Clear Liquid Diet Alternatives

Clear liquids and foods that are clear when at room temperatures are what make up a clear liquid diet, according to Drug Information Online. Clear liquid diets are typically used before tests and surgeries, as well as for some special medical needs to provide your body with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. A full liquid diet is the only alternative to a clear liquid diet. Full liquid diets are typically used after surgeries to prepare your body for solid foods, but may also be used for special medical needs; such as weight loss and during cancer treatments.

Full Liquid Diet

• A full liquid diet is often recommended for people who are not quite ready for solid foods, but can handle more than a clear liquid diet. Full liquid diets are a great alternative to clear liquid diets because they offer more of the vitamins and nutrients that your body requires while still cutting the number of calories that you consume. You are also allowed to eat a greater variety of foods and liquids on a full liquid diet. Foods that can be pureed or turned into liquid are acceptable as part of a full liquid diet.

  Drug Information Online suggests eating three meals and up to three snacks as part of a full liquid diet. You may also drink three to five daily servings of a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, cocoa, soda and nutrition drinks. There is no limit to the amount of water you can drink; however, try to drink at least six cups of water daily.

  Soups are the most popular food on a full liquid diet. They're easy to digest and can be created using a variety of different acceptable foods and liquids. Eat 2 to 3 servings of broth, blended or creamed soup daily. Blend vegetables in a blender or food processor. Combine the vegetables with your favorite broth and heat them on the stove to prepare a nutritious vegetable soup. Be sure to strain or blend all soups thoroughly to assure easy digestion.

  You should consume 3 to 4 daily servings of cereals and starches. Try eating cooked cream of wheat and pureed oatmeal. Eat potatoes to get your daily serving of starches. Boil a few potatoes then puree them in the blender. Add in some milk and cream then heat the ingredients on your stove to create a creamed potato soap.

  Eat 2 to 4 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Blend or puree fruits and vegetables to create juices and soups. You should also have 3 to 5 daily servings of milk and dairy. Try plain and blended fruit yogurts, pudding or custard, milkshakes and all types of milk. You're also allowed 2 to 3 daily servings of fats such as butter, margarine, cream, oil and non-dairy creamer as part of a full liquid diet.

  You should only consume 1 to 2 servings of desserts; such as fruit ices, ice cream, sherbet and gelatin, and only 2 to 3 servings of sweets (honey, sugar, syrup and candy) daily.

Considerations

• Another reason a full liquid diet is a great alternative to a clear liquid diet is that it can be used for a longer period of time. Talk to your doctor first if you intend to use a full liquid diet for longer than three weeks. You should also ask your doctor about taking vitamins and supplements while on a full liquid diet. To increase the amount of necessary protein in a full liquid diet, the U.S. National Institutes of Health suggests adding strained meat to your diet. According to Drug Information Online, you can puree a small amount of meat, poultry or fish to add to soups. Always strain the meat to make sure that no chunks of meat are present in your soup.