The Liquid Diet Method

With the vast majority of people who have at one point or another followed a liquid diet it is no wonder that the term is so must known. Although this diet was primarily subscribed for patients before or after surgery it is now a popular diet for weight loss. In health scenarios the diet is recommended by special doctors to clear the intestinal tract.

Liquid diet, as the name suggests, is the diet plan where the body consumes only liquids for a specific timeframe. No solid foods are allowed in this diet. Liquid diets can be divided into two sub types: full liquid diet and clear liquid diet. In the former, any liquid foods (milk, honey, shakes) are consumed while in the latter only transparent liquids (like clear soup, clear fruit juices) are consumed. The clear liquid diet before surgery is prescribed, so that no food remains inside the stomach before surgery (especially that of the gastrointestinal tract). It helps in clearing the gastrointestinal tract of any unwanted residue. On the other hand, a clear liquid diet for colonoscopy benefits in leaving the stomach and colon clear of any residue.

On the flip side the liquid diet has rapidly caught on and used as a diet to lose weight quickly. The weight loss is quick because the calorie intake is highly reduced because liquids are the sole components of the diet. Individuals following this diet will usually consume vegetable soups and broths, fruits juices, etc to provide their bodies with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. This is definitely better than the usual carbonated and sports drinks. Outlined below are a list of foods that are recommended for 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 medical surgery. For the purpose of weight loss the diet can be followed for anywhere between 3-39 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.

As beneficial as this diet can be it is not without its fair share of side effects. Complications like constipation and problems digesting food can result especially if the diet lacks a proper source of fiber. Other complications like lack of energy, fatigue, vomiting, loose motions and others can also arise. Another important point to note is that while the diet is effective in reducing weight any benefits can be quickly reversed once the individual returns to normal food. As with all weight loss programs a doctor should be consulted before commencement to prevent damage to one's health.

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