The Full Liquid Diet

Purpose: to provide nourishment for individuals who are unable to chew, swallow or digest solid foods. It is used as a progression from clear liquids to solid foods post-operatively or for chewing, swallowing and gastro-intestinal impairments.

Characteristics: The full liquid diet consists of foods that are liquid or semi liquid at body temperature. Individuals with lactose intolerance need special consideration because milk-based foods constitute a large portion of the diet.

Comments:  Individuals on a full liquid diet for more than two or three weeks should be evaluated for supplementation. This diet is not indicated for gastric surgery or dysphagia.

Nutritional adequacy: This diet is not nutritionally adequate. Protein, Vitamin C, calcium, sodium, potassium and water may be adequate depending on type and quantity of food consumed.

First four weeks:
Full Liquids, 3-6 meals/day (meals may have calories)
juice, milk, protein drinks, soups (no lumps, blenderize), mashed potatoes, hot cereal or pureed fruit or vegetables (all thinned to a consistency where they'll pour off the back of a spoon), Gatorade, puddings.
Between meal liquids (low calories, 10 or less for 8 ounces)
water, broth, coffee or tea without cream or sugar (sugar substitute is okay), sugar free Jell-O, Crystal Lite or Sugar Free Kool-Aid.

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© 2002 Letter Perfect Communications. Last updated June 19, 2003.