Full liquid diet includes fluids and semisolid foods that are liquid at body temperature. The full liquid diet is often used as a step between a clear liquid diet and a regular diet. It may be appropriate for persons who have chewing or swallowing problems.

Characteristics of Full Liquid Diet

  • This diet is used as intermediate step in post operative dietary regimens orFull Liquid Diet other situation in which the gastrointestinal function is moderately reduced.
  • Aims to provide oral feedings that will promote return to a normal intake of food.
  • Needs a multivitamin/mineral supplement if prescribed to be used for more that 2-3 weeks.
  • If used over several weeks, low-fat dairy products should be included for patients with high blood cholesterol levels. Modifications in carbohydrate levels may also be necessary for people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia.

Full liquid diet is for postoperative patients following the Clear Liquid Diet, for acutely ill patient, and for the patient who cannot chew or swallow pureed foods. It may be prescribed to supplement a tube feeding.

Foods Allowed

The full liquid diet is composed of foods included in the clear liquid plus foods that are liquid at body temperature and tolerated by the patient. Because the diet typically includes many milk containing foods, it may need modification for patients who are lactose intolerant. Acidophilus milk or soy milk may be tolerated, or lactose free nutrient supplement beverages can be useful.

  • Meats – Pureed meat in soup, liver spread, potted meat, soft cooked egg
  • Milk – Whole milk, evaporated milk, low fat milk, milk drinks, milk shake, malted milk, plain yogurt
  • Rice or substitute – Pureed strained congee, cooked cereal.
  • Vegetables – All juices, pureed vegetables such as chayote, carrots, green papaya
  • Fruits – Citrus and other fruit juices
  • Soup – Broth or strained cream soup, bouillon
  • Sugar or sweets – Sugar, honey, syrup, plain and unflavored gelatin, pudding, soft custards, plain ice cream, popsicles, sherbet
  • Fluids – Coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, cereal beverage, fruit drink

Suggested Meal Pattern and Sample Menu

  • BREAKFAST
    • Fruit
    • Gelatin
    • Milk or milk beverage

Sample Menu

    • Mango juice
    • Jello
    • Sherbet
  • LUNCH
    • Soup
    • Meat
    • Rice
    • Pureed fruit or juice
    • Dessert
    • Milk or milk beverage

Sample Menu

    • Cream of onion soup
    • Liver spread
    • Pureed strained congee
    • Orange juice
    • Jello
    • Milk shake
  • SUPPER
    • Same as lunch
  • BETWEEN MEAL NOURISHMENT’S
    • Milk or milk beverage
    • Fruit juice
    • Yogurt
    • Nutritional supplement

Sample Menu

    • Shake
    • Fruits in season
    • Pain yogurt