A liquid diet can be beneficial or required for many different situations. Patients commonly need to consume a liquid diet before or after surgery, and it can be helpful during health conditions where the person isn't particularly hungry. Sometimes a liquid diet is necessary for a long time frame---jaw surgery, for instance, might involve several weeks of a liquid diet afterward. Although it may be frustrating having to follow a liquid diet for any length of time, there are ways to incorporate flavor, variety and nutrients.
Soup Ideas
Soup is a staple of a liquid diet, providing vegetables as well as protein from meat or beans. Vegetables are important in a liquid diet for providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Soup can have a broth base, or you can make it with milk for extra calories and a variation in flavor. Puree meat, seafood or vegetables and add small amounts to the soup, as recommended by Drugs.com. Most vegetables work well for a puree, including mashed potatoes. If this is too heavy a meal for the patient, use baby food for the vegetables or meat. Add a little vegetable oil if the person needs extra calories. Pour the soup through a strainer before drinking it; the patient should be able to drink the soup through a large straw without doing any chewing.
Mixed Dishes
If the patient can handle a more dense liquid meal, you can puree and strain soft mixed dishes, as explained by the University of Virginia Health System. You'll probably need to add a liquid such as tomato juice to make the food drinkable. Italian dishes work well--try lasagna, ravioli and spaghetti. Chili, tuna casserole, beef stew and macaroni and cheese are other possibilities.
Fruit
Fruit is another food important during a liquid diet for providing essential nutrients and fiber. Fruit smoothies pack flavor, vitamins and calories into every glass. Blend the patient's favorite fruits with milk, soy milk, ice cream or yogurt. Fruit juices are excellent also, but avoid the commercial fruit drinks that have added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Soft Cereals
Soft cereals are good additions to a liquid diet. Cooked baby cereal, Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice and Malt-O-Meal all can be prepared with enough liquid so the person can drink them. Pureed oatmeal tastes great with added butter, cream, honey, maple syrup or pureed fruit for a flavor boost.
Beverage Ideas
Include vegetable juices in the liquid diet, as long as they are not high in sodium. Nutrition supplement drinks provide protein and calories, as does adding powdered breakfast mixes to milk, milkshakes and soy milk, as recommended by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
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