Unsure how to get protein on a clear liquid diet? Discover safe ways to add protein & stay energized during your clear liquid diet.
A clear liquid diet is a highly restrictive diet that is employed before a colonoscopy in order to prepare the bowel adequately. It typically begins about 24 hours before a colonoscopy, and it involves consuming only clear liquid foods.
This helps to eliminate fiber from diet and prevent deposition of residue in the colon, thereby keeping it empty and free for the colonoscope to get an unobstructed and accurate view of the colon during a colonoscopy.
The clear liquid diet guidelines ensure that hydration is maintained. But, with such little flexibility, protein intake may quickly fall below recommended levels. Hence, it is important to deliberately ensure that all the foods and drinks being consumed on a clear liquid diet are nutritious and well-balanced.
If you are worried, unsure, or clueless about how to meet your protein needs on a clear liquid diet, fret no more. This article provides a practical solution for maintaining a protein-rich, balanced, fiber-free, clear liquid diet. It covers both homemade and store-bought options.
How to Get Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet
Homemade Options for How to Get Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet
Homemade foods are top-tier meals not only for their emotional sentiments but also because you can control the ingredients you put into each recipe. And, when it comes to how to get protein on a clear liquid diet with homemade foods, you can incorporate protein while staying within the diet’s limitations. Some delicious options include:
Clear broth
Clear broth, particularly chicken bone broth, is a good source of protein in a clear liquid diet. If you don’t like chicken, turkey bones are an excellent alternative as they provide just as much (arguably more) protein. Beef bone broths also provide protein but not as much as chicken or turkey bone broths.
Consommé
Consommé is a good source of water and protein for someone on a clear liquid diet. There are several varieties of consommé that you can enjoy. This includes beef consommé, seafood consommé, pork, chicken, or even duck consommé.
Protein-rich Homemade Jello
You can create your own protein-rich jello by enriching our homemade jello recipe with a clear, flavorless protein powder (whey protein isolate works well) or clear protein drink for extra nutrition. Read our article on the best clear protein drinks for help with finding suitable protein brands to incorporate into your jello.
Ensure the protein powder dissolves completely in the gelatin before chilling the mixture so as not to compromise the jello’s permissibility. These can be refreshing and serve as an easy protein boost throughout the day.
Ready-made Options for How to Get Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet
Several store-bought products are designed to fit into a clear liquid diet while providing protein. Here are a few that can be helpful:
Clear liquid protein drinks
Many companies produce protein drinks specifically designed for clear liquid diets. These drinks are typically fruit-flavored and provide 10-20 grams of protein per serving.
Popular brands include:
We have an entire article dedicated to the topic of clear protein drinks, which you can read here:
RELATED ARTICLE: What are the Best Clear Protein Drinks for Colonoscopy Prep?
Ready-made broths and consommés
If cooking is not your thing, store-bought clear broths and consommés are easy options that provide a significant amount of protein on a clear liquid diet.
How Important is Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet?
Protein is a macronutrient necessary for bone formation, muscle development, metabolic reactions, immune response, energy production, cellular repair, and blood cell formation. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an adult should consume about 0.83 g of protein per kg of body weight per day. However, the necessity of protein on a clear liquid diet depends on the length of time you will be on the diet.
Short-term use: If you are on a clear liquid diet for only a day or two, you do not need to stress too much about protein intake. Your body can handle a short period with minimal protein.
Long-term use: If your clear liquid diet lasts longer, getting some protein is more critical to prevent muscle breakdown and other complications. In these cases, clear protein supplements or protein-rich broths can help you meet your nutritional needs.
Clear Liquid Diet Protein Sources to Avoid
Not all protein sources are allowed on a clear liquid diet. Some common protein-rich foods must be avoided, as they do not qualify as clear liquids:
Avoid Milk and Dairy Products
Despite being rich in protein, milk and milk products are not permitted on a clear liquid diet because they are not transparent liquids. Additionally, they may cause digestive disturbances in people with lactose intolerance.
Avoid Eggs
Though a great source of protein, eggs are not allowed on a clear liquid diet, as they are solid foods.
Conclusion
Protein is an important class of food and does not have to be sacrificed on a clear liquid diet. Knowing how to maintain adequate protein intake within the boundaries of a clear liquid diet is crucial. Most importantly, always remember to consult your doctor when you are unsure or in doubt.
