High Protein Liquid Diets

The high protein liquid diet is an intensive fast, during which time the only thing a person can consume is water and high protein drinks or shakes. The reason protein is used is because it assists with balancing blood sugar levels and supporting healthy muscle development and recovery after exercise. Muscle improves the metabolic rate which helps you to burn fat throughout the day.

The Diet

Protein forms the building blocks of the body and is responsible for the general health of the body, including healthy bone and muscle development. Protein takes longer to digest than other elements in food and for this reason it has the ability to balance blood sugar levels. It reduces the need to snack and assists with muscle repair and recovery after exercise.

The liquid diet involves a 12-week period of fasting on high protein, meal replacement drinks. During this time, a person consumes between 400 and 800 calories a day. After the initial fast is completed, a reintegration period is undergone, where regular food is reintroduced back into the diet at a very slow pace. Once the person is eating healthy, it is just about maintaining this diet. A person can lose between two to four pounds a week on this diet.

The liquid diet is suitable for those who are obese. This is not a diet for those who are just merely overweight. You must undergo this diet with the supervision of a doctor as side effects may include dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps and stomach pains. In some cases it can lead to heart palpitations and pains in the chest. Supervision is needed as this diet is not be for everybody.

Protein Drinks

High protein drinks such as Optifast and Slim Fast can be used for the liquid diet. They contain a balanced amount of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. They come in a variety of flavors and are designed to be low calorie meal replacements so they are safe to use for the liquid diet. They are accessible and cheap and can be purchased from most supermarkets and health food stores.

Other high protein powders can also be purchased, such as Whey Protein Isolate powder, used to make your own protein drink at home. Since these are not specifically designed to support the high protein liquid diet it is important to speak to a medical professional about which one are appropriate. Whey protein isolate is an easy to digest protein made from a component in cow's milk and contains no gluten and is suitable for vegetarians and those who are lactose intolerant.