This diet requires that you replace some or all of your meals and snacks with a milk- or soy-based supplement that is low in calories and fat.
There are two types of liquid diets: medically supervised types like Optifast and over-the-counter types associated with plans such as Slim-Fast or other more broad-based diet plans such as Atkins. Over-the-counter plans suggest that you replace two meals and one snack with their product, then eat a healthy, balanced third meal that should be low in fat and calories. Medically supervised plans require that you use their product for your entire food intake for a specified amount of time; intake is typically less than 1000 calories per day.
Upside of Shake Diets
- Ready-made simplicity and convenience with shakes.
- Liquid meal replacements are low fat and often fortified with most vitamins and minerals.
- Rapid initial weight loss.
Downside of Shake Diets
- Rapid boredom with shakes.
- Old food habits are not changed when you resume eating normally .
- Weight may be regained quickly.
Are Shake Diets for You?
This chart can help you see how shake diets fit your goals and lifestyle concerns.
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Restaurants | Yes, if you don't mind drinking your shake while everyone else eats |
| Alcohol | No |
| Caffeine | No |
| Special Foods | Yes |
| Family Friendly | Yes, if you are able to cook for others while not eating the food yourself |
| Vegetarian Friendly | Look for soy-based products if you don't drink milk |
