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Weight loss on a liquid diet: features and rules

Author: Marina Grineva - dietitian, Master of Sports in athletics, author of the website bestdiets.
2018-09-20

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Table of Contents:

  1. Features of the Liquid Diet
  2. Pros and Cons of the Diet
  3. Preparing for the Diet
  4. Menu for the Liquid Diet
  5. Types of Liquid Diets
  6. Exiting the Diet
  7. Results of the Diet

The liquid diet for weight loss has become quite popular in recent years. The reason for such popularity is quite simple – you can lose up to 7 excess kilograms in just a few weeks. It sounds enticing, but there are more pitfalls in this method of weight loss than attractive prospects.

There are options for the diet for different periods. A liquid diet for 3 days can help you lose a couple of kilograms quickly, while a week or two of the diet can yield more noticeable results.

Features of the Liquid Diet

Most often, a liquid diet is used in hospitals when a patient is undergoing rehabilitation, and solid food could harm their esophagus, stomach, and overall condition. A liquid diet consists of low-calorie liquids consumed in small volumes to avoid putting too much strain on the kidneys and liver.

It is not uncommon for a liquid diet to be used as a method for cleansing the body. The diet should be rich in proteins and fiber but in equal proportions. High levels of fat and carbohydrates are not permissible.

Pros and Cons of the Diet

Let’s start with the tangible and pleasant advantages that most people experience.

1. Easy tolerance of the diet. Unlike mono-diets and the Dukan diet, the liquid diet does not adversely affect a person's overall well-being. You won’t experience stomach pain, and there won’t be kidney issues if you follow all the recommendations.

2. The liquid diet does not create metabolic stress in the body, but it should be approached wisely. It is not recommended to abruptly switch to a liquid diet and then stop it suddenly.

3. Cleanses the body. The term "removes toxins and waste" is often associated with green teas and special supplements, but it is also relevant with a liquid diet. The upper layers of the stomach are renewed more actively, restoring the acid-base balance and gut microbiota.

4. Increases vitamin levels. One of the essential rules of this diet is the constant intake of vitamins to avoid harming your hair, nails, and skin.

5. Simple to prepare meals.

6. No need to count calories.

7. Absence of hunger.

Cons of the diet:

1. Limited diet. Blending spinach in a blender will not suffice for this diet; you need to consume products specifically meant for liquid intake.

2. Diuretic effect and constipation. The unpleasant truth about this diet is that due to the lack of solid food, you may experience constipation. This issue arises only if the approach to the diet was not systematic.

3. Not suitable for everyone.

Preparing for the Diet

Before you start your journey to a slim body through a liquid diet, you need to prepare for it. Remember, even a minimal change in your usual diet is a shock to the body, let alone such a radical one. For three days, you should follow this meal plan.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: buckwheat, oatmeal, or semolina porridge with milk.
  • Second breakfast: low-fat fermented milk drink, such as yogurt.
  • Lunch: thick vegetable soup with veal and one slice of any bread.
  • Snack: an apple or an orange.
  • Dinner: vegetable stew.

If you are still hungry after dinner, you can drink a little kefir a couple of hours later.

Day 2

  • Breakfast: steamed vegetables.
  • Second breakfast: milk (preferably warm or at room temperature).
  • Lunch: buckwheat porridge with herbs and a small piece of lean veal.
  • Snack: nuts.
  • Dinner: mashed potatoes with milk.

If you are still hungry after dinner, you can drink a little kefir a couple of hours later.

Day 3

  • Breakfast: liquid puree with water.
  • Second breakfast: herbal infusion or green tea.
  • Lunch: carrot salad with honey.
  • Snack: yogurt.
  • Dinner: puree, similar to breakfast.

If you are still hungry after dinner, you can drink a little kefir a couple of hours later.

This is just a sample meal plan; you can also use the Nazaradan Diet Menu or the Madeleine Zhestran Diet Menu.

Menu for the Liquid Diet

Once you have prepared your body, you can start planning your liquid diet menu for the week. It should consist of 50% fermented dairy products, but if you cannot tolerate them, consider replacing them with low-fat broths.

Remember, the key to this diet is not what you drink, but when you do it. This eating regimen should be implemented daily, and you can change some ingredients according to your preferences.

  • 8:00 – oat broth;
  • 9:00 – vegetable broth;
  • 10:00 – boiling water without any additives;
  • 11:00 – any diluted fresh juices. Juice-to-water ratio should be 1:3 respectively.
  • 12:00 – low-fat milk (broth);
  • 13:00 – boiling water without any additives;
  • 14:00 – fruit compote;
  • 15:00 – beef broth;
  • 16:00 – boiling water without any additives;
  • 17:00 – boiling water without any additives;
  • 18:00 – any diluted fresh juices. Juice-to-water ratio should be 1:3 respectively.
  • 19:00 – vegetable broth;
  • 20:00 – boiling water without any additives;
  • 21:00 – yogurt.

Types of Liquid Diets

Liquid diets are divided into several types, associated with the main ingredient in the diet. You can find diets based on juices, fresh juices, smoothies, milk, and even water.

When choosing a diet, consider the characteristics of your body and do not chase after high numbers. Beginners are better off starting with a variant that allows the consumption of not only liquid foods but also full-fledged soups.

Strict diets

These include diets based on water and juices. It is very difficult to stick to such diets, and they should not be followed for more than 7 days. During the weight loss period, you should take vitamins and add lemon juice to plain water.

Angelina Jolie followed such a diet after childbirth. In 21 days, she managed to lose a record 12 kg while continually going to the gym. In her interview, she mentioned that this experience was very tough for her and required iron willpower and motivation. The actress also recommended adhering to such a regimen for no more than two weeks.

Gentler Liquid Diets

Such diets can include one or two solid foods, most often fruit and vegetables. Additionally, the diversity of products is also pleasing. There is no strict limitation on quantity, so satiety comes much faster.

Exiting the Diet

Returning to your regular diet will last four days and requires a gradual and correct approach.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: cabbage puree and yogurt.
  • Second breakfast: salad made of boiled carrots with orange juice.
  • Lunch: baked pear puree with berry juice.
  • Snack: chamomile tea.
  • Dinner: pumpkin puree.

Day 2

  • Breakfast: steamed vegetables and yogurt.
  • Second breakfast: fruit salad with compote.
  • Lunch: vegetable stew.
  • Snack: berry juice.
  • Dinner: vinaigrette.

Day 3

  • Breakfast: oatmeal with dried fruits.
  • Second breakfast: baked apples.
  • Lunch: steamed fish with potatoes.
  • Snack: compote.
  • Dinner: vegetable stew.

Day 4

  • Breakfast: oatmeal with dried fruits.
  • Second breakfast: baked apples.
  • Lunch: steamed fish with potatoes and salad.
  • Snack: compote.
  • Dinner: chicken soup and salad.

Results of the Diet

Depending on your initial weight and the duration of such a diet, you can lose between 3 to 15 kg of excess weight. Remember to approach the exit from the diet very seriously to avoid upsetting your stomach.

If you feel any mild discomfort, you should seek medical attention immediately!

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