Natural and organic high protein clear liquid diet options are perfect for colonscopy and surgery procedures. See our full list of natural and organic clear liquid diet options here.
History is repeating itself this week and my poor son is now going in for his own procedure to see why he's struggled with stomach issues since he was a baby. It started with reflux as a baby. For years we went through every medication for reflux. He finally got tired of taking it because it didn't work for him.
Then we started on natural helps for reflux but that didn't help either. We did diet elimination. We took some anti spasm medications for his stomach. He misses almost one day a week of school due to stomach issues and it's now to the point that with him starting high school next year and with him participating in several sports he can't be getting sick like he is now. It's time to get some answers.
He is scheduled for a colonscopy and endoscopy this week and is NOT happy about it. While he volunteered himself to the point of a colonoscopy because he's finally to the point of wanting answers, he also fears that he will go through this and not get ANY answers. (I completely understand having gone through it myself).
We are fingers crossed just hoping to get some answers for him.
In the meantime, he is stressing hard about football practice and missing two days of it. He has been upping his protein lately to help his body repair itself and build some muscle as he also does taekwondo too. Protein helps his body repair itself from the stress he's placing on it. He's been watching what he eats a lot more lately and making sure he's getting a good balance of protein and carbs.
He's also showering more. And changing his socks and underwear. I've been waiting for this day for YEARS!!
Of course he will still come and hug me when he's all sweaty so I return the favor by doing it to him after a run. But he definetely has the advantage now because he's taller than me. He makes sure I get full armpit.
I'm considering the colonoscopy karma for all the fart, burp and comments about his bodily functions he likes to make.
Teenage boys though...I wouldn't trade them. They seriously are the best and this kid is awesome. All of my kids are awesome but he gets to take the super awesome kid award this week.
If you are looking at having to do a clear liquid diet, these high protein clear liquid diet options are fantastic ways to get some protein in. when I had my colonoscopy I focused a lot on getting protein. I was already so sick that it felt nice not to have to eat anything, but my energy was non existent once I was put on a clear liquid diet. It is really hard on a clear liquid diet to feel like you are up and down energy wise. Most clear liquid diets don't have a lot of calories and have a lot of sugar. So you just feel like you are crashing all day long.
What Can You Have On a Clear Liquid Diet?
Prior to doing your cleanse the night before your colonoscopy or having nothing by mouth if it's surgery, your doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet.
Definition. A clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids — such as water, broth and plain gelatin — that are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract.
This includes sports drinks, soda, jello, popsicles, broth, juice, water, tea and coffee.
What this doesn't include? Protein. Or nutrients your body needs.
In addition a lot of these foods have a lot of dyes and artificial ingredients and flavors. Not the healthiest. Most colonoscopy prep instructions ask you to refrain from consuming any red, purple or blue dyes in your clear liquid diet. So this can be very problematic if you have food allergies or are unable to consume certain products because of their ingredients. And if you're diabetic? Clear liquid diets as a diabetic can be a nightmare!
What Kind of Protein Can You Have On a Clear Liquid Diet?
This was tough to research but I was able to find some information on some websites that gave some good information. Most likely since whatever you consume will need to be see through and liquid, the kind of protein you are going to consume is going to be a protein powder that is able to easily break down in whatever you are going to drink or eat. The two most common protein sources I found in clear liquid diets were whey derived and collagen derived.
Here are some great examples of things you CAN have that will give you some extra protein on a clear liquid diet:
PROTEIN STICKS
Vital Proteins offers a HUGE variety of protein options for a clear liquid diet. We LOVE their protein sticks. Since my son is only going to be on a clear liquid diet for a day, the protein sticks are perfect to mix into his jello, broth and juice. They cost around $1 a stick at our local health food store. Much less expensive than buying a whole container of protein.
PROTEIN SHOTS
These clear liquid protein shots are perfect for having on hand. They easily fit into your pocket and can be a great supplement. Vital Proteins is the winner here again with $1 shots available at checkout.
PROTEIN WATER/PROTEIN SPORTS DRINKS
I found some really cool flavored clear liquid drink bottles on bariatric sites, but became disappointed when I saw many of them included artificial flavors. I found that Isopure has a flavored protein drink that includes 20 grams of protein in each 16 oz drink! Plus it includes lot's of nutrients your body needs.
HIGH PROTEIN JELLO
Yeah, you can make your jello high protein too. Grab one packet of jello (Jello brand used to sell a Simply Good jello mix that didn't have artificial flavors or ingredients). Prepare the jello as directed on the package, and at the end mix in one scoop of unflavored protein powder prior to placing it in the fridge.
To make jello at home: In an 8×8 inch pan, pour ½ cup of juice. Sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons of gelatin over the top. Allow it to sit. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of juice with around 3 tablespoons of honey or 2 tablespoons sugar. Heat just to boiling, stirring several times. Remove from heat and pour the hot water slowly into the gelatin and juice mixture. Use a whisk, stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add one scoop protein powder and stir. Refrigerate several hours to set.
Note: Try to avoid pineapple juice. It doesn’t set up properly.
HIGH PROTEIN POPSICLES
You can make high protein popsicles for a clear liquid diet. I usually will mix up the jello mixture above and pour it into popsicle molds and freeze. You can also mix together some fruit juice (white grape, apple or other see through juices) and a protein stick and then place in a popsicle mold and freeze.
HIGH PROTEIN HARD CANDY/GUM
Some doctors will allow you to suck on hard candy the day before your surgery or chew gum. (As long as you don't swallow the gum).
I haven't been able to find any high protein lollipops or hard candy but high protein gum has increased in popularity. I guess if you are worried about calories at this point (you probably will wonder why you worried so much about calories after you do your colon cleanse) gum is a great option to keep you feeling fuller. This protein chewing gum has five grams of protein, no sugar, no carbs and no fat.
Note: Gum and hard candy are NOT allowed once you are ordered to eat nothing by mouth prior to your procedure or surgery.
HIGH PROTEIN BROTH
High protein broth is very popular. The best bet for the most nutrient friendly is to make your own bone marrow broth, but you can also easily purchase all natural high protein broths now too. BariLife offers a high protein chicken broth that contains 15 grams of protein in a cup of soup--that's 10-12 grams more than regular chicken broth!
hHIGH PROTEIN SODA
Fizzique offers a high protein all natural soda that tastes amazing! Each soda can contains 20 grams of protein, 80 calories and nothing unnatural. It comes in great flavors too like grapefruit and lemon lime.
HIGH PROTEIN COFFEE/TEA
No, this is where I draw the line. You already have to give up your creamer for the day. The morning is really going to be rough since you can't stop at Starbucks on your way in. No protein powder in coffee. You can consult Google and see if I'm right but the majority of people did not recommend putting protein powder in your coffee. And the majority of high protein coffee you can buy isn't highly received or contains creamer or milk.
High protein teas though, there are on the market. BlueDot offers a natural tea that contains as much protein as an egg and as much fiber as an apple. The flavors look delicious too and can be found at local retailers!
Do you have some other products that you recommend? Leave a comment and we will add them to the list!
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
Natural and Organic Clear Liquid Diet Colonoscopy Options
Allergy Friendly Sick Day Foods (Perfect for After Your Colonoscopy or Surgery)
Images Courtesy BurntApple.com, Medical News Today, TodayIFoundOut.com,
Can u have protiene shakes on clear liquid phase
Like the article states, my doctor approved it but it was because I had been so sick. I could only take it up to a certain amount of time before I had to move to a clear liquid diet. I would consult with your doctor and ask them if they are okay with it. I found a lot depended on the doctor.
Can’t thank you enough for this article as I move forward to a endoscopy and colonoscopy prep tomorrow. I really really appreciate find in this.
I'm so glad it helped you! I hope your colonoscopy went well!
Thank you for such great content is a small package. Great info!
I've been on a liquid diet for 3 days and couldn't figure out how to get some much needed protein for a little energy. Now I know.
I'm sorry to hear you are on a liquid diet and hope you get feeling better soon! I'm glad I was able to help you out! Hang in there and keep me posted if you find any other products that helped! --Traci
What about orgain vegan protein powders? Because I love to dio my popsicles in them and eat them that way. It doesn't seem much different from mixing it with water. Right?
I don't think they would be considered clear liquid if I remember. I would double check with your doctor or nurse. Let me know what they say!