Liquid Protein Diet

Protein forms the building blocks of the body and is a popular component in many weight loss diets. A liquid diet involves consuming only high-protein drinks and water for 12 weeks. High-protein drinks contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They are designed to replace meals and can be purchased from supermarkets and health food stores.

The Diet

A liquid diet is a fast, where the only things that can be consumed are water and high-protein meal replacement drinks. Each day of the diet, you consume 400 to 800 calories, and you lose two to four pounds each week. The fast lasts for 12 weeks. Then you undergo a process of reintegrating regular food back into the diet, and then a process of maintenance.

Protein is the central ingredient in this diet because of how important it is for the body. It helps in the development and repair of muscle, bone and even hair, skin and nails. It takes longer to digest and keeps you feeling full for longer. It balances blood sugar levels and helps to reduce the urge to snack. It gives you more energy and helps the muscles repair and recove after intense exercise.

This diet is not suitable for everybody. It is only for those who are genuinely obese and is not meant for people who are merely overweight. The diet must be done with the supervision of a medical practitioner as it can cause side effects such as fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, stomach aches and dizziness, and in some it can also cause heart palpitations and chest pain.

Protein Drinks

There are many types of protein drinks but only a few, such as Optifast and Slim Fast, are actually deigned specifically for the liquid diet and designed to be used as meal replacement protein drinks. These come in a variety of flavors and can be bought from most supermarkets and health food stores. These are taken at meal times throughout the day and it is advisable that one be taken within half an hour after exercise to assist with muscle recovery.

There are other varieties of high-protein powders available that are made from whey protein isolate, a complete protein, derived from cow's milk, or soy protein which is also a complete protein, derived from soy beans. While these may be beneficial protein powders for health, they are not designed specifically to be taken as part of the high-protein liquid diet, and it is advisable to speak to your medical practitioner if you are planning to use them.