Nutrition Nutrition Clear Liquid Diet Clear-liquid diets are useful if the body can't handle the softest foods or heavy or thick liquids. Patients usually follow this type of diet after surgery or before stomach or bowel surgery. Patients with severe nausea and vomiting may also have this diet. A clear-liquid diet often lasts 1 to 2 days or until you can drink or eat other beverages and foods. It cannot meet the required daily servings (except for fruit juices), but it helps ensure that your body doesn't lose too much fluid as you recover and become ready for a regular diet. CLEAR-LIQUID DIET Suggested Meal Plan Breakfast 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea* with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice or soft drink 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Lunch 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea* with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice or soft drink 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Dinner 1 cup juice 1 cup clear broth 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Coffee or tea* with sugar Snack 1 cup fruit juice 1/2 cup gelatin dessert Above courtesy of N.I.H.