A liquid diet can be a very viable approach towards managing specific health conditions, as well as a quick weight loss remedy. Whether prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons or adopted as a means of detoxification or weight management, the liquid diet requires careful planning and understanding. It involves consuming only liquids or foods that turn liquid at room temperature. However, embarking on this dietary journey involves knowing which foods are included, the potential risks, and the guidelines to follow.

Here is everything you must know to begin on a liquid diet.

What is Liquid Diet?

A liquid diet, in a nutshell, is a diet that limits food intake of solid to be taken in a liquid form, food that can liquefy at room temperature. These include juice, smoothies, and even broths, or gelatin and ice pops. Liquid diets are commonly done in the hospital for those who cannot take in a normal diet because of health reasons, such as after surgery, due to illness, or digestive issues.

There are mainly two types: clear liquid diet and full liquid diet. Although they have both found wide usage in a medical field, individuals are known to keep the diet of this nature just to detox or shed off the body weight. As such, details of what can be eaten and what is allowed will all be dependent upon what version is one using as well as one's reason behind going for it.

Types of Liquid Diets

1. Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet is the most restrictive type of liquid diet. Stanford University Medical Center defines clear liquids as liquid that is translucent and usually devoid of any particles of solid food. Some of the most common foods in a clear liquid diet include clear broths, tea, cranberry juice, Jell-O, and popsicles. This diet is usually prescribed before undergoing any medical procedure or surgery as it gives the digestive system time to rest. The point of an all-liquid diet is that it offers nutrition in limited amounts and thus should only be used in short duration, such as 3 to 5 days at most and always under strict medical supervision.

2. Full Liquid Diet

A full liquid diet is not as restricted and provides a wide variety. This diet contains all the food components of the clear liquid diet and adds thicker liquids, including cream-based soups, milkshakes, pudding, and pulp-containing juices. Full liquid diets are commonly given to patients immediately after surgery or other medical interventions to transition patients from a clear liquid diet toward solid foods once they have improved.

This diet can be a more balanced source of nutrition because it might contain drinks such as Ensure or Boost, which contain necessary nutrients-protein and calories.

Also Read: This Vegetable Juice Is One Of The Most Hydrating Drinks You Can Have

What Can Be Eaten on a Liquid Diet

While on a liquid diet, food choice is left mostly to the kind of liquid diet that a patient is undergoing. The foods below are allowed in each kind:

• Clear broths or consommes
• Tea, black or green, without milk or cream
• Cranberry juice or apple juice, pulp-free
• Popsicles and gelatin
• Clear sports drinks, without artificial colors or sweeteners

This diet is best for pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery recovery, or detoxification before diagnostic tests. It is essential to note that a clear liquid diet is not meant to be a long-term source of nutrition since it does not contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, or proteins.

All liquids as listed above clear diet

• Soups pureed or strained (creamed tomato, vegetable soup, etc.)
• Milkshakes and smoothies
• Pudding, custard, ice cream, with no lumps
• Nutritional drinks like Ensure or Boost
• Fruit juices with pulp is allowed

This diet is very flexible and allows for a much more nutritional diet, which will be needed when the patient has to consume many calories, proteins, and all the essential vitamins while recovering from illness or surgery.

Managing Meals on a Liquid Diet

Breakfast

You might start the day on a liquid diet, such as a glass of fruit juice or a nutritional drink. These are helpful for adding calories and protein to your intake. You can have tea or coffee without cream or milk. You might be able to have cooked cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, thinned with extra milk on a full liquid diet.

Lunch and Dinner

In a clear liquid diet, foods are mainly the clear broth or consomme. Other allowed foods in the diet include Jell-O, clear sports drinks, and plain popsicles. In a full liquid diet, lunch and dinner may consist of pureed soups or creamed and strained soups like cream of mushroom or chicken. Protein powder or skim milk powder can be added to soups to raise protein levels.

Snacks and Desserts

Liquid diets are commonly supplemented with nutritious snacks and desserts. For instance, milkshakes, pudding, ice cream, or fruit juice bars are all filling, yet nutrient-providing foods. If you are on a full liquid diet, custard-style yogurt or creamy smoothies with added protein powder or honey can keep you full and fulfill your caloric needs.

How Liquid Diets Can Impact Weight Loss?

Although liquid diets are prescribed for medical reasons, some people follow them to lose weight. Liquid diets without medical supervision may include drastically reduced calorie intake. Most people use juice cleanses or all-liquid detox diets, which include a mix of fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, and water throughout the day.

A study published in Obesity Surgery (2018) reported that patients who were on a very low-calorie liquid diet before bariatric surgery lost a lot of weight, about 8-10 pounds within one to two weeks. However, using liquid diets for weight loss purposes may not be sustainable in the long term and can be challenging to maintain. Moreover, the weight loss may not be significant enough to justify using this approach long-term.

For those looking to lose weight, a more balanced approach is usually recommended, such as the Mediterranean diet or other well-balanced meal plans that are more sustainable and provide adequate nutrition.

Do You Need a Liquid Diet?

If your doctor prescribes a liquid diet, it’s typically safe to follow, but it's essential to consult your healthcare provider to discuss any changes or concerns during your diet. A liquid diet can be an effective tool for pre-surgical preparation or recovery, but it should be followed carefully and under the guidance of a professional.

For those thinking about a liquid diet to lose weight, it's important to keep in mind that liquid diets are not a long-term solution. They may help you achieve results quickly, but sustainable weight loss requires a balanced, nutritious eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. A dietitian or nutritionist consultation before beginning a liquid diet can help ensure you're making a healthy decision about your health.

Starting a liquid diet, whether for medical reasons or weight loss, requires careful planning and guidance. Understanding the types of liquid diets and their potential risks is crucial to ensuring you maintain optimal health while following the plan. Always consult your doctor before beginning any liquid diet, and remember that a balanced, long-term approach to nutrition is key to sustained health and wellness.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and long-term changes in weight and waist circumference in the EPIC-Italy cohort. Nutr Diabetes. 2018

The Effects Of Under-Eating. National Centre for Eating Disorders.

Defining the Optimal Dietary Approach for Safe, Effective and Sustainable Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2018

Effectiveness, Compliance, and Acceptability of Preoperative Weight Loss with a Liquid Very Low-Calorie Diet Before Bariatric Surgery in Real Practice. OBES SURG. 2019

From her debut in ‘Student of the Year’, to her latest movie adventures like ‘Jigra’, Alia Bhatt is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood and is well-liked celebrities in India. In an ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ interview a few years ago Bhatt revealed that one of the major components of her diet is no sugar.

She expressed how she needed a variety of dishes, calling herself full ‘desi’. Another surprising thing she revealed was that she didn’t understand or like salads and prefers ‘Daal Chawal’ which is rice and lentil soup filled with whole grains and vegetables. She also mentioned that her choice of breads was roti made with ragi grains, jawar and other millets.

Is Rice And Lentil Soup A Weight Loss?

Although people expect Bollywood starlets to enjoy rich and nutritious salads, Alia Bhatt’s refreshingly desi home diet bring about the discussion of whether one needs diet food or just needs to understand their nutritional needs better. Dal and rice are a perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients. To get the most nutritional benefit from this classic pairing, it's a good idea to make a few simple tweaks.

• Don't just rely on white rice. Try incorporating whole-grain varieties like brown, red, or black rice into your meals to add more fiber and antioxidants.
• Add vegetables, herbs, and spices to your dal to make it more nutrient-rich.
• Mix peas or beans into your rice. They are full of fiber and antioxidants, which can help improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• Pair your meal with a side. Serving your dal-chawal with yogurt adds healthy bacteria for your gut, while a fresh salad provides more vitamins and fiber.
• Balance your plate. A simple way to eat mindfully is to follow a "MyPlate" approach. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and divide the other half between a protein (like meat or fish) and a grain (like white rice).

Why You Should Eat Ragi, Jawar And Other Millet Rotis

Instead of regular wheat rotis, try healthy grains like ragi and jowar. These millets are packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your health.

Ragi is an excellent source of calcium and iron, which are essential for strong bones and healthy blood. Its high fiber content also helps with digestion, weight management, and stable blood sugar.

Jowar is loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It's great for digestion, can help with weight loss, and also lowers cholesterol for a healthier heart.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Nutrition journal explained that adding more millets to your diet is a smart decision as they contain a great mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. They have more essential amino acids than common cereals, and their protein is easier for the body to digest.

While millets have always been a staple food, recent studies are highlighting their impressive medicinal properties. Eating millets has been scientifically shown to help with:

• They have a type of starch that digests slowly, which prevents blood sugar spikes.
• Millets can help you feel full and satisfied, aiding in weight loss.
• Regular consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal food for people with celiac disease.

Is A Sugar-Free Diet Actually Healthy?

Cutting out added sugar and focusing on whole foods can have a great impact on your health. It can help you manage your weight, lead to clearer skin, and improve your mood. It also helps reduce inflammation and lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, it's important not to confuse added sugars with the natural sugars found in fruits. Fruits provide essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. You can still have a very healthy diet by including whole fruits.

Remember, a no-sugar diet isn't a magic fix for weight loss. It's just one part of a healthy lifestyle that should also include exercise and a balanced diet. If you're thinking about making a big change to your diet, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor or dietitian first.

Social media platforms have introduced many of us to hacks and trends that promise quick fixes for health and wellness. Some of them are harmless fun, but others can spread misinformation and lead to unhealthy habits. One such viral trend is the Pink Salt Trick Recipe, a drink made from pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice, and water, which is being promoted as a shortcut to fat loss and a “metabolism reset.”

But can sprinkling some pink salt into water really help you drop weight? Let’s unpack the facts and explore healthier alternatives that actually support your wellness journey.

Can You Lose Weight with the Pink Salt Trick?

The short answer is no. Despite claims circulating on TikTok and YouTube, often boosted by AI-generated celebrity deepfakes, there is no scientific evidence that pink salt speeds up fat burning, “melts fat,” or resets metabolism.

In fact, experts warn against overconsumption of pink salt. Unlike iodized table salt, pink salt contains little to no iodine, which could potentially disrupt thyroid health if used as your primary salt source. Excess sodium can also increase blood pressure and cause bloating, which is the opposite of what most people are hoping for when they try to lose weight.

Missouri State University’s investigation with registered dietitian Natalie Allen confirmed: “Pink salt does not speed up metabolism, detox the body, or cause weight loss.”

Healthy Drink Alternatives That Actually Support Weight Loss

While no single drink can magically make fat disappear, some beverages can boost metabolism slightly, reduce cravings, and support better digestion, all of which help your weight-loss efforts when paired with a healthy lifestyle. Here are four expert-approved options:

Green Tea

Packed with catechins, powerful antioxidants, green tea can slightly boost calorie expenditure and fat oxidation. It’s a popular pre-workout drink because it provides a mild caffeine kick without the jitters of coffee.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals may promote a feeling of fullness and stabilize blood sugar levels. Just make sure to dilute it well to avoid damaging your teeth or irritating your stomach.

Protein Smoothies

Blending a scoop of protein powder with unsweetened almond milk, spinach, and berries can keep you full for hours, reduce snacking, and support muscle maintenance, which is key for a healthy metabolism.

Ginger and Lemon Water

Ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation, while lemon adds vitamin C and a refreshing flavor. Together, they make a hydrating drink that can be sipped throughout the day to curb unnecessary cravings.

Risks and Caution

Even with these healthier drinks, overconsumption can cause issues like bloating, digestive discomfort, or nutrient imbalances if you replace whole meals with beverages. Some ingredients, like caffeine or apple cider vinegar, may also interact with medications or cause irritation if taken excessively.

No Magic Shortcut

Drinks can support your weight-loss journey, but they cannot replace the fundamentals: a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. Use beverages like green tea or ginger water as helpful tools, not as miracle solutions.

Disclaimer: Weight loss is a gradual process and cannot be achieved by drinking one special beverage. The drinks mentioned here can help with metabolism, digestion, and reducing cravings, but long-term results require consistency with physical activity, balanced nutrition, and overall lifestyle changes.

Good health isn’t just about eating the right foods, it’s also about knowing what to avoid. Spiritual leader, Sadhguru, often emphasizes that certain foods we consume every day can silently harm our bodies over time. He calls them “enemies of health” and advises limiting or completely avoiding them.

Refined Sugar

According to Sadhguru, sugar as we consume it today is not the same as what our ancestors ate. Traditionally, sweeteners came from natural sources like jaggery or unrefined sugarcane juice. Modern white sugar, however, is highly processed and stripped of vitamins and minerals, leaving behind only “empty calories.”

Also Read: International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day 2025: Themes, Significance And History

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Sadhguru points out that it not only adds to weight gain but also weakens the immune system and disrupts the body’s natural balance. Choosing natural sweeteners like jaggery, honey, or fruits can be a healthier alternative.

However, Dr Palaniappan, who runs his YouTube channel under the name Dr Pal, a gastroenterologist says that jaggery or sugar do not really have that much of a difference. He explains that while 2 teaspoon of sugar have 8 grams of carbs, 2 teaspoon of jaggery have 6 grams of carbs. The difference is not that much, if your carbohydrate consumption is 200 grams per day. However, he does note that jaggery has a lower sugar spike.

Milk

While milk is often marketed as a superfood, Sadhguru suggests that most adults are unable to digest it properly. Many people lack the enzymes required to break down lactose, which can lead to bloating, mucus formation, and lethargy.

Although milk is a good source of calcium, Sadhguru recommends relying on other calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens, sesame seeds, ragi (finger millet), and nuts. Limited milk consumption is fine for those who tolerate it, but he advises against making it a daily habit for everyone.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine quotes Harvard Study that followed 72,000 women for two decades and found no evidence that drinking milk can prevent bone fractures or osteoporosis. The conclusion was milk does not necessarily build the strongest bones, though this is not to say that it has no nutrients. In fact, an estimated of 65% of the global population is lactose intolerant, majority of whom are from Asia.

Also Read: Kissing Bugs Disease Could Soon Become An Endemic, Says CDC

Refined Grains

Modern refining processes remove the outer bran and germ from grains, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This process makes the grains last longer on shelves but takes away most of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, refined grains like white rice and maida (white flour) provide little nutrition and cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Sadhguru encourages the consumption of whole grains such as brown rice, millets, and whole wheat to promote better digestion, sustained energy, and improved gut health.

Tea and Coffee

Tea and coffee may be morning essentials for many, but Sadhguru cautions against their overuse. These beverages act as nervous stimulants, giving a quick burst of energy but leaving the body more tired later. Habitual consumption can lead to dependency, sleep disturbances, and heightened stress levels.

He recommends gradually reducing intake and replacing these drinks with herbal teas, fresh juices, or simply water to maintain natural energy levels throughout the day.