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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Hey Raylene,
Thanks for all the great advice!
I’m on Day 2 and feeling good…..just missing the feeling of food in my mouth, but not necessarily my stomach..hehe.
To all those who are giving it a go…GO FOR IT! Let’s do this together!!
All the best!
Nico, New Zealand.
Thanks to all for your comments about this cleanse, it is really inspiring. Today is my 4th day and I am so energized, am feeling like I could go run a marathon race.
Hi, help keep me motivated guys, Im going to start the cleanse as of tomorrow, April 7,2008.
I must pull through, i must!!!!!!!!
I am starting the Cleanse today. I already had my first (gross) salt wash and a 20 oz. lemonade. I heard that it is easier to do it with someone so I’m so happy to have found this forum. I am also trying to convince my mom to start with me too.
Day 1:
I am a breakfast girl. I always, always, always start my day with something nourishing and full of protein. I am hypoglycemic so my body is really sensitive to major changes in sugar levels. My old way of thinking convinced me to just always keep sugar levels high. I love bread and sweets and all that yummy stuff. I am really hoping that this will help to keep me more in balance.
I attend the University of Delaware and am 21 years old. As I sit here in a coffee shop blogging before class, I am fighting the urge to 1)use the restroom 2)inhale the sweet aroma of coffee and bagels. I think tomorrow I might avoid food joints as to not tempt myself.
The salt was disgusting. I couldn’t finish the recommended amount. I’ll probably try to have it later.
I also had tea but I think I bought the wrong kind. I bought a peach detox tea by yogi teas. What is everyone else taking? Any suggestions?
I plan on going to a hot yoga class tonight at 6 pm. I’ll let you all know how that goes later.
Thanks for the support and the feedback!
-MissKate
I’m about to start the lemonade diet, but before I need to know if I can continue smoking during the process. Thanks
I’m new to this whole cleansing phenom. My boyfriend and I are planning on starting the “Master Cleanse” next week and I have to says, I am VERY excited! Sounds crazy but true. I’ve been unhappy with my weight and overall energy level and mood for some time now. My boyfriend is having kidney problems and we both just want to get healthier and set a good example for our future kids! lol Anyway,good luck to us and anyone else who is about to start! Happy pooping!!!
Hi Raylen–I’ve been on the MC for 5 days now, but was only doing the lemonade drink and cayenne capsules. Not much was happening inside me! So as of Day 5, I started doing it correctly since I found your web site, which is GREAT! So much information and sharing. My question-my bowel movements are all just brown liquid. Is that within the “normal” range of what is expected? And will I benefit from the first 4 days when I wasn’t doing the salt water flush or detox tea? What happens to all the toxins I just mobilized and didn’t get rid of? Will I still flush them out in the next 5 days? Thanks for your sage advice. chill
My husband and I started the Master Cleanse on Sunday evening and I have to say it is tougher than we thought. We plan on sticking it out for the 10 days to reap all the benefits we have read and heard about. As I am cleansing my body I dont see where I would ever go back to my eating habits I had before. Although it wasnt to bad it wasnt the healthiest either. We have adapted a new way of living. We cannot wait to see the end results.
I started the Master Cleanse on Monday, April 14th and I must say that was my hardest day. I was feeling a little hungry but I kept telling myself “I can do this”. I had the worse headache the first day but that is now gone. I am on day three and have already lost 6 pounds and I’m not feeling hungry and the headaches are gone and I’m feeling very energetic. I only have 20 pounds I wanted to shed but the health benefits outweigh the weight loss…I FEEL GREAT!! For those of you struggling..Don’t give up!!
Can you chew gum while on the cleanse. I’m on my fourth day…feeling pretty good…but I found that the gum is helping. Before I completely sabotage myself please let me know if it’s ok.
It’s my second day on Master Cleanse and I was wondering if it’s normal to feel bloated and retain water after taking the salt water laxative. I eliminated a decent amount the first day, but on day two I did not. Also, I have been taking psyllium husk for 25 years. I weigh about 120 lbs., am an athlete and eat very health conscious. Could this be why I haven’t spent much time eliminating?
I started the clense yesterday because I’ve been having a lot of problems with stress, water retention, sudden weight gain, and very large loose stools. I felt great yesterday, more energy than ever and I actually started to urinate more. Not much after the water, but more with the lemonade. I used the sea salt in the morning and the phsillium at night. But I normally have a bowl movement very easily first thing in the morning. This morning nothing happened, but I did loose 2 pounds when I got on the scale. So, I used the sea salt and drank my lemonade, nothing really happened, and now I seem to be constipated and bloated. Should I not be using the salt water, or should I keep using it in the morning, but use the laxitive tea at night rather that the phsillium? Or, is it possible that I’m overhydrating myself?
I’m 130 lbs and drank a total of 130 oz of fluid yesterday.
Thanks,
Emily
I’ve been doing my own version of the master cleanse. 1 tbs maple syrup or agave or molasses and 1 tbs lemon and a pinch of cayenne on the hour for 16 hours a day. I’m not sure I buy all the stuff about the aches and pains being detoxing and not my body burning muscle, but I am losing weight and I do feel better than when I was restricting myself to 1500 calories a day. My worry is that while I’m losing weight, I’m also dropping my metabolism. I hope that when I’m done with my 14 days, I’ll have a better appreciation for food and be satisfied, really taste and enjoy my food so that I can stop after a taste instead of gobbling it up. Is anyone worried about sagging and skin flaps from losing weight too fast?
I can not find the grade b syrup in my area.
Can you help? Seneca Falls, NY 13148. Thank you. Lesia
I have been on the cleanse for 13 days so far and hoping to go alittle longer but I have developed a cold. Runny nose,sensitive throat,slight cough some people say it could be allergies. Not sure that I am really allergic to anything. Is it safe to continue? I want to listen to my body but not sure If I should look for any additional signs that I should stop. Besides the “cold side affects” I have been doing great!
Raylen,
I am a mother of a 5 and 8 year old. I will be 40 in a week and I currently take meds for highblood preasure and colestoral. I would like to do the cleanse before June. My delima is that I am currently a 7th grade math teacher. I am very afraid that I will have problems because I dont have the luxury of using the restroom when needed. I start work at 8am, and don’t get a break until noon. Any suggestions.
Educationally Yours,
Vera
Any advice on living with people who wont stop buying jumk food while your trying to do the cleanse?
Hi Raylen, I just finished doing the Master Cleanse for two weeks and there is now 19 pounds and 10.5 inches less of me
. I have 35 pounds to reach my 155-goal weight, so yesterday I started having one balanced meal with my Master Cleanse. So far, I have noticed I cannot even finish my one meal (Chicken Quinoa Soup with veggies). That is OK, as I know not to eat too much at first. With six MC drinks (I use sugar free syrup), it leaves me around 600 calories or 22 Weight Watcher points to have so my calorie count does not get my body into a starvation mode.
Has anyone out there done the one meal with MC Drink to lose weight before???
Thanks Raylen for this great blog, Bobbi – Santa Clarita, California
I just have a question.
I have started the “Master Cleanse”, but I will like to know if I can drink green tea (no sugar) while on the cleanse, If you can please help
Thanx
-Mariluna
Today is my second day on the MC, and I feel great, it is incredible but I can breath a lot easier and I feel full of energy…
i tried doing the mc diet and i couldnt last one day i got a headache so bad i had to stop how can i prevent headaches while on the diet?
I am a 52 year old overweight, menopausal woman. I was scared to start the Master Cleanse, but today is DAY 10 and I am happy I have done it! So far, I am sleeping much better, feel better all around, and have lost 12 lbs! The worst day for me was DAY 1. I had caffeine withdrawl headaches that were incredibly hard to get through. I finally just went to bed. Now I am scared to get off the Master Cleanse! I think I will go another 3 days!
I did it once for 10 days,and lost about 20 lbs. and gained it back over 6 months ago. Now I am on day 2 of my 2nd fast, and intend to try for the 40 days, and lose as much as I can in 40 days.. since I am 126-131 lbs over weight. I intend to continue on with a healthy diet and excersize plan after the 40 days, and get the help of friends to do this with. I wonder if anyone has done this for 40 days and lost 80 lbs on this. Bri
This day one of the master cleanse for me. I tried it for the first time. It’s a bit spicy but I think I will manage however I see glimpse of what I could eat instead and tell myself I am in the pursuit of health and happiness. It a good thing I meditate I will need it. Now there are some conflicting views on just how long to stay on Master Cleanse I fully intend on staying on it for ten days but whats the longest. In MY SMALL COMMUNITY WE ONLY SELL GRADE A Maple Syrup its dark amber does this mean I should take a daily vitamin which my mom said was a good idea.
Thanks for all your help. Feel free to e-mail me with any help, suggestions, and answers.
I am on day 6 and alittle bored. I still have to cook for my family. There seems to be food everywhere and I’m writing in a blog! I have not gone crazy yet. I will make it all 10days as I have before 30yrs. ago. Reading about MC on this web site has helped. I will reply back in 7days to give my report.
Talk with ya’ll then.
Allan
I started the cleanse about a week and a half ago. I have already lost 20 pounds. I feel alot better, like running up a flight of stairs without being out of breath when I get to the top. I am still 110 pounds over weight but with Gods help I plan to continue. I have cheated three times during my cleanse because of having to make breakfast, lunch and dinner for my husband made it difficult but the good thing was that I had only raw vegetables and in a small portion because my stomach wont fit more than that. But oh was it good I never thought that I could enjoy salads before without adding any meat or junk.
Hi Raylen
I read a lot of information on the master cleanser and found that it is really good from the way in which the other users comment adout. Well i am very please to say that the comments have motivated me into trying it so i am on my second day and feel very well even though i am cooking for my family and do not have the urge to eat so that is a big plus on my part. the only problem i have is a headace which i think will go away in time.
I want to, need to, give you some feedback about your e-Book before I become an affiliate.
How can I send details to you ?
Jack
jmark1@bigpond.net.au
I am going to try to do the master cleanse again. I flopped the first time … Wish me luck!!!
Today is my first day on the day ten day fast. My friend did this fast in the 90’s and lost 12 pounds and cleared her skin. I need to lose 15 pounds and would like to lose an additional two vanity pounds.
For those of you who are ahving trouble finding Grade B Maple Syrup, you can always order it online. There is http://www.mannaharvest.net and http://www.MotherNature.com, for example.
I’m finishing up Day One and have had virtually no side effects, other than some fatigue and very light headache. I even did my regualr exercise routine for an hour.
As for those who are saying the salt water flush is unbearable, I totally agree. I read in the MC Secrets that you can simply replace the salt water mix with the herbal laxative tea that we drink at night. I may just drink that tomorrow morning if I can’t bear the salt.
Is anyone else an athlete who is mainly doing this for detoxing unwanted waste,as opposed to weight loss?
Thank you for all the useful infomation to get started on the Master Cleanse. I just finished the 3-Day Pre-Cleanse in preperation for my 10 day cleanse and feel great.
I have a question regarding the SWF. Your ingredients for the SWF says to mix in only 1 teaspoon of Sea Salt, but in the original recipe by Stanley Burrooughs it says to use 2 teaspoons. Is this a typo or do you think 1 tsp. is OK?
Thanks
I just completed the master cleanse, and personally it wasn’t that hard. Many assume that 10 days of nothing but lemonade would be a huge struggle but not so much for me. I feel much more energized and even happier. Im less sluggish and weighed down. I also have lost about 12 pounds over the last 10 days and my skin is even a little more vibrant. The compliments have been flying. I felt this could be the kick off to a healthy summer and a healthy organic diet. I truely do feel cleansed.
I an starting the MC
I AM STARTING THE CLEANSE TOMORROW. I WAS WONDERING HAS ANYONE SUFFERING FROM ACNE NOTICED CLEARER SKIN? AND IF SO HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE SEEING RESULTS?
how long can the lemoneade drink stay in the fridge?
I just purchased all the info that I need to get started. Will start my cleanse in 2 days. I am very excited. I can’t wait to rid the toxins in my body & feel beter.
Can i use organic smooth move stimulant laxative instead of salt water?
I just finished the Master Cleanse after 23 days. I lost about 40 lbs and feel amazing. I worked out the whole time and walked my dog three miles every day as well. I did just what Stanley Burroughs said to do and it worked…it worked terrific!! I just wanted to explain that the Lemonade Diet has to be followed exactly. I mean exactly. That means the Salt Water (I had to use three teaspoons for it to be effective, as everyone is a little different) and the cayenne. You have to use the Cayenne can be cut down at first so you can get used to it. Cut it way down and gradually add more to your taste. It is essential to clear the mucus from your system. But go slow at first. It it doesn’t taste great you may be using to much. Further, it is not advisable to modify the quantities of lemon and maple syrup ingredients. The weight loss is a wonderful by-product of the cleanse not the principal reason to attempt it. The lemons and maple syrup give you everything you need to continue your vibrant health. Don’t mess around with perfection. To stay physically and mentally healthy and energetic follow the recipe exactly. Additionally, please, please use only real, fresh lemons not lemon flavored syrup or concentrated stuff. The cleanse will not work if you use anything but real lemons (preferably organic). I know that I will be able to do this much more often as I have now modified my diet and will eat healthy and well for the rest of my life.
One last thing. If you really, really cannot manage the salt water aspect of the cleanse, Stanley Burroughs says that you can use a laxative tea in the morning and again in the evening. I just use Chocolate Smooth Move in the evening and the salt water flushed everything out every morning. Don’t neglect this part of the Master Cleanse. It may not be easy but it is sure worth expending the effort for the huge payoff…getting your health and body back! One other thing I learned “Everyone (that is everyone) has great six-pack abs under that few inches of flab” I have mine back now and I haven’t seen it in years!!! I’m keeping ‘em.
Tonight I have completed 9 days of the recomended 10 day Master Cleanse. I’ve had very few bowel movements since I started and have followed the plan religiously. The second day I had one small pebble size movement, followed by a similar sized one on the fourth day. Nothing since until today. I have noticed a white film/detoxing happening in my mouth, but nothing more then that. Today, day 9, I had my first real movement, which was deffinately old stuff. Gross! But, now with tommorow being my last day, I feel that I will have jipped my body of the full cleanse. I don’t want to go more then 10 days on this diet. What do you suggest I do to continue the progress??? I intend on continuing the weight loss program (replace one meal a day with lemonade) as well as adding the daily fiber supplement and making healthier menu choices. Is there anything else I can do to continue the cleansing process of my colon?
As previously stated I did start the cleanse on 6/2/08 and did it for 3 days. It was truly amazing I lost 9 pounds, and I feel great, the sea salt laxative didnt exactly work for me but I still lost the weight. Good luck to all of you who are considering trying, including mom and sister, De-De and Sal. Trust me its worth trying even if only for 3 days.
I’m on day 5 of the cleanse, I’m amazed and delighted I got this far. I do get occasional pangs and almost overwhelming thoughts of “I am so hungry right now!”. With determination, I’m seeing it through to the full ten days. My stomach definitely feels flatter, my cheekbones are starting to look more defined and my skin, which went flip-floppy and maple (!)at the start of the cleanse looks much smoother. The BO and the bad breath aren’t pleasant, but it just means more attention to hygiene even more than usual.
One thing though – I followed the laxative tea regime and finally had to switch to syrup of figs, and that produced even a MINIMAL result. The salt water flush loosened me up but as it was all liquid I can’t really see what it is I’m getting rid of (I know, “eeew!”, but as cleansing is the objective and everything…)
I’d recommend the cleanse highly, I’m amazed I’ve made it 5 days and am not going out of my mind not having coffee!
Hey Raylen,
I am starting the The Master Cleanse today and I read your ebook. Thanks for the TIPS and MOTIVATION!
To your Sucess
Roxanne
I’m building the courage to start the master cleanse diet. I’m not overweight but I know for a fact that I’m over ‘waste’. I have 2 children, one 8 and the other 2, so my day is spent running all over (plus work!) I’m looking forward to having energy for a change… Get back to you soon!
I have now been on the master cleanse for 8 days and I feel great! I really needed this. I could tell that before I went on the cleanse my body was so bogged down. I felt so sluggish and tired. I am feeling so much better now. I am feeling some pangs in my back though, which is kink of weird, but I have stretched and I will take a hot bath and that should soothe them.
I have usually just juiced to clean my body out, but I wanted to try this and then go into the juicing. I love raw juicing it too really makes me feel good and it is so statisfying.
I have noticed on your blog that everyone seems to be dropping pounds and I don’t seem to see the pounds dropping though I definitly feel a lot lighter?, so I am not too worried about that. I want to stay on the cleanse longer than the 10 days, but I will be going out of town for a few days and it may be difficult to do that? I will definetly do this more often.
thank you
Just finished the master cleanse a few days ago and could not believe I made it 11 days. This is the first time I have ever gone without food. I was glad I did! I had headaches the first two days and then started feeling better. I lost 15 pounds and will start eating better. I plan on doing the cleanse at least twice per year.
Hello I just started july 7 2008 Wish me luck Im on my fourth cup,, And Im about to PUKE!!! I do have a one question I could not find b maple syrup so Im using a maple syrup Is that ok??????? I have been every where looking for that maple syrup Jewels,domini,tony’s fresh market help
Day 1:
At 11.45am so far doing good. Though I have been tempted to give up once already and it’s day 1. I am at the office and I really don’t want to go downstairs to smell all the food in the city.
I had my second cup already. I need to do this…so I will keep reading the site for more inspiration.
Day 1, (not sure what happended to my previous posting but anyways…)
I am almost surviving the wholeday….It’s amazing how we my hunger cravings are driven by the foods smells around me, the restraurants that I pass through…It’s amazing…and every corner has them. But I survived them today.
It’s now 6.19pm, finished preparing dinner for my family etc and I am managing well.
So glad I have made it through the day.
Here comes day two.
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