Clear Liquid Diet Guidelines

A clear liquid diet is a one which consists entirely of food and drinks that are clear, meaning you can literally see through them. This type of diet is recommended by doctors on a short-term basis to prepare you for medical tests such as blood work and colonoscopies, and prior to or following surgery. A clear liquid diet can also be helpful when you are experiencing nausea, diarrhea or severe heartburn.

Special Considerations

Follow your physician's instructions exactly, as there may be some additional requirements specific to your situation. If you experience persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort on a clear liquid diet, you should notify your physician, nurse, or dietitian.

A clear liquid diet doesn't provide enough calories and nutrients for a balanced, healthy diet, so it should not be used for more than a few days. If you have to follow this diet for more than three days, you may need to drink a liquid nutrition supplement.

If you're on the diet due to severe diarrhea, drink as much clear liquid as possible, including small amounts of salted liquids like bouillon, to prevent dehydration. If you're on the diet due to vomiting, wait until you haven't vomited or had "dry heaves" for at least one hour, then start drinking clear liquids, 1 tsp. every three minutes (about 1/8 cup in 15 minutes). Wait for 15 minutes, then repeat the cycle once, progressing to one cup per hour in frequent sips.

Don't use a clear liquid diet for weight loss, not only because of its nutritional deficiencies, but due to the fact that any temporary loss will come back once you return to having solid food.

Foods That Are Allowed

Choose from any fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, strained lemonade or fruit punch (clear liquids don't have to be colorless; they just have to be see-through).

Other beverages to include are coffee or tea with no cream; clear soft drinks or sports drinks (no cola or root beer); lactose-free, low residue supplements if approved by your physician; broth (bouillon or consomme); and plain mineral or bubbly water.

Clear snack drinks like Hi-C, Koolaid and most juice boxes are acceptable, if diluted by one-half with ice or water first. For dessert, select plain Popsicles (minus any pureed fruit or fiber), flavored gelatin without fruit, sugar, honey, jelly, clear syrup and hard candy.