Liquid Diet Plan

A liquid diet includes clear liquids and foods that melt at room temperature. A liquid diet can be used as a replacement of a part or all of one’s diet. Primarily, a liquid diet is used in weight loss therapies, but in some cases, it is also advised to people undergoing some medical procedure.

List of Foods

Given below is a list of foods allowed in a liquid diet:

Milk
Clear carbonated beverages
Tea
Coffee
Broth
Ice cream

Benefits of Liquid Diet

A liquid diet is therapeutic for the digestive system. Liquids do not take much time to digest and that helps in quick absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, liquids help to eliminate toxins and other waste materials from the body.

A liquid diet also helps the digestive system restore, clean and reprogram itself. Weight loss is another productive benefit of a liquid diet.

Types of Liquid Diet

There are two main kinds of liquid diets:

Clear liquid diet
Full liquid diet

Clear liquid diet: A clear liquid diet consists of only clear and transparent fluids. It is easy on the digestive system and all the essential nutrients are supplied to the body. Foods allowed in a clear liquid diet are plain water, fruit juices without pulp, popsicles sans fruit bits or pulp, tea or coffee with no added milk or cream, and energy drinks.

Full liquid diet: A full liquid diet includes only liquids and foods that liquefy at body temperature. The diet has more calories than a clear liquid diet and is beneficial to people with medical complications that prohibit them to eat solid foods. Foods allowed in a full liquid diet are milk and milkshakes, coffee, tea, strained cream soup, soft boiled eggs, and butter or margarine.

Liquid Diet for Weight Loss

Additionally, there are some other liquid diets that are primarily aimed at rapid weight loss.

Liquid protein diet: In a liquid protein diet, high protein drinks are prescribed in order to replace normal diet. Protein is very hard to digest, and the body has to burn more calories in order to digest it, which, in turn, accelerates weight loss.

HCG liquid diet: This controversial diet uses hormones produced in pregnant women and a daily diet of no more than 500 calories for rapid weight loss. However, this diet has been termed as “unproven and illegal” by the US FDA. Any harmful side effects from this diet should be reported to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm.

It should be noted that every human being has an individual and unique body constitution.What may work for one person may not work for another. Hence, it is extremely important to consult a physician or a qualified medical practitioner before following any diet regimen.

Submitted on August 2, 2012