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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Day 1 master cleanse. I’ve done the cleanse in the past and the health benefits are amazing you feel so much energy and the cravings diminish. I’m starting this cleanse to help me eat healthier I’m a mother of 4 and it’s hard not to run out and get junk food when you’re running around all night for kid activities but the bottom line I’m teaching them such bad eating habits and that must stop. I’ve attempted to start a few times in the past months and I’ve gained 26 pounds in the past few months which I feel has not helped me at all. Everyone always tells me I have strong will power but I haven’t lately. I’m ready to feel good about myself and good in general again and today I feel motivated and victory. Oh how I despise the Salt Water flush…but it worked and I have no desire to quit day 2 here I come.
Day 2 Master Cleanse- Salt Water YUM ;-( woke up with a mild headache from all the cravings and toxins. Forgot to use the Sienna tea last night too. I’m fighting with myself to stay on the cleanse what a shame but I refuse to loose this battle. The New Year will bring good health and more importantly better eating habits. Pushing on to day 3…
Day 3 Master Cleanse – woke up early 5am to take the SWF felt my gag reflex kick in but I managed to keep it down. still eliminating some waste more so from the Senna Tea I drank last night. I had 48 ounces of lemonade yesterday and plan for another 48 ounces today. It’s amazing how little we need to consume and honestly aside from a little of the temple headache left over from yesterday due to all the caffeine withdraws I’m sure well I’m feeling suprisingly well. The fight within myself to quit is gone I feel like I can accomplish the full 10 days. Tomorrow will be day 4……;-)
Hi All,
This is my 1st day of the master cleanse, drank the SWF this morning….YUK…gag gag gag YUK. I’m feeling very positive and focused, I’d like to make it to day 7.
Good luck everybody.
just started the master cleanse on day 2 and i feel good about it. havent craved any food even while cooking for the kids. ive been using the psyillium husk in place of the sea salt so far its quicker for me because i have hectic days. i bought the sea salt from whole foods market and although it is unrefined i cant tell whether its uniodized. i will try it tonite and see how well it works. i didnt think i would last the full 10 days but i feel great now and i am sure i’ll make it.
Hey everyone! I really do not have any RESOLUTIONS but my Mantra is to be more healthy. I am not doing the cleanse right now but will do the 10 later on this month. I am doing everything in moderation at this time & watching my weight in other ways so my family will not freak out! I will support & cheer all of you on from the sidelines in hopes that you ALL meet your goals!!!
Peace and Greetings!
I am on the 8th day of the MC and I feel great! Initially, I was doubtful in being able to last for so long with food; but the lemon juice, maple syrup provide all of the needed vitamins. It is amazing how the body through God guidance, can heal itself. Before I started the MC, I could barely get out of bed without pain in my knees, lower back, and it was difficult for me to walk. Years ago, a friend told me about the lemonade diet, to mix the juice of a lemon with water. She didn’t say how much water, and I used tap water, this cause an ulcer to develop in my stomach. By not knowing the full facts, this caused me great pain! Warning: it is very important to follow the direction, to achieve your goal of detoxing and developing a healthier body. May God bless you all with a prosperous New Year!
I am just starting on day one. I tried the MC before and could only last 3 days because I was around potsmokers, which resulted in smoking and later, the munchies! Now I’m more committed, don’t smoke as much as I used to, and I really need to lose weight!!! I’m 5′2″ and 180 lbs!!! Outrageous, I know! I couldn’t believe it. I want to get down to 135 (ultimately), but I’m going to try to go for 10 days and see where that leaves me. The headaches were the worst thing I can remember about last time, and feeling cold a lot. I hope I can hang in… and get healthy…. and lose weight!!
Hello. It’s day 5 of the cleanse for me. I started at 247.5 and today I weighed in at 231.5.
I’m doing 60oz of mix in the morning, and about 40-50oz of water during the day as well. Laxative tea at night. I’m not having bowel movements as much like I thought I would, most consist of watery diarhea and some solids. Since this is the 5th day, should I start seeing more bowel movements?
It definately feels like it’s getting easier today, i’m not having the hunger urges like I have been the past few days. I’ve had headaches off an on for a few days, but they seem to be getting better as well. If anyone has any advice, please comment. Thank you.
Hello,
I have made up my mind to start on 15th Jan.,2009, 10days is the immediate target,if everything goes right I will extend it to 15 days.I remember some 10 years back,i took grape fast for one month and after a year another water fast for 21 days was completed ,though it was difficult.On both occassions I could not gain much health benefits because I failed to observe pateince and jumped to normal foods immediately afterwards ending the fast.I must not do the same mistake this time.In India you dont find Maple Syrup,so the alternative fresh Sugar Cane Juice will be used instead.Thanks.
Kudos to all you ‘lemonheads”! Im’ 56 yers old, 5′, 35 pounds overweight, and tired of being tired all the time… I teach special education and start my day with a stiff carmel latte. (okay, sometimes two) Heard about the mastercleanse from a friend and jumped in with both feet, but was not completely informed. Had a cup of chicken broth the first evenings, then found this website. Finished a thirteen day cleanse (had to make up for the first few days I was doing it incorrectly). Day 1 & 2 I had a bad caffiene headache, but it passed. Later in the week i began to experience joint and muscle aches. I had a good massage, spent one evening alternating between a suana, hot tub, and swimming laps in a pool. It was invigorating!! My energy soared and I felt rasied to a whole other level of awareness. Did all this during Christmas and New Year’s eve. Food was not the least bit tempting. I almost dreaded eating again because I was afraid of breaking the “feel good” spell. I loved the lemon potion! I went back to just fruit juices for two days, then made a healthy veggie soup, then added whole fruits, and raw veggies. I haven’t felt this good in years. Oh, and I also lost 8 pounds of toxins. I highly recommend this detox and plan to do it again in a couple of months. I’m not tired any more, sleep great (quit sleeping meds) and started yoga daily. This has been a truly life changing experience!
I heard about this thru my Yoga Class and wanted to do a detox, so “bingo” , this was it. I just completed 10 days and am doing the orange juice today. The only “cheat” I did was a slice of apple on first day and two (little) blueberries last week. That is it, except for sugarless gum. I know it is bad for you, but I needed to chew and get some taste in my mouth. Is that okay or did I wreck it. I used a Brita filter for my water, but I did let the water set overnight (gets rid of clorine I think) and I don’t think our water is that bad. I feel great and like last writer, I feel bad going back to food, for what it might do to me, but we do need food. I have had good eating habits, but plan to eat less and improve them more. Can’t wait for vegetable soup!!!!! I think this is a great plan, even for discipline alone!
This is my first time through. It has been very good. I am on day 15. I wanted to listen to my body (and my bowels) as to the right time to stop. If I continue on longer i know cleansing would still take place for awhile. I am going to do the P90x workout with my son for the next 90 days so I have to quit and get prepared for that.
hi there i’m a 24 year old male,and in great shape an i’ve been doin the lemonade diet for about 3 years now atleast twice a year,i’ve also been doin the internal salt water bathing,which i still do every month. i prefer limes in the diet an i also add fresh extracted ginger juice along with cayane powder.i’ve been doing it the brutal way which i learned in the old book by stanley burroughs and its tough, i mean i love how good i feel after a few days an how energetic it can make you, but nuthin but lemonade an the herb tea gets dull an old,is there any kind of fruit you can eat while on this diet,or maybe veggies? anything at all would be good. i hope you get the chance to read this an can answer.as i have no credit cards i can’t download all you specal info in your book which i would LOVE to read,can it be bought at any stores? thank you an i hope to hear from you.
I’m on day five of the MC and I only lost three pds. I found out from my sister that I was using the wrong tea and using to much water. I plan on dropping some pds. on the MC for my health. I’ve been to the doctor and was told there was nothing wrong with me and I still have all types of pains in my legs, feet, arms,hands etc.. Not to mention I’m only 26yrs old. I’m strong enough to get through this and I’ll keep you all updated on the aching body parts. I’m so excited and think I’ll try to go for like 12 days…. Any suggestions or comments. I made a blog on my Myspace.
I just want all to know that I made it to day 9, then my body started to tell me to stop the MC. Make sure you listen to yours. My body said at about day 8 feed me so I started at the beginning of day 10 to drink a small cup of orange juice and have worked my way very very slowly to where I am now eating soups, juicing and salads and it is day 16. 7 days after i stopped the MC. And I still lost weight after stoping the fast. But I haven’t had any kind of meats or breads but will introduce them in the days to come. As most here know here,I hope they know breaking a fast is so important you don’t want to get sick or be in pain or reverse what you have worked for in the cleanse so Please read all that you can about breaking the fast. P.S. I feel great and on top of it lost 13 lbs.
hello everyone, My friend and i started the master cleanse on Tuesday Jan 27!..i thought i couldnt ever do this cleanse, but i was wrong ! Were on my fourth day and we haven’t gave up, were following everything step by step! this is my fourth day and i already lost nine pounds, and my friend already lost seven. It is hard, but it isent as hard as i thought it would be, yet!
Beverly
Hi this is my first day on the master cleasne. So far I’m ok with. I was a bit worried about starting the cleanse since I have school and work throughout the week. But I’m just gonna do it and hope to be succesfull, lasting the full ten days.
Beverly
I am happy to say it’s my third day! Can’t wait to make three more days. I did not sleep much last night because I took the senna tea at 7pm and went to bed at 12am. Normally I don’t stay up that late. I woke up after 2am to go to the bathroom. Tonight I will take the tea much later like maybe 9pm so I could stay asleep a little longer. I feel more enerygetic though and this program does not interfere with work or school. Actually being active instead of sitting at home helps keep me occupied and not think about food.
It’s my 14th day of my first Master Cleanse. I am finally starting to feel the symptoms, severe headaches, congestion, tiny cramps. I went the first 8 days not having real significant symptoms besides a sore throat. I am hoping to be done on Monday,but I am willing to go as long as possible to really get the full benefit of the cleanse. After this cleanse I am going vegetarian and hoping to do another cleanse a couple of months after I complete this one. I started out at 261 lbs and have dropped 20 lbs. But it’s more than just losing the weight, it’s feeling better, waking up in the morning and not feeling horrible and not having all my aches and pains. But it is getting harder and harder every few days.
Ok I went to the store here in my home town of literally 1200 ppl. Only store here sells Maple Syrup Grade A 100% pure by spring tree. I also purchased cayenne pepper powder but they didnt have it in organic and did get the lemons organic. Am I able to use these or no. Plus what do I need for laxative tea, herbal tea and sea salt . I dont know what to do with those. Please help. I am excited to start but want to make sure I do it right. I need to know what to do with the sea salt. I believe laxative tea u drink b4 bed and the herbal tea I dont know what to do with it. Please help me.
Thanks,
Kelly
oh yeah another question is am I able to drink water on this cleanse also or no? Sorry I am tryin to find out more as I read but having hard time finding stuff. Thanks again.
Kelly
Today is my seventh day. I am glad I made it this far. After having a lot of energy and no temptations on the first three days, I was a bit low in energy on day four but I did well afterward. I have three more days to go and if my body can tolerate this cleanse longer, I will go for 14 days.
I have been on the Master Cleanse for 20 days. I had NO problem starting the program nor staying on it. I had not intended on going off of it this soon until I read all of the info today. I have only lost 12 pounds and am dissapointed in that fact as I have followed it to the letter. I have never felt SO good. After being on the program for only one day ALL of my aches and pains had disappeared. I have had a rotator cuff problem for two years. I have had shots, physical therapy and many Dr appointments to no avail. After being on the Master Cleanse the pain is gone! I was hoping for detailed info on losing weight with this program or how to lose the weight after going off of the program which I did not find. Because I had already been on the program without any problem I did not find the info of any help.
hello Rayleo i love your blog ,thanks i need it for encouragement. to all member thanks .the more i read the stronger i get.I started on master cleanse 2-7-09 today is my third day.i am doing good.i am going to try for 10 days.the first day for me was bad.day 2 was better today 3 was good. i feel good.i have no problem with the pepper,lemon or mapble syrup.Day 10. I will give you a update.
Hello. I made day #10 today, which was my goal. I had coments like people asking me if I was crazy not eating food for ten days. Some were amazed that I had the stamina and wish they could do it. Anyway it was succesful. I went from 175 to 165lbs, but I did not weigh myself today. My skin look amazing. I look so much younger. Since I don’t feel like quiting, I will continue my cleanse.
hi Raylen
I just finished 10 day of mastercleansing…..results, 16 lbs. and a lot of great comments. I followed the diet with 3, 20 oz drinks 3 times a day and the weight poured off and I felt great. I never had a headache, never wanted to eat, and the only reason I stopped after 10 days was that I had guests coming in town for a week, plus 2 affairs I had to attend or I WOULD NOT have stopped, I love it. I can’t say I have ever got used to the cayenne pepper. Maybe I’ll try the capsules next time. You have to be ready for the mastercleanse, you can’t play at it, and if you are YOU CAN’T FAIL….One final note, carry a water bottle with you at all times, you can’t drink TOO MUCH water…You don’t need luck, just the right mental attitude…Gordon
hi, i am considering to start the MC. next week. I have my daughter who is 6 months old and still breast feeding.
I have tried exercising for 3 months and haven’t loose a single pound…..I am not sure what to do right now!!
Please help answering my question if I can do the MC and still breast feed!
Thank you,
Tihitina
hello…today is day 1 of my cleanse….i cant say i like the taste of the cayenne but im willing to do it….i have it set that i will take a cup every hour until 8pm and at 9 take my tea and go to bed after the news or when im sleepy, whatever comes first. i am hoping to pass my gallstones which is the reason for doing this….i know there are other cleanses specific for that but why not get rid of all my toxins…..this blag is amazing help…..thanx and good luck to everyone!!
Claudia
I just started master cleanse today, after preparing myself the day before by drinking orange juice and barely anything else. I have to say that day 1 has been…….bearable. I did taxes all day so it kept my mind occupied, but i was not prepared for the constant running to the bathroom for 1.5 hrs, or the slight headache that is either the result of having nothing of substance in my stomach or staring at a computer screen. I’m sure tomorrow will be better…i just have to get used to the idea that this is what i will be eating for the next week. The end result though is that i will be stronger, my body will be healthier; when considering the alternative and end result of having a toxic body, ten days of discomfort is nothing.
Today is the 1st day I’m taking my life back. I know God didn’t create me to be a human waste site. Frankly, I’m tired of all the health issues. I pray for all who are on this fast, and all who need to be on. Right now, I having some sinus pain all over my head and face. I also know my blood pressure s up some. I have tried this fast on several occasions, and it seems to really help my health issues. besides being overweight, plantar fascitis in my left heel, just a bunch of things that be controlled with prayer, time management & will power. Lent began a few days ago and willing to give up things that are weighing me down literally. I don’t know how many days I can go this time, but I want to shoot for 10 & then strictly fruits & veggies for the remainder of Lent. Please pray for me. My husband is a tall, thin, junk food junky. He has agreed to not eat junk food, but unwilling to the cleanse. I really want him to because he eats everything fried and pig like. I have suggested he at least try a colon cleanse, but is dead set against it. As long as he helps me get through the first 10 dys I’m satisfied with that. God bless you all, and happy cleansing.
hello i just finished my 10 days someone told my husband about it so i try it without even looking into everything i have to do i read a lot of your comments learning that i need to take some diet tea at night and sea salt i was told only half way through my mc to take 1 tbl spoon with warm water in the moring i only lost 4 lbs i don’t know where to find all the correct mc to start all over please comment
I’ve been reading alot about this cleanse in the last week and been ordering my supplies. I finally have ever thing I need so tommorow will be day one for me. I can’t wait to see the changes in my body and I’m a little worried to. I think this blog and books have helped me alot to know what I might be in for. Thanks
Tonight is the night before I start my first cleanse. Instead of doing my herbal tea I found it in a pill form. Because I tried it a few days ago and it is NASTY! I had to take 3 of them tonight, as I would if I was to drink one glass of the tea. Tomm AM I will do my first SWF (salt water flush). I hear that is NASTY TOO! Anyway my starting weight is 191.6. I just had a baby 6 months go, so it is time to summerize. My goal is 135-140. So lets see how well I do on a 10 day cleanse. And looking forward to having more energy too. With a 6yr old and a 6mo. old I need it! Lets keep our fingers crossed.
I just wanted to share a bit of my experience on day 4 of my first cleanse. First, I’m amazed that I have more energy now then ever before. I’m not tired in the middle of the day, I usually fall asleep on the bus on the way to work and on the way home, and none of that is the case. And I go to the gym as usual, cut back on cardio a bit but ramped up weight lifting and I’m pushing myself like normal. It’s a bit freaky if you ask me– only taking in 500 calories and running full speed. And at the same time it’s annoying that I feel better doing the master cleanse than when I eat real meals because believe me, I miss chewing like crazy. I love to cook. I love to share meals with friends. I think the last one is the hardest part. As for the saline wash I find that putting a lemon rind in the glass of the luke warm solution makes it go down much much easier. My last piece of advice is for the ladies– know when your ‘ahem’ is coming to town because you don’t want to have to deal with two issues at once. I’ll schedule my next cleanse more appropriately. Happy cleansing!
I am on my 9th day, doing this Master Cleanse Diet – every thing is fine and well, except I noticed my ankels/feet swollen. I have not had this problem before, so i don’t know if the diet is the cause. Can anyone shed some light into this? Thank you!
To all those who are asking questions on this blog and not getting any response, just go buy the book!!!
http://therawfoodsite.com/mastercleanse.htm
I am on Day 2 of the master cleanse. This is the 4th time that I have done it for 10 days and one remarkable thing that I notice is that the cleanse seems to pick up where it left off the last time. Like for example, I don’t get headaches the first few days now. It doesn’t feel like I’m repeating the process all over but rather it feels like I’m already starting at a deeper place. this is very exciting because it lets me know that this cleanse does have long term, lasting effects.
Today will be my 4th day on the cleanse. Yesterday was really tough but i managed to get through it. I’m not sure if i’ve lost weight because i don’t have a scale but i do feel healthier and more energetic. I hope to stay on the cleanse for the full 10 days. March 28th will be my deadline. Wish me luck!
Ps. Can anyone give me any tips as to what will be the most proficient way to loose the excess weight? Should I do more salt washes throughout the day? This website really helped me want to achieve my goal. Thank you and good luck to those who are on the cleanse.
In this master cleanse do i have to drink the salt water flush everyday
Hi,
I am going to be starting my first MC. I have heard great things about it. A close friend of mine did the MC for a month and lost 30lbs. I am hoping to last longer then the 10 days, because I am looking to loose the weight. Please wish me luck and that I would have the will power to last past the first 3 days as I heard that is the roughest.
I am so excited.
Hi There,
I have completed the Master Cleanse and have a very good clean out and lost 5lbs doing it. I will do the cleanse again after the waitng period is done.
However what I really must tell you is that during the cleanse I noticed that my Trigeminal Nerve did not throw out as much pain as it normally did. Do you think that by doing this cleanse it could have slowed down the Trigemial Nerve disorder that I have. I know that there is a concenses out that if you eliminate fat from your diet it will decrease the pain caused from Trigeminal Nerve Disorder.
I have been on the Master Cleanse for 6 days. I feel great. I noticed 3 – 6pm is my hardest time for energy and for feeling hungry but have been able to stay with it. I have one question I have used the Psyllium and the Tea but only had results after the first day? I am following the cleanse to the letter. Is this normal?
T
I have been on the cleanse for 8 days now and I am quitting!!! The first 3 days wasn’t difficult for me, but now, I am bored with the drink and I WANT to eat a good meal. It may be because I am unemployed with not much to do during the day or that I have been watching the food network while on the cleanse. I bought the book/pdf and I even bought the additional products, but I WANT TO EAT. I am on it for detox purposes and I’m very thin (size 4), but who knows now, after some weight loss. I see myself eating a meal like a savage beast, but, I will start by eating the “safe foods” for the next couple of days to wing myself off and get my body used to digesting the food again. However, I will do the cleanse once a year, and just eat “roughage” to manage throughout the year. GOOD LUCK YOU MASTER CLEANSERS!!!
The cleanse is great!!! I’m on day 5 and feeling full of energy. The only setback I had was yesterday during the morning salt flush. I was originally using 2tsp of sea salt and my buddy was using 2 tbsp per 30 oz. I switched to what he was using and It downright made me sick for about an hour. The sick feeling went away but my body reacted different to more salt than his. I’m not salt cleansing today. I’m going to use the Smooth Moves herbal Tea instead.
On day 9 of the cleanse….yay!!! Have lost 11 pounds and feel great…keep up the words of encouragement!!!
Hey Raylen,
I have been doing the lemonade diet now for the past 4 days…and it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But it takes more planning then I thought it would. I honestly didn’t think I would make it past Day 1, but I did and if Easter wasn’t this weekend and I didn’t have a bunch of family coming over, I would have stayed on it longer. A colleague of mine did it for 5 or 6 days but stopped because she had lost 9 lbs which wasn’t her goal. She was just trying to detox. i actually didn’t weigh myself when I started, so really have no clue how much I have lost, but would estimate around 5 lbs…
I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of the cleanse, even though it’s only been 4 days. I am hoping the re-introduction and eating healthfully afterwards will pay off. Like you, I set up a blog – mainly to make myself accountable, so please feel free to drop by and check it out.
Thanks for your stories! Very motivating!
Hi all…
I started the MC this morning, but I would like to know a couple things. I am doing the 3 days to prepare for the 10 days. It is my first time doing this, I have noticed that all the liquid I am drinking…am I going to get rid of all that liquid?? Gee I think in 6 hours I am 3 pounds heavier!! And what is the best of the 3 choices for the laxative? I took the Psyllium this morning because I can not find the tea and was a bit afraid to do the sea salt…..can someone please inform me? I do use sea salt when cooking and on salads, is drinking 25oz of warm water with a teaspoon of sea salt really that bad?? and does it really work in 90 min??
Thanks!!!!!! God Bless you all
hello all. I am just beginning the cleanse. Have bought everything I need, and will start tomorrow. Pretty excited about it. This blog is great, I only wonder why you have to read thru all the old posts to get to the newer ones. I think it should be the other way around.
Can I use Morton Sea Salt “Coarse Salt” Sea Salt from Spain. This is about as close to “sea salt” I can find for the salt water cleanse.
thanks
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