Brief liquid diets for strength and energy might be appropriate for those who are in excellent health and who have been given medical clearance by their doctor. There are several reasons to consume a liquid diet: to let the internal organs of digestion "rest," or as a prelude to a weight loss program. To maintain good health during a liquid fast, it is important to consume adequate calories and nutrients. For this reason, a water-only fast is not recommended for anyone, unless they are under direct medical supervision.
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
A liquid diet could include fresh vegetable and fruits juices. For example, Carrie L'Esperance, author of "The New Seasonal Detox Diet," offers several recipes for different types of liquid diets. One liquid diet is comprised of drinking alternating fresh papaya and apple juices throughout the day for up to four or five days. Apple juice can help soften stool for a colon cleanse, and papaya juice has bromelain that can assist digestion. Both provide vitamin C and calories. She recommends dieters still consume water as needed between the fruit juices, according to an individual's activity level.
Yogurt Smoothies
Bodybuilders and athletes in general know they can consume liquid drinks that provide ample protein and calories. They might consume blender drinks made from nonfat Greek yogurt, which has 23 grams of protein per cup, and add a small banana for potassium for only 40 calories and even add protein powder made from pea and brown rice protein that can provide 17 to 22 or more grams of additional protein. Not everyone will need this much protein: only those who have specific high-protein requirements do.
According to Antonio Gotto, Jr, MD, at the National Institutes of Health, healthy adults need about 0.8 gram of protein per pound of body weight. For example, a woman weighing 130 lbs. might need about 65 grams of protein. For someone who is sedentary, however, that amount might be lower.
Blenderized Meals
Although it does not sound as appetizing, it is possible to make a nutrient-dense liquid diet by pulverizing almost any combination of foods in a blender or similar appliance. For example, blending whole vegetables, fruits and nuts and nut milks will yield a drink providing vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. An example is blending a medium apple with 10 almonds that were soaked overnight, a small date, half a cup of green curly kale or spinach and enough almond, rice or hemp seed milk of water to thin to desired consistency. The idea with a liquid diet is to vary what is consumed to provide as much nutrition as possible with each liquid meal.
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