What Can I Eat on a Liquid Diet?

Liquid diets are not for weight loss but are usually prescribe before you undergo a medical or surgical procedure. A full liquid diet means eating foods or having drinks that are liquid or eating foods that become liquid when they reach room temperature.

Liquid Diets

You may need a full liquid diet before or after surgery, if you have a fever or if you have trouble chewing or swallowing. A full liquid diet should not be maintained for a long time as it does not provide all the nutrients you need. If you have to maintain a full liquid diet for more than three weeks, you may also need to take liquid vitamins and minerals to ensure you are obtaining all the essential nutrients.

When you May Need a Liquid Diet

A full liquid diet is often recommended before a colonoscopy (examination of the colon and small bowel via the rectum) and sigmoidoscopy (examination of the large intestine through the rectum). This is because a liquid diet will flush out the colon while taking the stress off the digestive system. A liquid diet is also sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis for people suffering form obesity. Your physician will give you full instructions on how to implement this type of diet.

Liquid Diet Foods and Drinks

A full liquid diet usually means a combination of a clear liquid diet and a soft liquid diet. If you are told to follow a full liquid diet, you can choose from a number of foods and drinks you may not have thought of. These options include broth or bullion, carbonated drinks (sodas), fruit juice, margarine/butter/cream, tea/coffee, frozen/fresh yogurt (plain), fruit smoothies, liquid meal replacements, any type of milk, honey, syrup, cornstarch pudding (plain), milkshakes, gelatin desserts (plain), strained, cooked cereal, pureed potatoes in soup, smooth ice cream, small amounts of pureed chicken in broth, tomato or carrot juice, strained soup, vegetable juice, and, of course, water.

When to Eat

If you are on a full liquid diet, eat three meals and two to three snacks each day. This will help you maintain the level of energy you need to get through the day. If you are still feeling hungry, eat another small liquid meal or liquid meal replacement.

Side Effects

If you have been on a liquid diet for some time and you notice that you begin to loose weight or feel weak, fatigued and have difficulty concentrating or remembering things, contact your physician immediately.