A clear liquid diet may become necessary for individuals undergoing surgery, recovering from surgery or with a medical condition such as diverticulitis or a stomach virus. Consuming only clear liquids allows the stomach and intestines to heal, because the foods are easier to digest. This diet is only acceptable for three or four days, because it is not able to sustain the nutritional needs of a person, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When one is limited to eating and drinking only clear liquids, several options exist for varying the foods allowed.
Beverages
Beverages that a person can see through are acceptable on a clear liquid diet. In addition to water, these options include clear fruit juices such as cranberry, grape and apple as well as tea and coffee. Additional drinks available on a clear liquid diet include sports drinks and clear sodas such as ginger ale. Adding lemon juice and sugar to hot tea is acceptable but not milk products, according to MedlinePlus. A clear liquid diet allows honey to help sweeten and flavor water and tea. In addition to the beverages, clear soups such as beef or chicken broth are acceptable on the clear liquid diet.
Gelatin
Some individuals may get tired of always drinking and sipping soup and drinks while on a clear liquid diet. In order to vary the diet a bit, a person may enjoy eating gelatin. Any flavor of plain gelatin without additions such as fruit or nuts is acceptable. Check with a physician before eating gelatin containing red food coloring, because it may affect the results of some medical tests such as a colonoscopy, according to MayoClinic.com.
Frozen Liquids
Freezing water and juices to make ice pops is another way to enjoy a variety of foods while on a clear liquid diet. Acceptable fruit juices to freeze for ice pops include apple, cranberry and grape. Ice pops should not include any bits of fruit pulp, so straining lemonade or fruit punches is necessary before freezing to eliminate the transfer of the bits of fruit.
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