The only way to ensure a liquid diet is safe and healthy is to undertake one under medical supervision. Liquid diets are often short on calories and nutrients, and require specific types of liquid supplements that can only be prescribed by a doctor. You will receive a list of liquids that are allowed on your particular liquid diet from your doctor, and you must follow all instructions carefully to maintain optimal health while on a liquid diet.
Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet is exactly what it sounds like -- a diet that includes only liquids you can see through clearly when they are in liquid form. Your clear liquid diet can include some juices that don't contain pulp or nectar, such as apple juice or cranberry juice. Clear broths or bouillon can also be consumed on a clear liquid diet. Fruit-flavored gelatins or Popsicles are examples of foods that can be consumed on a clear liquid diet because they are clear when they are in liquid form, reports MedlinePlus.
Your doctor may put you on a clear liquid diet because of an upcoming medical procedure or after a procedure that may make it difficult for your digestive system to handle solid or semi-solid foods. Clear liquid diets normally last just a few days, since it is difficult to meet all of your nutritional needs on this type of diet.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet includes everything that is safe to eat on a clear liquid diet, along with additional liquids and foods, such as juices with pulp, milk, puddings and strained creamed soups. Your doctor will give you a full list of "allowed" foods, which may include strained meats and thin cereals such as farina or grits.
Unlike a clear liquid diet, your doctor may have you follow a full liquid diet for several weeks, particularly after surgery that affects your ability to swallow or digest foods. MedlinePlus notes that you may need to supplement your liquids in order to boost their nutrition and caloric value. Adding nonfat dried milk, butter or sweeteners to your liquids can help boost the amount of calories. Your doctor may also prescribe a liquid multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your nutritional needs are being fully met.
Weight Loss Liquid Diet
A liquid diet intended for weight loss is called a very low calorie diet, or a VLCD. Don't confuse this medically supervised diet with common meal replacement shakes available in grocery stores. VLCDs are specifically formulated to meet all nutritional needs while consuming a minimal amount of calories and are only available through a doctor's prescription, according to the Weight-control Information Network.
Your doctor should put you on a VCLD only if you are severely obese. You can use a VCLD to lose weight quickly prior to surgery or as a way to jump-start a weight loss program. When used to begin a long-term weight loss program, your VCLD will also include nutritional and behavioral counseling to prepare you for a solid food program that will continue your weight loss in a slow and sensible manner.
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