Liquid Protein Diet Information

The liquid diet is a diet that involves only drinking specially made high protein drinks for three months. The calorie intake on a liquid diet is very low and people may lose three to four pounds per week on the diet. It is only suitable for those who suffer from obesity and may be dangerous to anyone who is only mildly obese. The liquid diet must be done under medical supervision. For those who may benefit from the diet, it is completed in three stages. Firstly there is the three month fast on the high protein drinks. Then there is a refeeding stage where healthy food is reintegrated into the diet. This is followed by a maintenance stage of maintaining a healthy diet.

Protein

Protein forms the building blocks for the body. From hair to the muscles, protein intake is essential for a healthy body. The usual recommended daily amount of protein is anywhere between 45 and 65 grams per day. When a person is trying to lose weight this amount can go up from anywhere between 75 grams to one gram of protein per pound of body weight.

Function

Protein is often used to support a variety of weight loss diets for a variety of reasons. Protein helps to balance blood sugar levels as it takes longer to digest and will help to keep the body fuller for longer. For this reason, it minimizes snacking and overeating. It also helps to support muscle recovery and development which means a person can work out harder and more often, which induces weight loss and a faster metabolism.

Diet

The liquid diet involves supplementing meals with a low calorie high protein drink, designed to contain essential vitamins, protein, fiber and carbohydrates for health. The daily calorie intake is between 400 to 800 calories a day for a three month period. Generally, 3 to 4 pounds of body weight are lost per week over this time. Then the person undergoes a process of reintegrating healthy foods into the diet and then maintaining a healthy diet.

Warning

This is a suitable diet for those who are obese and in need of extreme weight loss for health. It must be done with medical supervision and with the consent of a doctor. Some medical practitioners do not support the liquid diet and believe that it is necessary to get nutrients from natural foods. People who are only mildly obese may lose too much body fat which can result in cardiac dysfunction and in some cases cause death. Other side effects may include headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, menstrual irregularities and heart irregularities. That is why this diet must be done with medical supervision.

Availability

Some of the companies who create the high protein drinks that make up the liquid diet include Optifast, Slim Fast and Medi Fast and the meal replacement drinks can be purchased from most health food stores and supermarkets. They contain a measured amount of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fats and vitamins to replace meals and still provide a balanced substitute.