Low-Fiber/Low-Residue Diet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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 diarrhea, cramping, bowel problems, 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. You'll probably be able to return to a normal diet as soon as you feel better.

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