A liquid diet is a way to detox the body of excess waste and promote a healthier colon and digestive system. Most people use liquid diets because the diets are recommended by their doctor, or because they are trying to lose weight. There are generally two types of liquid diets---a fluid-only diet, in which no solid foods are eaten, or a liquid diet that only replaces one or two meals a day.
How to Start a Liquid Diet
Step 1
Establish reasons as to why this is the right diet for your body type and your needs. Some dieters may want to start out on a liquid diet by only replacing a few meals such as breakfast and lunch with a meal replacement shake or juice. Others want to lose weight quickly for a special event such as a wedding or reunion. Crash liquid diets such as the lemon detox diet or the Hollywood diet promote drinking their liquids only and staying away from all solid foods.
Step 2
Read and understand the diet's guidelines. For weight-loss programs such as Slim-Fast or Optifast, follow the instructions for each product. For medical-related liquid diets, ask for assistance from your primary doctor or the discharge nurse about getting started and maintaining the liquid diet at home.
Step 3
Plan ahead for starting your diet. Stock your shelves and refrigerator with a beginning supply of the specified diet drink or its ingredients. Broths, calorie-free drinks and shake supplies should be on hand for variety, if desired. If you're starting a weight-loss liquid diet, rid your home of tempting foods and other consumable items that will cause your diet to fail.
For liquid diets following a surgery such as gastric bypass or another intestinal-related surgery, your supplies will probably come from a drugstore or your doctor's office. Drink the fluids slowly and steadily to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Step 4
Stay on the diet as long as recommended, especially for gastro-related (pre-surgery and post-surgery) liquid diets. If you are using a liquid diet for fast weight loss, do not remain on the diet longer than 72 hours. Depriving the body of solid foods could lead to exhaustion, organ failure or death.
Step 5
Look out for adverse side effects, such as dehydration, irregular pulse, fever, weakness or lightheadedness. Keep on hand a glucose bar that contains a high amount of concentrated sugar. This will give you instant glucose that can prevent a hypoglycemic attack.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep the liquids consumed in the diet ice cold for best taste and flavor. Alternate meal replacement shakes with different varieties and flavors. Take a daily dose of vitamins to retain energy and prevent organ damage.
- Not all liquid diets are safe, so ask your doctor before starting this type of diet program. For extreme weakness, irregular pulse, trouble with breathing or syncope (loss of consciousness), seek medical attention immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid food source
- High-sugar food source
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