According to Medline Plus, a liquid diet is prescribed prior to and immediately following surgery, in preparation for a test, in cases of diarrhea and vomiting and if there is difficulty swallowing or chewing. Elements of a liquid diet include fluids and foods that turn to liquid at room temperature. The two types of liquid diet are clear liquid and full liquid.
Clear Liquid Diet
The Mayo Clinic says a clear liquid diet is easily absorbed and leaves no residue in the digestive tract. A clear liquid diet is not nutritionally adequate and should only be consumed for a few days, with its primary purpose to limit strain on the digestive tract while maintaining hydration. Foods on a clear liquid diet include water, fruit juices--such as grape, apple and cranberry--without pulp, soup broth, clear sodas such as ginger ale, gelatin, popsicles, tea or coffee without cream, sports drinks, honey and strained lemonade or fruit punch.
Sample Clear Liquid Diet
Here is an example of daily intake on a clear liquid diet:
Breakfast: coffee, juice, gelatin, and water.
Lunch: fruit juice, water, broth, gelatin, tea.
Dinner: fruit juice, water, broth, gelatin.
Snacks: popsicles, clear soda.
Full Liquid Diet
According to Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, a full liquid diet is a transitional diet between the clear liquid and regular diet. It is also recommended for those with a wired jaw and those having issues chewing and swallowing. Medline Plus reports a full liquid diet is nutritionally adequate and is safe for consumption for a long period of time, though a doctor may recommend certain vitamins and supplements. Foods included on a full liquid diet are water, fruit juices including nectar and juices with pulp, butter, margarine, oil, cream, custard, pudding, plain ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, milk, milkshakes, eggnog, fruit ices, popsicles, sugar, honey, syrups, broth, strained cream soups, sodas, gelatin, nutritional supplements such as Ensure, tea and coffee. Additional foods that may be allowed pending doctor approval include cooked, refined cereals such as Cream of Wheat, and strained and pureed meats and potatoes in soups.
Sample Full Liquid Diet
Here is an example of daily intake on a full liquid diet:
Breakfast: fruit juice, milkshake, strained cereal, and coffee.
Lunch: fruit juice, strained soup, ice cream, custard, milk, tea.
Dinner: fruit juice, strained cream soup, pudding, milkshake, tea.
Snacks: popsicles, ice cream, frozen yogurt.
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