Ask your doctor the purpose of the clear liquid diet, how long it needs to last and what exactly you’re allowed to consume during that time. Also ask if you should limit physical activity, discontinue supplements or discontinue or change any medications you’re currently taking. Ask your doctor to review any potential side effects your doctor may expect you will experience during your clear liquid diet.
Stock up on the items you’re allowed to have so you have all the necessary items at home ready-to-go. It’s helpful to have everything you need at home. It may be hard to follow the prescribed diet if you don’t have adequate supplies at home or at work. Stock up on items like: broth, popsicles, jello, flavored waters, tea, coffee, and clear juices (like apple juice or white grape juice).
Side effects are usually mild and may include: hunger, headache, nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen or if you’re feeling sick. Tell them when the symptoms started and how they’re affecting you.
Having a variety of fluids throughout the day can help you manage hunger and any other side effects. Beverages can include: water (plain, carbonated, or flavored); clear, pulp-free juice (like apple juice); fruit flavored juices; sports drinks; sodas, broth; coffee and tea (without added dairy products). [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Eating some of these foods may help you feel a little more satisfied while drinking mostly fluids throughout the day. Foods you can have include: gelatin, popsicles (without dairy, fruit pieces, chocolate or nuts) and hard candies. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make sure to include some savory liquids like chicken or beef broth.
When you’re on a clear liquid diet, your overall calories will be low. This can lead to low blood sugar which may make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous. A sample menu of how to lay out your day can be: Breakfast: one glass of clear, pulp-free juice (such as apple juice), one cup of coffee or tea without dairy products (sweetener optional), Morning Snack: one cup of gelatin, Lunch: one cup of broth, one cup of clear, pulp-free juice, Afternoon Snack: one cup of broth, Dinner: one cup gelatin and one cup of broth, Evening Snack: one cup of clear, pulp-free juice. If you have diabetes, you’ll need to communicate frequently with your physician. In addition, you should drink enough sweetened beverages throughout the day to get around 135 g of carbohydrate total. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you’re normally a very active person, you may need to reduce or restrict the amount of physical activity you typically do. For example, if you normally run for 45 minutes, you may need to go for a 30 minute walk instead. Light activities like walking and your daily lifestyle activities should still be OK to continue even on a clear liquid diet. If you are feeling overly tired, nauseous or lightheaded during or after physical activity, stop immediately and discontinue exercise while on your clear liquid diet.
