- Regulate your blood sugar level by sprinkling your dishes with 1 to 2 tbsp. lemon juice, eating protein at every meal, eating at regular intervals throughout the day, not skipping meals, and consuming complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables) and fiber.
- Eat less sugar by reducing added sugar in coffee, tea and cereals, consuming fewer refined products such as white bread, cookies, white pasta and avoiding artificial sweeteners.
- Forget “light” products and focus on foods rich in good fats (omega-3 and monounsaturated) and low in bad fats (saturated and trans). Consume 2 portions of fish per week including 1 portion of oily fish and also consume nuts (nuts) and seeds with each of your daily snacks.
- Eat plenty of whole (unrefined) or plain foods such as grains, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables and legumes that are as close to their natural form as possible.
- Apply the rules of good digestion by chewing each bite, eating in optimal and calm conditions, without stress, not eating 2 hours before bedtime or when you are very tired, turning off the television and practicing 5 to 6 times a week 30 minutes of physical activity.
