Can You Lose Weight On a 7-Day Liquid Diet? A Menu Plan, Benefits & Side Effects

Liquid diets are touted to aid in losing weight in recent times. People adopt liquid diets for multiple reasons, including medical conditions or post-medical surgery. We are familiar with the concept of losing weight through liquid consumption.

There are various traditional fasting methods that only include water intake within a specific period of time. Liquid diets incorporate foods that stay liquid at room temperature, which also include water.

A 7-day liquid diet is quite popular among people around the world for rapid weight loss. While the weight loss results of the diet can be appealing, it is essential to learn whether it has any adverse effect on the body. In this article, we shall explore the weight loss effects and potential downsides of a 7-day liquid diet.

Can You Lose Weight On a 7-Day Liquid Diet?

Liquid diets contain fewer calories when compared with solid foods. You must plan your daily calorie intake to be lower than what your body uses up in order to lose weight effectively. A 7-day liquid diet can regulate your daily calorie consumption and aid in losing weight.

The daily calorie intake for weight loss varies based on height, weight, age, diet, activity level, and body composition. If you plan your 7-day liquid plan based on your daily calorie needs, you can lose weight steadily. 

Another advantage of liquid diets is that they are easy on your digestive system. When you have better digestion, your metabolism will increase due to the thermic effect of food. Digestion also regulates hormones like insulin, which impacts your weight loss. Liquid diets also help to detoxify your body. Detoxification aids in reducing water weight, which causes fluctuations in weight as much as two pounds per day.

Liquid diets can also provide you with various nutrients, including protein and fiber. When you drink protein-rich or fiber-rich beverages in a 7-day liquid diet, you can have a fuller feeling, which curbs cravings and regulates food consumption.

A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that very low-calorie diets, such as liquid diets, resulted in significant weight loss in adults when compared to solid foods. 

Types of Liquid Diets

You might have known about a clear liquid diet and a full liquid diet when planning to lose weight through liquid diets. But there are other types that you can consider for weight loss. We have provided four primary types of liquid diets.

Meal Replacement Diet

If you wish to be on liquid diets occasionally, you can opt for meal replacement diets. As the name implies, this diet focuses on replacing your meals with healthy smoothies and soups. You can replace your meals with healthy beverages on an occasional basis in this diet.

This diet helps with calorie restriction and aids in losing weight steadily. You can include nutritious beverages prepared at home in this diet or utilize meal replacement drinks available in the market.

Detox Liquid Diet

A detox liquid diet helps to remove toxins from the body and improve digestion. Detoxification can help to improve circulation and sleep quality. When you are on a detox liquid diet, your metabolic health improves, and your body weight reduces. Fruit and vegetable juices that are packed with essential nutrients and water are included in this liquid diet.

Full-Liquid Diet

Full-liquid diets are more nutritious because they include all healthy beverages. You can consume all foods that stay liquid at room temperature in this diet. Since this is less restrictive, a full-liquid diet can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements comparatively and promote weight loss.

Clear Liquid Diet

Clear liquid diets are usually followed by people before or after their medical surgery based on their doctor’s prescription. The only permitted foods on this diet are transparent or clear liquids. Clear liquid diets include liquids like fat-free broth, juices without pulp, tea or coffee without milk, and strained vegetable juice.

Foods You Can Consume in A 7-Day Liquid Diet 

There is a wide variety of liquids you can consume in a 7-day liquid diet. Some of the primary foods that can be included in a 7-day liquid diet for weight loss are:

• Fruits and vegetable juices
• Soups (clear broths, strained vegetable soups, strained meat soups)
• Milk
• Yogurts
• Cream of Wheat
• Cream of Rice
• Coffee and tea
• Sports drinks
• Supplement beverages
• Ice cream

Since liquid diets are low-calorie diets, it is best to plan your diets based on your nutritional needs. Otherwise, there is a chance of having a nutrient deficiency, which is associated with various health conditions.

A 7-Day Liquid Diet Plan for Weight Loss

On a 7-day liquid diet, you must schedule your meals for more than three meals in order to meet your daily nutritional requirements. In addition, add variety to your every meal to help with consistency. A sample liquid diet plan is provided below:

• Breakfast: 1 cup of Cream of Wheat thinned with whole milk, ½ cup of fruit juice
• Snack: ½ cup liquid nutritional supplement, ½ cup yogurt
• Lunch: 2 cups of vegetable soup, 1 cup of pudding, ½ cup of fruit juice
• Snack: 1 cup milkshake or sherbet
• Dinner: 1 cup oatmeal thinned with milk, ½ cup lemonade
• Snack: 1 cup dietary beverage, ½ cup pudding

You can also include cereals, juices, or pureed soups in the 7-day liquid diet. Smoothies or ice creams can be added to the diet to bring variety.

Health Benefits of Liquid Diets

A 7-day liquid diet can provide you with various health benefits other than weight loss. Consuming liquids that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals can improve organ function. Since liquid diets detoxify your body, you have a reduced risk of chronic illnesses.

Liquid diets also improve circulation, which is good for the skin. Consuming healthy liquids can be convenient for the digestive system, thereby preventing digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux.

Pros of a 7-Day Liquid Diet

• It is easy to prepare and less time-consuming.
• It can be convenient for people with packed schedules.
• It provides you with hydration and nourishment.

Cons of a 7-Day Liquid Diet

• It may lead to loss of muscle mass because of a lack of protein.
• It can make you prone to nutritional deficiencies.
• It may provide you with less energy for daily activities and exercise.
• It is not advisable for everyone.

Potential Downsides

One of the major drawbacks of liquid diets is that you are likely to gain weight over time. This is because liquid diets help you lose water weight, which you will probably gain back after eating regularly. Liquid diets are low in nutrients, which can lead to nutritional deficiency. When your body lacks essential nutrients, your metabolism may slow down, which stalls your weight loss.

Since liquid diets can be low in fiber, they can cause constipation in some people. The lack of vital minerals and vitamins in liquid diets can make you feel fatigued or depressed. Liquid diets are also not recommended for people with diabetes or eating disorders. If you experience any undesirable effects in the body, it will help if you consult with a healthcare practitioner.

The Bottom Line

A 7-day liquid diet can be beneficial for weight loss in the short run. You should consider drinking at least 64 ounces of liquids per day on a liquid diet. Nutritional supplements can also be included in this diet. It is best to plan your 7-day liquid diet plan based on your daily nutritional requirements.

You can see noticeable before and after weight loss results on a 7-day liquid diet. However, you are likely to gain weight because the weight lost on this diet is primarily water weight. For sustainable weight loss, it will help if you adopt a healthy, balanced diet routine and an exercise regimen.

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