Eating on the Master Cleanse – Does it Mean Starting Over

by Raylen on April 21, 2008

Here’s a question from Debbie about eating on the master cleanse, and if having something to eat means having to start the cleanse all over:

I am on the 5th day of the master cleanse, on the 4th night I was so hungry and weak so I ate something, then on the 5th night I also ate something but I was able able to sleep again.have I screwed up,do I have to start all over again? Can I continue to do the cleanse without starting all over again? thank you- need to know asap!

This is a good question. To start with there’s no reason to be down on yourself over a little slip up. We all have our moments of weakness when we do the Master Cleanse and sometimes it gets the better of us. As for the effects of eating it really depends on what you ate. If it was a piece of fruit or some fresh vegetables you should be fine.

However if you ate a pizza or half a cheese cake you almost certainly interrupted the cleansing process.

But regardless of what it was you should just put it behind you and keep going forward with the Master Cleanse.

You might also want to try the steps for easing into the Master Cleanse in my Master Cleanse Book if you’re having trouble getting past the first few days of the cleanse. It’s helped a lot of people get past those difficult first days, and adjust their body to the cleanse.

{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }

janice April 22, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Wow! today is my fourth day and I am doing great. My third day was the hardest, but I got thru it with flying colors. Nothing temps me because my mind is made up and I am looking for and expecting the benefits from this cleanse. The problem that I am having is elimination. I do the laxative at night and do the sea salt in the morning faithfully. My only results are a lot of watery stools, should this be happening. I am looking to hear from someone on this matter.

A'iShah April 23, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Ijust started the master cleanse and I too am feeling weak. I ate some grapes and I am concerned that I messed up – please advise me as to whether I have messed up the cleanse by eatin fruit – thanks

myrna April 24, 2008 at 12:13 pm

hi, i just started, but i like to know witch are some light foods and drinks i can take, like coffe, wile im on the MC diet and if its ok to take some pills , like to sleep or any other simple ones.

Julie April 29, 2008 at 11:09 pm

I have been eating fresh veggies during my first 2 days of the diet. I just need some kind of food! Is that totally disrupting the process or will I still see results?

shirley May 7, 2008 at 1:04 pm

I on day 4 I am not hungry I drink my lemonade read a book or look in a facion magane and start shoping but I want to know if I can take my omaga3 and coq10

rachel May 20, 2008 at 10:22 am

I have been on it for four days and I had a cup of no-pulp orange juice last night because I felt incredibly dizzy. I’m guessing that’s alright???

lashaun May 22, 2008 at 8:33 pm

I ate some crackers does that mean i have to start over..This is my 3rd day..

Dawn May 28, 2008 at 6:27 am

I am on day 2 of the cleanse after completing 5.5 days, being interupted, and starting over again. During the interuption of 5 days, I put on 6 pounds of the 11 lost. I have a strong history of pitting edema, and want to know what do I do when the cleanse is over?? Is there a way to find out what my trigger foods are so they can be avoided? Do I have to become a Vegan to remain healthy? Your input will be extremely helpful!! Thank you.
Please respond by email. Dawn

Rachel June 5, 2008 at 4:41 pm

Hi all,

I’ve a question that’s similar to another question here, but i still need to know the exact answer. I’ve already passed th 2 days of the master cleaning, but on the 3rd day i couldn’t help myself so i ate. I ate 2 pancakes, rice porridge and som tofu and veggies. I feel really guilty about it and am worried if i should start all over again from the fourth day or can i count the 2 days before in as well? Will it disrupt my cleaning and weight loss process? I hope someone can be spcific about it, because i want to know it for sure. By the way, i do steps exercise everyday for 90 min. Does this speed up the weight loss process? How much weight can u actually loose within 14 days? Thank you!

vanessa December 28, 2008 at 8:58 pm

hi i was just wondering if u eat something like rice or something small and healthy each day while on the master cleansing process will it effect the process??

Helen December 29, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Well this is my first day and I have messed up real bad by eating hotdogs and chips I know I really need to do this but I need a penpal to connect with and motovate me (smile) anyone just starting?

Jennifer April 27, 2009 at 2:13 pm

It is my forth day on the cleanse! I am feeling great, but last night I slipped and had a 2 snow peas, bad I idea I was up all night, not pleasant.

Allison June 9, 2009 at 11:25 pm

The only things that are considered part of the master cleanse is the lemonade made with lemon juice, pure organic maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. You should be drinking the laxative tea at night and salt water flushing upon awakening. You may also have decaffeinated peppermint tea. To sweeten the teas, you may use some of the maple syrup. You can also use a mix of lemons and limes if you would like. Also, instead of maple syrup you can true pure agave sweetener – but it is best to stick with the maple syrup and stay as close to the master cleanse as possible without incorporating any other foods into it. You will continue to crave and be hungry if you also have other foods. As for medications, prescription drugs should be kept with, but no other supplements are needed. All the vitamins, minerals and calories you need to keep living are provided by what is in the lemonade. Also, remember that if you are very very hungry, you can add some extra maple syrup to the lemonade or you can take a tablespoon of maple syrup on its own. This gives you extra calories you may need and also some helpful minerals to get you by. As for falling off the fast, it is really a judgment call on your part. Raw organic foods seem to be alright, but the point of not eating at all is to give your digestive system a rest so your body can focus attention on detoxing and repairing things it hasn’t had the chance to. I find that if I fall off the cleanse, I may do an extra SWF to ensure nothing gets absorbed, this may be too intense for some of us, as it is time consuming and can be uncomfortable. Hope this helps!

Tony July 26, 2009 at 5:56 pm

I am on day 6. Tonight i ate. Bad. I had a steak and rice with some fried plantains.

Should I continue? for the next 4 days?

Morgan July 28, 2009 at 2:53 pm

Ok, I’m on day 3 and I have yet to have a “serious” bowel movement that everyone talks about. I may have gotten the wrong tea or am not putting enough salt in the water. I don’t know I’m just frustrated already. Should I buy a regular laxative? My cravings have subsided though. :)

mika August 9, 2009 at 5:55 pm

im on day 9 tomorrow is my last day and Tuesday i am off i can’t complain although i did say a prayer prior to starting the cleanse asking for strength and a good mind set i believe that made it easier for me because i felt fine the whole way thru no head aches still exercised no hunger pains nothing i did slip up i guess by chewing gum but after i read your not suppose to i stopped but chewing gum was where my cheating ended i made a commitment and i want to follow it thru to the end. i must mention that i am also a full figured women the scale did go down about 7-10 pounds more or less but as i said before can’t complain

LaDrena September 27, 2009 at 12:14 am

Day 3 of Master Cleanse.First 2 days was hard but I survived.Yes I did slip up but I am not eatin meats or carbs only fruit or wheat bran fiber.but im less huqry as days exceed.im a little dizzy @ times too.I will do it as lonq as I can

Odette October 22, 2009 at 11:35 am

I’ve done the master cleanse several times with great results. Never “fell off the wagon”. However, this go around, I can’t keep the salt water down in the mornings. I’m on day 3 and can’t seem to get it down. I understand that herbal lax in the am and pm may work better…is this normal?? Has there been any other comments about the issue with the Sea Salt Water wash? Help. I love this diet but this is concerning me. Can I have plain chinese won ton soup (without eating the won Ton)?

Erica November 2, 2009 at 8:42 am

Can I exercise while on the master cleanse diet because I really need to lose weight quickly & am truly dedicated but only on day one

Melanie November 3, 2009 at 6:34 pm

Allison (from June 9) I want to tell you that I appreciate the information you supplied. It seems like it will be very helpful.
I just tried to begin the cleanse yesterday, but it was a FAIL – as my daughter would say. I wasn’t properly prepared. I didn’t have a plan for when it was dinner time for my kids. I think I will take a couple of days to pre-prepare meals and have specific instructions. My husband and kids can make the dinners, but I know I will end up being involved if I leave it undirected. It is not practical for me to remove all food from my house, so I need to get around that part somehow. I know I will get through it.

teo turner November 13, 2009 at 9:13 pm

i’m on day 4 and i accidently had oral sex with my partner, does that mean i have to start over?

Michael December 1, 2009 at 3:57 pm

I have been on the cleanse for 3 days not and have had no movements? If this right

Amy December 1, 2009 at 8:17 pm

you won’t unless you do the salt water flush…

Anonymous January 2, 2010 at 8:36 am

STOP taking what is unnecessary. I would advise reading the books and instructions before starting the Master Cleanse. The whole point of the cleanse is the STOP taking so much junk and let your body have some time to figure itself out. You will feel sick sometimes, just like when you eat too much wheatgrass and your body detoxes too much. My advice is to take an dandelion root tea twice daily and increase your water intake between drinks. Also, you can use lime instead of lemons which I LOVE. There are antiparasite supplements and colonema boards that can supplement your Master Cleanse. But, remember that you are doing a cleanse not taking a weight loss drug. Take only what is NEEDED (ie I take gentle iron as needed since I am anemic). Surrender to the process and know that your body was created to take care of itself, so let it.

Princess January 6, 2010 at 11:00 am

I have done this in the past.. I lost 10 pounds in 10 days with min exercise. When I felt I couldnt take the hunger any longer I would eat three pistachios or raisins and continue on with my day. In an entire day I may have had a max of about six to nine pistachios/raisins and LOTS of water. Day five, when I cheated and decided to have dinner, I had a small can of tuna in water with lemon juice. Like I said, I did manage to loose 10 pounds and the best part is that I have keep them off.

Shanel February 23, 2010 at 2:28 pm

I am on day 2 of the cleanse and was on my way to have a cookie until I read all of the comments here. lol. You all are helping me stay strong.

Nicole April 19, 2010 at 5:02 pm

I just wanna chew a little gum. Will it f— everything up? Only on Day 2.

LoL… But seriously, is it so bad?

Anonymous April 20, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Okay, so I have been reading all your comments. I’m very excited about following the master cleanse. I’ve been working out and eating healthy. But I’m scared of the side effects I will have while at work. I have a phobia of using public bathrooms!!!! WHAT TO DO???

kim April 26, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Is it ok if I eat fruits and vegetables during the cleanse?

Becky May 12, 2010 at 12:19 am

5th day– i caved. had a chicken sandwich and french fries. horrible especially since i had already taken my evening laxative. feeling awful right now. really regret eating. but will continue through the cleanse. will add on an extra day. the laxatives have been really hard esp. due to work. but whoever posted before was correct- i didnt have a bowel movement until i did the salt water flush on day 3.

leona May 19, 2010 at 2:14 pm

This is my day 2 of the MC and i just ate a hand full of nuts and a mini organic cucumber. Though i am feeling a bit guilty, i think as long as you are not eating a lot or anything processed or any meat products then you are ok. I was feeling really weak and very hungry!

Onyxcherry June 3, 2010 at 1:08 pm

I’m on day 21 of my mastercleanse. If you’ve eaten, then you’ve failed and you need to begin again. One slip leads to another.

LindaLu June 5, 2010 at 12:44 pm

I’m on day 5 of the cleanse. This is the 3rd time i am on the cleanse, i tried it last year for the first time and did it for 14 days and liked it so much i did it again 2 weeks later for 20 days total. i usually do the swf during the evening because it always seems to take me wayy longer than an hour to get it out of my system and i dont want to be late to work. the first 2 times i did it i just did cayenne, maple and lemons. this time around i have gotten a bit more creative and am seeing the same results so i would like to share. it is true that you can use limes instead of lemons, which i think taste much better. and you can also have caffeine free organic peppermint tea…so what i did was i brewed a bunch of peppermint tea and used that as my water base for the recipe. then i added maple syrup and limes….it actually tastes pretty good in a tall cup with ice! i can handle heat and like the drink the way it is so i take cayenne pepper shots while im drinking…. i hope this helps somebody. i was worried drinking the lemonade because this time around the taste was really getting to me and i thought i wouldnt last. this way is pretty good. i heard that beyonce did the cleanse a few years ago and she said she ate veggies, which is how i found this site, i googled eating while on the master cleanse. i think i got my answe because the only results i got were people asking about eating while on it or talking about slip ups and eating while on it. i think i will stick with it the way dr. burrows intended and drink my peppermint limeade…I will definitely be doing this for at least 14 days but hope to do it for as long as it takes to see no toxins on my tongue. i have also quit smoking the day i started the cleanse and hope this is my final,successful attempt.

Lisa June 16, 2010 at 8:17 pm

Are there any benifits to drinking the lemonade even if I am done with the diet? I have been drinking the lemonade when I don’t have time for a meal or any time I want a snack I reach for the lemonade instead.

Anonymous June 22, 2010 at 5:30 pm

I chewed on a starburst today, then spit it out, i also chewed two sticks of gum. I am not hungry at all, the problem is being surrounded by food and wanting to eat it! I have a large family so there is always food around or being cooked, i think that is making it a lot harder. I am almost finished day one, feeling guilty for slipping up a little, but ready to take day two head on.

elena June 23, 2010 at 4:41 am

I did the master cleanser for 11 days. I drank the lemonade juice only and water on the side and I ate NO food (didn’t cheat) for 11 days. I did get weak a few times but just drank some more lemonade. I lost a total of 13 pounds. My last day was this past Saturday and sipped on freshly squeezed orange juice. I’m at the salads and fruits now. I feel great. All my cravings have gone away. I use to crave chocolate, chips, pizza, ice cream, I don’t anymore. I’m sticking to a VEGAN diet as my lifestyle choice (I was vegetarian before the cleanse). I have to say though I have had a hard time having a bowel movement since after the cleanse. It is day 4 and still haven’t had one. I’m thinking about the herbal laxative tea unless I need to wait for the dygestive system to set up again….hmm.

carol June 28, 2010 at 9:14 am

Hello I just wanted some recommended foods I want to do the mc but I’m epileptic and if I stop eating all get a seazure what can I eay during the mc thanks

letty trujillo June 30, 2010 at 7:33 am

U know at first this is a great diet and it still is, in 2 weeks I lost 15 pounds crazy huh, but I stoped and went back to solids slowly and I’ve gained 8 pounds back and I suffer to lose those pounds so of course I wasn’t eating fatty foods nor did I eat many times during the day because I work from 8 to 5 and go to school so I don’t have time so what should I do…should I get on it again somone please help

COCO August 12, 2010 at 11:03 am

I did the master cleanser for 8 days and then I cheated I ate pizza I know I messed up but got right back on the good foot the next day I have lost weight not as much as i hoped but I’m giving myself 2 more weeks. wish me luck

JOHN August 21, 2010 at 6:23 pm

THIS IS MY FIST DAY ON THE MC I HAVE SLIGHT HUNGER PAINS A SLIGHT HEADACHE BUT I KNOW ITS THE MC WORKING TO TAKE THE TOXINS OUT AND POISONS,NO BOWL MOVMENTS YET,I FEEL LIKE CHEATING ON ONE OR TWO PISTACHIOS.THANXZ FOR ALL UR COMENTZ.

Anonymous December 18, 2010 at 10:53 pm

PEOPLE!
YOU CANNOT EAT ON THE MASTER CLEANSE. IT IS NOT A “DIET.”

leeann February 2, 2011 at 7:17 pm

i have started the master cleanse im on day six i did good i lost 7 pounds so far and i did slip up and ate some apple and pinapple and some carots and i contiue to do the cleanse but i did notice when i ate the fruit i felt a little ful and i didnt have much so be careful of the intake and stay focus i will stay on it until the end

kelly February 5, 2011 at 4:13 am

hi, I’m doing master cleanse diet too. I was used to skinny before, so I haven’t noticed that how much I got bigger like this. my plan is doing for 7 days. and i was supposed to drink only lemonade but on second day, I ate 1/4 tobu and 2 small tomatoes.
I felt a little guilty about myself but felt stuffed so good~

my goal to do is losing weight not removing toxics. so I believe it’s fine…
and I think many people doing this for losing weight.

so, let’s see what’s the results.

natali February 7, 2011 at 5:39 pm

Hello everyone congrats to those who cleansed and also lost weight
I would like to know if anyone here that occasionaly ate sumting small throuout the day while on the cleanser lost any weight??? Today is my third day and I jus want to eat alittle I just don’t want to ruin it formyself and hope I still will lose weight.

Please let me knowwww thank you!!

Anonymous February 15, 2011 at 3:42 pm

9th day, cheated last night and ate fried rice followed by processed pizza and some shiraz, felt like crap this morning but continuing, i have lost 11 lbs so far, so far so good.

Tonda February 19, 2011 at 5:56 pm

I am on day 3, its the weekend and I dont know if I was hungry or the smell of food got the best of me, so I ate a grilled cheese. I felt so bad after I ate it. So I just drunk some sea salt water to flush it out.. Man this is hard.

Jon March 5, 2011 at 1:22 pm

NO, it is not okay to eat ANYTHING. Seriously, read the book. The hunger pains you experience during the cleansing process–don’t give into them. Yes, if you “cheat” any amount, you’ve interrupted the cleansing process and should start over. Easiest way to avoid that: don’t cheat! Just tell yourself, make it to at least ten days, then after you ease off you can have those forbidden goodies you’ve been desiring. But, from previous experience, after you’ve cleansed you won’t want to eat unhealthy things anyway!

Anonymous March 6, 2011 at 11:56 pm

UGH I’M GOING CRAZY ON THE MC!!! I NEED THE RESULTS BUT MY FLESH IS WEAK!!!!!!!!!!!

anon March 29, 2011 at 11:19 pm

i have to say these comments here are terribly funny…it seems like most people really dont understand what the cleanse is for…IT IS For DETOXING and not for losing weight…most of the 7-10lbs weight loss people experience is water weight. Our bodies need water and if we don’t drink enough the body thinks we are dehydrating so it stores the water up for use in the future…so drink more than you need and the body says “hey i dont need to store this water” and lets it go! anyway stop eating on the cleanse and let your body do what it does best…balance naturally.!

kimberly March 31, 2011 at 3:09 pm

Hello,
I am on day 4, no food, just following the mc , and im really weak, had one small cracker on the 3rd day, i also have been working out for about a hr a day , when i cant take it anymore i just drink my salt water and than go to sleep, and im on to the next day , so im doing pretty good, but not really feeling good, just keep telling my self i only have 7 more days, and it works, my family is behind me 100%, they cook dinner when i go to sleep lol,

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