Nutritionally-Balanced Liquid Diets

Medically, it is recommended to have a specific amount of nutrients, minerals and vitamins for a balanced diet. Meal replacements are usually liquid and involve replacing a set number of meals with liquid meals to lose weight. Most liquid drinks are nutritionally balanced, so you get the appropriate amount of nutrients.

Liquid Meals

• The liquid diet usually consists of sugar, milk powder, fiber, minerals, sweetener and minerals. Depending on what your doctor says, you might be allowed to stay on a liquid diet indefinitely. When you get into nutritionally balanced liquid diets, there are a variety from which to choose. Some such choices include Slimfast, Zone, Nature's Way, Alive, Well BetX, Herbalife, Lean Body, Muscle Milk and Myoplex. All are nutritionally balanced.

Calories

• The amount of calories you consume daily with liquid diets is far less than what you would have if you were to eat food. Normally, the liquid shakes have about 200 calories and 3 grams of fat. The amount of calories you consume a day is about 1,200.

Drawbacks

• Low-calorie liquid diets do not have enough fiber to keep you healthy. They also don't have enough antioxidants. You get antioxidants from vegetables, whole grains and fruit. A lack of antioxidants can harm your immune system. However, if you were to combine a liquid diet with solid foods, you have a better chance of remaining healthy and getting the appropriate nutrients needed for your body.