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

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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 :)
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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

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