Your doctor may prescribe a liquid diet before or after a medical procedure or surgery -- especially for procedures on the stomach and bowels. Following a liquid diet before a medical test can also help ensure accuracy of the test. Any food or drink that is liquid at room temperature is generally acceptable for a liquid diet. While a liquid diet may not seem exciting, there are various options.
Clear Liquid versus Full Liquid
Liquid diets may vary based on your medical condition, the type of surgery you are having, your recovery and the way your body handles surgery. There are two different types of liquid diets. One is known as a clear liquid diet. This diet only allows you to consume clear liquids -- including broth, gelatin and water. Another type of liquid diet is called a full liquid diet. This diet allows you to have thicker liquids -- including pudding, yogurt, smoothies, custard, strained meats and milkshakes.
Drinks
You can consume a variety of beverages while on a liquid diet. Fruit juices -- such as cranberry, grape and apple juice -- without pulp are acceptable choices. You can also drink water, clear sports drinks and artificially sweetened, non-carbonated beverages. However, in some cases, carbonated beverages are allowed. Tea and coffee are acceptable, but check with your doctor before adding cream or milk to your beverage. You can also opt for milkshakes, smoothies, protein shakes and instant breakfast shakes if you are not on a clear liquid diet.
Meals on a Full Liquid Diet
Meals that you can consume on a full liquid diet are often limited. Your doctor may allow you to blend or puree solid foods into a liquid form. You can consume broth. You may be allowed to add strained meat to broth. Oatmeal, custards, puddings, protein shakes, grits, yogurt and gelatin are options as well. You can also consume water, tea, coffee and fruit juices at each meal.
Snacks on a Full Liquid Diet
Snacks are encouraged on a liquid diet for added nutrition and energy. Snacks can include yogurt, pudding, plain ice cream, fruit juice, gelatin, milkshakes, smoothies and ice pops. You can also opt to lick or suck hard candy.
Sample Clear Liquid Diet
For breakfast on a liquid diet, you may opt to consume fruit juice, broth, tea and water. Lunch on a clear liquid diet may include gelatin, water and broth. Dinner can include water, juice, broth, gelatin and coffee or tea. Have two snacks per day while on a clear liquid diet. Snacks can include coffee, tea, an ice pop or gelatin.
Considerations
A liquid diet cannot provide you with the adequate nutrition necessary for your body to function properly. A liquid diet should not last longer than 1 to 2 days, according to the National Cancer Institute. Liquid diets can help maintain hydration, give you some energy, provide electrolytes as well as sodium and potassium before a procedure or at a time when your body is unable to handle solid foods.
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