Everything you need to know about a Low Fiber Diet

What you should know about a Low Fiber Diet

The fiber in fruits, vegetables and grains is not absorbed by the body. Instead, it adds bulk to bowel movements. When smaller, softer bowel movements are important, doctors therefore recommend a low fiber/low residue diet. 

You may need this type of diet if you have chronic diarrhea, cramping, bowel problems, adhesions from previous surgery or difficulty digesting certain foods. A low-residue diet is also often recommended after surgery. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Choose only foods on the approved lists below. Be especially careful to avoid the items on the "Do not eat" lists. 

MEAT or MEAT SUBSTITUTES

Eat 2 to 3 servings a day from this list:   

• No more than 2 ounces of cheese a day   
• 1 large or 2 medium eggs   
• 3 ounces of tender, well cooked meat, fish, or poultry 

Do not eat these foods:   

• Foods (including meat) that have a breaded or crusty coating   
• Deep fried foods   
• Crunchy peanut butter   
• Dried cooked beans, peas, or lentils   
• Tough or stringy meats (such as corned beef or beef jerky)

MILK and DAIRY

Do not eat or drink more than 2 cups (16 ounces) a day TOTAL from this list:   

• Custard   
• Cottage cheese   
• Milk   
• Milk drinks (such as a milk shake)   
• Pudding   
• Yogurt

BREADS and STARCHES

Eat 6 to 11 servings a day from this list:   

• 1 cup cooked regular pasta, macaroni, or noodles   
• 1 cup cooked cereals or 1 cup flakes   
• 5-inch (12.70 cm) size pancake or waffle   
• 6 small saltine crackers   
• 1 slice white bread   
• 1 cup cooked white rice 

Do not eat these foods:   

• Bran and wheat germ   
• Breads or cereals made with nuts, seeds, or whole grain flour   
• Brown rice   
• Corn and corn bread   
• Granolas   
• Oatmeal

FRUITS

Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list:   

• 1/2 cup applesauce   
• 1/2 cup canned or cooked fruits   
• 1/2 cup fruit cocktail   
• 1/2 large or 1 small ripe banana   
• 1 cup strained fruit juices 

Do not eat these foods:   

• Any kind of berry (such as cherries, blueberries, or strawberries)   
• Dried fruits, dates, figs, or prunes   
• Oranges, grapefruit, or pineapple   
• Prunes or prune juice   
• Raw fruits that have skins or seeds (like apples)   
• Rhubarb

VEGETABLES

Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list:   

• 1 cup chopped lettuce   
• 1 cup vegetable juice (like tomato)   
• 1/2 cup cooked or canned vegetables without seeds 

Do not eat these foods:   

• Raw vegetables (except lettuce)   
• Vegetables that have seeds or peels (such as broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, lima beans, or squash)

DESSERTS

Eat up to 2 servings a day from this list:   

• 1 piece of cake or 2 cookies   
• 1/2 cup frozen yogurt   
• 1/2 cup gelatin with soft or canned fruit   
• 2 pieces wrapped hard candy (without nuts)   
• 1/2 cup ice cream or ice milk   
• 1/2 cup sherbet 

Do not eat these foods:   

• Any dessert with nuts, dried fruit, or seeds in it

OTHER FOODS

Do not eat these foods:   

• Coconut   
• Nuts   
• Popcorn  
• Seeds

SAMPLE MENU FOR ONE DAY

Breakfast

-1/2 cup orange juice -1 egg (poached or egg substitute)

-1/2 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) -1 two-inch slice of corn bread

-1 teaspoon margarine or butter -Hot, non-caloric beverage (coffee, tea)

Lunch

-1 cup tomato juice -2 ounces broiled chicken

-1/2 cup mashed potatoes -1/2 cup steamed zucchini

-1 slice rye bread -1 banana

-1 teaspoon margarine or butter -1 cup yogurt made from skim milk or milk (2% fat)

Dinner

-1/2 cup apple juice -3 ounces broiled halibut

-1/2 cup white rice -1/2 cup steamed spinach

-1 cup Boston lettuce and peeled, seeded tomatoes -2 teaspoons oil and vinegar dressing

-1 slice rye bread -1 teaspoon margarine or butter

-1/2 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) Hot, non-caloric beverage

Khawaja Azimuddin M.D.

Tal Raphaeli M.D.

1125 Cypress Station Dr, Suite G-3

Houston TX 77090

Tel: 281-583 1300  Fax: 281-583 1303

www.ColonSurgeonHouston.com