What is a low fiber diet and why would I need to be on this diet?
A low fiber diet is exactly what it sounds like; eating foods that have little to no fiber. After certain types of surgery, you may need to follow this diet if you have severe diarrhea, cramping, or trouble digesting foods.
What kind of foods can I eat on this diet?
There are a lot of foods you will have to avoid on a low fiber diet, but there are just as many that you can eat. Some foods that can be eaten on a low fiber diet are;
• TENDER cuts of meat
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Ground meat
• Fish and shellfish
• Smooth peanut butter
When preparing meets with on this diet try to poach, broil, or bake them. You can also try to prepare them at stews, roasts, meatloaves, etc. Also try and make your eggs poached, scrambled, or boiled. When cooking any foods, make sure to only use the approved ingredients.
What about dairy products?
Dairy products can be eaten on this diet, but only in small amounts and if they don’t particularly give you problems. Dairy foods that are acceptable include;
• Milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, or milk drinks
• Yogurts (without seeds or granola added)
• Cottage cheese
• Cheese
• Cream sauces, soups, or casseroles
• Ice cream or frozen desserts (without seeds or nuts)
• Custard and pudding
• Sour cream
*these items can also be used in breads, desserts, or snacks*
Breads, cereal, and grains that you can eat include;
• White bread, French toasts, waffles, regular white rolls, white brad toast
• Plain pasta or noodles
• Pretzels
• Cereals without added grains, dried fruit, fiber, granola etc.
• Regular crackers (no cracked wheat or whole-grain)
• White rice
Vegetables and potatoes include;
• Well-cooked, fresh, or canned vegetables (without seeds, skins, or stems)
• Strained vegetables without pulp or spice
• Cooked and skinless sweet or white potatoes
Can I still eat fruits?
Fruits can still be eaten with this diet just as long as they are not raw or dried fruits, or barriers. Make sure to avoid prunes, prune juice and raisins.
Can I still eat condiments or does ALL of my food have to be plain?
The only condiments and sides you really have to avoid are marmalade, pickles, olives, horseradish, popcorn and potato chips.
What are the biggest things to avoid?
There are more things you can eat and less you are restricted on but the main things to avoid include things such as:
• Buckwheat
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Bran
• Seeds
• Any dried fruits
• Granola
• Corn bread or corn meal
• Brown or wild rice
• Peas or corns
• Onions
• Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, greens etc.
**You must also avoid foods that contain the following**
Will this diet limit the things I can drink too?
While on this diet, you will need to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that the purpose of this diet is to lessen the frequency of bowel movements and the amount of stool you pass, not become constipated so water will be a very important part of your diet. You can drink juices and milk as well as long as they stay within the rules of the diet (meaning no prune juice), unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.