Liquid Diets: Clear, Full, Liquid Protein Diet, Recipes And Side Effects

Hollywood personalities, such as pop singer Beyonce and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, have publicly spoken about their successful weight loss by following strict liquid diets. These are types of diets often referred to as juice fasting or liquid protein diets. Liquid diets are a promising solution for rapid weight loss, but this trendy method of losing pounds is simply a reemergence of the 70s fad that incorporated liquid diets into the American weight consciousness.

Liquid diets are not intended for the dieter who wants to lose a quick 20 pounds; they are ideally for people scheduled to have medical procedures or those who are extremely overweight. It is only recently that liquid diets have moved from the realm of medical to a more general, socially acceptable weight loss technique.

Liquid diets are seen as more than a weight loss technique; they are also a good way to detoxify the body. A patient who is about to undergo a surgical procedure will benefit from a digestive system that has been flushed by a clear liquid diet. A clear diet is the best way to accomplish a clean system as it includes only translucent liquid foods such as strained soup broths and juices. Comparatively, a full liquid diet is one that includes translucent liquids, but also includes food thinned by milk or certain juices. Clear and full diets have the same results: a noticeable change in the body structure.

Because of its successful results, dieters have turned to liquid diets in order to shed unwanted pounds. Liquid dieting has solidified the 'get slim quick' frame of mind. This method of losing weight is successful because liquid diets are low in calories. The total removal of solid foods and the addition of a high liquid protein diet increase the body's capacity to shed pounds. A liquid protein diet, which generally includes a protein shake, taxes the body's energy which also aides in weight loss. Without the usual abundance of calories provided by solid foods, liquid diets commonly enable dieters to lose 3-4 pounds a week. The liquid meal plans are simple recipes of milk or water concoctions. These liquids are free of the fat found in processed foods; recipes can also call for tea and fruit juices.

The quick weight loss that occurs with liquid diets is convenient, but should not be seen as a way of life. In fact, potential side effects include slowing the body's metabolism, which makes the ability to lose weight in the long run a harder process. High protein content can also lead to side effects that cause irregular heart beats when electrolytes become imbalanced. Serious side effects that also occur as a result of prolonged liquid dieting and fasting are anemia, abnormal menstrual functions and muscle cramps among many others. All of these health risks are associated with liquid diets that are not supervised medically or with dieters who are not extremely obese. There are liquid diet weight-loss programs marketed as safe meal replacements. Medifast is widely advertised as a safe program based on full liquid fasting; Slim Fast is another familiar source that provides liquid meal replacements.

The most important aspect of any diet is to incorporate healthier eating habits. Liquid diets provide quick solutions but not an overall cure. Losing weight is about discipline and the desire to change. Liquid dieting is can be seen as an option but this method should be done with supervision, and only for a limited amount of time.


Sources:
Hemphill, Elizabeth. "Liquid Diets, Safe and Effective?" Vanderbuilt.edu. 2007. 31 Oct. 2007. http://www.vanderb

"Liquid Diet." The Diet Channel. 2007. 31 Oct. 2007. http://www.thedietchannel.com/Liquid-Diet.h tm

"Liquid Diet Plan." I Love India. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.iloveindia.com Diets." Every Diet. 2007. 31 Oct. 2007. http://www.everydiet.org/liquid_diets.htm