Liquid diets result in rapid weight loss, but they can also contribute to some fairly unpleasant symptoms as your body attempts to adjust to severe caloric restriction, according to Vanderbilt University. As a compromise, it's possible to do a partial liquid diet, in which you'll consume liquid diet products, most likely protein shakes, once or twice per day and eat one or two small meals. Although you won't lose weight as quickly on a partial liquid diet, you may be more willing to stick to it.
Significance
Liquid diets work well for weight loss because they restrict calories severely, according to Vanderbilt University. A typical liquid diet provides about 400 to 800 calories a day, which would result in a significant caloric deficit and weight loss of up to a pound every second day. A partial liquid diet, meanwhile, provides up to about 1,200 calories per day, resulting in weight loss of about one to two pounds per week.
Features
Although it's possible to use juice as the liquid for your partial liquid diet, liquid protein shakes may represent a better solution, since they contain added fiber, vitamins and minerals, according to Vanderbilt University. You'll also need to decide if you'll consume two shakes per day and eat one small meal, or consume just one shake per day and eat two small meals. If you eat more solid food, your weight loss likely will slow.
Types
The food you consume on your partial liquid diet should consist of low-fat choices that are high in fiber and other nutrients, according to Vanderbilt University. For example, if you're eating one of your meals as a dinner, you might consider having a baked chicken breast, a large portion of broccoli, and a whole wheat roll. Skip dessert, unless it's a small portion of fruit or non-fat sugar-free gelatin, which has no calories.
Effects
Complete liquid diets can lead to side effects that can include constipation, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, muscle cramps and even an irregular heart beat, according to Fort Valley State University. These effects are related directly to extreme caloric restriction. However, if you substitute solid food for one or two of your liquid meals, you may avoid some or all of these unpleasant side effects.
Considerations
There's unfortunately no easy solution to the caloric math of dieting: you need to take in 3,500 calories less than you burn for every pound you want to lose. However, if a partial liquid diet program provides the options you need to stay on the program, it potentially could work well for you. Regardless of what diet you choose, though, you should see your physician for a complete checkup before starting your weight-loss program.
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