The Results of a Liquid Diet

Liquid diets are best used under the supervision of a doctor--and are sometimes even prescribed by doctors for people who are about to undergo a colonoscopy. It can also be helpful for extremely obese people who are trying to lose weight quickly. Either way, there are a several types of liquid diets, some having different results.

Juicing

Arguably the healthiest of the liquid diets, juicing entails drinking only juices derived from fresh fruits and vegetables. This is made possible by a juicing machine, popularized in the early 1990s on infomercials that promised to help disciples lose weight and "feel great." And it's true that living on a diet solely based on a combination of fruit and vegetable juices can indeed have the promised feel-great, look-good effects. Early results typically are, in fact, increased energy and weight loss. On the downside, like most liquid diets, people who juice rarely get enough protein. This can result in a number of negative side effects, such as anemia and muscle loss.

Protein Shakes

A diet consisting solely of protein shakes or other "hunger-control" shakes will indeed help followers lose weight quickly. But while these types of drinks do provide vitamins, they cannot come close to replacing the nutrients offered in solid foods such as fruits and vegetables, or even the healthy protein of eggs and fish. The result could be a loss of energy and strength, not to mention the distress you may feel in your stomach.

Variations

Some people on liquid diets follow a plan that implements different drinks during different times of the day. For instance, they may use their juicing machine to make a fruit drink at breakfast, then a vegetable drink at lunch. They follow this with a protein or Slim-Fast drink for dinner, then have another fruit or vegetable drink at night. Again, following such a plan will likely result in rapid weight loss--but again, it is not the most sensible approach one when the goal is long-term weight loss and overall health. In most instances, you will gain back any weight lost following this plan the minute you begin to eat solid foods.

Pre-Surgery Plan

According to The Diet Channel, doctors preparing to perform bariatric surgery (colonoscopy) may institute a liquid diet for their patients. This consists of broth, coffee, tea, sports drinks and juice, and is used primarily to flush the bowels. Not surprisingly, this diet is also used as a weight-loss plan by people who are not undergoing any type of medical procedure and just want to drop a few pounds. The difference being that the latter group usually has no guidance--and the result can be feelings of lethargy and depression, as well as significant muscle loss.

Wise Selections

Liquid diets are not long-term solutions, as no one can live without solid food forever. The best proven plan to lose weight and keep it off is to eat five or six smaller meals daily, using a menu of healthy choices.