Clear Liquid Diet

Benefits:
Most likely you are looking at this diet because you either have a colonoscopy or procedure scheduled, or looking for a diet that will be easy to digest, as you are having symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort. The goal of this diet is to have minimal residue and to allow the stomach to empty in a very short period of time. This allows procedures to be done minimizing the risk of having food in the stomach at the time of the procedure, and decreases the chances and recurrences of vomiting.  This diet does not provide sufficient nutrition and should not be used long term.

What Should I Avoid?
Essentially, everything that has content other than water, sugar and gelatin. Those components are absorbed and leave no residue within the intestinal tract.

What Can I Eat?
It has to be clear for you to be able to consume it. This list is for clear liquid diet. Remember, if you are having a colonoscopy you have to avoid anything with red dye even if it is on the list. 

  • Water (plain, carbonated or flavored)

  • Tea or coffee without milk or cream

  • Carbonated drinks, including dark sodas 

  • Clear, fat-free broth (bouillon or consomme)

  • Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple or white grape juice

  • Fruit-flavored beverages, such as lemonade

  • Can use vegetable juice however it has to be strained. 

  • Gelatin

  • Ice pops without milk, bits of fruit, seeds or nuts

  • Sports drinks

  • Honey or sugar

  • Hard candy, such as lemon drops or peppermint rounds