The lemon detox has been around for more than half a century but renewed interest has been generated in the diet program after the internationally celebrated American singer, song writer and actress Beyonce announced her secret of going on a lemon detox diet where she lost 10 kilos for the movie Dreamgirl. This kind of diet is known as the Master cleanser and many say it is very effective in breaking down toxins that have built up in the body.
The Lemon Detox diet first became famous when Stanley Burroughs, the creator of the diet and author of “The Master Cleanse” recommended it for the healing of stomach ulcers.
In his book he talked about how he first came to test this diet on a patient who suffered from stomach sores for three years. Left with no other recourse, the patient approached Stanley who recommended that he undertake the cleanse diet. After eleven days, the patient was totally healed leaving doctors amazed. Many other cases followed and the results were consistent curing the patients within ten days. Of particular note also was that those undergoing the Master Cleanse also experienced a reduction in weight.
The diet plan is very strict and involves drinking a lemon juice mixture and not eating any food for up to two weeks and sometimes more. The person on the lemon detox diet is only allowed to consume the Master Cleanse elixir to keep hydrated; this comprises six or more servings of lemonade everyday.
There is another option added to the lemonade, which is a Salt Water Flush of two teaspoons salt mixed in 200 g of water in the morning and warm herbal tea at night.
The diet offers enough nutrients to keep one energized and to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins. If you are looking to lose anywhere from 12 to 20 pounds in just two short weeks with a Detox that has been around for years and you want to jump start your metabolism, the Lemon Detox Diet will get your body off to a great start.
Dietitian Sara Abduljawad said she tried the diet herself and it worked like a miracle but she suggests that women eat healthy along with the diet. “All you need is to take half a glass of very cold water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon leaving the pulp and seeds out. You should add two tablespoons of pure Maple Syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to that and stir it well,” she said. “Then you should fill up the other half of the glass with cold water, stir and enjoy,” she added.
Abduljawad said there is no scientific evidence that one might need to go on any kind of detox diet and she did it only to test it herself. “If you want to cleanse your body you should eat healthy, quit smoking and trust your liver to do its job,” she said. “This diet is unbalanced and is very dangerous for your body because it can rob your intestines of healthy bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity,” she added.
The dietitian says this kind of diet can induce rapid weight loss which may result in losing lean muscle. “We sometimes don’t understand why people and especially women cannot follow a healthy meal plan and instead choose to go on an all liquid diet,” said Abduljawad. “The lemon diet lacks essential nutrients such as calories, protein, carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and fat. This is why I don’t recommend it because every diet should either contain the essential nutrients or the person should take supplements,” she added.
Fitness expert and personal trainer Salah Mansour said fasting and detoxing is risky. In the long term one should eat fewer carbs, less sugar, fat and hit the gym everyday.
“Lean muscle and fluids and not belly fat are the first to go in starvation diets. Usually when one starves their body they end up bingeing on unhealthy foods high in sugar and fat,” he said. “Any diet should contain protein because your body will have to get protein from other sources which will lead it to burn your own muscle mass leaving your body with high fat and low muscle,” he added.
Manour said if women want to lose weight fast for a special occasion they should exercise more and go on a low-calorie balanced diet because quick weight loss doesn’t last and in many cases the lost weight returns with added kilos.
• Rima.almukhtar@arabnews.com
The lemon detox diet: A quick weight loss plan
The lemon detox diet: A quick weight loss plan
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Baco’ restaurant
With a menu marrying the bold flavors of Asian and Mexican cuisine, Baco is a fusion restaurant with branches in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Known for their bao buns, tacos and tapas, the restaurants also show off their creative flair with signature dishes including kimchi rice and brisket birria tacos.
Arriving at the Riyadh branch, in the As Sulimaniyah neighborhood, I was struck by the sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
We began our culinary journey with the Asian fries, which were crispy and generously topped with a special sauce, cheese and brisket beef.
I also sampled the crispy prawn Japanese salad which, while visually appealing, I found lacking in flavor. The sauce was rather scant and it didn’t quite meet my expectations. However, the chicken bao, which had a special sauce with a hint of citrus, elevated the flavors beautifully.
The Thai chicken gyoza was served with a delectable peanut sauce that complemented the gyoza’s crispy exterior perfectly and this dish really highlighted Baco’s ability to blend flavors seamlessly.
Those who enjoy bold flavors will also appreciate the kimchi rice with beef and a runny egg, which is somewhat spicy.
Whether you crave a fusion dish or are simply looking for a stylish place to enjoy a meal, Baco is a destination worth exploring.
Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif
- These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings
Mashwa Al-Balad in Qatif is a grill and shawarma restaurant that will have you dialing the delivery number any time your cravings make you want to recreate nights spent grilling under the desert skies.
My family and I love this place because it usually solves the “What are we having for dinner tonight?” feud when one of us wants a shawarma and others want kebab plates; rarely do restaurants offer such a wide selection of dishes and do them all well.
Let’s start with the classic shawarma plates: Arabic beef and, my personal favorite, the Arabic chicken, both of which come with fries. Well-seasoned, tender, and with a portion size that is great as a full meal. They sometimes put a little too much garlic sauce for my liking, but others might prefer it that way.
If you’re not a fan of the plates, they offer shawarma sandwiches in different styles as well, from classic to spicy to ones with a slight Mediterranean twist, served with pomegranate seeds and rocket leaves.
The stars of the show, however, are the kebab and grill wraps, including beef awsal (cubes), shish tawooq, beef kebab, chicken kebab, and chicken musahhab.
These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings.
And of course, you can’t forget about the classic grill plates, which include separate or mixed combinations.
What I like about Mashwa Al-Balad is that you can mix and match your favorite plates, sandwiches, and all the traditional appetizers (hummus, tabbouleh, grape leaves, and more) and ensure there’s something for everyone at the table.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Brunch’ in Jeddah
- The tuna sandwich offered a twist with rosemary sauce and crisp greens, while the scrambled mixed cheese delivered just what its name promises
In Madinah and craving a satisfying morning bite? Brunch is worth a visit.
Tucked away on Sultanah street, this cosy restaurant delivers a cheerful vibe and a menu that’s big on flavor.
We visited as a family and sampled a range of sandwiches, most of which are built around soft, buttery brioche bread.
The halloumi sandwich was a favorite, with grilled halloumi, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and arugula coming together in harmony.
The tuna sandwich offered a twist with rosemary sauce and crisp greens, while the scrambled mixed cheese delivered just what its name promises.
For those who prefer meatier bites, the turkey scramble was a good option, stuffed with fluffy eggs, sliced turkey, melted cheddar, and their house sauce all packed together.
We could not leave without trying the dessert. The Nutella French toast was just indulgent enough, topped with crunchy biscuit bits, while the banoffee French toast, filled with banana, creamy banoffee sauce and whipped cream, was rich and sweet.
Beverage choices, however, are simple: black coffee, fresh orange juice, and soft drinks. I was surprised to find no tea options. As a die-hard tea drinker, I had to make a quick run to a nearby cafe to fetch a cuppa to enjoy alongside the food.
Portions are on the smaller side, so extra items may be needed to feel full; I ended up going for two sandwiches, as well as dessert.
For more information, visit their Instagram @bruncharea.
Where We Are Going Today: Kold Kombucha in Alkhobar
- Marked by a bold painted mural at the entrance, the hole-in-the-wall space receives a steady stream of curious visitors, notably young men who are fans of the Snapchat star
In the heart of historic northern Alkhobar, newly established Kold Kombucha is putting the spotlight on kombucha, a naturally fizzy fermented tea with roots in East Asia dating back over 2,000 years.
The compact, design-forward shop — opened this month by popular Saudi Snapchat personality Hammam Al-Mulhem — is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia spotlighting kombucha, which is brewed on-site in large fermentation vessels over 11 days using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast known as SCOBY.
Marked by a bold painted mural at the entrance, the hole-in-the-wall space receives a steady stream of curious visitors, notably young men who are fans of the Snapchat star.
Three core flavors rotate on tap. The beetroot is deep and earthy — slightly sour, complex — almost like a liquid snack. The apple cinnamon is my personal favorite: smooth and warming — pure autumn in a glass, while strawberry mint, bright and refreshing, hits just right on a blazing Eastern Province afternoon.
Each bottle goes for between SR23 ($6) to SR25. They also offer a chocolate chip dessert, and for those not quite ready to dive into the world of kombucha, there are coffees available too.
I stopped by straight from the airport — jet-lagged, dehydrated and craving something light but nourishing. Kold delivered.
Seating — like nearby parking spaces — is limited.
Kold Kombucha is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Find them on Instagram at @kold.ksa.
Where We Are Going Today: Chii restaurant in Jeddah
- The birria fries and nachos are perfect for sharing and greasy in a satisfying way, though not for the faint of heart or diet-conscious
Located in Al-Naeem district in Jeddah, Chii restaurant brings a bold twist to casual Mexican dining with a Saudi edge. With its neon-lit signs and vibrant atmosphere, Chii draws you in for what promises to be a flavor-packed experience, and, for the most part, it delivers.
Visitors may start with the shrimp bites and guacamole. The shrimp are perfectly crisped and seasoned, and the guacamole is creamy with just the right citrusy tang, though a pinch more salt wouldn’t hurt.
The taco section is where Chii shines. The birria taco, featuring slow-cooked meat, mixed cheese, and their signature sauce, is a standout — rich, juicy, and indulgent. The chili smashed tacos echo similar flavors but pack more heat, perfect for spice lovers.
On the lighter side, the grilled chicken tacos are fresh but a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the bold menu. For something more filling, the birria bowl is a hearty mix of rice, corn, beans, and all the fixings. Every bite felt thoughtfully layered, though the bowl can benefit from a bit more sauce to tie it all together.
The birria fries and nachos are perfect for sharing and greasy in a satisfying way, though not for the faint of heart or diet-conscious.
The chicken quesadillas are cheesy and comforting but do not stand out much. As for dessert, it changes daily, which keeps things interesting.
For more, check the location’s Instagram @chii.ksa.
