A liquid diet is described as a diet of foods that are served in strained or liquid form. Usually, liquid diets are prescribed to individuals who have just gotten out of certain kinds of surgery.
In general, liquid diets fall into two categories: low-calorie and commercial liquid plans.
Low calorie liquid diets are medically supervised programs that provide around 500 to 800 calories per day. After the consumption of liquid meal replacements, the medical expert will then allow the dieter to include certain solid food into his or her diet.
Usually used by dangerously obese people who need to lose a lot of weight quickly, the low-calorie liquid diet is used for only a few days.
When you are recommended by the doctor to take a low calorie liquid diet, you are allowed to consume about 500 calories daily in the form of five shakes. Together with the shake, you are allowed to eat a 200-calorie meal, for a total of 700 calories per day.
On the other hand, commercial liquid diets are those that you see being advertised on TV and widely spread on internet stores. In this diet plan, liquid shakes, juice drinks, and other liquid meal replacements are consumed to substitute one or two regular meals.
Some liquid diet programs allow the dieter to consume real food as long as it is low in fat and calories. Other program recommends pre-packaged balanced meals in place of real meals.
If you are following a commercial liquid diet, you are allowed consume a total of 1,200 calories per day. Meaning, for three shakes of 200 calories and a 600-calorie dinner, the liquid products claim it will help you lose weight.
Generally, a diet liquid program consists of nutritionally balanced shakes made from skimmed milk, vitamins, minerals, sugar or sweetener.
The difference between these two liquid replacement meal plans is the nutrition equivalent of each.
The low-calorie liquid diet offers insufficient fiber and lacks vital antioxidants from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Because of this, the dieter could have lower resistance against different kinds of diseases. This program can be dangerous if not medically supervised.
In contrast, the commercial liquid diet plans, combined with real food, are much healthier. This is because it provides higher calorie intake and have adequate nutrients.
Medically speaking, liquid diets is suitable to people who are in need of urgent weight loss due to obesity or for surgery. If you wish to use this program, do not expect long-term results because you will only be disappointed.
