High Protein Clear Liquid Diet Ideas for Colonoscopy or Surgery

Natural and organic high protein clear liquid diet ideas are perfect for colonscopy and surgery procedures. See our full list of natural and organic clear liquid diet options here.

Importance of Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet

If you are looking at having to do a clear liquid diet, these high protein clear liquid diet ideas 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 for clear liquid diet ideas 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 Simply Delish jello. 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 your own 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 gum has five grams of protein, no sugar, no carbs and no fat.

Note: Gum and hard candy are usually 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!

HIGH 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. Boba Tea Protein contains as much protein as an egg and as much fiber as an apple.

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,