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.
How does the lemon water diet make you lose weight?
Lemon juice would have digestive virtues by acting in particular on the liver and the stomach. The vitamin C contained in the lemon also allows an antioxidant action which slows down cellular aging. If consumed as part of a calorie-restricted, balanced diet, the lemon water diet will help detoxify the body and support weight loss.
How long does the lemon diet last?
There is no set duration for following the lemon diet. As it is above all a varied and balanced diet supplemented with a consumption of lemon juice, there are no contraindications to follow it in the long term. It is quite possible to practice the lemon juice diet for several weeks, even several months. For this, it is essential to maintain a diversified and nutrient-rich diet in parallel with the consumption of lemon water.
Foods allowed
All foods are allowed, however it is a question of following a rather low-calorie diet. The works addressing this diet recommend consuming a maximum of ingredients from organic farming, whole grains and reducing salt consumption.
The recipe for lemonade, or lemon water, to include in the lemon maple syrup diet:
- 2 tbsp. tablespoon freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
- 300ml filtered water
- 2 tbsp. coffee (= tea) organic maple syrup or a cinnamon stick (optional)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Forbidden foods
Fried foods, sweets, cheeses and added fats should be avoided as much as possible. These are foods that, when consumed in excess, promote weight gain and associated health problems. In addition, from a detoxification perspective, they will not bring any benefits to the body. Indeed, their richness in fats, sugars and/or salt make them foods that disrupt good digestion by the organs.
Lemon diet: one-week menus
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| detox day | Classic day | Classic day | Classic day | Classic day | |
| At Rise | 1 glass of lemonade | 1 glass of lemonade | 1 glass of lemonade | 1 glass of lemonade | 1 glass of lemonade |
| Breakfast | Fresh fruit Yoghurt Handful of almonds | Muesli with oat bran and seeds Soy milk Compote | Rye toast with fresh cheese Squeezed fruit juice Tea | Soy yogurt with muesli and red fruits Coffee | Scrambled eggs Avocado toast Tea |
| Snack | 1 glass of Banana Pumpkin Seed Lemonade | 1 glass of almond milk Sunflower seeds | Soy yogurt Dried fruits | Crudités sticks Peanut butter | Homemade cookies with wheat bran and dates |
| Lunch | Lentil salad with lemon juice and olive oil | Cucumber salad Salmon steak Spinach Brown rice Apple | Tomato salad with olive oil Chicken en papillote with lemon juice Quinoa Compote | Green salad Wok of vegetables and Chinese noodles with tofu Fresh cheese Raspberry mousse | Vermicelli salad Shrimp and mint spring rolls Soy yogurt Mango soup |
| Snack | 1 glass of lemonade Raw vegetable sticks | Peach Handful of almonds | Dips of raw vegetables and hummus | Compote Brown rice cakes | Oat milk seed muesli |
| Having dinner | Cod fillet with lemon juice | Zucchini soup Cereal bread Soft-boiled egg | Lentil velouté with curry and coconut milk Wholemeal bread Fresh cheese with herbs | Mixed salad with melon, raw ham, olives and tomato Wholemeal pasta | Steamed chicken Lemon sauce, cottage cheese and chives Broccoli Steamed potato |
| Snack | 1 glass of lemonade | X | X | X | X |
Pros and Cons of the Lemon Maple Syrup Diet
The positives of the lemon diet
- Weightloss
- Good supply of vitamin C
- Aids digestion
- Easy to follow
- Very varied, no forbidden food
- No deficiencies or frustration
- Little risk of weight gain
- Respects the nutritional recommendations of the PNNS
Cons of the lemon juice diet
- May damage the stomach in case of hypersensitivity to acidity
- Detox effect still uncertain
- The detoxification day is very low calorie, it should not be extended over the long term
- Not suitable for kidney and gallbladder disorders, ulcers, gastritis or citrus allergy
- Should not be followed in children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women
Recommendations and precautions to take
Are there any risks in following the detox cure with the lemon diet?
If the hypocaloric detoxification day is not prolonged and if the diet remains varied and balanced, there are no particular risks in following the lemon diet. Except in exceptional cases (pregnancy, renal pathologies, etc.) it is a diet that is generally suitable for the greatest number.
Is this a diet for you?
Yes if you like lemon and if you want to shed a few pounds relatively easily. It is not a drastic diet, weight loss is natural and allowed by a balanced diet that covers energy needs.
Is the lemon diet compatible with sport?
Absolutely, if your nutrient needs are covered by a balanced diet, the practice of a sport is absolutely recommended in parallel with the lemon juice diet. Practicing a sport will help tone the body, facilitate weight loss and maintain a healthy weight for the long term.
The lemon diet before and after: how not to regain weight?
Weight regain after the lemon diet is not inevitable. It generally occurs when the caloric restriction has been too great and the days of conventional food have not been sufficiently well constructed to cover the needs of the body. As long as the diet is balanced and provides the body with everything it needs, there is no reason for weight gain after the diet. On the contrary, the lemon diet can be a good way to relearn healthy eating and adopt better habits that should be maintained even after stopping the detox cure with the lemon diet.
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