Clear Liquid Diet Ideas for Colonoscopy

“Clear Liquid Diet Ideas for Colonoscopy” was written by Jessie Carpenter, MA, MS, RD, LD & edited/reviewed by Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN. 

Consuming a clear liquid diet for a successful colonoscopy doesn’t have to be daunting or boring! 

This article will explain the importance of a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy, as well as provide a variety of clear liquid diet ideas to make the preparation process more manageable and tolerable.

The main reason for consuming a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy is to clear the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as much as possible from solid food and any GI stimulation, like food being actively digested.

Understanding the Clear Liquid Diet

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A clear liquid diet can be simply understood as only consuming liquids and foods that are see-through and liquid when at room temperature. This includes many foods and liquids, such as:

• Water – plain, carbonated, sparkling, or flavored
• Broth or bouillon – vegetable, beef, chicken
• Clear fruit juices – no fruit, just juice
• Sodas – any carbonated beverage is permissible
• Jell-O or gelatin – without fruit chunks
• Tea (no cream) or coffee (black only) – enjoy hot or cold
• Sport drinks – for example, Gatorade or Powerade 
• Popsicles (water-based) – no fruit chunks, no dairy
• Hard candies – clear lollipops, peppermint rounds, lemon drops
• Ensure Clear* – apple flavored

Some may simply think of a “liquid” diet as being okay, yet the approved liquids are purposefully see-through. 

Here is a list of foods/liquids to avoid:

• Soft foods
• Solid foods
• Alcohol
• Milk or milkshakes
• Ice cream
• Orange, grapefruit, tomato juice
• Soups other than broths
• Red or purple colored drinks
• Cooked cereal
• Cream-based soups
• Smoothies

Typically, one is placed on a clear liquid diet the day before and the day of a colonoscopy. The clear liquid diet is not meant to be long-term. Ask your doctor for any additional specifications and instructions.

Tips for a Smooth Clear Liquid Diet Experience

Although you may think it near impossible to become dehydrated on a clear liquid diet, it is still worth stating a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the preparation period.

Ask your doctor or a Registered Dietitian for guidance on the total amount of fluids you should consume each day.

To reduce hunger and stay satisfied on a clear liquid diet, it is important to plan ahead and consume liquids every 2–3 hours. 

Planning the day out ahead of time by writing out when and what to consume will help ensure compliance with the clear liquid diet guidelines for successful colonoscopy results. 

Regular intake of clear liquids will help your stomach feel full and help reach your total liquid intake for the preparation period.

Clear Liquid Diet Ideas for Colonoscopy

The above approved clear liquid diet items are broad groups, for the most part.

Each category has several choices to add variety to reduce boredom and help meet fluid intake goals. 

Various types of waters, broths, teas, and coffees are allowed.

Consider flavoring water with lemon juice or lime juice.

You can also enjoy an electrolyte drink, like a sport drink or coconut water, to maintain your electrolyte balance. 

Look for recipes with a clear broth or one that can be easily strained.

Making a homemade broth or trying bone broth can be explored.

You can add herbs and spices for extra flavor without compromising the clarity of liquids, too. Fruit juices without pulp or added colors, such as apple or white grape juice, are permissible.

Appropriate clear gelatin products are a good choice. You can make your own flavor combo for strawberry lime gelatin by preparing strawberry gelatin and adding lime juice-flavored water.

Did you know popsicles and other icy treats are approved on the clear liquid diet? That’s right! If it is a liquid at room temperature without chunks of fruit, for instance, it is okay to enjoy. 

Here’s an idea: make your own popsicles using fruit juice or your favorite sports drink!

Clear fruit jellies and jams can add variety to the clear liquid diet, along with hard candies as an occasional treat. Be mindful of red dyes and blood sugar levels if you are monitoring your glucose.

Check out our Clear Liquid Diet Sample Meal Plan for some inspiration on putting these ideas into practice. And be sure to read through our High Calorie Clear Liquid Diet article for even more ideas.

Conclusion

We hope that our clear liquid diet ideas for colonoscopy are helpful to you and help make this process less tedious.

Plan to consume a variety of clear liquid items throughout your preparation time. Enjoy broths, coffee, popsicles, water, fruit juice, sports drinks, coconut water, and more. 

Before you know it, you will be through the colonoscopy and ready for the next challenge to tackle!