If you have certain medical conditions, are about to have surgery or need to have medical tests, or are recovering from surgery, your doctor may direct you to follow a clear fluid diet. The goal of this diet is to free the intestines and stomach of all the food found in the digestive system. Unlike solid foods, clear liquids are easily digested and leave no unwanted residue in the intestinal tract. In the next phase of this diet it is important to maintain adequate hydration by supplementing with the minerals necessary for energy. The most important rule to remember when following this diet is easy: you can only eat or drink the things you can see through.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Licensed Drinks
Step 1. Drink water
- In addition to tap water, you can drink sparkling water.
- Flavored waters are also fine, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine.
Step 2. Enjoy fruit juices
Those without pulp, such as apple, grape and blueberry juice, are fine. Juices that contain cellulose, such as some types of orange, grapefruit or lemon juice, are not suitable for this diet
Step 3. Vegetable juices are not allowed
Step 4. Make yourself a chicken or beef broth to drink
Chicken or beef broth sold in cans or tins would not be suitable; homemade one would be preferable. If you have any broth left in the house, you can use it by making sure to remove any small pieces of leftover food
Step 5. Stock up on clear, caffeine-free sodas or sports drinks
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes you to lose fluid from your body. If you are following a clear fluid diet, hydration is an important aspect to keep in check, which is why this type of diet does not allow caffeine
Step 6. Continue drinking coffee and tea as usual
However, the diet does not allow you to add cream or milk, including those not of animal origin.
Part 2 of 2: Food Allowed
Step 1. Make yourself a jelly cake
Only jelly though, because pudding is not accepted in this diet
Step 2. Cool off with a popsicle from the freezer
Make sure it doesn't contain any pieces of fruit or pulp, as those aren't allowed
Advice
Stick to foods that are liquid when at room temperature. If you have to reheat them for them to become liquid, they are probably unacceptable foods on this diet
Warnings
- Even if you can technically see through it, gummy candies such as those in the shape of animals are not a good choice because they contain wax and other substances not allowed in this diet.
- Avoid foods with red dye if you think you need to undergo colorectal examinations. Doctors may confuse it with blood during the test.
- A clear fluid diet does not provide your body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Follow it only for medical reasons under the close supervision of your doctor. If your goal is to lose weight, know that it is not a healthy diet.
