Clear-Liquid Diet At times during your treatment it may be necessary to follow a special diet to correct nutritional problems that have occurred. Only your doctor or dietitian should decide when you need to follow a special diet and for how long of a period you should follow that diet. The clear-liquid diet is used when the body can't handle any other types of food. It is used most often after surgery or before stomach or bowel surgery. You may also be placed on a clear-liquid diet if you have severe nausea and vomiting. The clear-liquid diet is used for one or two days or until you are able to drink or eat other things. It cannot meet daily nutritional needs, but it helps keep fluids in your body as you recover and become able to eat a regular diet. Examples of Clear Liquid Diet Foods from NCI: Water,carbonated beverages, cereal beverages,coffee, tea, fruit-flavored drinks, strained lemonade, limeade, fruit punch Plain gelatin desserts, fruit ices (no milk or fruit), apple, cranberry and grape juice, strained citrus juices Apple, cranberry, and grape juices; strained citrus juices if tolerated. Bouillon,clear fat-free broths, consumme Honey, jelly, syrups, plain sugar candy in small amounts Strained vegetable broth Salt

Sample Clear-Liquid Meal Pattern from NCI   Breakfast 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice or soft drink 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Lunch 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice or soft drink 1/2 cup gelatine dessert Dinner 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice 1/2 cup gelatin dessert