Fluid diet - full
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a diet of liquids.
Characteristics
Liquid foods that require no chewing.
Indications
A temporary transition from clear fluids to normal diet as indicated (e.g. post surgery or procedure)
Nutritional adequacy
This diet is inadequate in many nutrients and should not be used as the sole source of nutritional support for more than three days, unless appropriate supplements are used.
Precautions
Patients may not receive a menu.
Patients ordered this diet should be monitored regularly to ensure adequate dietary intake.
Paediatrics
Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | None | - |
| Sauces, gravies | None | - |
| Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | None | - |
| Vegetables | None | - |
| Soups | <1.5g fibre per serve Soups without visible food pieces including homogenised or pureed soups (all band 1) | Soups with visible food pieces |
| Sandwiches | None | - |
| Salads, dressings | None | - |
| Breads, cereals | Strained rolled oats, semolina or rice cereal with milk, sugar or honey | All bread Other breakfast cereals |
| Spreads | None | - |
| Hot breakfast choices | None | - |
| Fruit | None | - |
| Yoghurt | Drinking yoghurt Smooth yoghurt without fruit pieces | Yoghurt with visible fruit or nuts |
| Desserts | Plain jelly, plain smooth ice-cream, soft custard and smooth milk desserts (e.g. mousse, creme caramel) | All others |
| Milk and cheese | Plain and flavoured milk or dairy alternatives | All cheeses |
| Beverages | Fruit juice, water, milk, tea and coffee Cordial and soft drink are allowed but minimised to maximise nutrient intake Strained vegetable juices | All others |
| Biscuits | None | - |
| Miscellaneous | Nutrition supplements may be required Note: Milk powder, protein powder or glucose polymer may be added to drinks or soups to increase energy content Sugar, sweetener, salt, pepper, thin cream | - |
References
- Dietitians Association of Australia. Nutrition manual. 9th ed. Canberra: DAA; 2014