The purpose of this diet is to provide clear liquids, by mouth, for pre-operative, post-operative and pre-test situations. It provides a means of supplying necessary fluid, sodium, chloride, and some carbohydrates, as well as a means of eliminating all residues prior to surgery or tests.
This diet is used more often on a short term basis; 24 to 36 hours. Attention should be directed at improving the nutritive value of the patient’s diet for an extended period of time.
Nutritional adequacy: does not meet the RDA for any nutrients, with the exception of ascorbic acid (depending on clear liquid choices).
FOOD GROUP |
FOOD ALLOWED |
| BEVERAGES | Ginger Ale, other carbonated beverages, clear coffee (black), tea (no cream), Kool Aid (no red or purple), gatorade, Powerade, strained lemonade, Boost Breeze (tropical fruit flavor only). |
| FRUIT JUICES | Clear or strained fruit juices –such as apple, white grape, pineapple (no pulp). |
| SOUPS | Boullion, clear broth, consumme |
| DESSERTS AND SWEETS | Clear fruit flavored gelatin (no red or purple), lemonade ices, clear hard candy, sugar, Nutrasweet or Equal, honey, popsicles (no red or purple). |
| MISCELLANEOUS | salt, lemon juice, honey |
***AVOID ALL FOODS NOT INCLUDED ON LIST***
***HAVE NO RED OR PURPLE COLORING***
*** IN ANY OF THE ABOVE FOODS***
FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE ON CLEAR LIQUIDS FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME, REFER TO THE SECTION ON SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDINGS REGARDING INDICATIONS FOR USE OF SUPPLEMENTS ON CLEAR LIQUID DIETS.