Clear Liquid Diet

What is a clear liquid diet?

A clear liquid diet is a diet that is clear in consistency; no solid food should be consumed. This diet is easy to digest and is usually consumed before or after some medical procedures or if you are having digestive issues such as diarrhea. It is important to note that this is a short term diet meant for specific purposes and not for long term use. The purpose of the diet is to keep your stomach and intestines clear. For example, you will be put on a clear liquid diet before your colonoscopy. 

Items included in a clear liquid diet are:

Beverages:
Coffee, tea (hot or cold), Kool-Aid, pop, water, apple juice, grape juice, lemonade, cranberry juice and sports drinks like Gatorade. Nothing thick or pulpy like smoothies or orange juice with pulp. 

Soups:
Bouillon and broths like chicken and beef broth. Liquid only, do not eat anything solid like noodles with the broth.

Sweets:
Fruit ices without milk, fruit ices without fruit pieces, hard candy, Jell-O and popsicles.

What to avoid:

• Anything with red or orange artificial coloring. This is important to avoid if you are having a colonoscopy.
• Milk
• Orange Juice (with pulp)
• Applesauce
• Pudding
• Coffee that contains cream
• Solid food

Reference
Mayo Clinic. 2023. Clear Liquid Diet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/clear-liquid-diet/art-20048505