What Can I Drink on the Liquid Diet?

The liquid diet is a diet that consists of liquid calories only. This is a very popular diet because when just liquids are consumed the body has a much easier time digesting the nutrients. Liquid diets are used for for weight loss, or they can be prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons. There are both full liquid and clear liquid diets. But simply consuming liquids is not what the liquid diet is about; you must consume the right liquids to reap the benefits of this diet.

Clear Liquid Diet

Because clear liquids are easy to absorb into the body, the diet can give energy to patients when their food consumption is interrupted by medical procedures or disease. The clear liquid diet also helps to maintain important elements like salt and minerals in the body. The rule to follow when going on a clear liquid diet is that you can consume the liquid only if you can see through it. Liquids that are recommended are water, apple juice, tea, popsicles, hard candy, gelatin, fat-free broth, and clear soda.

Full liquid diet

The full liquid diet is a step between a clear liquid diet and a solid diet, and is mostly used after a period of fasting or after surgery. The full liquid diet is low in vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12, and thiamine. It may also be used after certain medical procedures, such as jaw wiring. This diet may also be used for people who have chewing and swallowing problems. Calories on the full liquid diet can be obtained from ice cream, milk/milkshakes, vegetable juices, nectar juices, cooked cereals, grits, oatmeal, cream of wheat, butter, cream, sherbet, plain gelatin, honey, syrup, fruit ice, broth, and creamed soups that have been strained.

Liquid Diet for Weight Loss

Ideally the liquid diet for weight loss is used for a short time only. The liquid diet can be very unhealthy if you do not get enough protein, carbohydrates, fiber and other nutrients that your body needs to function. Liquids that can be consumed on this diet consist of healthy foods that you put into the blender. Use lots of water, fruits, vegetables, and protein powder. Just be careful not to drink too much: it can be hard to gauge how many calories you have consumed in liquid form. Juices such as V8 are also good: just read the label and watch out for too much sodium or other not-so-healthy ingredients like lots of sugar, partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate, and aspartame.