Liquid Diets

Question from P.N. – “I am thinking of going on a liquid diet for a week to jump-start my weight loss program. What's your take on a liquid diet?”

It’s great to want to jump-start your weight loss plan.  However, there are advantages as well as disadvantage with liquid diets.  In my opinion, it’s fine to replace 1 meal a day with an all-natural fruit/vegetable juice or a smoothie.  But it has to be the kind you put in the blender or juicer and not the kind of juice you buy in the store.  You have to be careful, many fruit drinks are labeled “healthy” but there is fructose in a lot of them.

I’m not a big fan of supplements but a protein powder or shake can be another alternative if you want to replace a meal.

Although liquid diets will result in a faster weight loss, my main concern is protein deficiency.  Liquid diets are also less than 1000 calories per day, which will slow down your metabolism to conserve energy.  In turn, you will gain the weight back quickly when you’re off your liquid diet.

I don’t recommend a temporary full on liquid diet (3 or 4 times a day).  However, there’s nothing wrong with replacing 1 meal a day with liquids and eat 2 regular healthy meals.  You may not lose the weight as fast but your weight loss will be consistent and safe.  I don’t recommend any diets that I consider a temporary fix, it must to be a lifestyle change.

If you want to try a full week of liquid diet, please be aware of the nutritional content and it’s always best to be supervised by a physician to be safe.