Liquid and soft diet offer alternative means of receiving adequate nutrition to patients preparing for medical procedures, recovering from medical procedures and patients who are too ill to consume a regular diet. Liquid and soft diets are much easier to digest than a regular diet of solid foods. However, there are distinct differences between a liquid diet and a soft food diet.
Clear Liquid Diet
According to MayoClinic.com, a clear liquid diet is a diet that consists only of clear liquids. Clear liquids are any food or beverage that is clear and liquid at room temperature. Clear liquid diets are easily digested and leave no residue in the intestinal tract. As a result, clear liquid diets are often used before medical procedures -- such as colonoscopies or stomach surgeries -- and can be used for patients with digestive problems. This type of diet cannot provide you with adequate calories and nutrition and should not be followed for more than a few days. A clear liquid diet may consist of plain water, broth, clear gelatin, fruit juices without pulp, plain ice pops, clear soda and tea or coffee without milk or creamer.
Full Liquid Diet
According to the National Institutes of Health, a full liquid diet is made up of foods that are liquid or turn to liquid while at room temperature -- such as ice cream. A full liquid diet is easy to digest and provides you with fluids, salts, minerals and proteins that your body needs for energy. On a full liquid diet you can expect to receive between 1,350 and 1,500 calories per day. Full liquid diets may be used before and after surgery to allow your stomach to rest. They can also be used if you are having difficulty chewing or swallowing. A full liquid diet can consist of water, fruit juice, butter, custard, pudding, plain ice cream, yogurt, sherbert, ice pops, gelatin, soda, broth, sugar, honey, liquid nutritional supplements and coffee or tea with cream, milk or honey.
Soft Diet
Drugs.com indicates that a soft diet contains foods that are soft, easy to chew and are also easy to swallow. Individuals may use a soft food diet following surgery on the head, neck or stomach. Soft food diets can also be used for individuals who are having problems or have had medical procedures on the teeth or mouth. Foods on a soft diet can include broth, fruit juices, cooked cereal, rice, pancakes, waffles, muffins, bread, vegetable juice, mashed potatoes, cooked fruits, soft and well-cooked vegetables,tofu, scrambled eggs and soup.
Considerations
The best way to receive adequate nutrition is through a healthy, well-balanced diet, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and dairy products. Liquid and soft food diets are recommended for medical purposes only and should not be used for weight loss. These diets may cause rapid weight loss, but weight will be regained when you begin to eat regular foods again. Liquid and soft diets should be followed only at the discretion of your physician. These diets can not always provide you with adequate nutrition.
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