The main goal of a liquid diet is to consume nutrients in liquid form in lieu of solid foods. Liquid diets are typically medically supervised and prescribed for people who are very obese or prior to or after a surgical procedure. Nonsupervised liquid diets, such as a juice fast, are used to detox the body and drop pounds quickly. Long-term, permanent weight loss can be achieved by controlling your calorie intake along with a regular fitness regimen.
Types
A very low-calorie diet, or VLCD, is a liquid diet for obese people at immediate risk for developing a dangerous, weight-related health problem. A VLCD is a doctor-supervised meal plan that contains the necessary vitamins and nutrients and range from 600 to 800 calories. A clear liquid diet, which is different than a VLCD, consists of foods like chicken broth and plain gelatin. The purpose of a clear diet is to relieve your digestive tract prior to a surgery or test and may be recommended for people with a digestive disorder. A clear liquid diet will keep you hydrated and provide certain nutrients and minerals.
Nutrition
VLCDs are used to help obese individuals quickly lose weight. They're designed to contain appropriate levels of vitamins and micronutrients. The Weight-Control Information Network reports that VLCDs can be made up of lean protein foods like fish and chicken. Unlike VLCDs, clear liquid diets do not have calorie restrictions. While some people may use a clear liquid for weight loss, their primary purpose is to provide hydration to people who must keep their intestines clear. Examples of foods on a clear liquid diet include ice pops without bits of fruit, clear colas and sports drinks, and dairy-free tea or coffee.
Fitness
To maintain your health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests doing 30 minutes of aerobic activity five days a week. One problem with a liquid diet for weight loss is that it will not provide the nutrients necessary to maintain the energy levels needed for a regular exercise regimen. Research has also shown that a liquid diet could have other negative long-term affects. A 1999 study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that VLCD results in loss of lean body weight and a decrease in resting metabolic rate. VLCDs are meant to produce significant short-term weight loss and should not be used without other weight-loss treatment programs like behavioral and nutrition therapy.
Other Liquid Diets
Some people will try anything to lose a few pounds. The juice fast is a type of liquid detox diet used for losing weight quickly. A juice diet involves consuming only fruit juice, vegetable juice or water. The theory is that through a juice diet you can take in the appropriate number of calories and vitamins without consuming solid food. MayoClinic.com reports that little evidence exists to show that a liquid juice diet is effective and that the kidneys and liver extract toxins from the body just fine. Further, liquid detox diets can cause dehydration, fatigue, nausea and dizziness, all of which will interfere with a fitness routine. In a study on yo-yo dieting, University of Missouri researcher Shana Warner explains that long-term weight loss maintenance is uncommon without a regular fitness routine.
References
- Weight Control Information Network: Very Low Calorie Diets
- ABC News: What is a Liquid Diet?
- MayoClinic.com: Clear Liquid Diet
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity Guidelines
- BBC News: Scientists Dismiss Detox Myth
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Effects of Resistance vs. Aerobic Training Combined with an 800 Calorie Liquid Diet on Lean Body Mass and Resting Metabolic Rate
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