Low Fiber Diet

You might hear the terms “fiber” and “residue” being used as if they mean the same thing, but technically, they're not the same. Fiber is the undigested part of plants that remains in the intestinal tract and contributes to stool. Residue is a more general term that includes fiber and any other foods that may increase stool output. For example, prune juice and lactose-containing products like cow’s milk sometimes increase stool output, but neither provide any fiber.1

As a general guideline, look for foods with less than 3 grams of fiber per serving.

Recommended Foods Foods to Avoid Breads and Grains Enriched white bread, toast, rolls, Any bread product that lists whole grain cornbread, biscuits, muffins, flour or graham flour as the first crackers, pancakes, and waffles. ingredient.

Look for “enriched” flour as the first Breads made with whole grains, cracked ingredient listed. grains, bran, seeds (including ground flaxseed), nuts, coconut, and/or dried fruit. Refined, ready-to-eat cereals such as Any whole grain, bran, or granola cereal; puffed rice and puffed wheat (e.g., Fiber One® or store brand equivalent; Rice Krispies®, Cornflakes®). oatmeal; cereal with seeds, nuts, coconut, or dried fruit. Hot cereal made from refined wheat, Bran, barley, brown and wild rice; farro; corn, or rice (e.g., Cream of Wheat, quinoa; kasha (buckwheat). grits). Whole wheat pasta, quinoa or brown rice White rice, white pasta, macaroni, pasta. egg noodles, couscous. Dairy All dairy and non-dairy (plant-based) alternatives are allowed except Yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream products with added or blended fruit containing fruit, seeds, or nuts in excess or nuts. Check nutrition label for total of 3 grams. Check nutrition label for fiber content. fiber content.

1 Dried prunes contain about 6 grams of dietary fiber per 100 gram serving, while prune juice has no fiber due to filtration before bottling. The laxative action of prune juice is instead due to its high sorbitol content (6 grams/100 gram serving).

11-2017 MB www.GInutrition.virginia.edu

Recommended Foods Foods to Avoid Vegetables Most vegetables if eaten in servings Sweet potato with and without skin, no larger than ½ cup: green beans, pumpkin, winter squashes, white potato carrots, beets, spinach, kale, lettuce, with or without skin. Brussels sprouts, tomato. Any vegetable or vegetable dish Eat no more than 1 serving of these containing seeds, stems, or skins. at a meal, and avoid more than 2-3 Servings of any vegetable larger than ½ total per day. cup, or multiple servings of vegetables

at the same meal. Fruits Canned or cooked fruits, fruit Apples, pears, bananas, all berries, and cocktail, avocado, canned other raw fruits except as noted here. applesauce, Clementines (up to 2). Without skin: apricots, peaches, Dried fruits. plums, nectarines. Blended smoothies made from whole Fruit juice (NOT made from whole fruits (e.g. Naked®, Odwalla®, or others fruit; strained without pulp). made from whole fruit). Protein Foods Legumes, dried peas, or dried beans All meats, poultry, and fish. such as black, refried, pinto, kidney, lima, lentils. Tofu Edamame, soy nuts, tempeh. Tree nuts and nut butters such as pecan, Eggs walnut, almond, cashew. Smooth peanut butter (no more than Chunky peanut butter in any amount; 2 tablespoons per serving), sunflower smooth peanut butter in servings larger seed butter than 2 tablespoons. Fats and Snacks Margarine, butter, vegetable oils, mayonnaise, cream, gravies, salad Any made with whole-grain flour, bran, dressings without seeds, olives, seeds, nuts, coconut, dried fruit. avocados. For example, bran muffins, granola bars, Chocolate, pudding, cakes, cookies, fiber bars. pretzels.

Fluids Keep in mind that following a low-fiber diet may cause fewer bowel movements and smaller stools. You may need to drink extra fluids to help prevent constipation. Drink plenty of water unless advised otherwise, and use milk and juices as mentioned above.

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