A full liquid diet consists of foods that are normally liquid and foods that turn to liquid when they are at room temperature, like ice cream. It also includes strained creamy soups, tea, juice, gelatin desserts, milkshakes, pudding and ice pops. This type of diet is easier to digest than solid food. It does provide all nutrients, such as proteins, minerals and vitamins, for a body and you can be on it for long periods without developing deficiencies. Your doctor will tell you to follow a full liquid diet for various reasons, such as healing from oral surgeries, GI surgeries or if you have difficulty chewing.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet must meet the protein, vitamin, mineral and fiber requirements when you are on it for more than a week. Generally, liquid diets are not high in calories or protein. It may provide up to 1,200 calories, depending on the type of food, and being on it long term can cause unplanned weight loss, as most people require about 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day. Things like mashed potatoes and avocados are not included in the liquid diet but you can use them if you blend them thoroughly with broth or milk. The liquid consistency should be thin enough to pass through a straw or a syringe.
Increasing Calories
Milk is a good source of protein, calcium and carbohydrates. Double the nutrients in milk by mixing 1 cup of powdered milk to 4 cups of liquid milk. This will also increase the calories. For more variety or calories, add caramel or chocolate syrup to the double milk. You can also use instant breakfast powders instead of flavored syrups. Using plain ice cream, frozen yogurt or puddings to make milkshakes will also add calories and flavor to the liquid diet.
You can also use fruit juices as base liquid in preparing high-calorie drinks. Blend frozen fruits, ice pops or sorbets in to a flavorful frozen treat. Remove all fruit skins if you're using fresh fruits. Try using vegetable juice to add variety to your liquid diet.
Increasing Proteins
Milk, peanut butter, eggs and chicken are good sources of protein that you can blend in to liquid form. Add milk powder to almost any shake to increase protein content. Egg powders, pasteurized liquid eggs, peanut butter or baby food eggs can be used in preparing shakes and smoothies. Blend well-cooked chicken or canned chicken with strained soups to increase protein content.
General Guidelines
Add sugar or syrup to beverages to increase calories. You may use liquid and powdered protein supplements such as whey protein powder, or nutritional shakes, such as Ensure and Boost, to prepare shakes and drinks. This will also increase protein and calories. Choose calorie-rich beverages instead of water. Avoid alcohol, as it has dehydrating properties and it slows down healing process. Strive to vary the flavors and textures of the liquids to prevent the diet from becoming monotonous. Follow your physician’s recommendation on whether you should use vitamin or mineral supplements.
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