What is Full Liquid Diet
Full liquid diet refers to fluids and foods that are liquid or will become liquid at room temperature. This diet should only be used for a short period of time to help you recover from illness or surgery.
Your health care provider or dietitian will help you determine when it is safe to eat regular foods.
What are tips for following this plan?
Reading food labels
- Check food labels of nutrition shakes for the amount of protein. Look for nutrition shakes that have at least 8–10 grams of protein in each serving.
- Look for drinks, such as milks and juices, that are “fortified” or “enriched.” This means that vitamins and minerals have been added.
Shopping
- Buy premade nutritional shakes to keep on hand.
- To vary your choices, buy different flavors of milks and shakes.
Meal planning
- Choose flavors and foods that you enjoy.
- To
make sure you get enough energy from food (calories):
- Eat 3 full liquid meals each day. Have a liquid snack between each meal.
- Drink 6–8 ounces (177–237 ml) of a nutrition supplement shake with meals or as snacks.
- Add protein powder, powdered milk, milk, or yogurt to shakes to increase the amount of protein.
- Drink at least one serving a day of citrus fruit juice or fruit juice that has vitamin C added.
General guidelines
- Before starting the full-liquid diet, check with your health care provider to know what foods you should avoid. These may include full-fat or high-fiber liquids.
- You may have any liquid or food that becomes a liquid at room temperature. The food is considered a liquid if it can be poured off a spoon at room temperature.
- Do notdrink alcohol unless approved by your health care provider.
- This
diet gives you most of the nutrients that you need for energy, but you may
not get enough of certain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Make sure to talk
to your health care provider or dietitian about:
- How many calories you need to eat get day.
- How much fluid you should have each day.
- Taking a multivitamin or a nutritional supplement.
What foods are allowed?
The items listed may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for you.
Grains
Thin hot cereal, such as cream of wheat. Soft-cooked pasta or rice puréed in soup.
Vegetables
Pulp-free tomato or vegetable juice. Vegetables puréed in soup.
Fruits
Fruit juice without pulp. Strained fruit purées (seeds and skins removed).
Meats and other protein foods
Beef, chicken, and fish broths. Powdered protein supplements.
Dairy
Milk and milk-based beverages, including milk shakes and instant breakfast mixes. Smooth yogurt. Pureéd cottage cheese.
Beverages
Water. Coffee and tea (caffeinated or decaffeinated). Cocoa. Liquid nutritional supplements. Soft drinks. Nondairy milks, such as almond, coconut, rice, or soy milk.
Fats and oils
Melted margarine and butter. Cream. Canola, almond, avocado, corn, grapeseed, sunflower, and sesame oils. Gravy.
Sweets and desserts
Custard. Pudding. Flavored gelatin. Smooth ice cream (without nuts or candy pieces). Sherbet. Popsicles. Italian ice. Pudding pops.
Seasoning and other foods
Salt and pepper. Spices. Cocoa powder. Vinegar. Ketchup. Yellow mustard. Smooth sauces, such as Hollandaise, cheese sauce, or white sauce. Soy sauce. Cream soups. Strained soups. Syrup. Honey. Jelly (without fruit pieces).
What foods are not allowed?
The items listed may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for you.
Grains
Whole grains. Pasta. Rice. Cold cereal. Bread. Crackers.
Vegetables
All whole fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables.
Fruits
All whole fresh, frozen, or canned fruits.
Meats and other protein foods
All cuts of meat, poultry, and fish. Eggs. Tofu and soy protein. Nuts and nut butters. Lunch meat. Sausage.
Dairy
Hard cheese. Yogurt with fruit chunks.
Fats and oils
Coconut oil. Palm oil. Lard. Cold butter.
Sweets and desserts
Ice cream or other frozen desserts that have any solids in them or on top, such as nuts, chocolate chips, and pieces of cookies. Cakes. Cookies. Candy.
Seasoning and other foods
Stone-ground mustards. Soups with chunks or pieces.
Summary
- A full liquid diet refers to fluids and foods that are liquid or will become liquid at room temperature.
- This diet should only be used for a short period of time to help you recover from illness or surgery. Ask your health care provider or dietitian when it is safe for you to eat regular foods.
- To make sure you get enough calories and nutrients, eat 3 meals each day with snacks between. Drink premade nutrition supplement shakes or add protein powder to homemade shakes. Take a vitamin and mineral supplement as told by your health care provider.