This form of the liquid diet encourages the body to remain properly hydrated with not only water but also minerals that your organs will need to function properly. Because it is so easy to digest, it leaves little if any waste products in your small or large intestines, which makes this a perfect diet to follow a day or two prior to undergoing a colonoscopy.
Some diet fanatics in their efforts to loose weight fast and drop inches off their waste lines in a matter of days rather than at a reasonable speed are from time to time tempted to follow the liquid diet for a while. Granted, you will see some rapid weight loss, but you will also do your body some considerable disservice if you rely on liquid diet recipes to meet your nutritional requirements. Thus, before you decide to delve into this diet to melt the pounds of your midsection, remember that you will not receive sufficient amounts of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates or even minerals to keep you living a healthy, active lifestyle! Instead, this diet should only be used on a very short term basis – no more than four days – and only under medical supervision.
For those who are following the liquid diet advisedly, there are some incredibly simple liquid diet recipes that can be followed.
•Clear liquids are all those which you can see through. In other words, if you have a glass of fruit juice, and when you hold it to the light you can see through it, then you have a clear liquid. For those who simply get not get by without chewing something, jello and ice are considered clear liquids as well!
•If you want to drink juice, stay with the clear apple or cranberry juices, but do not drink anything that has pulp in it.
•As far as soups are concerned, you will need to stay from any soup that has added foods, such as chicken broth with rice. Clear chicken or beef broth is acceptable. Keep an eye on the salt content to make sure you do not overdo it!
•You may drink coffee or tea, but keep in mind that the caffeine might affect you a lot more if there is no food in your stomach to temper the absorption of the substance.
Of course, there are other times when a liquid diet may be indicated. For example, when you had to undergo facial surgery and your jaw might be wired shut, you will only be able to consume what comes through a straw. In this situation, you will most likely be allowed to have common foods pureed and watered down in order to fit them through a straw. It is unlikely that your physician will put you on a strict clear liquid diet – however, be sure to get this information before leaving the hospital!