Water & Lemon Juice Diet

Consuming water and lemon juice to lose weight is appropriate only as a very short-term way to jump start your diet. It is an unsafe fad diet--not a diet that is wise to maintain for long as it does not provide many calories, vitamins, minerals or any protein or fiber.
A variation of consuming only water and lemon juice is to use the Master Cleanse which adds maple syrup and cayenne pepper. By adding these items, you have more calories and important "heat" from the pepper to cleanse the bowels.

Water weight loss temporary

Drinking only lemon juice and water for more than a day to lose weight is a very harsh on the body. If you choose to do it, realize you are shedding water weight that is likely to be regained once you eat solid food.
The exception to this is if you exercise, however, you risk metabolizing your own muscle tissue, as lemon juice and water provide no protein for your workouts.

Do not fast for more than a day

If you insist on following a water and lemon juice diet, reduce any physical activity so that your body can conserve energy. Giving your body this few calories will put it into accelerated detoxification mode of cleansing the bowel. Expect to make several trips to the bathroom as your body releases waste in several additional bowel movements.
Stay well hydrated if you follow this diet by drinking at least half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink at least 75 ounces of liquid throughout the day and night. Try to limit this very restrictive diet to no more than a day or two. If you go longer, consult your doctor.

Cautions and Safeguards

If you have a history of irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, diarrhea or any chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or liver disorders, following a water and lemon juice diet is not appropriate. Seek your doctor's advice for a diet that will provide adequate calories to avoid placing the body in starvation mode.
If you consume less than 1,000 calories per day, the body will slow its metabolism as it believes in is in a famine stage and will reduce its fat-burning capacity to keep other vital body functions running.