What is a low fiber diet? 

The goal of a low fiber diet is to choose foods that are easy for your body to digest.  This diet includes plain white bread, white rice, crackers, cooked vegetables, and fruit without skin or seeds. Eating these foods will help to slow down bowel movements. It is important to avoid foods that are high in fiber. For example beans, whole grains, raw vegetables, berries, nuts and seeds. Consume no more than 10-15 grams of fiber each day.
 

Who needs to be on a low fiber diet?
Patients undergoing bowel preparation for colonoscopy should follow a low fiber diet 3 days prior to their procedure to help make the cleanout more effective. Patients who have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel narrowing or previous bowel surgery may also benefit from a low fiber diet. 

A fiber restricted diet may be needed for a short time or for the rest of your life depending on your medical condition.  Work with your medical provider or dietitian to determine what is best for you.

 

Foods Recommended Foods to Avoid

Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:

  • White bread, rolls, biscuits, croissants and melba toast
  • Waffles, French toast, pancakes, white rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni and peeled cooked potatoes
  • Plain crackers and saltines
  • Cooked cereals: farina, cream of rice
  • Cold cereals: Puffed rice, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Special K

Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:

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

Vegetables:

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

Vegetables:

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

Fruits:

  • Strained fruit juice
  • Canned fruit, except 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
  • Yogurt, custard and ice cream
  • Cheese and cottage cheese

Milk/Dairy:

  • Yogurt with nuts or seeds

Meat/Proteins:

  • Ground, well-cooked, tender beef, lamb, ham, veal, pork, fish, poultry and organ meats
  • Eggs
  • Peanut butter without nuts

Meat/Proteins:

  • Tough, fibrous meats with gristle
  • Dry beans, peas and lentils
  • Peanut butter with nuts
  • Tofu

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 or pretzels
  • Ketchup and mustard

Fats, Snacks, Sweets, Condiments and Beverages:

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