Liquid diets have
been around for many years, but lately they are becoming more popular
due to celebrity endorsements. It continues to grow in popularity due
to the benefits of its drastic weight loss, but it also has other
advantages:
- When you are on a liquid diet the digestive system gets a rests because liquid is much easier to digest than solid foods.
- It is very good for the skin, giving it a younger appearance with a change in as little as 24 hours from the start the diet.
- It helps to eliminate toxins from the body
- It increases your energy
- It improves your mood and helps you to think clearer
There are different
types of liquid diets. Some replace daily meals with nutritional
shakes. Other liquid diets consist of drinking only juices made from
fruits and or vegetables. There are also options where some of the
meals are replaced by liquids and persons are allowed to consume
nutritional bars throughout the day. If you chose to use a liquid
diet to aid in your weight loss progress, there are some facts you
need to keep in mind.
Liquid diets should
only be done over a short period of time; it should not be used for a
long term commitment. During the liquid diet, certain calories are
restricted and, if this is done over a long period, it can prove
problematic for your health. You also need to consult a doctor,
nutritionist or dietitian before embarking on this or any diet for
that matter. A health care practitioner will be able to set a time
frame for your diet, but most beginners start a few days to a week at
the most.
Choose a time span
for your diet when you are not expecting any stressful situations,
because you should be in a restful state of mind during this time. If
you are planning a big soiree, expecting your in-laws to visit, or
preparing an important presentation at work, then do not chose that
particular day, week or month to go on this diet. Stressful
situations can adversely affect the diet.
Things
you need for your liquid diet
If you are embarking
on a juice diet, then you will need to shop for the required
supplies. The main things you need are:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
The diet will
consist of about 8 glasses of water each day and each meal will be
replaced with vegetable and or fruits juices. It is recommended that
you opt for mostly vegetables juices because they contain more
digestive enzymes, which will be very helpful on your diet.
Throughout the day you can also sip on herbal teas, but check that
they do not include any type of sugar.
If you are dieting
during a work week, you need to mix juices and take them to work with
you. You should also have your water bottle and another bottle for
your herbal tea to keep you feeling full throughout the day. Stay
away from places such as fast food outlets and restaurants while you
are on the liquid diet. If you must go to a restaurant for a
business dinner, make sure to order herbal tea, fresh fruit juice or
water; don’t be tempted by the other options on the menu. You are
not required to do any exercises during the course of your liquid
diet. The most exercise that is advised is leisurely walks, but
nothing else that will allow you to increase your heart rate or break
a sweat.