Homemade Liquid Diet

A liquid diet typically consists of water, juice, broth and gelatin. Some liquid diets are used to replace all of your daily meals, while others may replace only one or two meals per day. Liquid diets are often prescribed to patients before tests or surgical procedures. They are also used by many people as a way to lose weight. Liquid diets should not be used for more than three days without a doctor's consent.

Liquid Diet Basics

There are many foods that you can eat during a liquid diet. The only rule, of course, is that all food must be pureed before consumption. The best way to do this is with a blender or juicer. Turning your favorite fruits and vegetables into a healthy liquid meal is quick and easy. According to the Mayo Clinic, a liquid diet "helps maintain adequate hydration, provides some important electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, and gives some energy at a time when a full diet isn't possible or recommended."

To make a healthy, homemade vegetable juice; combine 3 carrots, 1 apple, 5 oz. of spinach, 1 stalk of celery, 1 oz. of parsley, and 2 oz. of lemon juice. This juice is a great way to add potassium and iron to your liquid diet. It's also good for the digestive tract. For a sweet treat, combine 7 strawberries, 1/2 mango, 1/2 apple, 1 kiwi, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup of sparkling water.

It's important that your liquid diet includes vegetable and fruit juices, because they provide you with important vitamins and nutrients. Always use fresh fruits and vegetables. Mix different fruits, vegetables, and herbs together to see what tastes the best to you. If your liquid diet consists of things that you like, you will be more likely to stick with it.

To increase the protein in your liquid diet, the National Cancer Institute suggests adding strained fish, meat, or poultry to broth to make a soup. Finally, combine potatoes, cream, and broccoli together to make a hearty pureed soup.

Restrictions

A liquid diet doesn't restrict many foods, provided they are pureed, but there are a few foods that you should avoid when on a liquid diet. These foods include cheese, cooked vegetables, frozen and canned fruit, bread, and cereal. Drug Information Online advises anyone on a liquid diet to eat three meals and two or three snacks daily. For soups that include meat, fish, or poultry, they suggest you completely puree the ingredients in a blender and strain the soup before consuming. Doing this makes the soup easier to digest. If you are on a liquid diet due to an upcoming medical test or surgery, check with your doctor about any restrictions that may apply in your specific case.