We do not recommend a
strict liquid diet, which is nothing more than a crash or starvation
diet. However liquid diets, particularly liquid protein diets used as a
meal replacement are a good way to lose weight. Never intake less than
1000 calories per day because your metabolism will slow down to match
your calorie intake.
The idea calorie
intake to lose weight for most women is 1200 to 1400 and men should
consume 1600 to 1800 calories to lose 1 pound per week. This should be
accomplished by eating 5 to 6 small meals each day and what better meal
to have than a convenient protein shake. Most protein shakes contain
other essential nutrients.
Avoid liquid shakes
with too much sugar. Liquid diet drinks with more than 15 grams of sugar
tend to elevate your blood sugar quickly and then drop off sharply,
leaving you hungry an hour or so after consumption.
The best way to use a
liquid diet is to have a protein shake in the morning along with oatmeal
or a fruit. Have another diet shake for mid-morning snack. Eat a small
lunch with lean meat and veggie, and avoid breads or junk food. Have
another protein shake mid-afternoon and a small dinner of lean meats
with a vegetable.
Combining liquid
protein shakes with regular low fat foods at regular 2 or 3 hour
intervals is the best way to lose weight because you won’t feel hungry
or deprived and you keep your blood sugar stable, which promotes fat
burn.
Combining a liquid
diet with regular low calorie foods also gives you constant energy
through the day and makes it easier to do aerobic activity 20 to 30
minutes per day such as a fast pace walk.
