Liquid diet

Liquid Diets seem to have become more popular since their decline in the l970’s. One reason for this may be the wide use of celebrities to promote bodybuilding supplements in the past few years. Another reason may be the fact that approximately one billion dollars was spent last year alone on either medically sponsored or over-the-counter liquid diets.

Most companies claim their diet produces safe and effective weight loss, and some companies are claiming that their products contains complete protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Fasting or liquid diets that are medically supervised contain high quality protein and carbohydrates. They are supplemented with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Therefore, under the proper supervision, this diet can work and weight loss can be achieved safely. However, such programs are costly.

Diet clinicians may offer food plans of 1000 to 1500 calories per day. However, in most of these programs, you have to purchase the specially packaged meals available only through the company. These programs could cost anywhere upward from $250 - $l,000, or more. These programs do, however, offer an exercise routine, as well as behavior modification counseling, which may be essential information needed to maintain weight loss.

What is a Liquid Diet

This diet consists of either partial meal replacement or all liquid consumption, which may be in the form of teas and juices. Although juices (vegetable or fruit) are loaded with vitamins and minerals and cancer fighting phytochemicals, these liquids provide no protein, fat, and few calories. Therefore, most of these diets may not be suitable for long-term or excessive weight loss. They are, however, beneficial for certain medical procedures.

Full Liquid Diet

These diets are frequently used as a middle step between clear liquids and sold foods, and meets calorie and protein needs for your body with liquids only. However, it is important to eat a variety of liquid foods. If you are lactose intolerant, try lactose treated milk such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease. High-protein, high-calorie supplements that are fortified with vitamins and minerals may be order by your dietitian or physician.

Foods Allowed on a Full Liquid Diet

Beverages: Coffee, tea, cream, carbonated beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and milkshakes.

Desserts: Custard-style yogurt, pudding, custard plain ice-cream, sherbet, sorbet, gelatin, whipped topping.

Bread and Cereals: cream of wheat, cream of rice, farina, cocoa wheats, pureed soups (may include pureed meats, pureed bland vegetables, and pureed white potatoes) and tomato puree.

Miscellaneous Foods: Salt, mild flavored seasonings, chocolate flavoring, gravy, margarine, sugar, syrup, jelly, and honey.

When Liquid Diets are Used

Most physicians do not recommend a liquid diet unless an individual is to undergo certain procedures that include colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. In pre-operative cases, a clear liquid diet is appropriate. Beverages that are allowed include tea, coffee, sports drinks, and clear broth. However, before beginning this type of diet a physician will advise in detail, how to proceed and for how long.

Extreme obesity, in some instances, may be treated with this diet. This can appear to be successful initially, but must be monitored by a physician for any negative side effects. However, this type of approach will not teach individuals the necessary requirements of healthy eating to maintain the weight they lost.

Health Concerns

This particular diet may not provide the essential nutrients to maintain adequate energy levels in most individuals. We know that short-term weight loss can be achieved, but when liquids such s protein shakes are eventually eliminated from the diet, the weight one loses tends to be regained. Those who are on a juice fast, may find it unsatisfactory and boring, and the lack of proteins, fiber, and fats, is also at issue with many physicians.

Some individuals embark on this diet, because they believe that liquids only, will cleanse the system of impurities, including those that have built up in the liver. These beliefs are generally refuted, with the caveat that the elimination of most processed foods is always beneficial. The concern lies mainly with a fanatical approach to a liquid only diet in which individuals ignore the necessity of essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers and other required sources for optimum health.

Even though many companies claim their diet plan is safe and effective, many medical researchers express their concern for various health risk consequences.