My name is Raylen Sterling,
Growing up I was not in the best of health. I was raised by a single mom who did the best she could, but often was so busy that at least one meal a day was take out or fast food. For snacks I would eat chips and soda.
As a result I was overweight as a kid. Actually I was obese. I remember my pediatrician telling my mom that if I kept gaining weight at my current pace I would likely not live to see 35 years old. As a result I was put on a diet, but after a few weeks of trying to keep me on a healthy diet eating in our house went back normal.
I was about 100 pounds overweight by the time I was 19 when I decided to take massive action, and finally lose weight. You might be wondering what was it that would drive a 19 year old to finally go on a diet. Was it good health? No, it was girls. It might not be the most noble reason, but for a teenager it was a powerful motivator.
I did the thing everyone tells you not to do to lose weight. I slashed my food intake to about 600 calories a day, and boy did I lose a lot of weight. 11 pounds in the first week. Close to 70 pounds after 3 months. But it was taking it’s toll.
I was famished, sleeping about 11 hours a day, and I was light headed.
My current 600 calorie a day diet was not good for me so I decided to eat a healthy 2,500 calorie a day diet, which for a guy like me who likes to workout, and lift weights should be perfect. But the only problem was the 3 months spent starving myself had lowered my metabolism, so when I starting eating a “normal” diet I still ended up gaining weight (about 35 pounds).
That weight loss attempt taught me a valuable lesson. I learned to never jeopardize my health in pursuit of good health. It sounds like common sense, but every day I see people taking drastic, even dangerous measures to achieve good health. Even with the Master Cleanse there are people who stay on this restrictive diet for longer than a month!
Today, I’m proud to say that I have lost weight, and I am healthy. By using the Master Cleanse for what it’s intended for – to purge unhealthy waste from my body, and help break my junk food addiction I was able to get my weight under control and finally feel good about myself.
The Master Cleanse is not easy, and if you want lasting results you’ll need to eat healthy after the cleanse, but the beauty of the Master Cleanse is how much improvement you will see in a short period of time.
If you’re curious about the Master Cleanse take a minute and read some of the comments below which are left by people from all walks of life, and feel free to add your own comments – I would love to hear from you.
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Hi everyone,
I’m a stay at home mommy with 2 kids 3 and 1. It’s really hard not to eat while Im making meals for my kids. I need great tips to stay on track. Please help me, I plan to start my MC tomorrow 12/11. Thank you!
Thanks for the great advise. I can’t wait to start but I really really love chocolate and all the sweet yummies, I also smoke. It will take alot of will power and determination this one. Wish me the best.
Thanks for the great advise. I can’t wait to start but I really really love chocolate and all the sweet yummies, I also smoke. It will take alot of will power and determination this one. Wish me the best.
I did the master cleanse diet last year for my wedding, I lost 22 pounds in 3 weeks. but I was very weak and had a lot of headaches, so I decided to drink the lemonaide drink thru out the day whenever I was hungry and eat a sensible dinner at night, i still continued to lose the weight w/out being fatigued….. I just had my first kid, and I trying to lose the weight so back on the master cleanse I am , I just started today, I need all my energy for the baby so I drink thru the day and eat at night, wish me luck
hey there! i’m a 32year old female all the way from South Africa and have been battling with an irregular menstrual cycle. just the other day i was watching the Oprah Winfrey Show and the was a woman with a problem similar to mine (can’t rememeber the name) who said her only remedy to the problem was going on the master cleanse. so i got inspired to try it! will be starting on it soonest so wish me luck!
It’s my 4th day on the cleanse and so far I’m not having any hunger pains. I’ve also taken the salt water drink a couple times a day. What I’m wondering is, do I take the salt water every day of the cleanse? I’m planning on doing it for 10 days.( didn’t exactly pick the best time of year with all that food around! stickin’ to it though.)
Hi! I am a teenager who has always struggled with my weight. I read your story and got really inspired. I have tried to crash diet and it never works. I am going to try the Master Cleanse over my 2 week Christmas break, which will be really hard. I’m going to start out with 5 days and see how it works out. Wish me luck!
Well, I am thinking about starting this on Tuesday Dec 29. I don’t know if this is a bad time to do it with New Years and treats that will still be popping up this week, but I am feeling motivated, especially after reading all these comments.
Anyone else the same boat? Would be fun to do this with someone else!!!
Pamela…I plan on starting on 01/06/2009…let me know when you start…we can encourage each other!
is it ok to use regular cayanne pepper and 100% organic maple syrup….i didnt feel like searching all over the place so thats what i bought..i want to know if this is going to be ok for the cleanse i am not concerned about losing weight of course that would be a plus….can somebody let me know. thanks GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!! MOTIVATION COMES FROM WITHIN- MIND OVER MATTER….
Hello!! I am on day 6 and I lost 15 lbs in 5 days!!!! It is not bad at all and the salt water flush is my favorite!! Like to see my results!! Only 4 days left!!
Hi, I am on my last day of the cleanse. I have followed it carefully and I feel great. I am a teacher and I started the cleanse just after Christmas. I did the cleanse last year and I found it very challenging because I was working and my job was very stressful. I had a different experience this time as I was on holidays (I know who wants to cleanse when they are on holidays but I was desperate to feel better). Previous to the cleanse I was feeling sick and tired all the time. On my last cleanse I didn’t transition properly and I am committed to a strong finish this time. I appreciated Raylen’s additions to the cleanse … wheat grass and psyllium husk, I think they helped me through the cleanse. Another strategy I found really helpful was to have a strong WHY. I would read and re-read what the cleanse was doing for me when I felt tempted!
Good luck…I feel fantastic!!!
Question…
I have never done the cleanse before. I have done all my research on it, and feel like I know what I’m doing (kinda.) Bought my ingredients yesterday. But now I’m wondering what I do about my medication. I’m taking Welbutrin. So do I stop taking it during the cleanse? Feels kind of weird to take drugs while on a cleanse, but thought I’d ask what you guys think.
I am on my third day of the MC. It is very hard. I just want to chew on something. I stared a daily blog in hopes that will keep me on track. I have had a headache since day one and I am so hungry. HOWEVER; I will not give up. I am going to do it for 5 days. Maybe laster this year I will be able to do it for ten days.
Well, I tried to start it on the 3rd of January and did not make one day. THis is probably a bad time for me to do anything involving will power as my head is clogged with all kinds of garbage. However, the lemonade drink is not bad to drink I think. I do know that it is virtually impossible to figure out 1/10th of a teaspoon and wonder if there is a measuring tool out there that address this. The limited number of drinks without eating agitated my Gastroesophageal reflux and encouraged me to stop. I am trying to keep the momemtum up so that I can give it another whirl when my head is wrapped better. I am tryng the lemon drink and occassionalythe tea in the morning and eating the rest of the day. However, I like the suggestiong of drinking it all day and eating at night. Might give that a try. Everyone keep going I can only imagine how wonderful youwill feel after doing this. I know that the three days I did the prep and started the cleanse I felt better from just that. Good Luck and keep typing. To the lad who has three kids she is tryng to feed while on this, God bless you. Somewhere I read that Hoodia I believe helps to control your appetite while on this… and also using organic flavored teas help to change the taste of lemonade. FYI
Hi, everyone! I started the Master Cleanse the day after Christmas…It took a lot of will power, and after the fourth day it became much easier. I found it hard to make myself eat solid foods when I was finished (I went the whole 10 days), because I felt so light without anything in my stomach, but I just eased myself slowly into what is now a totally healthy, mostly veggie, soy, protein drink diet – so I will continue to lose weight. I am much less tired than before the cleanse, and I feel that I have really accomplished a feat by completing the cleanse. I prepared food for both my teenage kids during the cleanse, and did not take even one taste! I did chew sugarless gum, which was my only “cheat”, and I still lost 15 pounds (and I’m still losing). I will probably do this cleanse on a regular basis, to regain that “light as air” feeling it gives. Also, use the liquid cayenne pepper for the lemonade – it is much better tasting. Do not give up – the results will make the effort worth it. Good luck!
Hi! Every one I’m doing the MC. So far I have lose 11.6 pounds in 6 days and I’m still going for the 40 days. The beguining of MC is very hared but after thing go better specialy if u are alway positiv. I wish good luck to all who are doing the MC
Okay. I am going to start this thing with the next $37 I get. So, next week, GET READY FOR ME!!!! I’ll tell you. I am a night auditor and at home, I have a husband (who is out of work and ALWAYS somewhere around), a brother in law who just moved from another state and getting settled in, a 5 yr old kidnergartner, and a 3 and a 2 yr old preschooler. So, I don’t sleep like I should. I eat all night (my weakness is salt and cholcolate). The only thing saving me is that I faithfully workout – so, I’m not gaining weight, but I’m not losing like I need to be. I grew up on and still live on a “farm” where we grow and eat fresh vegetables with every meal and I like my vegetables more than anything. I don’t fry many foods and I could care less if meat was part of my diet. So, back to chips and chocolate . . . and soda . . . and koolaid. I’m ready. I am 32, 5’4″, and 151lbs. Too thick to be this short.
Day 1 for me today….i am doing this because after studying for the California Bar exam for 6 months, i ended up with gastritis and a hernia. I was close to losing my mind because every time i ate, i was in pain and everytime i didn’t eat, i was still in pain. I didn’t weigh myself going on this cleanse because i really don’t care about that part (although i could stand to lose a good 20lb)…i just want to be able to have a meal and not be in pain!!! Did this cleanse help anyone with gastritis type problems?
I went on the Master Cleanse for three days. I started on January 19, 2010. I had weighed in Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 227. I weighed in yesterday, and I weighed 220. The Master Cleanse worked, and is still working. It wasn’t real hard, but it wasn’t easy. I had to stop watch TV, because of all the commercials, I prayed a lot! But I made it, now, my mind is made up to eat healthier. I actually got into a dress yesterday, that I couldn’t get into last week. That was very encouraging. Please stay incouraged. For the lady who has two small children and want to do the cleanse, the first thing is to cleanse your mind and make up in your mind, it is all about you and that you are doing it for yourself and take your time encouraging and motivating yourself before you start. I did. I have a 15 year old at home, and this past Saturday, three of her friends stayed over, which meant I had to cook, and I did, but I had made up in my mind before I started, I wasn’t going to taste it, just cook it. I made them the biggest Taco Salad, and went upstairs and went to bed. Sunday I made them a meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn (and I really wanted to lick the spoon, but I didn’t), but I went upstairs and started reading more about the Master Cleanse. Come on girl, you can do it!!!! Susan
Hi all.. this is my first round on the master cleanse and so far I feel great! Not that there haven’t been ups and downs.. day 2 was a horror! I had a headache that would not quit..but by day 3 it was past and I feel really good. The only problem I have had is with the flush.. I drink the senna tea at night and do the salt water flush in the am.. and, except for the first day which went fine.. all the other days its done NOTHING.. well, I do have normal bm’s.. but not the flush that you expect from a salt water drink. And it scares me that I am retaining all that salt water. I also worry about eating so much sugar from the maple syrup.. I am actually taking in more calories from the syrup than I usually eat in a day!! Organic sugar is still sugar!! But I feel good.. and I do not forsee going off this diet before the 10 days.. probably not even then!
Forgot to mention.. this is my 6th day on the detox.. My job requires a lot of physical stamina.. and so far the diet has not impaired my physical abilities at all.. I thought I would mention that because it was a real concern to me before I started the cleanse. I do not feel tired or dizzy at all.. so if you are worried about whether you can do this diet and still do your job.. take my advice.. don’t let that concern stop you!!
Hello all you bloggers, I’m on day 6 of my cleanse. I’m telling you that it’s not easy, but the reward is wonderful. It’s like going into battle knowing that the battle will be hard but in the back of your mind the victory of staying in there to the end is great. On day 1 and 2 was the hardest, especially when the rest of the family was going out to eat, but I was determined to stick it out. One thing for sure you can’t sit around the house. You have to keep yourself busy and time goes by faster. I promise you it does get easier after day 3. Hang in there to the end and don’t give up. You need to think about the benefits once you are finished, was it worth it or not?
Today is my second day on the MC. The first night I had a horrible headache, had trouble sleeping. Today I almost throw up every time I take a drink of the juice. Is this normal? Do you really need the Cayenne Pepper? I did have a BM today. So hopefully my head will be better today. I have had the hiccups for about an hour, does this happen? I don’t usually get the hiccups. I won’t give up but, should I drink more water and less juice or what?
Thanks
I am on day 2 of the master cleanse and I did the salt water flush today. I must say that I hated it. I will not be doing it any more. It didn’t seem like all of that water came out. I will stick to the Smoove move tea in the am & pm. Its a little hard looking at the food having to cook for my family, but it hasn’y been as bad as I thought it would be, but it is only day 2. I also haven’t noticed any signs happening to let me know its working.
I am currently on day 4 of the master cleanse and have been following it to a T. I almost find my self being depressed because i can’t eat. But I must say that i have not been hungry. I have had an awful taste in my mouth which i hope will go away. I plan to stop on day ten which is on tuesday.
Hello, my name is Zahirah and I am on the first day of the cleanse and I feel like a crack head going through withdrawal! Well, maybe that is a bit drastic but I must say I am dealing with some serious cravings. I did the master cleanse last year but instead of getting off and eating healthy I went strait for the JUNK! I think it is harder for me this time because I have made up my mind to let go of toxic foods once and for all after this cleanse. I am tired of eating foods that harm my temple/body and I am determined to get myself together for the sake of my future. One day I will have children and I want to start them out eating healthy and the best way to do that is by example. This is just my first day and I know the first three days are the hardest but I’m in it for the long run –my goal is 21 day (last time I only made it to 10). I would recommend the cleanse for all those who are serious about weight loss and better health. I would say once it’s all over -don’t revert back to old eating habits.
Hello Blogger, I’m also from South Africa and I have started today. I have absolutely no will-power, but reading all your comments have motivated me. I want to come back and tell you all that I have completed 10 days.
Hello Bloggers, I’m also from South Africa and I have started today. I have absolutely no will-power, but reading all your comments have motivated me. I want to come back and tell you all that I have completed 10 days.
I have been doing the Master Cleanse once or twice a year for 4 years now and each time I learn more and more about myself. I am coming off an eleven day cleanse tomorrow and I just want to say something about the spiritual element of the fast. I practice meditation and during the fast my meditations are so much clearer and incredibly fruitful. I can’t recommend it enough for all the reasons that all you bloggers are talking about. But you really must read Stanley Burroughs book that started it all; The Master Cleanser, to understand that the best reason for the fast is to open your mind to fundamental change in your life. I just recently had to end a very loving relationship and the fast made it much easier to deal with the loss. It just helps to ground you and feel better about yourself in so many ways. For you first timers, be strong and invoke God’s grace and you will find a wonderful self emerge from the privation of the body and stimulation of the soul. Peace.
Today, February 14, 2010 I start the Master Cleanse.I’m ready!The last time I checked my blood pressure it was 174/122.With the cleanse and help from my naturopath, I hope to develop better eating habits, lose weight and get my BP under control.
hello everyone! this is my 2nd time trying this cleanse. i didnt make it all the way thru the 1st time so hopefully i will make it this time. i’m on day 2 and i have a quick questuion. its says not to use the laxative tea together with the salt water flush. does that me to use one or the other during the 10 day leanse or can i drink the tea at night and do the salt water flush in the morning? thanks in advance
Hello fellow master cleansers:
Today is my sixteeth day on the master cleanse. When I started on February 2nd, I weighed 260lbs. I have a current weight of 235 pounds. I feel terrific. I work full time, cook for my children without eating and have more energy then I have had in years. The only problem is my eliminations. I urinate alot but no BM’s. I drink the laxative tea at night, salt water flush in the mornings and laxative tea at night. Yesterday my stomach was a little upset and crampy. The book says I am not elimating properly, which should be 3 times a day. I am not sure what I could do that would assists this process further. Any recommendations?
By the way. I am 48 years old.
Okay today is day 1 and I tried the sea salt water flush and it really didn’t have any effect on me…I did have a BM before taking the flush however and a really small one after the flush…how can I get this to work better?
I’m on my 3rd cleanse, Day 6, and it’s definitely easier than the 1st 2 times. I think the 1st time was the worst, I had a lot to get rid of! Aside from a killer headache on Day 1 it has been a breeze. Lost 8#’s so far, I usually gain 1/2 back when I start eating again. Hate the salt water but aside from that it’s a breeze. Good luck everyone.
Hello All
I am embarking on the Master Cleanse voyage starting tomorrow. I will be doing it as a mind over body challenge, and of course to improve overall health. I have just two questions for all of the experienced people out there. The first, I bought Grade A Organic Maple Syrup…My Grandfather brews the stuff for a living and said that the differences are so small he did not think it would really matter as long as it was organic. What are your thoughts? Lastly, I could not find organic cayenne pepper, so I just bought the regular cayenne pepper. How much of a difference would taking regular cayenne pepper and organic Grade A Maple Syrup make? Any and all input will be appreciated.
Thank You all,
Sean
Hi, i just started the diet two days ago and my question is about flushing my system. On day 2 i was in the bathroom for most of the evening. i had a meeting i was supposed to go to and coulden’t go because i couldn’t leave the bathroom. I’m a busy person i have 3 kids and i’m also a model. Is this going to keep happening thru out the cleanse? for one it was as though i had no control over my bowl movements weather i was ready or not here it came.When does it stop? LOL What do i do? Help LOL
I am starting the lemonade phase tomorrow. I have done 2 days prep, having the veggies/fruits only for 1 day, and veggie fruit juice for 1 day. Mostly doing this for health reasons, as I have a major sweet tooth and am unhappy at my cravings for processed foods. I have done a cleanse years before and the first few days were hard. I think I may miss my morning cuppa joe!
Greetings to all and the best of luck, too!
Today is my 2nd day on the MC and I feel great! I feel light as a feather and it feels good when my stomach growls…lol. The only bad thing I have experienced is a slight headache today. I plan to stay on it for 10 days. The only substitution I made to the lemonade drink is instead of Maple Syrup I am using Blackstrap Molasses. It was a whole lot cheaper – $12 cheaper than MS. Plus, the Molasses had less calories with a lot more nutrients listed on the label. It seems to be working just fine. Every time I relieve my bladder, I usually have a weird BM that looks similar to Molasses (I hope that wasn’t too much info). Is this normal? Is it okay to use Molasses rather than Maple Syrup?
My MC regimen: I drink the lemonade throughout the day in a 9 oz water bottle (I made a gallon of the lemonade so I always have some on hand when I start getting hungry); at night I drink 1 cup of herbal laxative tea (3 Ballerina); I do the salt water flush in the morning followed by another cup of herbal tea. My least favorite part of this regimen is the salt water – YUK! But I am determined to follow this the whole 10 days, all the way through.
I am eager to update this blog with my results once I complete the 10 days. A word of encouragement to all: If Beyonce can do it then so can YOU, and me too!!!
love ya!
Is arm fat lost in this cleanse?
I am on the morning of Day 1 of the cleanse. The Salt water flush is quite strong, I had a hard time taking it this morning but I am excited to start and see the results! Wish me luck!
I went on the Master Cleanse on March 1st hoping to make it 10 days. I only lasted 4 days and I am disappointed in myself. I want to try again. I was downright sick the 2nd and 3rd day and the 4th day I was better, but frustrated so I quit. I really want to stay on it the full 10 days. Can someone tell me how to make the salt water drink ? I was using smooth move tea.
hi..im on my second day of MC…i was wondering wat can i use instead of maple syrup cause im not able to find it here in india…and also it is ok to use iodized salt…pls answer. i need to knw if it is harmful.
its me again..i was wondering how often to u pass stool..cause im not really passing as much as i thought i would..i just started on my 2nd day.
is green tea same as herbal tea cause i wasnt able to find herbal tea..also its not decaff..i havent been able to find any thats not either is it ok to drink it…im a first timer..i been having some digestive problems and i also would love to lose 20 pounds pls help…anyone just reply..thanks!
Hi This is my first day of the MC….looking forward to what affects it will have on my life. I am looking forward to feeling more slim through the middle. I know that belly fat is dangerous & would like to get rid of it….I’m not concerned with the weight….just the health part of this MC tea…..I figure the weight will come down if I just eat better & clean my system out. Well wish me luck & the ability to finish with good results….I am 68 & a lot of bad eating habits over the years.
I’ve been on the Master Cleanse for two days now. I’m feeling rather deprived. The whole office went out for lunch today. They were celebrating an award the office got. Poor me..I just stayed at work. I know that I didn’t have the will power. How am I ever going to stay on this cleanse for 10 days? I’m feeling good. I’m an aerobic instructor too…Do you think I get get through two stenuous 1 hour classes tomorrow?
Hello Friends
Today is March 27th and I am on my first full day of the cleanse. I started after breakfast yesterday. No bowel movements since, even after the saltwater flush this morning. Is my body retaining my waste because it is only getting a minimal amount of nutrients? I am looking forward to the clarity and motivation this has already brought me. Looking forward to the flush! I am practicing yoga and daffodils are my inspiration through this process of elimination and blossoming! We can do it right?
Starting day 2 of my 2nd cleanse.
Last year I did the cleanse 3 days at a time (Friday Sat Sunday) over a month and lost 20lbs. During the non cleanse days I ate light and very healthy. It was the best diet/cleanse I ever did and a year later I dont have much weight to lose at all. It had a great impact on everything in my life.
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