People may attempt a liquid diet for several reasons: weight gain and weight loss being the most obvious. However, some individuals may need a liquid diet because they are unable to eat or digest solid foods for a certain period of time. Others may consider an exclusive liquid diet to jump-start a traditional diet plan, to detox the body, or for surgical recuperation and recovering from an illness. Whatever the reasons for considering a liquid diet, here are the options and their nutritional implications.
Considerations
A liquid diet plan generally focuses on replacing solid foods with liquid nutrition; the trick is to consume enough calories and nutrition for daily living. If you have a medical condition, talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Consuming a liquid diet without doctor supervision can be dangerous if caloric intake is not monitored closely, especially for those contending with serious medical issues. Caloric intake should be watched so that energy levels remain consistent.
Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet includes only clear liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. This diet does not provide all of the nutrition that your body needs and is meant to be temporary--providing the liquids, salt, calories and limited nutrients to sustain the body until the person can eat regular food. Typically a clear liquid diet is necessary before medical testing or after surgery to rest the digestive tract. Clear liquids are also for those who cannot tolerate a full liquid diet. Common clear liquid are apple juice, clear broth, gelatins and weak tea. Do not use a clear liquid diet for weight loss purposes.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet is eating or drinking foods that are liquid or foods that will become liquid at room temperature. A full liquid diet is general used to transition from clear liquids to solid foods. Those who need a full liquid diet include persons having problems swallowing, chewing or digesting solid foods. Often, this type of diet is used after surgery or during illness. Individuals may need to consider a liquid vitamin and mineral supplement since it can be difficult to get all of daily nutritional requirements from a full liquid diet. Some foods included in a full liquid diet are: most beverages, including tea, coffee, milk, non-carbonated and carbonated fruit juices, protein shakes, vegetable juices, infant formula, electrolyte replacement drinks; cream of wheat; strained oatmeal; gelatins; custards; yogurts; pureed meat or vegetables thinned with water or milk; broth; and soups. A full liquid diet is not recommended as a weight loss plan.
Protein Liquid Diet
The protein liquid diet has become popular for weight loss and weight gain. It helps maintain caloric intake, provides vital protein for muscle repair and regeneration, and gives a feeling of fullness. Most protein liquid diets are meant to replace a meal with a well-formulated protein shake consisting of about 200 calories. This approach is simply reducing daily caloric intake while providing necessary protein. Decreasing calories will help with weight loss; however, without long-term lifestyle and diet changes, the joy of weight loss may be short-lived. Using liquid protein for weight gain is common practice; protein shakes can be constructed to have upwards of 600 calories for those on the slight side.
Warnings
For some people consuming a liquid diet the difficult part is maintaining an adequate caloric intake each day. Most liquids foods, unless they contain high amounts of protein, are not ideal options for maintaining an exclusive liquid diet. Consult a medical care provider prior to beginning a liquid diet; discuss your reasons and your goals. Attempting a liquid diet for quick weight loss results may be a tempting idea, but proceed with caution. It takes time to lose weight and a long-term liquid diet often cannot provide enough nutrition or calories for daily living resulting in electrolyte imbalances or digestive problems.
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