Caregiving > Nutrition & Diet > Clear-Liquid Diet

Clear-liquid diets may be useful when the body cannot tolerate soft foods or thick liquids. Patients usually follow this type of diet after having surgery, or if they are experiencing severe nausea and/or vomiting. A clear-liquid diet is designed for short-term nutrition, lasting only a day or two. While it does not meet daily serving requirements, it helps ensure that the body does not lose too much fluid until the patient is ready for a more substantial diet.

Examples of clear liquids include:

• Bouillon, consommé, clear fat-free broth, strained vegetable broth
• Clear carbonated beverages
• Cranberry/grape juice, strained citrus juice, strained lemonade or limeade
• Fruit-flavored drinks, fruit punch
• Fruit ices without fruit pieces, fruit ices without milk
• Plain gelatin desserts
• Popsicles
• Sports drinks
• Tea
• Water

An example of a Clear-Liquid Diet menu would be:

Breakfast
1 cup juice
1 cup clear broth
½ cup gelatin dessert
Coffee or tea* with sugar

Snack
1 cup fruit juice or soft drink
½ cup gelatin dessert

Lunch
1 cup juice
1 cup clear broth
½ cup gelatin dessert
Coffee or tea* with sugar

Snack
1 cup fruit juice or soft drink
½ cup gelatin dessert

Dinner
1 cup juice
1 cup clear broth
½ cup gelatin dessert
Coffee or tea* with sugar

Snack
1 cup fruit juice
½ cup gelatin dessert

* Your doctor may recommend decaffeinated coffee or tea.

Click the following links for:

• Soft food recipes
• Full liquid recipes
• Recipes for mesothelioma patients and caregivers
• Nutrition information for mesothelioma patients undergoing aggressive treatments
• Glossary of terms related to cancer nutrition.