Liquid Diet

Most people use a liquid diet for weight loss, believing it is a fast and safe way to lose weight. Others need to diet on liquids because they find it difficult to digest solid foods.

 

This article is for those who choose to go on this sort of diet, although the information will benefit everyone dieting on liquids.

 

Liquid diets are generally in the form of shakes. These are mixed drinks which, for weight loss to occur, are very low in calories. The drinks are high protein, low carbohydrate, and are to replace meals. These days, the liquid drinks also contain all essential nutrients, including fibre which is extra important when your nourishment is only through liquids.

Because of the little energy being produced by the diet (your energy normally comes from the carbohydrates you eat) the body needs to find its daily energy from the fat already stored in the body. The fat converts to glucose which gives you the energy you need.  Thus your size and weight is reduced the health of your body is increased.

The fact that liquid diets encourage weight loss means they reduce obesity and the other preventable diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart diseases.

 

It seems that being on a diet of only liquids takes you away from your normal eating habits. When you eventually start a normal diet, again eating solids, you can form new healthy eating habits for long term health.

 

A long liquid diet, sometimes up to 3 months, is best when taken under medical guidance. The dietitian guides you through the diet, and helps you when you start eating again, encouraging healthy and nutritious solid foods. Support groups are also part of this diet program.

 

By having a support group and medical help, you are most likely to keep to the new lower weight and remain healthy. Apart from the moral support, there is continuing education and gradual understanding about the foods you should eat or avoid, and why. You are also taught and practice the importance of exercise.

If you do not have this support system in the form of a diet program,  you are 95% more likely to regain all the weight you lost, and thus you will have lost all the benefits of your diet.

 

So, if you decide upon a liquid diet, aim to join a clinical program which will benefit your health and weight in the long term.