Hi,
My question is, can someone live their whole life on a liquid diet?
Amanda K.
Yes, Amanda, it is quite possible and many people require liquid diets for periods of time that may span the rest of their life.
I have provided prescribed liquid diets to patients with a broken jaw, for example, who are not going to be able to chew for several weeks. But the diet must include a variety of foods to meet nutritional needs, paying close attention to calorie needs. Merely drinking beverages instead of eating food may result in a diet that is not balanced; for instance, if you drink mostly soda (which has no nutritional value). Even if you drink milk and juice--healthy beverages-- the diet must still be carefully planned to include a balance of essential nutrients.
Many people live on liquid diets because of certain conditions. Examples include diseases that prevent safe swallowing, such as throat cancer or some strokes; a complication of diabetes called gastroparesis which prevents the stomach from emptying normally; people who are respirator dependent in some cases; and those who are in a coma. Formulas like Ensure and Boost (which can be found at your local grocery or drug store) are provided in amounts to meet 100% of the daily requirements for the nutrients we know are essential; even fiber is provided in some formulas. And many formulas are adapted for other conditions the person may have, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or high protein needs.
The bottom line is, a nutritious and well-balanced diet can be provided in liquid form and someone can live with that for many years. Just drinking whatever you feel like, however, can easily lead to lack of essential nutrients.
Showing posts with label liquid diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liquid diet. Show all posts
Friday, September 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I Want to Try the Reboot Diet
I just watched the documentary with the Aussie who goes across the country on a fruit and vegetable juice fast with amazing results. I am an active 50-year old woman that hasn't really had a weight problem, but as I've aged--metabolism, menopause, etc--I've gained about 20 lbs and my clothes just don't fit like they use to. So I'm thinking of trying this Reboot diet plan. I think I could do it for 4 or 5 days at a time, but after that I'd be craving something to chew. Would it work to do it for several days on and off? And would I be missing important nutrients if I did it this way? It looks very healthy with all the leafy greens and all the fruits.
What do you advise before I break out the juicer? Linda G.
Dear Linda,
Juice diets, fasts and cleanses have been around a long time. Most people find it easier to drink a prescribed diet and just ignore food altogether, rather than thinking, preparing, weighing, measuring, and trying to decide what to eat, which includes talking yourself out of that candy bar! That's why many liquid diets are successful, including the liquid protein drink diets (Optifast, Medifast, Slimfast) . . . for a while.
Think about what will happen after the fasting is over; typically, people go back to the way they were eating and gain back the weight.
The allure of these diets is they are easy to follow and show big results fast! Many people can lose 5 pounds or more in the first week. On the eat-healthy-and-exercise plan the results might just be one or 2 pounds a week. But the benefit of eating healthy and exercising is, it can become a lifestyle--unlike the juiced diet. And if you can change some of your eating habits and activity level to take in fewer calories and burn more, you'll keep the weight off forever!
You probably won't suffer any nutritional deficiencies if you try the juicer diet for 4 or 5 days. It is low in protein, essential fats, and in the B vitamins found in starchy carbs that help you metabolize energy. A multivitamin/mineral supplement while you're on it wouldn't be a bad idea. But my advice?
Start keeping a food diary. There are many websites that help you do this (LiveStrong, FitDay and SparkPeople are just a few). Becoming more aware of mindless eating, empty calories (think soda, chips, and cookies), and eating out of boredom can help you change these habits. You'll likely find the few hundred calories that can be eliminated on most days, bringing you that pound-or-two-a-week weight loss. Then you won't have to go on any type of diet.... you'll just become a healthier eater and lose weight in the process!
What do you advise before I break out the juicer? Linda G.
Dear Linda,
Juice diets, fasts and cleanses have been around a long time. Most people find it easier to drink a prescribed diet and just ignore food altogether, rather than thinking, preparing, weighing, measuring, and trying to decide what to eat, which includes talking yourself out of that candy bar! That's why many liquid diets are successful, including the liquid protein drink diets (Optifast, Medifast, Slimfast) . . . for a while.
Think about what will happen after the fasting is over; typically, people go back to the way they were eating and gain back the weight.
The allure of these diets is they are easy to follow and show big results fast! Many people can lose 5 pounds or more in the first week. On the eat-healthy-and-exercise plan the results might just be one or 2 pounds a week. But the benefit of eating healthy and exercising is, it can become a lifestyle--unlike the juiced diet. And if you can change some of your eating habits and activity level to take in fewer calories and burn more, you'll keep the weight off forever!
You probably won't suffer any nutritional deficiencies if you try the juicer diet for 4 or 5 days. It is low in protein, essential fats, and in the B vitamins found in starchy carbs that help you metabolize energy. A multivitamin/mineral supplement while you're on it wouldn't be a bad idea. But my advice?
Start keeping a food diary. There are many websites that help you do this (LiveStrong, FitDay and SparkPeople are just a few). Becoming more aware of mindless eating, empty calories (think soda, chips, and cookies), and eating out of boredom can help you change these habits. You'll likely find the few hundred calories that can be eliminated on most days, bringing you that pound-or-two-a-week weight loss. Then you won't have to go on any type of diet.... you'll just become a healthier eater and lose weight in the process!
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