How To Lose Weight On Liquid Dieting

Liquid dieting or liquid diets are usually prescribed by a doctor and not something people readily opt for on their own. Medical professionals often recommend a liquid diet prior to surgery or various procedures and tests like colonoscopy. The benefit of a liquid diet is that it keeps the body hydrated with water, salt and minerals but it doesn't leave residue in the stomach and intestines. This is important during some medical procedures where cameras and probes need to be maneuvered inside someone's body.

What Can I Have?

Liquid diets can be clear or just regular; the main differentiating feature being milk. While milk and dairy products like cream are definitely not allowed on the clear liquid diet, they can be consumed on a regular liquid diet. Some examples of what people can consume on a strict liquid diet include juices without pulp such as apple juice or grape juice. You could have flavored gelatin or hard candy and even popsicles made from fruit juices. Some people prefer warm beverages like hot water with lemon juice or soups. However, all soups are not allowed; only clear soups and bouillon are okay as compared to thick soups with noodles or vegetables.

What Can I Not Have?

Meats, vegetables and fats of any kind are not allowed on a liquid diet and hence it can be pretty restrictive for the patient. However, unless otherwise directed, a patient need not be on a liquid diet for more than five days otherwise he will need supplements of the major food groups that he is missing out on. He may find a reduction in energy on the liquid diet but used as a temporary measure for aiding a medical procedure is fine.

If you can not slurp down more glasses of juice; you could add a little texture of sorts by changing the form of the liquid by adding gelatin or freezing it. However, anything beyond that would not be allowed.

Although a typical liquid diet is high in sugars, it is low in fat and carbs and therefore even though weight loss may be achieved, it is not the healthy way to go in the long run. At times people recovering from surgery, especially of the mouth, throat or stomach can not digest chunky food; a liquid diet under the supervision of their physician is fine. However, for the rest of us out there looking to shed some weight, try a balanced diet with exercise; chances are you won't get bored of that too soon. Liquid dieting can be fun!

Terje Brooks Ellingsen likes to write about weight loss issues like weight loss plans and rapid weight loss.