Based on the fluid consistency, liquid diet food can be of clear liquids or full liquid types. Some of the all time healthy options for this diet are fruit juices, shakes, fruity yogurt, and vegetable soup.
A liquid diet refers to consumption of food only in the liquid form to provide the energy requirements of the body, while abstaining from solid food products. It is very popular for a wide range of health improvement approaches. Be it for losing weight or digestive system problems, a liquid diet suits the requirements of many individuals.
The main approach depends upon the person who is indulging in the plan. If you are among those millions who want to have your hands on such a diet program, then understanding its several aspects and healthy liquid food options will help you in proper planning of your diet.
Benefits
When we mention liquid diet food, most people assume them as one of the best options for shedding excess calories. Apart from this, there are several benefits of it, if it is followed in a proper way. Some of them are as follows.
Body Detoxification
Liquid diet food items are effective for body detoxification and cleansing the digestive tract. A correct blend of liquid diet food helps in getting rid of the body toxins. As a liquid diet is easy to digest, it does not pressurize the digestive system and aids in its restoration.
Weight Loss
Sticking to a liquid diet for several days is a popular weight loss diet program. For this approach, the calorie count of the liquid diet food should be about 400-800 calories per day. But, it is to be borne in mind that liquid diets are not a healthy option for weight loss.
Diagnostic Test
Liquid diets are recommended before conducting a few medical tests, especially those that require an empty stomach. For example, prescription of clear liquid diet for colonoscopy. Liquid foods are also followed as a pre-operative and post-operative diet plan.
For Health Problems
At times, the physician may recommend a liquid diet for combating certain health conditions. It is recommended to people who experience difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and for irregular bowel movements.
List of Liquid Diet Food
Based on the fluid consistence, a liquid diet is of two types―clear liquid and full liquid diet. Clear liquid diet foods are purely transparent, while full liquid diet food includes both transparent and opaque food that have an even consistency. Following is a list of the food options that you can consider incorporating in your diet.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are healthy options for a liquid diet. They are enriched with natural sugar, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Resort to a variety of fruits for making juices, rather than just sticking to one monotonous type of fruit juice.
Fruit Nectar
In case you like nectar, you can consume fruit nectar with pulp. You can include varieties of fruits to make your liquid diet more healthy and tasty.
Ice Pops
Prepare ice pops by using a flavorful fruit juice, as per your preferred taste. You can buy ice pops of different flavors and colors from the food store, but make sure that they are from a reputable brand.
Vegetable Soup
Include smooth vegetable soups and cooked cereals to your diet. You can blend the vegetable items before cooking or else you can strain them after cooking. You can also take tomato purée and/or tomato juice.
Fruity Yogurt and Milkshakes
Milk shakes are healthy liquid diets. With such an option, you can get the benefit of milk and fruits at the same time. Mix yogurt with sugar, ice cubes and lots of fruit slices. Add this to an electric blender and blend it for 4-5 minutes.
Fruit Smoothie
Prepared by mixing yogurt, wheat germ, and fresh fruits, this fruit smoothie is a healthy option for liquid diet food. You can add fruits of your preferred choice like apple, banana, pineapple, and strawberries.
Tea and Coffee
Being liquid beverages, tea and coffee are also included in the list. Nevertheless, do not indulge in drinking only tea or only coffee in place of meals, as they have various side effects when taken in a large quantity at a time.
Other Clear Liquids
Clear liquid diet food includes flavored water, vegetable, and meat broth. Clear gelatin, honey, and carbonated drinks can also be consumed. They are usually recommended before undergoing medical tests.
Coming to the effectiveness, liquid diet food options are safe to consume as long as they are enriched with the essential nutrients required for proper functioning of the bodily metabolic processes. Replacing meals with liquid food for a prolonged period is not always healthy, instead it can lead to several health symptoms.
To be on the safer side, you can consult a dietitian regarding the amount of calories, healthy liquid diet recipes, and the recommended duration.
This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.