According to the Mayo Clinic, a clear liquid diet is a temporary diet and may be prescribed by your doctor for use before or after certain medical procedures. Clear liquids leave no undigested residue in the gastrointestinal tract. The clear liquid diet must maintain vital body minerals and fluids. It should only be used for a few days because it does not provide enough calories, protein and other nutrients. The list of things you can eat on a clear liquid diet is quite restrictive.
Beverages
There are many beverages allowed on a clear liquid diet; in fact, the diet is mostly made up of beverages. As long as they are "clear," any liquid is allowed. Examples of clear liquid beverages appropriate for this diet include plain water; certain fruit juices without pulp, such as grape, apple or cranberry juice; lemonade; and fruit punch. Clear liquid sodas, such as Sprite; coffee or tea, without milk or cream; and sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are allowed.
Food Items
As the name indicates, this is a liquid diet but there are some items, beyond juices or water, which are appropriate for "meals." These items include soup substitutes or clear broths, such as bouillons or consommés; plain gelatin; honey, syrup or jelly; popsicles; fruit ice or Italian ice and clear hard candies. A typical clear liquid meal may include one glass each of fruit juice and water; one cup of broth; one bowl of gelatin and a popsicle. In place of water, you may choose hot tea flavored with honey and lemon, but without lemon pulp.
Supplements
According to the Gastrointestinal Care website, there are some physician-approved low-residue clear liquid diet supplements available to add nutrition to a traditional clear liquid diet. While not required, if this diet must be adhered to for longer than three days, these supplements may be beneficial. There are high-protein gelatins and high-calorie, low-residue juice beverages, usually available at hospitals or medical centers that may be used to supplement this low-calorie diet.
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