Shalini Passi drinks her food? Are Liquid Diets the Next Health Fad?

Shalini Passi’s health routines and skincare regimen became popular after she starred in the latest season of Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. She openly shared that gossiping about other people largely affects her skin, demonstrating her health consciousness in a way that benefits her skin.

Shalini has stated that herbal juices and liquids make up 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 consuming a liquid diet helpful or just a new health craze influenced by social media? We spoke to experts to unravel the myths and facts behind this madness.

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 converting solid foods into soups or other liquid forms. The topic of weight loss often relates to these types of diets and they are generally easier for the body to break down, which can be helpful for those with digestive problems. “Drinking food can help with nutrient absorption in some cases, especially because mixing can break down the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, making certain nutrients more bioavailable. For example, carotenoids in carrots and other vegetables can be more easily absorbed by the body when mixed,” says Dr Vibhu Kawatra, senior consultant physician at Rainbow Hospital.

Positive implications of this diet

Liquid meals can save time preparing and eating, making them suitable for busy lifestyles. They can also help control portion sizes and calorie intake, making them useful for weight loss. It’s better to mix up a healthy, drinkable meal than to grab fast food when you’re on the go and need a quick snack. Dr. Sunita Nagpal, gynecologist and general practitioner at Salubritas Medcentre suggests: “After consuming mixed food, the metabolism is faster than normal because a lot of fluid has been consumed. This increases energy, increases digestion speed and improves attention.” Protein shakes without sugar, vegetable smoothies or soups are some examples of nutritious and healthy drinks.

Health risks associated with liquid diets

Although nutrients such as protein can be consumed through liquids, the body also needs fatty acids found in whole foods and fiber, which is difficult to consume in liquid form. Liquid meals may not be as filling as solid foods, which can lead to increased hunger and possible overeating later. Although preparing these liquid meals saves time, it is difficult to maintain in the long run, which can lead to yo-yo dieting.

Who should try it and who should avoid it?

Some people temporarily turn to liquid diets for detoxification purposes, although there is debate about the effectiveness of such cleanses. “A completely liquid diet is a temporary diet recommended for people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing, mouth or throat ulcers, jaw injuries and digestive problems,” says Dr. Diksha Dayal, Head of Department and Senior Dietitian, Department of Nutrition and Health at SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, adding, “It is also recommended for people recovering from certain surgeries such as gastrointestinal, maxillofacial or bariatric surgery.”

Individuals who require a balanced diet (such as children, pregnant women, or athletes) should generally avoid liquid diets unless supervised by a healthcare provider. Those with chronic conditions (such as diabetes or kidney disease) should consult a doctor before considering a liquid diet as it may not provide necessary nutrients.