What Is A Liquid Diet?
You must have come across the liquid diet that is followed by a big number of people all over the globe
. Although, meant for patients to follow prior to and post a medical surgery, it is considered as one of the fad diets and is widely used for weight loss. Doctors prescribe this diet for patients before and after surgery to clean the stomach and intestines of food.
As the name suggests the only things consumed during this diet are semi liquid to liquid foods. Solid foods like meals, hamburgers and so on are not allowed. Liquid diets can be divided into two main categories; clear and full liquid diets. In the full diet any type of liquid foods are allowed ( milk, shakes and honey for instance) whereas in the clear diet only transparent liquids are allowed like clear soups and fruit shakes. In the medical arena clear liquid diets are prescribed to clear the intestinal tract before surgery. It is also recommended before procedures like colonoscopy and after surgeries where solid meals are not immediately recommended.
On the other hand, the liquid diet is considered as one of the fad diets that help in quick weight loss. When a person consumes only liquids in different types; his / her calorie intake is automatically reduced, which results in losing weight. People using liquid diet methods to lose weight should have vegetable soups and broths, fruits juices, etc. in order to gain all the essential vitamin components, rather than going for only carbonated and sports drinks. Here is a list of the foods that should be consumed when on this diet.
-Fruit juices without pulp
-Vegetable broth
-Vegetable soups
-Milk and milk shakes
-Strained lemonade
-Fruit punch
-Sports Drinks
- Gelatin based products and jellies
-Honey, honey in lemon water, honey in milk
-Clear ice pops, candies
-Tea, coffee without cream
-Fruits purees
-Smooth and clear ice cream
Any of these foods can be incorporated into the meal plans for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Even though these diets are meant for persons struggling with obesity many other individuals find this diet beneficial for weight loss. When using the liquid diet in preparation for surgery the diet is best used 3-4 days before and after the surgery. For the purpose of weight loss the diet can be followed for anywhere between 3-40 days. That said, you should never follow the diet beyond the suggested time. Coming off the diet should also be handled with care. It is never wise to start solid foods immediately after coming off the diet as complications like diarrhea or indigestion can result. Exercise is not recommended while on the diet since it can reduce the metabolic rate resulting in loss of muscle mass.
One should note that the liquid diet cleanse also has side effects associated with it. As the person's diet lacks in fibers, he / she may have difficulty in digestion and suffer from constipation. Secondly, other side effects like lack of energy, fatigue, vomiting, loose motions, etc. can be experienced. On the other hand, as weight is lost very quickly during the diet plan, there are high chances of gaining weight once the diet is stopped. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the doctor before going for this diet for weight loss.
by: Alexis Hodnicki
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