Detoxifying the body through a fast or liquid diet has become increasingly common, especially for people looking to reduce bloating, increase energy, cleanse the body of toxins, or losing weight. Especially after the end-of-year celebrations and the busy meals that followed one another.
There is no shortage of liquid diet programs, some focusing on fruit juices while others involve the consumption of clear liquids, such as broth and tea. The type of liquid diet you choose depends on your goals, but don’t be fooled by companies that charge high prices for detox kits. It’s easy to make liquid diet foods at home and use them to your advantage.
What is a liquid diet?
A liquid diet involves consuming food in liquid form only. These can include juices, smoothies, teas, broths and liquid meal replacements. There are no specific rules for a liquid diet, and there are many types. People choose one based on their health and weight goals.
The most popular types of liquid diets are:
The juice cleanse: A juice diet involves drinking fruit and vegetable juices for a set period of time. There are variations of this type of diet: juice can be a meal or replace solid foods with juice.
Detox Drink Diet: Consumption of detox drinks made from fruits, vegetables and herbs are used to promote detoxification. Adding detox drinks to your diet can help relieve constipation, bloating, gas, headaches, and other signs of toxic overload. You can add the detox drinks to a typical diet or consume them alone for a specific period, such as one or two days.
Clear liquid diet: A clear liquid diet consists of only, as the name suggests, a clear liquid, such as broth, tea, and water. It is a form of fasting often used for weight loss, detoxification and preparation for medical intervention.
All-liquid diet: Unlike sticking to clear liquids, the all-liquid diet includes foods in liquid form. The goal is to give your digestive system time to rest and rebound, since liquid foods contain virtually no fiber or protein.
How does it work?
When following a liquid diet, you typically choose between clear liquid “foods” and whole liquid foods. Clear liquids are usually consumed before a medical procedure that involves the digestive tract, such as a colonoscopy. It may also be recommended by your healthcare provider to reduce inflammation or irritation caused by digestive disorders, such as diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease.
On a clear liquid diet, you drink or sip hydrating liquids throughout the day and get just enough calories and nutrients to keep you energized.
A complete liquid diet allows you to eat food but only in liquid form. This type of diet may be recommended for people who are recovering from surgery, such as bariatric surgery, or who have difficulty swallowing. Food is pureed (like baby food) and diluted with milk, broth or water.
When made with healthy, nutrient-dense foods, it also promotes detoxification and gives your digestive system a moment of rest and recovery.
Foods to eat/avoid (plus sample menu)
Clear liquid diet
Eat:
Water
clear broth
Clear soups
Black coffee
Tea
raw honey
Apple juice
Plain gelatin
To avoid :
Sodas and sugary drinks
Pulpy fruit or vegetable juices
All solid foods
Sample menu:
Breakfast
A cup of apple juice
A cup of gelatin
Coffee
Lunch
A cup of broth
Water/tea
Dinner
A cup of clear soup
A cup of gelatin
Water
In case
Coffee/tea
Broth
teaspoon of honey
clear fruit juice
Complete liquid diet
Eat:
Water
Clear broths
Pureed vegetable soups
Cream soups
Nut milks
plain yogurt
Butter or margarine
Honey
Maple syrup
Coffee and tea
Fruit and vegetable juices
Gelatin
Ice cream
To avoid :
Nuts and seeds
Cheeses
Pasta and rice
Breads and cereals
Meats
Pureed fruits and vegetables
Soda and other soft drinks
Sample menu:
Breakfast
A cup of plain yogurt
A teaspoon of creamy nut butter
Half a cup of fruit juice
Coffee
Lunch
A cup of polenta with a teaspoon of butter
A cup of mashed vegetable soup
Water/tea
Dinner
Two cups of pureed vegetable soup
Half a cup of hot cereal
Water
Snacks
Juice
Half a cup of milk
Benefits of liquid diets
1. Provides Micronutrients
All-liquid diets or juice-based diets that incorporate fruits and vegetables provide a burst of micronutrients. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are essential for overall health. They play a role in several body functions and protect the body against chronic diseases. Also, most people don’t get enough fruits and vegetables in their diets, which ensures that your nutrient needs are covered.
2. Aids in short-term weight loss
Cleanses and liquid diets are often practiced to stimulate weight loss, and research indicates that they are helpful, at least for short-term weight loss and weight maintenance.
3. Aids Digestion
As your digestive system is rested during a liquid diet, you’ll likely notice a reduction in bloating, constipation, and gas.
4. Helps Fight Diabetes
A study published in Diabetes Care found that liquid meal replacement diets not only slightly reduced weight and body mass index, but also improved fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin and blood pressure. arterial.
5. Can Improve Mental Alertness
Because a liquid diet promotes detoxification and helps relieve your body of toxic overload, you may experience a boost in energy or mental alertness as a result.
6. Maintaining hydration before/after a medical procedure
People undergoing a medical procedure, such as a colonoscopy, often need to eat a liquid diet before the procedure to open up the digestive tract. People with dysphagia or digestive disorders may also be prescribed a liquid diet.
This type of diet allows patients to stay hydrated and obtain much-needed electrolytes and calories during the preoperative or recovery phase.
Risks and side effects
Some liquid diets, especially those consisting only of light foods, are very low in calories and should only be followed for one to three days. If you feel dizzy from a lack of caloric intake, increase your fluid intake and ask your doctor for other recommendations if you are on the diet for medical reasons. If you experience the side effects of a liquid diet, such as nausea, diarrhea, or fever, slowly reintroduce solid foods into your diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Beware of liquid diet programs that contain premixed drinks. These products are sometimes loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients.
Other Considerations
If you are on a liquid diet due to an upcoming medical procedure, ask your doctor if there are any special guidelines or requirements. If eating three meals isn’t enough to give you energy for the day, try eating more often and drinking water every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day. Although you are likely to lose weight while on a liquid diet, this loss is usually temporary. Long-term weight loss doesn’t happen with a quick fix. You have to change your eating habits and lifestyle. If you are considering a liquid diet for the sole purpose of detoxifying the body and losing weight, consider a detox diet, which allows for the consumption of whole foods.
Conclusion
A liquid diet involves consuming food in liquid form only. These can include juices, smoothies, teas, broths and liquid meal replacements. There are many types of liquid diets, and people choose one based on their health and weight goals. The two most common types are the clear liquid diet and the full liquid diet. Often, liquid diets are needed before a medical procedure or during the recovery phase. People who have difficulty swallowing may also need to follow a liquid diet.
