The Lemon Juice Diet

What it is: The Lemon Juice Diet, written by health writer Theresa Cheung, suggests that people battle diet and weight loss because their digestive systems are not functioning properly. Cheung claims that incorporating lemons into your diet will boost your digestion, and when paired with healthy eating and exercise, will help you lose weight.

How it works: Cheung explains that if your digestive system is not working properly, your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to burn fat, and toxins may build up in your body, which ultimately slows your metabolism and makes weight loss difficult. Because lemons have the highest concentration of citric acid of any fruit, they can stimulate your stomach juices and improve your digestion. She also explains that pectin, found in lemon peel, is a good source of fiber that gets sticky when you digest it, preventing your stomach from absorbing sugar too quickly. It can also make you feel full longer.

What you do: Dieters on the lemon juice plan are allowed to eat as much healthy food as they like, as long as they incorporate at least one squirt of lemon juice or some lemon peel into each meal. It is also recommended that dieters commit to 30 minutes of aerobic activity five to six days each week.
There are seven basic principles Cheung attaches to The Lemon Juice Diet. They are:

1. Drink lemon juice with warm water every morning.
2. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
3. Balance your blood sugar. You can do this by sprinkling lemon juice over each meal.
4. Cut back on sugary foods.
5. Eat good fats, but avoid saturated fats.
6. Eat whole foods.
7. Slow down your eating.

Benefits: Cheung claims the diet will aid your digestion and help drop pounds by the second week. Following the seven principles and exercising may lead to a healthier diet and lifestyle, whether or not the lemon juice is the catalyst.

The Down Side: The diet may be harmful to someone with acid reflux or sensitivity to an acidic diet.