Legendary actor uses maple syrup in crash diet

A famous movie star has paid homage to a special concoction of 100% pure maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper as part of a master cleanse diet.

Tim Robbins – best known for his role as innocent inmate Andy Dufresne in 1994’s all-time classic The Shawshank Redemption – has revealed that twice a year, he goes for two weeks without solid food.

To give him energy, Robbins keeps topped up with the quirky formula, made with natural ingredients. Talking to the Complex media platform, the actor explained that he had just finished the 14-day stint, and was feeling good. The 67-year old said:

“Every morning you’re doing a purge. So you’re cleaning all the poisons out. I do that a couple times a year. There’s no highs and lows like crashing after a big meal or caffeine bumps. But [you’re] staying up until midnight. The energy’s fine and you’ll sleep less, too.”

It is reported that Robbins lost 25 pounds (11kg) from his latest weight cut.

Consumed in moderation, as part of a healthy diet, maple syrup is a sweetener that can support weight loss if it is used as a refined sugar replacement.

Among its health benefits is the provision of antioxidants (over 60 in total) that are associated with reducing inflammation; having a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, and therefore causing a slower rise in blood sugar levels; and the supply of manganese, a chemical element that supports healthy bones and the immune system.