A liquid diet is one that contains no solid foods. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a liquid diet before surgery or another type of medical procedure to empty the digestive system. In other cases, liquid diets are used to lose weight as part of a so-called detoxing plan. There are two types of liquid diets: a full liquid diet and a clear liquid diet. Neither is a healthy method of weight loss.
Full Liquid vs Clear Liquid
With a full liquid diet, you can drink anything that is a liquid. This includes fruit juices, bouillon, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, milk, plain gelatin deserts, smoothies, pureed soups, cornstarch pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, liquid meal replacements, and, of course, water. With a clear liquid diet, you can only have things that are clear. The liquid can have color, but you must be able to see through it. Therefore, things like ice cream and pureed soups are out. Clear fruit juices, such as apple juice, are OK.
Time Frame
Neither type of liquid diet is recommended in the long run. A doctor may prescribe a liquid diet to a patient before a medical procedure, such as a colonoscopy, or after stomach surgery. It may also prescribed to patients with severe nausea, who cannot keep solid food down. The diet should not continue for more than a few days.
Weight Loss
Most doctors would not recommend a liquid diet unless it's medically necessary for a specific procedure. It is possible to achieve short term weight loss with a liquid diet, but only with certain liquids. For example, a diet that includes a lot of fruit juices is unlikely to be effective, as juices contain a lot of sugar. The same is true for full-fat milk, ice cream and non-diet carbonated beverages.
Warning
A liquid diet is not effective for long term weight loss. The weight will come back as soon as the person resumes her normal eating pattern. Moreover, it can have negative side effects. It's almost impossible to get all of the necessary nutrients solely from liquids. Fiber and protein are largely absent from liquids. You could supplement the diet with vitamins, but it will not be enough.
Alternatives
The only way to lose weight and keep it off is by eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. The liquid diet is not a short cut to weight loss. You may lose some weight temporarily, but you will put it back on just as quickly as you lost it. Additionally, you may actually damage your body in the process. If you're serious about losing weight, consult your doctor before beginning any diet program.
Tags: liquid diet, clear liquid, fruit juices, carbonated beverages, clear liquid diet