Low Fiber Food List (114 Foods) With Printable PDF

Printable Low Fiber Foods List

Fiber is beneficial to one’s health, and so many diet plans recommend consuming foods high in fiber.

The benefits of dietary fiber include regulating bowel movements, maintaining good colon health, and lowering cholesterol levels.

Foods rich in fiber also assist people in losing weight and regulating blood sugar.

However, doctors advise certain people experiencing specific digestive flare-ups to go from high-fiber to low-fiber diets in some instances.

What is a Low Fiber Diet?

A low-fiber or low-residue diet is a restrictive diet intended to “relax” the digestive system. It is a form of low-fiber diet followed by additional restrictions.

The diet is a short-term eating plan that patients regularly take until their digestive issues are over.

It is the remedy diet for people with a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease and pre or post bowel surgery.

When acute diverticulitis flares up, doctors may prescribe a low-fiber diet to ease symptoms.

However, for long-term management of diverticular disease, a high-fiber diet is often recommended to prevent future flare-ups.

A low fiber diet is also helpful in minimizing stool accumulation in the intestines.

The goal of a low-residue diet is to minimize bowel movements and ease digestion by limiting fiber and certain foods.

Bowel symptoms such as stomach pain, cramps, bloating, and gas buildup are easily treatable with a low fiber diet.

A low fiber diet, along with any other that limits particular foods, could be accountable for reducing the consumption of vital minerals and vitamins.

Supplementing with calcium, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin C might be required when following a low-fiber diet to ensure nutritional needs are met.

It’s advised for individuals on a low-fiber diet to limit their fiber intake to 7-10 grams per day. Pay close attention to the labels on the foods you eat.

Low Fiber Diet Food List

If your doctor advises that you observe a low-fiber diet, here are a few low-fiber foods that you can eat and some high-fiber foods that you should avoid or restrict.

Always make sure to choose foods that you would ordinarily enjoy eating.

If you have tried a food type and experienced distress or bad symptoms, as a result, avoid that particular food in the future.

Keep in mind that your doctor may recommend an even more restrictive diet that does not include foods listed here based on the intensity of your symptoms.

Vegetables

Selecting low-fiber vegetables can be challenging as most are naturally high in fiber.

However, the following veggies are low in fiber and will not cause you any problems if taken in moderation and if your body does not react well to them, then eliminate them from your diet.

Mushrooms

Cucumber

Zucchini

Asparagus without the fibrous base

Carrots

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Tender, well-cooked fresh or canned vegetables without seeds, stems, or skins.

Cooked sweet or white potatoes without skins

Strained vegetable juices without pulp or spices

Protein Sources

Eggs

Finfish

Shellfish

Skinless and boneless poultry breast

Pork loins

Ground meat

Smooth peanut butter

Tender cuts of beef

Tofu

Dairy

Consume milk and other dairy products in small to moderate amounts and only if they do not cause you any complications.

Buttermilk

Chocolate milk

Milk drinks

Whole milk

Cottage cheese

Cream sauces

Cream soups

Custard or pudding

Ice cream or frozen desserts (without nuts)

Sour cream

Cream casseroles

Frozen yogurt

You can incorporate these ingredients into various baked goods, including desserts and snacks.

Grains, Bread, and Cereals

White bread

French toast

Plain white rolls

White bread toast

Pretzels

Plain pasta or noodles

White rice

Crackers, zwieback, Melba, and Matzoh

Cereals without whole grains, added fiber, seeds, raisins, or dried fruit.

When following a low-fiber diet and baking, use white flour; ensure grains like rice, cream of wheat, and grits are well-cooked.

Fruits

Fruit juices without pulp

Canned fruit

Cantaloupe

Honeydew melon

Watermelon

Nectarines

Papayas

Peaches

Ripened banana in small amounts

Strained or clear juices

Other foods

Mayonnaise

Mild salad dressings

Margarine

Butter

Cream

Oils in small amounts

Plain gravies

Plain bouillon and broth

Ketchup and mild mustard

Spices

Cooked herbs

Salt in moderation

Sugar syrup

Honey syrup

Clear jellies

Hard candy

Marshmallows

Plain chocolate

Sherbet

Popsicles

Cookies and other desserts without whole grains, dried fruit, berries, nuts, or coconut

Serving suggestions include gelatins, milkshakes, frozen desserts, puddings, tapioca, cakes, and sauces.

Liquids

It is important to remember that low-fiber diets result in fewer bowel motions and smaller stool sizes.

If you are following a low-fiber diet, you may find that you need to drink more fluids to prevent constipation.

Drink plenty of water unless your doctor advises you otherwise, and consume juices and milk in the manner described above. The other safe beverages are:

Decaffeinated coffee

Carbonated beverages in moderation

Tea

Apple, cranberry, and orange juices without pulp or seeds

Strained vegetable juices

Foods to Avoid On a Low Fiber Diet

The following foods might irritate your digestive system, so it is advisable to eliminate them from your low fiber diet until you are well enough to consume them.

Raw or dried prunes, cherries, raisins, figs, and pineapple

Almost all raw and cooked vegetables

Peas

Broccoli

Winter squash

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Corn (and cornbread)

Onions

Cauliflower

Potatoes with skins

Baked beans

Other bean types

Lentils

Tofu

Hard meats with gristle

Smoked or cured deli meats

Cheddar cheese topped with seeds, almonds, or fruit

Peanut butter

Jam

Marmalade

Crunchy preserves

Olives

Relish

Sauerkraut

Horseradish

Popcorn

Fruit juices with pulp or seeds, prune juice, and pear nectar are examples of such beverages.

Coconut, seeds, and nuts are found in several foods such as bread, cereal, sweets, and confectionery.

Whole-grain items, such as bread, cereals, crackers, pasta, rice, and kasha, are good sources of fiber.

Final Thoughts

It is possible to reduce your bowel motions by eating a low-fiber diet.

This diet is designed to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.

As soon as your digestive system is back to normal, you can gradually add fiber back into your diet.

A low-fiber diet restricts your food choices, making it more difficult to achieve your nutritional demands consistently.

Follow a low-fiber diet strictly according to the duration recommended by your doctor.

If you must adhere to this diet for a longer time, speak with a certified dietitian to ensure that your nutritional requirements are being addressed.

Printable Low-Fiber Foods List (PDF)

See Also

Antioxidant Rich Foods

Vegetarian Protein Sources

Low Sodium Fast Foods

High Cholesterol Food List

Optavia Diet Food List

3000 Calorie Diet Plan

1500 Calorie Meal Plan

1200 Calorie Diet Plan

Mediterranean Diet Plan