What is a Low-Fiber Diet?

A low-fiber diet (sometimes called a low-residue diet) means eating foods that are easy for your body to break down and that leave less undigested material in your gut. These are foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, well-cooked vegetables, and fruit without skin or seeds. Eating this way makes stool smaller and less frequent and can ease symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.

While on this diet, a common goal is to eat no more than about 10–15 grams of fiber per day. Stay away from high-fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, raw vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds.

 

Who Needs a Low Fiber Diet?

Your doctor may ask you to follow a low-fiber diet if you are:

  • Getting ready for a colonoscopy: Follow a low-fiber diet three days before your procedure. This helps clean out your bowels so the doctor can see clearly. (If your doctor tells you to start earlier, follow their instructions.)
  • Dealing with certain bowel problems: Conditions like diverticulitis (small pouches in your intestine that get swollen), inflammatory bowel disease (swelling in your intestines), a narrowed bowel, or recovery from bowel surgery.

You may need this diet for just a short time, or your doctor may ask you to follow it longer. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about what is right for you. When you are feeling better, your doctor may help you slowly add more fruits, vegetables, and fiber back into your meals.

 

Foods Recommended Foods to Avoid

Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:

  • White bread, rolls, biscuits, croissants, waffles, French toast, pancakes, white rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, and peeled cooked potatoes
  • Plain crackers, saltines, melba toast
  • Cooked cereals like farina or cream of rice
  • Cold cereals like puffed rice, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, and Special K
  • Naan or flatbread

Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:

  • Breads or rolls with nuts, seeds, or fruit
  • Whole wheat, pumpernickel, rye bread, and cornbread
  • Potatoes with skin, brown or wild rice, and buckwheat (kasha)
  • Oatmeal

Vegetables:

  • Tender cooked or canned vegetables without seeds: carrots, asparagus tips, green beans, wax beans, pumpkin, spinach, and lima beans

Vegetables:

  • Raw or steamed vegetables
  • Vegetables with seeds
  • Sauerkraut
  • Winter squash, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, baked beans, and corn

Fruits:

  • Strained fruit juice
  • Canned fruit (but not pineapple)
  • Ripe bananas
  • Melons

Fruits:

  • Prunes and prune juice
  • Raw or dried fruit
  • All berries, figs, dates, and raisins

Milk/Dairy:

  • Milk (plain or flavored)
  • Non-dairy milk like soy, almond, coconut, oat, or rice milk
  • Lactose-free milk
  • Yogurt (plain, without nuts, seeds, or fruit chunks), custard, and ice cream
  • Cheese and cottage cheese

Milk/Dairy:

  • Yogurt with nuts, seeds, or fruit chunks

Meat/Proteins:

  • Ground or well-cooked tender beef, lamb, ham, veal, pork, fish, chicken, turkey, and organ meats
  • Tofu
  • Eggs
  • Smooth peanut butter or smooth nut/seed butter (no chunks)

Meat/Proteins:

  • Tough, chewy meats with gristle
  • Dry beans, peas, and lentils
  • Chunky peanut butter or chunky nut/seed butter

Fats, Snacks, Sweets, Condiments and Beverages:

  • Margarine, butter, oils, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salad dressing
  • Plain gravies
  • Sugar, clear jelly, honey, and syrup
  • Spices, cooked herbs, bouillon, broth, and soups made with allowed vegetables
  • Coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks
  • Plain cakes and cookies
  • Gelatin, plain puddings, custard, ice cream, sherbet, and popsicles
  • Hard candy and pretzels
  • Ketchup and mustard
  • Kombucha
  • Whey or vegan protein powder

Fats, Snacks, Sweets, Condiments and Beverages:

  • Nuts, seeds, and coconut
  • Jam, marmalade, and preserves
  • Pickles, olives, relish, and horseradish
  • Any desserts with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut, or made from whole grains or bran
  • Candy made with nuts or seeds
  • Popcorn

 

If you have any additional questions, please contact our office at 612-871-1145.