clear liquid diet ideas

17 years ago

Here's a real challenge for the champs.

I have to have a colonoscopy next week (no problems, just routine). And that means I have to have a clear liquid diet the day before.

I assume that this means I'll be eating jello, broth, popsicles, clear juices, black coffee and tea.

At least, that is what I assumed until I thought of all of YOU. It's only one day, so it's no big deal, but just to try to inject a little fun into a not-so-pleasant experience, what other ideas, not to say "recipes," do you creative geniuses have for things to make or buy to try to make this a little more interesting?

It has to be really clear (e.g., no pulp in juices and not even a drop of milk in coffee), and it can't be red (although for some reason, orange and purple are okay).

It will be fun to see what you think of. Thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

dgkritch

17 years ago

Crystal Light comes in interesting flavors.
Mix with ice for a clear slushy drink.

My advice?? Eat really well the night before!

Deanna

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

lindac
17 years ago
I believe wine is clear.....
You could freeze some of that clear juice and make a frozen slush sort of thing.
You could make your own wonderful jellied chicken broth...pour it into a pyrex casserole dish, cut it into cubes and season it with a little lemon juiec and pretend it had sour cream on it.Or you gould just say....to hecken with it ( as my 3 year old would say) and eat the nasty jello and broth.
But....at least make some of your own good broth!
Linda C
christy2828
17 years ago
You could make Jello shots!! Christy :)
Related Discussions
Pomona's, ClearJel, Instant Clear Jel
Q
Comments (9)
I have used all three. The instant Clear Jel is great to thicken puddings a bit more, or to make no bake cheese cakes, thats about it. The cooking type Clear Jel is used in place of corn starch (in all home canning) and is used as a thickener for things like pie fillings, mustard, and any home canned items that need to be a light or thick syrup without using tons of sugar. You can also use it as the first flour dredge to make a breading for fried chicken. Its resistant to high acids and will not break down. Its a modified food starch and has been around at least 30 years. For jelly, Pomona is a no sugar needed pectin and is used to make james, jellies and marmalades so they are firm, but spreadable. The Pomona will not create a crystal clear jelly, so be advised it will be a little cloudy in most jellies and jams. The use of Clear Jel for jelly making will give a somewhat gummy texture, so its not advised for making jellies, unless your looking for gummy bears, or some kind of fruit slice candy thats rolled in sugar. Use less of Clear Jel in recipes that use corn starch as a thickener. Right now, I have beef meat pies to make and freeze, and already have the gravy and mushrooms to add to the leftover tenderloin roast. There is no 'grit' with Pomona, but some people are very sensitive to even slightest amounts of calcium. The amount used is very tiny in any case. I have bought Lactaid skim milk and bought a jug that seemed a bit thick and almost syrupy. It turned out to have added calcium, which in that case, was VERY noticable, but only in texture/mouth feel. Still no grit however. The instructions for Pomona are fairly easy to understand and they do give you amounts for smaller batches. In another thread, I told people that its best to premix and dissolve the granules of the Pomona in water or juice using a blender, then pour the mixture into the boiling liquid thats been sweetended already, then add the calcium water at the last moment, and will start to notice the jelly coating the spoon within a minute. This is when jars get filled. I use the whole packet of calcium (they give you extra anyway) when I use a full box of Pomona. I also add a little honey to the Splenda, to give the jelly a slight 'sticky' texture, which comes from no sugar added. Splenda is ONLY a sweetener and has no effect on the pectin as to whether it would set firm, loose or not at all. Sweeten the jelly mixture prior to adding the Pomona. I also tend to not use up a whole jar of jelly, so I add extra acid blend (Malic, Tarteric, and Citric), so the juice gets more tart flavor and MUCH more 'character". The added acid helps to prevent spoilage once the jelly is opened. Mine last longer than 6 months, and never show signs of mold. Acid blend is found at wine making supply stores. Its natural fruit acids and goes very well wioth almost any jelly, and even cold fruit juice based drinks. I like adding it to a Crystal Light mix if the flavor is too sweet or bland. I have even used Crystal Light raspberry drink when I made seedless red raspberry jam. It was fantastic! Sometimes, I can get Pomona for about $2.75 a box, when its on sale through a bulk foods web site. Also, Clear Jel can be bought from Barry Farms, as opposed to Kitchen Krafts, which sell it at a slightly higher price. A whole box of Pomona pectin can make up to 30 cups of jelly. The cost for the Pomona pectin, compared to a low/no sugar type like SureJel is quite cheap. You pay about the same price per box of no/low that only does 5-6 cups per box.
...See More
Adding coconut oil to diet
Q
Comments (17)
You'll find conflicting data on coconut oil in the diet. Lots of claims for it and against it. It's pretty well established that heavily hydrogenated tropical oils, including coconut (such as what you'd find in commercial baked snacks--they hydrogenate the fat to increase shelf life) are bad actors, but that's likely due to the hydrogenation process and not the oil itself. Coconut oil is a mid-chain mostly saturated fat. It may well be metabolized differently than other saturated fats. There was a study some years ago about a bunch of Sri Lankans who were convinced by Western doctors to switch from their traditional coconut oil in the diet to vegetable oil. The rate of heart disease went UP, ha ha. Now I don't know if they did other Western habits like smoking Marlboros while sitting on their hineys watching 'Baywatch', but I thought that was interesting. I have used coconut oil for 'buttering' potatoes. I've also used coconut oil as the poaching fat in making duck confit (wowza, was that good!). There is a difference in the quality of coconut oil. I can get some fragrant organic coconut oil from the Dekalb Farmers Market in the Atlanta area--it's wonderful. The local supermarket has Lou-Ana coconut oil--okay, but not spectacular. You'll also find that there are some claims made by people trying to sell you the stuff--"if you don't buy this particular brand of coconut oil harvested by sincere vegetarians who are kind to kittens, you're gonna miss out on all the benefits"--you just need to try to separate the hype from the fact. Hard to do sometimes.
...See More
"low residue diet"
Q
Comments (3)
I can see some pasta dishes in my near future, lol. I haven't made stuffed canneloni or fetticini alfredo in ages. Yeah, I can love a crispy baguette for toasting. Might make a quiche. I'll miss my very high fiber NutriBullet drinks in the mornings most of all. I'm not sure what will taste good for breakfast. Thanks, Susan, for the reminder about icy jello. My mother used to pour jello over cracked ice for us when we were sick. I also remember drinking hot jello.
...See More
Diet after surgery; soft food for 4 weeks
Q
Comments (55)
I've been with the same company since 1989, and so we are very familiar with each other by now, but it was not like that in the beginning. When I first met my boss, I felt an instant rapport with her and felt like we were meant to be together. When I looked at her furniture, I thought to myself, "These are the exact same proportions I would use," and so I knew from the beginning that we had a compatible design style/sense. It took her a little longer than it did me to realize this, but once she did, she trusted me with all new designs. Kevin has some good friends at work, and a couple of the them live not too far from us. One has offered to help cook and help with grocery shopping, if necessary, but I think I am recovered enough by now to handle shopping. I just cannot get anything heavy yet, but that will come in due time. As for the garden, I will hire help probably in October. It would nice to have him sooner, but he is my friend in Sacramento, and I have to work with his schedule. I don't trust the local landscapers here. I could possibly find a good landscape architect here, but that would be expensive and more than we need right now, although I'll keep it in mind for the future. It depends on what we end up doing in Palm Springs. I think Kevin will be much happier when we can buy a second home in the Palm Springs area. We'll probably end up in Cathedral City (Palm Springs adjacent but not walking distance), and hopefully Cathedral Gulch. This won't start happening until next year, but it's something to look forward do that I think might help Kevin feel better. What is odd is that so many people ask us if we are twins, but I am 15 years (+3 weeks) older, and I think this must be very insulting to Kevin. First people ask us if we are brothers. Then they ask if we are twins. Then they ask which one is older, which is the worst question of all. I've afraid that Kevin is going to appear even older after this ordeal, but if he can have a week-end house in PS, then I think he won't mind so much. I don't know yet how I will look after my full recovery, but I am keeping plastic surgery as an option. I've had hospital technicians tell me that if you live in Los Angeles, then it is almost mandatory. When I had a bike accident that cut my forehead, they would not release me from St. Johns until I interviewed with a plastic surgeon. Back then (around 1996) I did not care about having a small scar or two on my forehead, and now it's barely visible anyway. If anything, what I can see of it makes me look more rugged, I think. I wear bike helmets now. Sorry for rambling - I'm having trouble sleeping some nights, and after just having seen Kevin, I am feeling even more anxious. I think I will be able to help him with most of what he needs, but he is very private and introverted and often likes to be by himself. I hope he will spend his alone time in the back yard instead of his bedroom, but for now, I know it is painful for him to sit in a chair, and I expect that to last for a while. I could see the evidence of the surgery that had been done, having to remove part (or all) of his sphincter, which I mentioned before but had not seen evidence of before. He's going to be on disability for about three months, I think, but since he has been paying disability insurance for many years, he will get paid pretty much his normal salary - from the insurance. However, they deduct Californian disability payments, as California is fairly generous with these payments, and so Kevin will have to apply for those as well - since the payments will be deducted whether he receives them or not. He cannot file for California disability until he gets out of the hospital, but I think he knows how to do this.
...See More
dedtired
17 years ago
Oh gosh, mine is coming up too -- the 15th. I have hardly thought about what I am supposed to do in advance, or maybe I don't want to. I have "get ready" marked on my calendar. I'll read the directions then. I'll be watching this thread, too.
gellchom
Original Author
17 years ago
dedtired, make sure to read the directions soon. I mistakenly thought it was today, not next week, so I read the directions yesterday. Good thing, because I have to stop taking all vitamins and medications (except blood pressure diuretic) for a week before. Good luck!
compumom
17 years ago
HUH? DH and I have had our share of them for a number of years and other than being told to ease off of aspirin or ibuprophen, I've never heard of anyone stopping medications for a routine test.
dedtired
17 years ago
I did have a look at the directions and I am supposed to stop all meds except blood pressure. No vitamins or supplements. There are also a few little white pills that I'm supposed to take at some time or another. Hate to think what that's for.

The directions for a clear diet and no seeds, etc are also included. I am not looking forward to this, although everyone I talk to says it's not so bad.

I am supposed to participate in a business conference call from home the evening before this test. I guess it's a good thing it's not via Skype, or everyone would see me sitting on the throne. I may have to skip this call!

Good luck Gellchom.
Adnama
17 years ago
I can't think of anything exciting, but I found two clear liquid diet recipes on-line: fish tea and cucumber juice!

Maybe it would be tasty to make a drink of honey, fresh strained citrus juice, and ginger. Perhaps with tea.

This is probably a really good time to play with seasoning sachets!

Good luck.

~Amanda

Here is a link that might be useful: Fish Tea and Cucumber Juice
donnar57
17 years ago
Between my DH and I, we've been through 3 of those colonoscopies, and our 22 year old daughter had to go through it as well.

I can't say that I have any magic recipes - we just laid in a supply of the things on the list that were fine. I don't mind jello and popsicles, though DH does NOT like any form of jello.

As far as routine medications are concerned, I talked to my doctor beforehand to see exactly which ones have to be avoided. Normally, it's anything that could cause bleeding in your colon, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Aleve). I was to stay on my thyroid meds even the day of the test (with a little bit of water). If you're on any form of heart, cholesterol or BP meds (including Beta blockers), check with your doctor before giving them up!

DonnaR/CA
gellchom
Original Author
17 years ago
I want to clarify so no one makes a medical mistake: the nurse told me to stop all of MY medications and supplements, except the diuretic, which I take for blood pressure, for a week (and I don't take the diuretic the day before or the day of the procedure). I don't take cholesterol meds or any other medications, and many people do; I have no idea what they are supposed to do.

I don't want anyone to think that they shouldn't check with their own doctors about their own medications.
doucanoe
17 years ago
I have had 4 colonoscopies in less than 2 years. I can't even LOOK at jello! LOL

Actually, tho, the prep is worse than the actual exam. They give you really good drugs!

Good luck, I hope you get the "all's clear"!

Linda
CA Kate z9
17 years ago
Most multi-vitamins have E in them, it is a blood-thinner. And, as DaisyDuckworth would tell you, there are apparently "innocent" herbal teas that also can have blood-thinning/detrimental effects for someone having tests or even surgery.

I drank quite a bit of homemade, strained beef broth for this diet. Not exactly my idea of a gourmet meal, but it helped.
heatherlove
13 years ago
I know this is a older forum but i thought i would post ideas for others looking for this too. My husband is having this test this week & i was searching for things for him because he has had a hard time with this 3 days liquid diet.. (Be sure to ask your dr if you have questions about any of these before you try it) and i have more for the 1st day liquid diet and a list of light foods to use at the first of the prep. The prep is so much worse than
The test it's self. Good luck to all :)

Clear Liquid Drink Recipes
NO RED OR PURPLE COLORED ITEMS & no milk based or fiber items either...

High Protein Fruit Drink
8 oz commercial clear liquid nutritional drink
1/2 cup sorbet (no seeds in this!)
6 ounces ginger ale
Mix all ingredients and blend until smooth

Fruit Fizz
1 cup clear fruit juice from your clear liquid list (ie. apple juice/white grape juice.
1/2 cup sparkling water
1/2 cup ice
Blend ice and juice until slushy. Pour in glass and add
sparkling water

Frozen Fruit Slush
1-6 oz can of frozen clear juice concentrate
4 tbsp sugar (if u want it)
3 cups crushed ice
Mix all ingredients and blend until smooth

Lemon Lime Slushie
Juice from two limes
Juice from one lemon
1 cup sparkling water
1 cup ice
4 tsp. sugar or to taste
Blend ice and juice until slushy. Pour in glass and add
sparkling water
Home-made ice pops can also be made using fruit juice, a sports drink or other favorite clear liquids.
Remember: no red or purple liquids.

And if your looking for a hot "meal" other than beef or chicken broth, you can drink the jello while warm (i know i know, but its diffrent. My mom called it jello soup :). ) also use chicken broth, and root veggeis, boil for 20mins, season to taste then strain it, you will have a good clear broth.
Japanese or Chinese soups are really good, you can get them ready to go as take out too.

And you can use the meal replacement shakes on the first day "liquid diet" (not clear liquid part) to make some great meals..
jojoco
13 years ago
It has been told to me by a teenager that routinely has this done, that gummy bears meet the clear foods diet. With the exception of red, of course.

Check with your nurse.

Jo
JXBrown (Sunset 24, N San Diego County)
13 years ago
Miso soup was on my list of acceptable foods.
lbpod
13 years ago
Oh dear, you had to remind me, didn't you.
I got a letter from my 'colonoscopologist',
(hey, I made up a new word), that it has
been 5 years, and I am due. I'm putting it
off, since I am going to be going through
lower back surgery in the next week.
But I remember my very 'FIRST' colonoscopy.
Back then we had to start 'preparing' 36
hours ahead of time. And there was a bottle
of really nasty stuff that we had to chug
down the afternoon of the day before. Followed
by 4 small pills. And when they said to stay
near a toilet, they weren't joking. It was
like urinating out of your butthole. And when
you looked in the toilet, the water was perfectly
clear. The stuff they have now, with the Gatorade
is a piece of cake. And I especially LOVE the
photos they give you of your colon.
ruthanna_gw
13 years ago
Mushroom bouillon is my choice for dinner on the day before a colonoscopy. Leeks, celery leaves, chopped potobellos, shiitakes and white button mushrooms are sautÃ¯Â¿Â½ed and simmered in their own juice, white wine and some water until all the flavor is extracted. Then I strain the broth and clarify with an egg white raft.

clear liquid diet ideas

dgkritch

Comments (17)

lindac

christy2828

Related Discussions

dedtired

gellchom
Original Author

compumom

dedtired

Adnama

donnar57

gellchom
Original Author

doucanoe

CA Kate z9

heatherlove

jojoco

JXBrown (Sunset 24, N San Diego County)

lbpod

ruthanna_gw

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

clear liquid diet ideas

Comments (17)

Related Discussions

gellchomOriginal Author

gellchomOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

gellchom
Original Author

gellchom
Original Author