There are a lot of diets that promise results of fast and speedy weight loss such as the claims of some liquid diets. The Wikipedia breaks the definition of liquid diets into two parts which are clear and full liquid diets. These diets are described by Wikipedia in the following manner “contains no solid foods, is often prescribed for gastrointestinal illness or before of after certain types of surgery involving the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.”
Clear liquid diets
Usually consists of transparent liquid foods such as clear carbonated drinks, clear fruit juices, broth (bouillon or consommé), and plain water.
Full liquid diets
Full liquid diets consist of broth, both clear and opaque liquid foods whose consistency is smooth. These foods include, ice cream, pudding, strained cream soups, fruit nectar with pulp, milk and milk shakes.
Purposes of liquid diets
As stated earlier, some liquid diets prescribed by doctors are for the purposes of tests both before of after surgeries. They may also be prescribed by a doctor for those experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive problems. However, the most common use of liquid diets is for the purpose of fast weight loss. Although some liquid diets work better for weight loss than others, the weight loss is usually temporary. For those whose weight loss is for medical purposes, (usually for the duration of a few days), it is very important to follow the doctors exact instructions.
Because most liquid diets call for a drastic reduction of calories, the bodies metabolism slows to conserve its’ energy. For most people, a slow metabolism resulting from liquid diets coupled with returning to their old eating habits, results in the regaining of lost weight.
Some liquid diet dangers
Most liquid diets used primarily for weight loss are very low in calories. Staying on them long term usually robes the body of essential nutrients needed in order to function properly. The results of this nutrient deficit may result in the following:
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Gallstones
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Digestive problems
- Constipation
- Heart damage
My experience
Like most people wanting to lose weight I have tried just about every fad diet out there. I have water fasted and been on the diet shakes only to retain the weight I lost. This also resulted with me severely unbalancing my metabolism.
I have since learned that a healthy diet that includes the daily needed requirements of nutrients is the only way to properly lose and maintain weight. It is also important to get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise for optimal weight loss, something a lot of liquid diets enable a person to do due to fatigue.
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