If you're overweight -- especially if you're quite overweight -- liquid diets that involve powders and liquid meals can provide quick weight loss, according to Vanderbilt University. In fact, many hospital- and university-based physician-supervised weight loss programs use weight loss powders and liquid meals for their most obese patients to produce rapid weight loss. In most cases, you should find it easy to use weight loss powders and liquid meals, but they do have some drawbacks.
Liquid Diet Basics
If you're following a liquid diet to lose weight, you have two choices: You can use pre-made liquid meals, usually available in cans in the diet section of your local pharmacy, or you can make your own liquid meals using a weight-loss powder, according to Vanderbilt University. Both options usually provide similar nutrition, especially if they're produced by the same company.
Liquid Diet Use
If you're using liquid meals in cans, following a liquid diet should be simple: Just open the can and enjoy. In some cases, you'll use the liquid meals at breakfast and lunch, while eating a small dinner, according to Vanderbilt University. In other cases, you'll replace all three meals with liquid meals. If you're using a weight loss powder product, you'll need to mix the powder with an approved liquid. The University of Missouri Health Care System recommends using skim milk, low-fat soy milk or water.
Liquid Diet Results
Diets that use weight-loss powders and liquid meals work because they reduce calories significantly, according to Vanderbilt University. You need to reduce your caloric intake by 3,500 in total to lose one pound, and most liquid diets provide you with no more than 800 calories per day, so you'll probably lose two to three pounds every week. Some producers of weight loss powders and liquid meals recommend that you start a sensible exercise program, which can accelerate your weight loss.
Liquid Diet Considerations
Very low calorie diets such as diets that have you consume all of your meals as a liquid shake can lead to some health problems, including gallstones and even heart beat irregularities, according to Vanderbilt University. To use weight loss powders and liquid meals safely, you need to follow the program's directions and not try to consume less of the products each day. In addition, you should see your physician for a full checkup before starting any diet program.
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