This information will help you follow a clear liquid diet. Keep this resource in your kitchen so you can easily see what you can and can’t eat or drink while on a clear liquid diet.
About a Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet includes only liquids you can see through. These liquids are easily digested and don’t leave any residue in your intestinal tract.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a clear liquid diet before your surgery or procedure, for the first few meals after your surgery or procedure, or if you have certain digestive problems. Clear liquids don’t have a lot of calories or nutrients, so you shouldn’t stay on a clear liquid diet for longer than your healthcare provider tells you to.
While you’re following a clear liquid diet:
- Don’t eat any solid foods.
- Try to drink at least 1 (8-ounce) glass of clear liquid every hour you’re awake.
- Drink different types of clear liquids. Don’t just drink water, coffee, and tea.
- Don’t drink sugar-free liquids unless you have diabetes and a member of your healthcare team tells you to do so.
Your healthcare provider might tell you to avoid anything red, orange, or purple, including liquids, gelatin, and hard candies. If you have questions, talk with your nurse.
For people with diabetes
If you have diabetes, ask the healthcare provider who manages your diabetes what you should do while you’re following a clear liquid diet.
- If you take insulin or another medication for diabetes, ask if you need to change the dose.
- Ask if you should drink sugar-free clear liquids.
While you’re following a clear liquid diet, make sure to check your blood sugar level often. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider.
Back to topExamples of Clear Liquids
If you’re allowed to have red, orange, and purple liquids, you can also have Boost® Breeze, Ensure Clear™, and Diabetishield® nutritional drinks.
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