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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Does it make a difference as to which grade of maple syrup you used for the diet. I haven’t been able to find grade B in the stores so I have been using grade A.
Hey Nikki, Im starting the cleanse as of tomorrow as well, march 31st!!! I kept failing and giving up the other times (did the cleanse once already, tried to do it again but didnt succeed), but this time I must stay on the cleanse for I will know its going to be worth it. How long are you planning to stay on the cleanse for? Lets do it together as of tomorrow
Anna.
Is anyone starting the cleanse? I am preparing to begin tomorrow, March 31st.
Hi, I just finish the cleanse about 20 days ago. I want go on the cleanse again as of tomorrow, can I or is it not recommended that I do the cleanse again so fast? and will my results be as effective, ( cause during those 20 days after the cleanse I ate alot of unhealthy food, and want to clean out my system again, give it another try) Thanks!!!!
Hey Monica V. great job on the weight loss and pant size
I’m wondering how long did you wait in between to do each cleanse?!? Also did you exercise during the cleanse?! I’m standing at 5’0 weighing 126lbs, and I’m small boned, so I have to lose about 26lbs. Thanks =) I did the cleanse 20 days ago, but I lost control and pigged out and gained back most of the weight, so I’m trying again, do you think it will still be as effective, the first time I did it, I lost 16lbs in 21 days. Thanks!!!
A couple of weeks ago I asked a question about fresh squeezed organic lemon juice and it’s effectiveness after being frozen for a few weeks. I am very interested in knowing whether or not I should thaw and use this juice or just buy new organic lemons?
Thank you,
Rebecca A. Newsome
Hi there,
I did the Master Cleanse about 2 years ago. I managed to stay on it for 30 days. I dropped 25lbs and my resting heartrate went from 80bpm to 60bpm. I had a tremendous amount of energy, which made it difficult to come off of it. I was addicted to feeling clean and healthy. My endurance for swimming also improved almost overnight. I used to struggle to do 100m and then after about 2 weeks, I was able to do 600m with no effort at all. Wow!! I was impressed.
My fibromyalgia(for those who believe it is an actual illness) also disappeared. No more pain in the joints, no more fatigue or fuzzy brain. Just glorified freedom from pain.
All I can say is do it, it is very beneficial. I would not suggest the 30 days, but try at least 10. Thank you to whomever introduced it to me.
Karen B Langley, BC
I just started the master cleanse today, growing up I was some what of an overweight child, but a month on vacation and activities, I lost the weight. I am now 30 years old,5’9 and weighing about 220lbs. I am afraid of heart disease and High Cholesterol. Last yeat at my physical the doctor told me I had a little high Cholesterol. Today I decided to start this diet and quit smoking cig. I just need a healthier lifestyle and something to give me that push
Hi, thank you everyone for sharing your experiences with the master cleansing. Reading your blog will keep me encouraged. This is day1 of 10 (thats the plan) and it’s not so bad. Will keep you posted. Love all of the positive comments. Thanks so much & good luck everyone.
Hi Raylen,
Your newsletter has been very helpful in answering most of my questions, giving the benefits of the detox programme and understanding the best way to do the master cleanse.
Being the coward I am, the thought of not eating for 10 days is very scary!!!
I live in Zambia (Africa) and we have a very high starch diet and this is taking its toll on my health.
I must admit your newsletter has been very encouraging about going on master cleanse.
I would like to encourage your good works and will let you know how it goes when I gather the courage to do the master cleanse.
Hello my fellow team! Today is the second day of my cleanse. I did 10 days five months ago. This may discourage some of you, but I want you guys to know that after losing 9 pounds last time, I quickly regained all the weight back. However, I had many other advantages. This experience gave me more confidence and a healthier outlook on life. It has also drastically helped clear up my skin, so I can just imagine the amount of toxins it eliminated. The greatest reward for me is the feeling right after. I felt on top of the world, I was truly happy and eager to move my life into a better direction. I am doing this again so I can have a clear mind and be able to properly evaluate my life objectives and alter them as needed.
Good luck to all of you. Don’t let weight loss be your only motivator. This cleanse is amazing even without this whole weight issue.
Im on the master cleanse for 5days now and i feel great.I lost a couple of pounds already.
I’m on Day 8 and will probably go for 20. I have never felt better in my life and have had many problems with emotional eating and drugs/alcohol and self discipline. These past few years I’ve been dedicated to overcoming those hurdles and this cleanse is the icing on the cake. I’ve never felt stronger or better about myself. As a student, the effects on attention and cognition are mindblowing. To those who have had questions about elimination and lack thereof I wanted to stress the importance of drinking 64 ounces of water/day. I discovered this on day 4 and it changed everything. Also, incorporating cardio work and meditation is crucial in getting in tune with your body and sweating out toxins. I would also recommend easing in to it if you’re a Standard American Diet-er. Start by eliminating sugar, then meat, then wheat, then go raw then substitute meals with the lemonade, then go full time to lemonade. You are stronger than you know. Good luck!
Today is my 2nd day on the cleanse. I did better than I expected yesterday. The hardest part for me was coming home from work and smelling a fresh cooked meal! But I stayed strong, drank my tea and went to bed. I am wondering if I am going to loose any weight front this. I am in great shape and eat pretty healthy, but just wanted to get control back into my diet. We will see!
Hey all, I started the cleanse on Feb. 6 at 147lbs. I’m 5’2″ and I’ve been on the cleanse 3 other times prior to this one..4days, 7days, 15days, and now I’m 31days into a 40day cleanse. I’ve gone from 147 to 117 so far…size 10/12 to somewhere between a 2 and a 4 (the size 6 jeans I bought a couple of weeks ago are too big now
). I feel great and I would recommend anyone that has never EVER cleaned their body to do so…however many days you decide to commit to, it’s worth it!
Be encouraged! There is GREAT reward to sticking to it.
Monica
I started my cleanse TODAY! I have been researching for websites that will keep me motivated and excited about what I am doing with my body! This one is GREAT! I have already had 3 lemonades today, and have yet felt hungry!
I have always tried to lead a healthy life but with getting older I found myself getting bloated more. A friend said this was the best way to cleanse. After getting back from oversea I decided to do it. My 10th day is tomorrow but I am thinking of going an extra day. The 2nd day was my hardest. I have been on strict diets before so I looked at this the same way. I have had plenty of energy, enough to continue in my martial arts while on it. It has given me great motivation to watch my intake afterwards with all the hard work that has gone into cleaning myself. I also combined Sonne’s #7 to it which really gets out other things.
Thanks for the info and anyone out there thinking about doing this it is more than worth it!
David S. Texas
Can you take Adderall while on the cleanse?
I plan on starting in two weeks.
Any advice for drinking the salt water and not throwing up from the test?
I love doing the cleanse and feel great doing it but when I go off all I seem to want to do is eat and not always healthy eating.
Hello, I just did the master cleanse, I did not find it difficult to do, until the 8th day. My system was so cleaned out that when I drank my salt water, I could not reach the bathroom. I had to take a personal day off of work. I feel fine and I’m doing well. I don’t have an appetite, so I am drinking meal replacements from Young Living. I am also eating some small meals.
I think you should warn people about the sores you can get on your lips and inside your mouth from all of the acid.
Thank you for your help with my master cleanse. I know that I did as well as I did because of your help. 8 days, I am very pleased with that.
Cynthia
I am on day 9 and feel fantastic. I don’t have a scale but I’d guess I’ve lost maybe close to 10 pounds. I am 45 years old and I never had a problem with my weight until the last few years. I was always a size 6 or therabouts, then crept up to an 8, then recently a 10. I am small boned and 5′ 2″ so I cannot carry 147 pounds well. Mostimportantly I felt sluggish, tired and unhealthy. Too much fast food and junk food. I heard some people in my church talking about it and decided to do it. It was no where near as hard as I thought it would be! I was rarely hungry and if I did get a grumble I just drank some lemonade and it went away immediately. The first day or two I didn’t like the taste of maple in my lemonade, but now I am so used to it and really like it. Luckily I love spicy food so the pepper was a perfect addition for me.
I felt I needed to just quit all the junk cold turkey and re-set my body. I feel it has worked. I have a much bigger desire for whole foods and vegetables now, and I don’t crave fast food as much as before. The thought of processed food or pop makes me feel sick.
The part of the cleanse I liked the least was the laxatives, though I know it was necessary. My colon feels really good — empty and firm, not stuffed and bloated. I can’t believe how “light” I feel!
The most incedible thing to me besides how energetic I feel is the changes in my body. The football I seemed to swallow and which was lodged up under my diaphragm making me short of breath is gone. The bulges at the top of my outer thighs are gone. I have a waist again instead of that straight “trunk” look that I had before that made me look like a typical middle aged woman. I feel ten years younger! The leg cramps I got every night have pretty much vanished. The canker sores in my mouth are gone. I sleep really, really well, better than I have in ages. My hot flashes are gone!!
Master Cleanse, you are heaven sent!
Debbie
Cape Coral, FL
Hi Raylen,’
I am so glad that you shared your story and I am even more happier that you have this blog page. I drank my tea this evening and tomorrow will be day one for me. Wish me luck!
I am very nervous that I will not finish.
LaQuitia Heath
Chicago, IL
I am currently about 20 lbs overweight and suffer from severe fatigue. My hair, skin and nails used to be gorgeous, but now they’re not. I have multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, but I also have bad eating habits and I think this Master Cleanse could do wonders for me. I’m going to go to the store tomorrow and get what I need and give it a try. I would love to feel good again!!! I had a friend named Wendy who used to do this and she loved it. I’ll never know if I don’t try. Wish me luck!
I started the cleanse on Feb.4 2008 and I went the full 10 days they were not as bad as I was prepared for them to be, but what has been suprising to me is the after effect I don’t feel like eating all the junk I ate prior to the cleanse, and yes I lost weight but losing weight was an extra benefit because I suffer from GERD, and IBS and the cleanse has help with both of them. I plan on doing the cleanse every season. For those that suffer with the same illiness that I do this has really worked for me give it a try. My mate and friends thought I was crazy until they saw I was serious about completing the 10 days and know they see the result and are wanting to try it. All I can tell you is to be prepared for the change that happens within you its more than losing weight.
I am just starting the program. I have lost only 4lbs and been on it for a week. the salt water is the hardest. I want to lose another 30 lbs and plan on being on it for 3 weeks. Can anyone help me with this.
Joannie
how good it is……….
HI Raylen,
I just completed the Master Cleanse last going the full 10 days last week. I was planning to go for only 7 days, but felt so good I decided to do the full 10. I have not regretted doing this. I felt a little jittery on the third day, and my girlfriend who did the cleanse last year, said it was my body going through the detoxing stage of all the bad foods I had eaten for so long. I drank more lemonade and the jitters went away. I lost 11 pounds on the cleanse, and I’m thinking maybe it was because I didn’t put enough cayenne in my lemonade, but I couldn’t drink it if it is too hot. I feel great, my skin is clearer, smoother, I look and feel younger, my age spots are clearing up, and my stomach is flatter and my joints are not so achy. Thank you for the information I received on your web site. It helped me to stay focused and continue with the cleanse. I am still drinking the lemonade mornings and evenings and will do the cleanse again before the holidays. Aloha, from Hawaii.
Hi my name is Richard, I have just compleated my 10th day of the cleans and i feel great. I lost 18.5 lbs and have plenty of energy. I would like to say that it was tough, the first three days. But like the books said to write down all the pors and cons,that help me threw. Now i start my change in of life. Eatting better and working out, to reach my goal weight of 200lbs Thanks Raylen Sterling
i was wondering…if i finish the 10 days last month can i do it again this month
Hi: today is my 7th day on the cleanse, overall I feel pretty good, but at the end of the I am wiped out. I don’t know what I am going to do for the next 3 days, because I will be out of town. This tripped was planned several months ago, and I would hate to have to start all over again when I get back. I will say this, I really enjoy being on the cleanse, I feel great, and have more energy during the day. thanks for listening,
Lynn
I have alwas been in great shape and never over weight,that is until menopause now i dont feel good and i am at least 25lb over weight. Tomorrow I am going to start my M/C fast for at least 10 days I will let you all know how it goes. Wish me luck
hi i think ur story is lyk mine i went on the cabbbage soup diet toook so many sleeeepin pillls lost a lot of weight……..but its alll bk on…..in i wannna start the master cleanse tmr i hoope i kan handle it wuld be deligted if i culd ur news lettter gives mi a lot of inspiration….thanks a lot
I agree with anonymous….where are responses to the blogs?
hey where do we find awsers to our qustions isee a lot of ??? on blog but no awnsers
I am looking for the answer to a question earlier about wheat grass supplements…
I am wondering about the wheat grass tablets during the cleanse…..it is recommended to take them with food but obviously one cannot during the cleanse. Raylen, what is your recomendation? We are on day 2, this is our 3rd cleanse.
Thanks, Heidi
Hey
I’ve been on the master cleanse for 6 days and I have lost 9lbs. My goal is to stay on it for 21 days. I am on it to lose weight! I have read where ppl pass dark coloured stool and so forth, but mine had been yellow, kinda like urine, nothing really gross or smelly or anything! am I doing something wrong?
About 4years ago I did the Master cleanser diet for ten days Ilost 20 lbs. It was rough the first five days. Ilost 10lbs in five days and that motivated me to do five more days. My goal was to do ten days. I was drinking 4-5 bottles aday to curb my appietite. The following year was rough doing the master cleanser. To satify my cravings I ate pork rinds and drinking 4-5 bottles aday, still lost 20 lbs. this may help some of those who need to satify the urge to crunch something.
Hi…
well i am goin to start the diet tom.. damn excited to.. i have put on a lot of weight.. had an accident last yr so hence have just been taking life very easy.. i live in london so couldnt find the maple syrup.. so tryin to do it with manuka honey 10plus.. hope it works… coz i need this to atleast help me loose 10kilos… i am goin to tryin it as i have a hectic schedule so dont know how i am goin to survive witout food… any advice anyone..dont hestitate to email…
Hello Raylen, thank you so much for sharing all the great information about the Master Cleanse. This info has sure helped me, especially during the first four days . Today I’m on day 11 of the Master Cleanse and I’m just getting ready to get off the cleanse . I started sips of orange juice today as well. I FEEL GREAT and what a wonder feeling that is. So far I have lost 10 pounds. This has motivated me to continue to practice a healthy life style.
Again, thank you so much!
Monica
I STARTED THE MASTER CLEANSE ON THE 25TH OF JANUARY. LIKE YOU SAY THE FIRST 3 DAYS ARE HARD .AFTER THAT IT IS EASY I FELT GREAT EVEN SLEPT GOOD.I LOST 9 LBS I THINK IT IS GREAT. I WENT 7 DAYS.I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT
I did it i made it 10 days yay me im just having trouble findin a vegetable soup recipe.
Hi Raylen
I wanted to say thank you for providing this forum! I have just finished the first of what I hope is a biannual cleanse! And I FEEL GREAT!!!
I am very fortunate to have had an extraordinarily easy cleanse, and I firmly believe that all the prep work, physically, mentally and spiritually was the key to that ease.
I am an advance Theta Practitioner/Intuitive, and by using this wonderful modality and some great organization and planning I had a great experience. I did not feel or suffer as many I had talked to did and found the entire process, strengthening and uplifting, showing me how incredible I truly can be especially with this cleanse.
I am now helping others who have expressed an interest in this cleanse, and will not only use my skills and experience, but will guide them here to this forum…
blessings
jacki jenkins
Calgary Alberta, Canada
I am doing this basically to see how challenging it is mentally. I do not really need to lose weight (5’9″ – 163.6 lbs). I exercise 5 days a week and have been lazy over the holidays. I am on day 7 and have already lost 10.4 lbs. My ideal weight range is usually 148-152 lbs when i feel best for long range running (marathons) and daily basketball. The energy and “focus” you have is noticed quickly. I rarely have energy problems, but this is typically more sustained due to the feeling of cleaning out the system. I am simply doing the 10 day cleanse, but would have no problem going longer – from what I have read, it appears that 10 days is optimal. I do have a couple of questions: 1) How often per year should I do this and for how long? This has been a good thing for me mentally – I am glad I got “talked” into this and hope to have many others try this as well! Thanks again!
Hey I haven’t tried the master cleanse as of yet. I will start it on Sunday 1-27-08. I still don’t understand how maple syrup grade b, lemons and cayenne pepper mixed with water cleanses your system, but i will give it a try.
I’ll let you know how i did. I will do the cleanse for 10 days.
Hope I can make it…smiles.
Thanks for all the info.
Peter Glickman on page 102 of his book states “provided the person is not on prescribed medications that prohibit the cleanse.” What does he mean? Should I stop taking my Prevacid, Hyzaar, Labetalol, Potassium, and Amitiza? I finished Day 1 and after the tea and my nightly meds I had a watery elimination before I did the SWF. The rest of the day just drank lemonade and water. No more eliminations and I exercised as usual. Is this common?
Hi Raylen:
Today is my first day on recovery from my 10 day fast, isn’t the first time and definetly not the last. I’ve been fasting at least once a year for the last 8 years. I can tell you that each fasting experience has been different. In the past, the hardest part for me was the sea salt water flush, I couln’t handle the taste and I refuse to do it and I just drink the laxative tea (Senna Leaf)morning and night, however I had terrible cramps and abdominal pain. This fast I decided to take the sea salt flush, it wasn’t that bad at all. The original book suggested to take 1 qt. of Sea Salt Water and I just took about half. Also I noticed that the Senna Leaf has to be less concentrated to avoid the cramping and I feel wonderful! I would like to stay on a healthy diet after fasting to avoid regaining weight. Do you have any healthy suggestions?
I had emergency surgery July 1 and spent 17 days in the hospital, pumped with antibiotics painkillers and who knows what. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to be alive but I felt the need to cleanse my body of the residual chemicals. I prepared the day before mixing my “drink†in a large batch and did three days with a positive attitude. I had to stop to take an antibiotic for a lingering bladder infection but tomorrow I will cleanse again for ten days. I am a chef by profession and obviously around food daily but found it relatively easy with a positive attitude! I feel great
Hello
My name is Mary. I learned about the Master Cleanse from my cousin, who lost a lot of weight using this program. I thought I would give it a try and see if it will work gor me.
Well I started the cleanse on 18 Jan and am now on day 5. I feel great and have lost a few pounds. The hardest day so far, was day 1. I really wanted to chew on something. The next hurdle to jump over was being around food. I had my kids to prepare their own meals to resist the temptation of eating.
I’m having some minor problems with the program. for starters I’m having a hard time drinking the salt water. I have tried drinking 16 oz plus 1 cup of the laxative tea. So far it has been working (BM) until today when nothing happened. I had been drinking Super Dieter’s tea for 10 days , 1 week before I started the Master cleanse. I’m not sure if that had anything to do with it. I was also using just a regular herbal laxative tea. I bought the smooth move today and will it to see how it will work. Other then that I love the lemonade. It taste good. When I feel hungery I just drink a glass and it goes away. I usually can get about 8 glasses in per day.
I hope I can make it to day 10. Today is hump day for me.
Hi, Raylen.
I am intrigued by your fast/diet plan. I intend to do it (just as soon as I can find a friend or two to commit to it with me).
One friend who might has diabetes (I don’t know which type). She is 57. Is this something she could possibly do?
I am currently doing the dual-action cleanse, but am not getting the movements promised. I will finish the plan, wait a few weeks, and then try your plan.
I currently take a number of supplements with food twice a day (saw palmetto extract, salmon oil, choline/inositol, ginkgo biloba, and natural vitamin e). I also drink about 3 glasses of raw milk, and eat a teaspoon of local bee pollen twice a day. On most days i also eat 2 (organic, cage-free) raw eggs.
Can I continue any of these while on your plan?
I also wanted to see about adding chlorella and cilantro (to aid in mercury detoxification) if possible.
Your thoughts on the above?
Thank you so very much in advance for your reply and input.
-dn
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