There are many quick fix liquid diets which may harm you. Here are a few of the more common ones:
The Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet : What is it? Allowed only is a concoction of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper--all day, every day. Why is it harmful? Inadequate nutrition for the body to function can lead to nausea, dizziness, fainting, electrolyte imbalance, weakness, fatigue, gallstones, and in an extreme case, cardiac arrest. You might be driving when you experience these symptoms. You also gain the weight back when you eat again.
Cabbage Soup Diet: What is it? Take in mainly protein and few carbs. On day one, only fruit is allowed. On day two, only vegetables. But by the end of a week, meat and dairy can be consumed. Consume unlimited amounts of a “gassy” cabbage soup of tomatoes water onions and cabbage. Why is it harmful? Can lead to dizziness, nausea, potassium depletion, in extreme cases cardiac arrest, and you will gain the weight back when you eat again.
Meal Replacement Shakes: What are they? Sold in bottles or cans to replace meals. These shakes often have four major ingredients: sugar, cocoa, milk and fructose. In short, these milk shakes are merely an overload of sugar, which will definitely cause your blood sugar level to reach its all-time high. They also contain 12 grams of protein and 38 grams of carbohydrates (20 grams more than that contained in a fat-free milk). Taking into consideration the nutrients that milk contains, it would be better to drink fat-free milk than these milk shakes. Why is it harmful? The caloric level in the meal replacements is very low, and it will cause the loss not just of fat but also of lean tissues, a.k.a. muscles. Our muscles burn calories even during non-activity. Remember that muscle is directly proportional to metabolism-meaning, more muscle equals higher metabolism, and less muscle equals lower metabolism rate. Dizziness and nausea at times.
Grapefruit Diet: What is it? There are quite a few different Grapefruit Diet versions, but the principal behind each and every one is the same. Eat half a grapefruit or drink a glass of grapefruit juice before every meal, to enjoy the benefits of the fat-burning enzymes. The calorie intake is limited to not more than 800 per day. The Grapefruit diet causes rapid weight loss, due to loss of body fluids. Why is it harmful? Calorie content may be very low and is insufficient for daily nutrition. Sign of dizziness and upset stomach, possibly from the combination of coffee and so little food are common. Low in protein, and several important vitamins . The diet is strictly short-term. It doesn't help in changing usual eating habits, which is actually needed to maintain steady weight loss.
by Lisa De Fazio, Television Host and Registered Dietitian
