Shalini Passi’s beauty treatments and skin care have gained popularity since she starred in the latest season of Incredible Lives vs Bollywood Wives. She has openly shared that gossip about other people affects her skin in a big way, showing her health-consciousness in a way that benefits her skin.
Shalini stated that herbal juices and liquids form a large part of her diet and that she does not like to consume processed foods. “I don’t eat anything that comes in a bottle or a box,” she said on the show. Is liquid dieting healthy or just another social media-driven health craze? We spoke to experts to debunk the myths and facts behind this craze.
What is a liquid diet and is it useful?
Liquid diets involve replacing solid foods with liquids, such as juices, smoothies, and protein shakes, or turning solid foods into soups or other liquid forms. The topic of weight loss often surrounds such a diet, and it is generally easier for the body to break it down, which can be beneficial for those with digestive problems. “Eating food can aid nutrient absorption in some cases, especially because blending can break down the cell walls in fruits and vegetables, making some nutrients more bioavailable. For example, the carotenoids in carrots and other vegetables are more easily absorbed by the body if they are mixed,” shares Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, Senior Consultant, Rainbow Hospital.
Positive effects of this diet
Liquid meals can save time on meal preparation and eating, making them suitable for busy lifestyles. They can also help control portion size and calorie intake, making them beneficial for weight loss. If you’re on the go and need a quick bite to eat, it’s better to prepare a healthy drinkable meal than to grab fast food. Dr Sunita Nagpal, Gynecologist and General Practitioner at Salubritas Medcentre suggests: “After eating a mixed meal, the metabolism is faster than usual because a lot of fluids have been consumed. It boosts energy, speeds up digestion and increases alertness.” Sugar-free protein shakes, vegetable shakes or soups are some examples of nutritious and healthy drinks.
Health risks associated with a liquid diet
While nutrients like protein can be consumed with liquid, the body also requires fatty acids found in whole foods and fiber, which is difficult to consume in liquid form. Liquid foods may not be as filling as solid foods, which can lead to increased hunger and potential overeating later. Although preparing these liquid meals saves time, they are difficult to maintain long-term, which can lead to yo-yo dieting.
Who should try and who should avoid?
Some people may temporarily choose liquid diets for detoxification purposes, although the effectiveness of such cleanses is debated. “A complete liquid diet is a temporary diet recommended for people who have trouble swallowing or chewing, have mouth or throat ulcers, jaw injuries, and digestive problems,” shares Dr. Diksha Dayal, Division Head and Senior Dietitian, Division of Nutrition and Health of health at SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, adding: “It is also recommended for those recovering from certain operations such as gastrointestinal, maxillofacial or bariatric surgery.”
Individuals who need a balanced diet (such as children, pregnant women, or athletes) should generally avoid liquid diets unless under the supervision of a health care professional. People with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or kidney disease) should consult a health care professional before considering a liquid diet, as it may not provide the necessary nutrients.
