Doctors suggest liquid diets for patients about to undergo medical procedures or who are having digestive problems. Some people use liquid diets to help them jumpstart weight-loss programs. Others may engage in a liquid diet as part of a cleansing ritual. No matter the reason behind your liquid diet, you should not stay on it for a long period of time without nutritional supplements, advises Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Medical experts have specific rules about the foods they include in a liquid diet. Choose the fluids that suit your needs and your palate.
Clear Liquids
Doctors prescribe clear liquids to patients who cannot eat due to nausea or a digestive disorder or who are preparing for a medical test or procedure. Nutritionists describe a clear liquid as one that is a transparent fluid at room temperature. Clear liquids maintain electrolyte balance and hydration. Apple juice and chicken broth are obvious examples of clear liquids. You may be surprised to learn that sherbet and gelatin are also clear liquids. Decaffeinated tea and coffee without cream are also allowed. Do not use a clear liquid diet for more than five days without supplements, as clear liquids provide little nutrition.
Full Liquids
You may be prescribed a full liquid diet if you have had a medical procedure or illness and are trying to advance your diet. A full liquid diet is useful for losing weight rapidly. You may have milk and milk products such as ice cream, shakes and malts. Drink a few glasses of fruit juice and vegetable juice each day. You may also consume cooked cereals such as oatmeal and cream of rice or wheat.
Toppings
Feel free to add butter or cream to other full liquid meals for added flavor, calories and nutrients. Some liquid diets allow for pureed potatoes; adding butter as a topping may make this feel like a complete meal. Whipped cream can make plain yogurt more inviting. Add honey to tea and cooked cereals.
Blended or Baked
Some liquid diets allow for blended foods, such as tomato puree for creamed soups. Cheese soup is quite filling and allowed on some diets. You might enjoy crushed and blended fruit smoothies, taking care to strain any pulp or seeds from the fruit. Ask your physician or nutritionist about soft or baked custard.
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