Liquid Protein Diet
Guidelines for Choosing a Liquid Protein Diet
In a world of increasing obesity, many options have emerged to battle weight: portioned and delivered meals, weight loss pills and liquid protein diet products are the most common with overweight individuals. Of these, the liquid diets are those which provide the fastest results in the least amount of time when used in a responsible manner.
Liquid diets have a long history, dating back to the 1930’s. In the beginning, the products touted as being necessary for fast weight loss actually lacked most of the nutrients that are required in the daily diet. As a result, people became ill; some of them even dying in their quest for better health and weight. Over the years, the quality and the nutritional value of liquid diet products has improved vastly. Not only do they supply protein to build muscle, but they are also well proportioned in essential fats and calories to keep the entire body operating flawlessly while still losing weight.
As with any diet, those who choose a liquid protein diet must follow it religiously for it to work. An individual can choose either a product that is medically monitored or a commercial product available in most department and health food stores. Of the two types, a medically sponsored liquid diet is more expensive because of the expertise of those offering the program. Along with the liquid food, the participant is purchasing the professional guidance of the doctors and nurses that are involved with monitoring their weight loss progress and ensuring their health throughout the program. For the first few months, a very structured diet that includes high protein shakes, protein bars and soup is followed; five meals each day are consumed. After the initial months, regular foods begin to be introduced to the diet, supplemented by the shakes.
Other people will find that a liquid protein diet is easier and less expensive to formulate on their own, using products available in many department, grocery and health food stores. Protein shakes can be purchased in powdered form, or in canned ready to drink varieties. The products include a recommended meal plan to be followed for optimal effectiveness; usually one shake for breakfast, one shake for lunch and a sensible nutritionally balanced yet low calorie meal for dinner. Snacks are also part of the diet, with specific foods that are low calorie and low fat recommended for these small boosters to the day’s meals. Often, the same manufacturer of the liquid protein products will offer nutrition bars that can serve as the snack foods. The important thing to remember when choosing your own liquid diet is to closely examine the ingredients. Avoid products that are high in sugars or carbohydrates; both elements that will threaten weight loss.
Regardless of which type of liquid protein diet that is chosen, the main advantage of these diets is the fact that everyday food is taken out of the equation. This is often the stumbling block that dieters face; proper portion control and appropriate foods that meet calorie, fat and nutritional value. The shakes provide a “meal in a glass”; enabling the dieter to have the meal preplanned and available without thought. The high protein and fiber help to keep the individual feeling more satisfied for longer periods, lessening the opportunity for between meal snacking. Exercise of some type is always recommended, not only to increase weight loss but also to keep energy levels high.
Those who feel that a liquid diet suits their weight loss objectives have the choice of being medically monitored or self monitored, but either way can realize great strides toward their goals. Losing weight in a safe yet quick manner is an advantage when choosing a liquid protein diet; one of the most common methods of weight loss today.