Can You Live on a Liquid Diet?

Most people receive adequate nutrition through a healthful, well-balanced diet that consists of solid foods. For individuals with stomach and bowel conditions (such as cancer or Crohn’s disease) a regular diet may not always be possible. For this reason, liquid diets exist.

While you can live on a full liquid diet — a diet filled with milk, protein shakes, juice, and ice cream — you should only do so under the direction of a physician and registered dietitian.

While you should not try to live on a clear liquid diet, a full liquid diet can provide you with adequate nutrition.

Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet consists of foods and beverages that are liquid and translucent at room temperature. People often follow clear liquid diets for a day to two to prepare for a medical test or procedure, such as stomach surgery or a colonoscopy. Clear liquid diets can also help an individual recover from stomach or bowel surgery.

This type of diet is easily digestible and leaves little residue in your intestines. As a result, your stomach is better able to recover.

Clear liquid diets provide you with hydration, electrolytes, and minimal calories when you cannot consume solid foods. However, clear liquid diets cannot give you adequate nutrition or calories, and you should not follow a clear liquid diet for more than a few days. You should be under the care of a physician and a registered dietitian while on a clear liquid diet.

Full Liquid Diet

A full liquid diet includes all foods and beverages that are liquid at room temperature. It can also include thicker liquids such as puddings or milkshakes. The diet does not permit solid foods.

When you cannot consume or digest solid foods, a full liquid diet can supply your body with protein, hydration, salt, and minerals. A full liquid diet can provide most individuals with 1,350 to 1,500 calories each day, according to MedlinePlus, plus 45 grams of protein. Everyone’s caloric needs differ, so meet with a registered dietitian to determine your caloric and nutrient requirements.

You can survive on a full liquid diet for an extended period, and MedlinePlus says it’s safe for those with diabetes as long as they continue to work closely with their healthcare team. Your healthcare provider may recommend adding vitamins and other supplements to ensure adequate nutrition.

Liquid Diet Foods

There are a number of foods and beverages your healthcare provider will allow you to consume while you’re on a liquid diet. Clear liquid diet options include plain water, chicken broth, beef broth, clear sports drinks, fruit juice without pulp, clear sodas, ice pops without fruit pieces, plain gelatin, and unsweetened coffee and tea without milk or creamer.

On a full liquid diet, you can consume all of the items recommended for a clear liquid diet. You can also eat pudding, plain ice cream, strained meat, yogurt, sherbet, custard, honey, syrups, sugar, instant breakfast shakes, smoothies, milkshakes, protein supplements, cream, and oatmeal. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the foods and beverages you can and cannot consume.

Liquid Diets for Weight Loss

On a liquid diet, you may be able to shed pounds rapidly. However, you should be under the care of a healthcare provider while you’re on this type of diet.

A liquid diet for weight loss is what you would consider fad or yo-yo dieting. At first, the results seem great. However, the second you stop this type of dieting, you are likely to begin regaining weight.

Proper dieting for weight loss should include a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, according to a review in the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome.