The clear food diet isn’t a weight loss regime or something that is meant to be followed for long periods, in fact, it shouldn’t be followed for more than a few days at a time. The clear food diet is often recommended by doctors for several purposes such as preparing for a major surgery (that requires no food in the intestines), or for a procedure such as a colonoscopy and even for intestinal flare-ups such as inflammatory bowel disease. This diet is not to be mistaken for the full liquid diet, the clear foods diet means you can only consume liquids that do not contain any bits of food, traces of pulp or any other residue. Whereas the full liquid diet allows you to have liquids that contain milk and many foods as long as they have been pureed. The full liquid diet is usually used to transition from a clear food diet to your regular diet.
Being on the clear food diet doesn’t mean you have to stick to foods that are clear in color. There is a good handful of options available for you to help get you through this time. None the less, knowing what you can and cannot have on this diet can be stressful when going through a not-so-fun time in your life. We are here to help and have compiled 14 foods you can have on the clear food diet. As a precaution always follow up with your doctor before adjusting your diet and ensure these foods are compatible with the instructions they give you.
14. Water
While this is the most obvious when starting a clear food diet consuming water is crucial. We need to consume at least 10 glasses of water for a healthy lifestyle.
When you start a clear food diet drinking copious amounts of water is important to ensure you stay hydrated. If drinking plain water is hard for you there are many other varieties available for you such as carbonated water and flavored water.
13. Strained Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are acceptable on a clear food diet. Some may include apple juice, cranberry juice or grape juice.
It is crucial to make sure the juices are thoroughly strained and do not contain any traces of pulp. The traces of pulp may interfere with a procedure you are preparing your body for.
12. Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks like soda pop are usually allowed on the clear food diet. Most doctors will likely recommend you stick to a lighter in color soda such as club soda, ginger ale, or Sprite.
Whereas some doctors mention any color soda is okay including fruit-flavored pop and Cola. When in doubt make sure to always check in with your doctor first.
11. Gelatin
If you are having a hard time getting through the clear food diet by only consuming liquids try having Jell-o. The Jell-o will satisfy you by making your body feel like you are ingesting a form of substance. Make sure when preparing or buying your Jell-o it is made plain, that means no toppings such as fruits.
Some doctors allow all flavors of gelatin on a clear food diet while others may ask you to stick to Jell-o that is clear or light in color. It all depends on the procedure and once again make sure to ask your doctor first.
10. Pulp-Free Lemonade
Like fresh juices such as apple juice, fruit-flavored juices are also allowed. Lemonade would be a great choice when seeking a sweetly flavored thirst quencher.
The same applies to fruit-flavored juices, it is crucial to make sure they are pulp-free while following the clear food diet.
9. Strained Tomato Or Vegetable Juice
If you don’t have a sweet tooth and want a beverage with a heartier flavor, try vegetable juice. This rich-tasting drink will satisfy you and help get you through the duration of your clear food diet.
It is also important to buy strained tomato juice or vegetable juice. When in doubt you can try straining it yourself by using cheesecloth as an extra precaution.
8. Sports Drinks
If your mood is feeling sluggish while on the clear food diet try having a sports drink to increase your electrolytes.
A lot of athletes drink sports drinks to replenish their bodies when they sweat out their vitamins and minerals. The same applies if you feel like you’re not getting enough nutrients from not eating solid foods.
7. Hard Candies
Hard candies are usually permitted while following a clear food diet. Some of these may include lemon drops or peppermints. If you’re feeling the urge to snack this might be the best thing to fulfill your hunger.
Make sure to stay away from candies that contain milk ingredients like caramels as milk and milk ingredients are not suited for this diet.
6. Fat-Free, Low Sodium Broth
If you’re looking to have a meal during your clear food diet consider having soup. You may not be able to have an ordinary can of Campbells Chicken Noodle but having a bowl of broth will do the trick.
Generally, vegetable, beef or chicken broth are all acceptable options while on the clear food diet. However, make sure to choose a fat-free and low sodium broth.
5. Coffee
If you are a frequent coffee drinker and can’t go a morning without your cup of joe, then no need to worry. Most times coffee is acceptable to have while on the clear food diet.
Although it is nothing but clear it doesn’t contain any traces or substances of food such as pulp which makes it acceptable.
4. Tea
Like Coffee, tea is also acceptable to drink while on this diet. Tea is a great option because it comes in a vast variety of flavors that are sure to please almost everyone.
Drinking different flavors of tea while on the diet can help temporarily satisfy cravings all the while keeping you hydrated. It is acceptable to drink other colored liquids like fruit juices, sodas, coffee, and tea but it is not okay to drink alcohol while following the clear foods diet.
3. Popsicles
Popsicles are another great snack choice while following the diet. They take time to eat and are often flavorful.
Proceed with caution when buying popsicles for this diet. It is crucial to pick popsicles that don’t contain fruit pulp, seeds or have any kind of milk base.
2. Sugar And Honey
While sugar and honey are not considered liquids they are permitted while on the diet.
Whether you need a little bit of sugar or honey to sweeten your tea or coffee, your doctor will most likely permit it.
1. Herbs And Mild Seasonings
Like sugar, herbs and seasonings might not be thought about when figuring out what you can have on the clear food diet. This is a great option if you need to add a bit of flavor to your broth.
If you do decide to add herbs and mild seasonings like salt, make sure to use them wisely.
