Kimberly’s Glowing Green Smoothie(R) vs. The Master Cleanse
April 20, 2009
Hello Guys,
So from time to time, people mention or ask me about The Master Cleanse…it’s usually a friend of a friend or work colleague or something. Well this weekend, my friend told me that her friend at the office was doing The Master Cleanse, which she didn’t think was healthy, and asked me to for my thoughts on it, which I wrote down for her to pass on. I thought I would pass them on to you also! 
- I think that for some The Master Cleanse can be beneficial, as it can be an easy to follow plan to try to start getting healthier. But it’s not what I advocate. And I think a lot of people see it as a “quick-fix” to losing weight and detoxing…and there is no such “quick-fix.” I think if you’re going to put energy towards committing to a plan I would rather you commit to buying the ingredients for your green smoothie and making and drinking it every day. I think that you may lose a few pounds on The Master Cleanse because you are not eating for a few days. The problem is that: 1) It is really not sustainable and you will feel deprived. Most people say they want to use the cleanse to “jump start” into a new diet and detox program, but soon MOST people just go back to the same exact way they were eating after they finish the cleanse.
2)You are basically just giving yourself high glycemic sugar-water, with no fat or protein to diminish the spike (which in itself will unbalance the blood, systems and potentially contribute to glycation, wrinkles in the skin),
3) You aren’t really getting deep-rooted toxins out of the body (see below), and
4)After you get back to your regular diet you will gain all your weight back.
5) A fast is usually properly done by PREPARING one week in advance, and starting to cut back and out on meat products, dairy, processed sugar, caffeine and coffee, etc. During a fast toxins start to unlodge and end up in circulating in your blood. If you have not prepared for a fast (and what you eat when you come off is just as important), you may have too much toxic overload recirculating in your blood for your body to handle…and you’ll just keep circulating the toxins and not really do any good. As far as I understand, most people just jump right into the Master Cleanse without even preparing first!
- Being on this “cleanse” of sugar water does not address or assist with the fact that when our bodies are very acidic we HOLD on to weight and toxins. Symptoms of being acidic include: Gaining weight/having a hard time losing weight, sluggish in energy and/or tired all the time, breaking out in the skin. I know there a little bit of cayenne pepper and lemon in there, both of which I love, but so what? You should be having lemons daily anyway.
- In order to really detox and lose weight on a permanent basis, we need to shift the body into a more alkaline pH. The best and easiest way to do this is to drink green smoothies and green juices, which is the most alkaline drink on the planet. The high concentration of greens, which blended or juiced do not require any digestion, will flood the body with alkalinity and shift some of that acidic waste out. NOW we are really detoxing. That is why a green juice fast is much more effective, long-term, to the Master Cleanse, which may only unbalance the body with sugar rather than provide the deep detoxing you can get on other fasts.
- Some other issues are that you are not getting any fiber in the diet and there is no real way to push toxins out of the body. The diet recommends taking a laxative tea. Laxatives exhaust the bowl and dehydrate the body. They only expel the newest waste in the very center of the colon, rather than get at the old, acidic waste that has baked into the side walls of the colon and needs much deeper methods of toxic removal. So you are not really detoxing by taking laxatives or a tea with senna. I recommend colonics and adding more fiber to the diet.
- I believe that the best way to detox your body on a regular basis and if it is your goal, ease into more of a raw food diet, is to start consuming the Green Smoothie on a daily basis, rather than trying to do the Master Cleanse a few days or weeks out of the entire year. With the Green Smoothie, you are nourishing your body, remineralizing it, and shifting your body to a more alkaline state, where it comes into balance, will shed weight easily and permanently, and you will detox on an ongoing basis.
- There is so much fiber in the green smoothie that it is a green meal replacement. You get so much energy that you start to cut out caffeine and coffee, you will be less tired, and you will want to eat less junk food and processed sugars. You will not feel deprived the way you will on the Master Cleanse because your body is getting so much cleansing nutrition.
- As you continue to mineralize your body with the Green Smoothie, you will help clean out your body and will banish cravings permanently. Many cravings are because old toxic residues remain the bowel, are recirculated in the blood, and dump into the lymph, “reminding” us of those foods. When we have the Green Smoothie, we help sweep these toxic remnants out of the body forever, so each Green Smoothie is a step closer to a permanently healthier life.
Take the time to take care and love yourself. It is an important way to respect the universe and give good energy back into the world and to all those around you.
Have a beautiful day and take care,
Kimberly
Hi Kim, Been doing the ultimate green smoothie for 2 months now, what a difference this is making in our lives, for the better I might add. I just have a question in regards to nursing mothers is it ok? Or if not, may you suggest something because my daughter really would like to begin if she can….Thanks in advance..Celia
Hi, I came across this blog looking for info on the master cleanse but I found the info here to be much more atractive since it seems much more healthy and something i see myself keeping doing long term.
Could you please tell me where I can find the 10 day diet or a website on how to do the diet? I really want to loose weight and start a healthier diet…organic, no processed food. I couldnt see a diet recipe or guide.
please help
[...] forever indebted to my friend, clinical nutritionist, and fellow Yoga instructor, Kim Snyder, for blogging so extensively about the green smoothie. I’m so glad she got me into it. [...]
Can you address Green Smoothies vs. Juicing?
Hi Kim,
First, Green Smoothies are amazing, and I am eternally grateful for being turned on to them through your website. I have tried many time over the years at juice fasting, it causes me anxiety, and I never stick with it more than a day. Green Smoothies have allowed me to change my eating habits, and I feel wonderful and happy. I also have a high green tolerance – so they aren’t laden with too much fruit – 2 large handfuls of greens, coconut water, 1 cup berries, 1/3 apple, & then ground flax seeds, and my own mixture of spirulina, barley, chlorella, blue green algae, msm, and wheatgrass powders. This works well for me, and I easily make healthy food choices for the rest of the day.
Recently, I felt the need to kick it up a notch (i am trying to loose fat – of which I have managed to acquire quite a bit) and returned to the idea of juicing. I made a standard carrot, celery, romaine, & apple juice. Again I felt that anxious feeling (too much sugar?) I went online and read several forums discussing Green Smoothies vs. Juicing. As I am sure you know, there is a wide range of emotional opinions and theories out there, and it is very confusing. The main arguments being fiber vs. sugar vs. nutrients. vs. fermentation. I am sure you have heard it all. My first thought was, I wonder what Kim Snyder has to say.
I think there are a lot of people out there like me – people who have gathered a lot of health information over the years, but have had a really hard time implementing it into their own lives. The Green Smoothie has helped me a lot – so again, thank you. I just did not know you could blend greens, it was that easy.
Hello all:
Kim, thank you so much for your website. I know you are changing many lives with your advice.
In another attempt to jump start my healthy ways again, I’ve just had my first green smoothie and it tastes great. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information provided – I am so motivated to start off the right way and not go crazy about how quick I can start feeling better or lose weight. I hope to get a few of my co-workers motivated as well.
Good luck to all of you out there who are devotedly trying to make healthier ways for all of us !
Im a young early 30′s healthy mom of 2 with a loving hubby at home and a part time job – so I am always busy!
I have been taking the Dr Max Powers 15 Day Cleanse (no, its not just for men as my dr told me) for approximately 8 days and they have worked wonders with my diet.
In the past 3 days I have lost 6 pounds of waste. My appetite is down and I feel great. I’m taking 2 pills a day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. There is no stomach cramping, although my stomach has made a couple of growling noises at me..giving me a warning that it is time to go to the bathroom..but other than that..no real problems..I am going to continue using these pills. Looking forward to more waste (weight) loss…hip-hip-hooray!!!
I have a Vita-Mix and make many green smoothies. Will any recipe work or should I stick to this one? Can kale be used as well or in place of the romaine? What is the “plan” for the detox (green smoothies and water only, raw foods added, rice and quinoa, etc)?
Thank you.
Hi Kim. I stumbled upon your blog here a couple of weeks ago… after attemping the Master Cleanse. I was in a really bad place with my body and just felt the need to detox. I did the cleanse for 3 days followed by a day of green smoothies and then back to food. I didn’t like how weak I felt on the Master Cleanse which is why I quit, but I did feel better. I follow a decent diet, limited processed foods, increasing raw and organic, very limited sugar, maybe 1 coffee a day, limited dairy (LOVE almond milk), green smoothie everyday… but I’m right back where I was a couple of weeks ago. Tired, little energy, CONSTANT cravings, my belly is back and I just feel so lost. Any thoughts or advice would be so wonderful. There is so much incredible information in your blog… I just don’t know where to start. Thanks!!
Yay!!!! I’m so happy to hear that!!
hey kim, thank you so much for this info..i was thinking of trying the master cleanse..but maybe now i wont. I think the green smoothies is much more healthy and natural. also you can give it to your kids. I think the master cleanse is to hard on most people systems. I found a free site on making green smoothies if you wanna check it out..lots of good info! Greensmoothiequeen.com
Hi!
I am planning on doing the green smoothie diet for 7-8 days and I was wondering if it would be alright (or maybe even beneficial) to substitute the water with soy milk. Since the smoothie and water will be the only things I’m taking in for 7-8 days, I’m afraid that I’m not taking in as much proteins as needed. By adding in soy milk, will it prevent me from cleansing my colon and liver or be not effective at all? Thank you!
I do not recommend soy milk at all- especially for a cleanse! With any cleanse, getting a colonic is really helpful, as it will help pull out toxicity along the way! Let me know how you do. Be careful and monitor how you break the cleanse as well.
Good Morning Kim,
A friend at work introduced me to a spinach, pineapple & flax seed smoothie. I have a very sluggish digestive track and often find myself experiencing symptoms from headaches to back problems and not sleeping.
I have decided to do a 24-48 hr. detox with the green smoothie and water to get my body back on track. I will incorporate acidophilis and raw veggies and fruit for the next 24-48 hrs and then ease into steamed veggies and beans.
I will use your recipie incorporate a few more greens and fruits into my green smoothie.
Thanks!
V
The flax seeds would slow down the pineapple from moving quickly through (since pineapple breaks down in only 20 min), so that could create fermentation in your system. If there is any kind of yeast in your system (like Candida), which has shown up for some in the form of back problems and insomnia, all the fruit and fermentation would make it worse.
let me know how you do..I would say to really focus on the greens a lot, and lots of probiotics!
xx Kimberly
I suffered from stomach pain and burning mostly, couldn’t sleep well and just hated those extra pounds I couldn’t get rid of no matter what I did. Now I stumbled upon this system that is easy and it doesn’t require expensive medication or difficult exercises.
I suffered from stomach pain and burning mostly, couldn’t sleep well and just hated those extra pounds I couldn’t get rid of no matter what I did. Now I stumbled upon this system that is easy and it doesn’t require expensive medication or difficult exercises.
Through a 100% natural process I was able to get rid of my extra pounds in less than two weeks, 10 days more precisely, as the master cleanse diet lasts.
Not only I am now free of pain and got my body full detox but I also know how to stick to a diet and get the best of its results. I feel a lot happier and I can honestly say that Master Cleanse Secrets has considerably improved my life.
Jessica,a happier person who has already found the right secrets.
Hello,
I’ve drank the green smootie 2 mornings in a row now, and I’ve notice I get really light headed. Is that normal?
Also, is this smoothie a meal replacement? I’ve notice that I eat the same if not more.
Thanks! the smoothie is amazing
Hi Kam!
The light-headedness might be a cleansing response, since the smoothie is so alkaline and could stir up so much! If you get really light headed and dizzy, you could eat something heavier afterwards to make yourself feel more comfortable and slow down the cleansing response.
Eventually yes, the smoothie should be a replacement for the first meal of your day. In the beginning you may be used to the stimulation of a larger breakfast, but over time this will go away. See my post 4th of July cleanse- the goal is to make your first 2 meals (to start, breakfast and lunch) more alkaline and plant-based (smoothie and big salad), and full of fiber. You can eat as much of those foods as you want!
xx Kimberly
Hello
I was wondering if I could freeze unused smoothie if necessary? I tried doing this earlier this week and it still seemed okay. I’m not sure however, if it loses its strength after being frozen.
Hey CJ,
You can definitely freeze the unused smoothie in portions and thaw out out what you are going to drink the next day the night before!
Enzymes hold up well in cold- not in heat, as they are destroyed by cooking- so the freezing will be fine. While fresh is arguably always best, freezing some makes it much more time manageable for most people and they will stick to the plan!
Let me know how you do.
xx Kimberly
Can i drink the smoothie in the afternoon between 4-6 pm instead of in the morning? Can I also continue eating breads, meat and lentils while i’m having the smoothie. Also, if I want to incorporate the smoothie as a regular part of my diet, should I have it 2-3 times a week or should i still have it daily (might put me off a bit to have it every day).
Thanks
Hi Mano, The Green Smoothie is best drank first meal of the day. If that is not possible, than sure you can drink it before dinner instead, at least you are getting the greens and fiber into your system. Having it 3 times a week is great! You don’t have to have it every day, especially at the start and if that is going to put you off.
Keep in touch with me how you do!
xx Kimberly
Kim – Question about the smoothie – since the receipe makes 4 servings, is it okay to refrigerate the unused smoothie? I like the idea of a smoothie, but I leave very early in the morning for work (usually around 5:30 AM) and don’t want to wake the whole house with the sound of the blender. This way I could make the smoothie and have a couple of days worth all set.
Hey Matt,
Yes, best to blend the night before so it is cold anyway.
You can keep it for 2, 3 days max. Maybe others in the house will adopt your new healthy habit.
PS- Be sure to stir it the next day!!!
xx Kimberly
The recipe makes enough for 4 people — I live alone and would like to know how long it will last (well) in the fridge?
Hi Kathi!
Ideally, you could half the recipe, so you are making the recipe for yourself every other day. But for time, depending on how much you drink, you could make the amount you eat in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Please be sure to check out my last blog on the home page of the blog on some more info.
All my best, Kimberly
This recipe makes four servings can this be stored for any length of time or should it be consumed the same day it is made?
Hi Veronica- It tastes best cold and drank within 2 days, 3 days max!
Green Smoothie Drink as seen on GMA
Green Smoothie Recipe:
1 1/2 cup of water
1 head of organic romaine lettuce, chopped
3-4 stalks of organic celery
1 organic apple, cored and chopped
1 organic pear, cored and chopped
1/3 bunch of organic cilantro
1/3 bunch of organic parsley
Juice of ½ fresh organic lemon
Combine the water and chopped head of romaine into your blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the herbs, celery, apple and pear. Add lemon juice last. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This recipe makes about four servings.
Hey Guys: Please see my latest blog for the recipe as well as more tips on making the Green Smoothie!!!
xx Kimberly
For the green smoothie – do you use the whole head of romaine lettuce, including the yellowish insides? I have seen 2 versions – one with 2 apples and pears and a banana, and one with 1 apple and pear and no banana. Do you take the stems off the celontro and parsley? I know you are busy and appreciate your time.
Hey Bob,
Yes! Use the whole head of romaine!
There are a few different versions! I recommend starting with 2 apples, 2 pears and one banana, as that is the tastiest version.
Then, as you get used it and would like to drop the fruit a bit, you can and increase the greens.
Also, I do NOT usually take the stems off the parsley and cilantro! But again, its all a matter of personal preference!
Please visit again.
xx Kimberly
Can you please send me the receipe for the green smoothie.
Thanks
Hello Kim
Can you send the Green Smoothie Recp.to ME Please
Thanks
I too need the recipe?
I dont diet i eat meat,fast food .
I dont eat weeds but i am going to try this
Ha Dan!
That is hilarious. Well no weeds…but you’ll be surprised at how great this drink will make you feel.
Let me know what you think!
xx Kimberly
well, i too am looking for the recipe. GMA is pretty lame, they very rarely post the same recipes as show on the show. Oddly its not posted on your own blog either. Is there a reason for that? What’s up with this oversight? Can you please send me a copy of the recipe?
Same for Ranch, Janet, Phyllis, Karen…. check out the front page of this blog for the recipe!
Let me know how you like it and how you feel.
xx Kimberly
I saw GMA this morning(07/11/09) and could not get the receipe for the green smoothis.Would you send it to me? Thanks
I too was watching the ABC Mornig New on Sat, July 11 and you gave your receipe for the Green Cleanse Smoothie. Can you send me the recipe. It not on their website as promised.
I was watching the ABC Mornig New on Sat, July 11 and you gave your receipe for the Green Cleanse Smoothie. Can you send me the recipe. It not on their website as promised.
Thanks,
Debbie
Good morning Debbie, I’m also searching for the receipe for the green smoothie cleanse. Can you please forward it to me.
Thank you Renita
this version of the master cleanse called giga cleanse experiment was a prank that turned good; the guy lost weight in this weird experiment.
Hey Kim,
I have been making the green smoothie every morning for a week now and I wanted to tell you how amazing I feel! I have chronic back issues – actually I had them. Just three days into drinking the smoothie for breakfast I really felt a change and shift in my blood flow and digestive track and then the pain was gone. It really just pulled all the toxins out of my body that were preventing my back muscle from healing completely. It is the first time in a long time I haven’t had back pain so thank you thank you thank you for encouraging me to drink it. xo
fabiana
Hi Kim. Thank you for all of this information. I am just beginning to add more raw foods and the green smoothie into my diet and your posts are extremely helpful.
this is such a greatly informative post! wow..thanks KIM!
Hi Charlene, thank you!
How is everything going?