What Is a Low-Fiber Diet?
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. The body cannot digest fiber because it lacks the enzymes needed to break it down for energy. A low fiber diet, also called a low-residue diet, limits foods that are hard to digest and reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the intestines. A low-fiber diet has less than 8 grams of fiber per day compared to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Fiber Diet?
A low-fiber diet is often necessary for periods of inflammation like post abdominal surgery, flare-ups from gastrointestinal conditions (think inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or treatments to reduce irritation in the digestive system and support recovery.
You should only start a low-fiber diet if a healthcare professional recommends it and under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In most cases, eating a low-fiber diet will be temporary.
Medical Conditions Treated by Low-Fiber Diets
A low-fiber diet is commonly recommended in the following instances: :
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Fiber intake with IBD depends on whether you’re experiencing a flare-up or are in remission. A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups because it helps reduce the frequency and volume of stools. Additionally, a low-fiber diet during a flare may support reduced inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pouches lining the intestine) become inflamed or infected. A low-fiber diet may be recommended during active diverticulitis to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is when food remains in the stomach and does not move through the rest of the digestive process. Its cause is unclear, but it can be more common with certain medications, diabetes, or stomach surgery. Lowering fiber intake, particularly from fibrous vegetables and fruits is essential when gastric motility is limited, as these foods can increase the risk of obstructive masses forming.
After colostomy or ileostomy placement or intestinal surgery: After surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it requires slowly introducing fiber back into your diet, therefore avoiding high-fiber foods allows it to heal and prevents blockage.
After radiation therapy to the pelvis or intestinal surgery, low fiber diet might be needed. Radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. A low-fiber diet may help manage these symptoms.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Uses
In most cases, a low-fiber diet is used to improve symptoms and is temporary. The duration of a low-fiber diet varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. In many cases, it is recommended for a few days to several weeks. Fiber must be slowly added to your diet when your body is healed. For many of the conditions mentioned above, a fiber-rich diet is considered protective and helps reduce inflammation and flares.
A registered dietitian can help you reintroduce fiber while keeping inflammation at bay. There is no need to fear a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Eat on a Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods apply to fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), grains, nuts, and seeds. Proteins and many fat sources are naturally low- or fiber-free. Certain processing methods affect the fiber content of foods, turning high-fiber into low-fiber options.
Low-Fiber Grains
In general, look for regular pasta, rice, and ground grains that may be more processed and therefore will contain less fiber. Generally, low-fiber grains contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Low-fiber grains include the following:
White rice
Pasta
White bread
Cream of wheat or rice
Grits (fine ground)
Corn or flour tortillas
Cereals like cornflakes or crispy rice
Crackers or pretzels
Protein Sources
Animal protein sources are virtually fiber-free.
Poultry
Fish
Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb
Eggs
Low-fiber plant-based protein sources include the following:
Smooth nut butters
Tofu
Smooth nut butters are lower-fiber alternatives to nuts and crunchy nut butters.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not contain fiber.
1%- 2%, milk
Kefir
Plain yogurt without toppings
Cheese
Cottage cheese
Low-fat ice cream
Sherbet
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat low-lactose dairy products. A registered dietitian can help you find low-lactose dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Low in Fiber
Cooking fruits and vegetables breaks down their fiber content, making them easier to digest. Fruit and vegetable skins are packed with fiber. Peel any fruits or vegetables with thick skins before eating to reduce their fiber content.
Some fruits and vegetables are lower in fiber than others.
Low-fiber vegetables include:
Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls
Carrots or green beans, cooked
White, red, or yellow potatoes without skins
Strained vegetable juice
Low-fiber fruits include:
Soft and well-cooked fruits without skins or seeds
Canned fruit in juice, such as peaches, pears, or applesauce
Fruit juice without pulp. Some people may find it easier to drink fruit juice diluted with water.
Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C may be tolerated better than 100% fruit juice
What Is a Low-Fiber Diet?
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. The body cannot digest fiber because it lacks the enzymes needed to break it down for energy. A low fiber diet, also called a low-residue diet, limits foods that are hard to digest and reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the intestines. A low-fiber diet has less than 8 grams of fiber per day compared to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Fiber Diet?
A low-fiber diet is often necessary for periods of inflammation like post abdominal surgery, flare-ups from gastrointestinal conditions (think inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or treatments to reduce irritation in the digestive system and support recovery.
You should only start a low-fiber diet if a healthcare professional recommends it and under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In most cases, eating a low-fiber diet will be temporary.
Medical Conditions Treated by Low-Fiber Diets
A low-fiber diet is commonly recommended in the following instances: :
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Fiber intake with IBD depends on whether you’re experiencing a flare-up or are in remission. A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups because it helps reduce the frequency and volume of stools. Additionally, a low-fiber diet during a flare may support reduced inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pouches lining the intestine) become inflamed or infected. A low-fiber diet may be recommended during active diverticulitis to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is when food remains in the stomach and does not move through the rest of the digestive process. Its cause is unclear, but it can be more common with certain medications, diabetes, or stomach surgery. Lowering fiber intake, particularly from fibrous vegetables and fruits is essential when gastric motility is limited, as these foods can increase the risk of obstructive masses forming.
After colostomy or ileostomy placement or intestinal surgery: After surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it requires slowly introducing fiber back into your diet, therefore avoiding high-fiber foods allows it to heal and prevents blockage.
After radiation therapy to the pelvis or intestinal surgery, low fiber diet might be needed. Radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. A low-fiber diet may help manage these symptoms.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Uses
In most cases, a low-fiber diet is used to improve symptoms and is temporary. The duration of a low-fiber diet varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. In many cases, it is recommended for a few days to several weeks. Fiber must be slowly added to your diet when your body is healed. For many of the conditions mentioned above, a fiber-rich diet is considered protective and helps reduce inflammation and flares.
A registered dietitian can help you reintroduce fiber while keeping inflammation at bay. There is no need to fear a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Eat on a Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods apply to fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), grains, nuts, and seeds. Proteins and many fat sources are naturally low- or fiber-free. Certain processing methods affect the fiber content of foods, turning high-fiber into low-fiber options.
Low-Fiber Grains
In general, look for regular pasta, rice, and ground grains that may be more processed and therefore will contain less fiber. Generally, low-fiber grains contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Low-fiber grains include the following:
White rice
Pasta
White bread
Cream of wheat or rice
Grits (fine ground)
Corn or flour tortillas
Cereals like cornflakes or crispy rice
Crackers or pretzels
Protein Sources
Animal protein sources are virtually fiber-free.
Poultry
Fish
Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb
Eggs
Low-fiber plant-based protein sources include the following:
Smooth nut butters
Tofu
Smooth nut butters are lower-fiber alternatives to nuts and crunchy nut butters.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not contain fiber.
1%- 2%, milk
Kefir
Plain yogurt without toppings
Cheese
Cottage cheese
Low-fat ice cream
Sherbet
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat low-lactose dairy products. A registered dietitian can help you find low-lactose dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Low in Fiber
Cooking fruits and vegetables breaks down their fiber content, making them easier to digest. Fruit and vegetable skins are packed with fiber. Peel any fruits or vegetables with thick skins before eating to reduce their fiber content.
Some fruits and vegetables are lower in fiber than others.
Low-fiber vegetables include:
Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls
Carrots or green beans, cooked
White, red, or yellow potatoes without skins
Strained vegetable juice
Low-fiber fruits include:
Soft and well-cooked fruits without skins or seeds
Canned fruit in juice, such as peaches, pears, or applesauce
Fruit juice without pulp. Some people may find it easier to drink fruit juice diluted with water.
Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C may be tolerated better than 100% fruit juice
What Is a Low-Fiber Diet?
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. The body cannot digest fiber because it lacks the enzymes needed to break it down for energy. A low fiber diet, also called a low-residue diet, limits foods that are hard to digest and reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the intestines. A low-fiber diet has less than 8 grams of fiber per day compared to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Fiber Diet?
A low-fiber diet is often necessary for periods of inflammation like post abdominal surgery, flare-ups from gastrointestinal conditions (think inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or treatments to reduce irritation in the digestive system and support recovery.
You should only start a low-fiber diet if a healthcare professional recommends it and under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In most cases, eating a low-fiber diet will be temporary.
Medical Conditions Treated by Low-Fiber Diets
A low-fiber diet is commonly recommended in the following instances: :
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Fiber intake with IBD depends on whether you’re experiencing a flare-up or are in remission. A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups because it helps reduce the frequency and volume of stools. Additionally, a low-fiber diet during a flare may support reduced inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pouches lining the intestine) become inflamed or infected. A low-fiber diet may be recommended during active diverticulitis to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is when food remains in the stomach and does not move through the rest of the digestive process. Its cause is unclear, but it can be more common with certain medications, diabetes, or stomach surgery. Lowering fiber intake, particularly from fibrous vegetables and fruits is essential when gastric motility is limited, as these foods can increase the risk of obstructive masses forming.
After colostomy or ileostomy placement or intestinal surgery: After surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it requires slowly introducing fiber back into your diet, therefore avoiding high-fiber foods allows it to heal and prevents blockage.
After radiation therapy to the pelvis or intestinal surgery, low fiber diet might be needed. Radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. A low-fiber diet may help manage these symptoms.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Uses
In most cases, a low-fiber diet is used to improve symptoms and is temporary. The duration of a low-fiber diet varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. In many cases, it is recommended for a few days to several weeks. Fiber must be slowly added to your diet when your body is healed. For many of the conditions mentioned above, a fiber-rich diet is considered protective and helps reduce inflammation and flares.
A registered dietitian can help you reintroduce fiber while keeping inflammation at bay. There is no need to fear a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Eat on a Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods apply to fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), grains, nuts, and seeds. Proteins and many fat sources are naturally low- or fiber-free. Certain processing methods affect the fiber content of foods, turning high-fiber into low-fiber options.
Low-Fiber Grains
In general, look for regular pasta, rice, and ground grains that may be more processed and therefore will contain less fiber. Generally, low-fiber grains contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Low-fiber grains include the following:
White rice
Pasta
White bread
Cream of wheat or rice
Grits (fine ground)
Corn or flour tortillas
Cereals like cornflakes or crispy rice
Crackers or pretzels
Protein Sources
Animal protein sources are virtually fiber-free.
Poultry
Fish
Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb
Eggs
Low-fiber plant-based protein sources include the following:
Smooth nut butters
Tofu
Smooth nut butters are lower-fiber alternatives to nuts and crunchy nut butters.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not contain fiber.
1%- 2%, milk
Kefir
Plain yogurt without toppings
Cheese
Cottage cheese
Low-fat ice cream
Sherbet
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat low-lactose dairy products. A registered dietitian can help you find low-lactose dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Low in Fiber
Cooking fruits and vegetables breaks down their fiber content, making them easier to digest. Fruit and vegetable skins are packed with fiber. Peel any fruits or vegetables with thick skins before eating to reduce their fiber content.
Some fruits and vegetables are lower in fiber than others.
Low-fiber vegetables include:
Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls
Carrots or green beans, cooked
White, red, or yellow potatoes without skins
Strained vegetable juice
Low-fiber fruits include:
Soft and well-cooked fruits without skins or seeds
Canned fruit in juice, such as peaches, pears, or applesauce
Fruit juice without pulp. Some people may find it easier to drink fruit juice diluted with water.
Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C may be tolerated better than 100% fruit juice
What Is a Low-Fiber Diet?
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. The body cannot digest fiber because it lacks the enzymes needed to break it down for energy. A low fiber diet, also called a low-residue diet, limits foods that are hard to digest and reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the intestines. A low-fiber diet has less than 8 grams of fiber per day compared to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Fiber Diet?
A low-fiber diet is often necessary for periods of inflammation like post abdominal surgery, flare-ups from gastrointestinal conditions (think inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or treatments to reduce irritation in the digestive system and support recovery.
You should only start a low-fiber diet if a healthcare professional recommends it and under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In most cases, eating a low-fiber diet will be temporary.
Medical Conditions Treated by Low-Fiber Diets
A low-fiber diet is commonly recommended in the following instances: :
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Fiber intake with IBD depends on whether you’re experiencing a flare-up or are in remission. A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups because it helps reduce the frequency and volume of stools. Additionally, a low-fiber diet during a flare may support reduced inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pouches lining the intestine) become inflamed or infected. A low-fiber diet may be recommended during active diverticulitis to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is when food remains in the stomach and does not move through the rest of the digestive process. Its cause is unclear, but it can be more common with certain medications, diabetes, or stomach surgery. Lowering fiber intake, particularly from fibrous vegetables and fruits is essential when gastric motility is limited, as these foods can increase the risk of obstructive masses forming.
After colostomy or ileostomy placement or intestinal surgery: After surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it requires slowly introducing fiber back into your diet, therefore avoiding high-fiber foods allows it to heal and prevents blockage.
After radiation therapy to the pelvis or intestinal surgery, low fiber diet might be needed. Radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. A low-fiber diet may help manage these symptoms.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Uses
In most cases, a low-fiber diet is used to improve symptoms and is temporary. The duration of a low-fiber diet varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. In many cases, it is recommended for a few days to several weeks. Fiber must be slowly added to your diet when your body is healed. For many of the conditions mentioned above, a fiber-rich diet is considered protective and helps reduce inflammation and flares.
A registered dietitian can help you reintroduce fiber while keeping inflammation at bay. There is no need to fear a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Eat on a Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods apply to fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), grains, nuts, and seeds. Proteins and many fat sources are naturally low- or fiber-free. Certain processing methods affect the fiber content of foods, turning high-fiber into low-fiber options.
Low-Fiber Grains
In general, look for regular pasta, rice, and ground grains that may be more processed and therefore will contain less fiber. Generally, low-fiber grains contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Low-fiber grains include the following:
White rice
Pasta
White bread
Cream of wheat or rice
Grits (fine ground)
Corn or flour tortillas
Cereals like cornflakes or crispy rice
Crackers or pretzels
Protein Sources
Animal protein sources are virtually fiber-free.
Poultry
Fish
Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb
Eggs
Low-fiber plant-based protein sources include the following:
Smooth nut butters
Tofu
Smooth nut butters are lower-fiber alternatives to nuts and crunchy nut butters.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not contain fiber.
1%- 2%, milk
Kefir
Plain yogurt without toppings
Cheese
Cottage cheese
Low-fat ice cream
Sherbet
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat low-lactose dairy products. A registered dietitian can help you find low-lactose dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Low in Fiber
Cooking fruits and vegetables breaks down their fiber content, making them easier to digest. Fruit and vegetable skins are packed with fiber. Peel any fruits or vegetables with thick skins before eating to reduce their fiber content.
Some fruits and vegetables are lower in fiber than others.
Low-fiber vegetables include:
Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls
Carrots or green beans, cooked
White, red, or yellow potatoes without skins
Strained vegetable juice
Low-fiber fruits include:
Soft and well-cooked fruits without skins or seeds
Canned fruit in juice, such as peaches, pears, or applesauce
Fruit juice without pulp. Some people may find it easier to drink fruit juice diluted with water.
Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C may be tolerated better than 100% fruit juice
What Is a Low-Fiber Diet?
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. The body cannot digest fiber because it lacks the enzymes needed to break it down for energy. A low fiber diet, also called a low-residue diet, limits foods that are hard to digest and reduces the amount of undigested food passing through the intestines. A low-fiber diet has less than 8 grams of fiber per day compared to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber.
Who Can Benefit from a Low-Fiber Diet?
A low-fiber diet is often necessary for periods of inflammation like post abdominal surgery, flare-ups from gastrointestinal conditions (think inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or treatments to reduce irritation in the digestive system and support recovery.
You should only start a low-fiber diet if a healthcare professional recommends it and under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In most cases, eating a low-fiber diet will be temporary.
Medical Conditions Treated by Low-Fiber Diets
A low-fiber diet is commonly recommended in the following instances: :
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Fiber intake with IBD depends on whether you’re experiencing a flare-up or are in remission. A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups because it helps reduce the frequency and volume of stools. Additionally, a low-fiber diet during a flare may support reduced inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pouches lining the intestine) become inflamed or infected. A low-fiber diet may be recommended during active diverticulitis to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is when food remains in the stomach and does not move through the rest of the digestive process. Its cause is unclear, but it can be more common with certain medications, diabetes, or stomach surgery. Lowering fiber intake, particularly from fibrous vegetables and fruits is essential when gastric motility is limited, as these foods can increase the risk of obstructive masses forming.
After colostomy or ileostomy placement or intestinal surgery: After surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it requires slowly introducing fiber back into your diet, therefore avoiding high-fiber foods allows it to heal and prevents blockage.
After radiation therapy to the pelvis or intestinal surgery, low fiber diet might be needed. Radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. A low-fiber diet may help manage these symptoms.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Uses
In most cases, a low-fiber diet is used to improve symptoms and is temporary. The duration of a low-fiber diet varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. In many cases, it is recommended for a few days to several weeks. Fiber must be slowly added to your diet when your body is healed. For many of the conditions mentioned above, a fiber-rich diet is considered protective and helps reduce inflammation and flares.
A registered dietitian can help you reintroduce fiber while keeping inflammation at bay. There is no need to fear a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Eat on a Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods apply to fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and lentils), grains, nuts, and seeds. Proteins and many fat sources are naturally low- or fiber-free. Certain processing methods affect the fiber content of foods, turning high-fiber into low-fiber options.
Low-Fiber Grains
In general, look for regular pasta, rice, and ground grains that may be more processed and therefore will contain less fiber. Generally, low-fiber grains contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Low-fiber grains include the following:
White rice
Pasta
White bread
Cream of wheat or rice
Grits (fine ground)
Corn or flour tortillas
Cereals like cornflakes or crispy rice
Crackers or pretzels
Protein Sources
Animal protein sources are virtually fiber-free.
Poultry
Fish
Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb
Eggs
Low-fiber plant-based protein sources include the following:
Smooth nut butters
Tofu
Smooth nut butters are lower-fiber alternatives to nuts and crunchy nut butters.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not contain fiber.
1%- 2%, milk
Kefir
Plain yogurt without toppings
Cheese
Cottage cheese
Low-fat ice cream
Sherbet
If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat low-lactose dairy products. A registered dietitian can help you find low-lactose dairy products.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Low in Fiber
Cooking fruits and vegetables breaks down their fiber content, making them easier to digest. Fruit and vegetable skins are packed with fiber. Peel any fruits or vegetables with thick skins before eating to reduce their fiber content.
Some fruits and vegetables are lower in fiber than others.
Low-fiber vegetables include:
Canned and well-cooked vegetables without seeds, skins, or hulls
Carrots or green beans, cooked
White, red, or yellow potatoes without skins
Strained vegetable juice
Low-fiber fruits include:
Soft and well-cooked fruits without skins or seeds
Canned fruit in juice, such as peaches, pears, or applesauce
Fruit juice without pulp. Some people may find it easier to drink fruit juice diluted with water.
Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C may be tolerated better than 100% fruit juice
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Foods to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet
High-Fiber Foods
Most fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered high-fiber foods and should be limited on a low-fiber diet. The following foods can particularly irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables:
All raw vegetables and fruits
Alfalfa or bean sprouts (high fiber and risk for bacteria)
Cooked vegetables: beets; broccoli; brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower;
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce
Foods with lots of skin like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes
Avocados
Berries
Coconut
Corn
Fruit juice with pulp
Prune juice
Dried Fruits
The following dried fruits are significant sources of fiber and should be limited on a low-fiber diet:
Prunes
Cranberries, raisins
Dried plums
Protein foods
Certain plant-based protein sources contain fiber and may need to be limited on a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may minimize the following plant-based proteins:
Hummus
Drained beans, peas, or lentils
Nuts and chunky nut butter
Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritious because of their fiber content. However, on a low-fiber diet, many whole grains should be limited because of their potential to irritate the digestive system. Consider limiting the following whole grains with a low-fiber diet:
Bread, whole wheat, or with whole grain flour or seeds or nuts
Brown rice, quinoa, barley
Oatmeal
Whole grain tortillas
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including bran flakes or shredded wheat
Popcorn
Benefits and Disadvantages of a Low-Fiber Diet
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet is commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and relieve acute symptoms associated with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgery. A low-fiber diet has many benefits when used as a therapeutic intervention.
Potential benefits of a low-fiber diet include:
Reduced stool frequency and volume to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and support healing.
Prevents intestinal blockages: A low-fiber diet limits the movement of undigested food through the intestines, reducing the risk of blockages in individuals who have strictures (narrowing in the intestine).
Symptom management: Alleviates symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating and potentially induces remission during flare-ups.
Common Drawbacks
A low-fiber diet should only be temporary. Still, despite its short duration, a low-fiber diet can have some drawbacks.
Common drawbacks of a low-fiber diet include the following:
Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Limiting fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
Constipation: While a low-fiber diet helps reduce gut irritation, it may also lead to constipation, especially in the long term. Consuming adequate fiber supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Additionally, nutrients in fruits and vegetables support healthy bowel function.
Limited food choices: A low-fiber diet can restrict food options, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and varied diet.
A low-fiber diet is not sustainable or recommended for the long term, as fiber is essential for gut and overall health.
Tips for Following a Low-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet can be challenging to implement. Meal prepping can make it easier.
Meal Ideas and Preparation Tips
Opt for canned, frozen, or cooked vegetables and fruit, which are lower in fiber and easier to digest. Roast a batch of veggies ahead of time, and store in containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Peel and deseed fruits and vegetables to have on hand for quick snacks or additions to meals. White rice, bread, and regular pasta are lower-fiber starches. Cook a batch of grains ahead of time for use throughout the week, or purchase frozen grains to microwave immediately prior to eating.
You may be surprised to find that many meals you already eat can be modified for a low-fiber diet. Some meal ideas low in fiber include the following:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with white toast
Cream of Wheat hot cereal
Banana-Greek yogurt smoothie
French toast made with white bread and topped with Greek yogurt
Lunch and Dinner
Grilled chicken and white rice with canned carrots
Turkey sandwich on white bread with a side of applesauce
Vegetable soup with well-cooked, peeled vegetables
Cod fish with cauliflower rice
Baked Salmon with mashed potatoes
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Roasted chicken and white rice pilaf
Snacks
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt
Saltine crackers with smooth peanut butter
Boiled eggs
Low-fat cheese sticks
Balancing Nutrition While Limiting Fiber
Create balanced meals low in fiber with the MyPlate guide. Make ½ of your plate peeled and cooked non-starchy vegetables; ¼ of your plate lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken, and tofu; and ¼ of your plate easy-to-digest grains like pasta or rice. Incorporating a variety of foods helps balance nutrition despite a diet that limits fiber.
How Season Can Help You Implement a Low-Fiber Diet
Season Health’s virtual services will connect you with expert Registered Dietitians who provide personalized guidance for successfully following a low-fiber diet. Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, Season’s dietitians tailor recommendations to fit your specific health goals, circumstances, and lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet
High-Fiber Foods
Most fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered high-fiber foods and should be limited on a low-fiber diet. The following foods can particularly irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables:
All raw vegetables and fruits
Alfalfa or bean sprouts (high fiber and risk for bacteria)
Cooked vegetables: beets; broccoli; brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower;
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce
Foods with lots of skin like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes
Avocados
Berries
Coconut
Corn
Fruit juice with pulp
Prune juice
Dried Fruits
The following dried fruits are significant sources of fiber and should be limited on a low-fiber diet:
Prunes
Cranberries, raisins
Dried plums
Protein foods
Certain plant-based protein sources contain fiber and may need to be limited on a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may minimize the following plant-based proteins:
Hummus
Drained beans, peas, or lentils
Nuts and chunky nut butter
Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritious because of their fiber content. However, on a low-fiber diet, many whole grains should be limited because of their potential to irritate the digestive system. Consider limiting the following whole grains with a low-fiber diet:
Bread, whole wheat, or with whole grain flour or seeds or nuts
Brown rice, quinoa, barley
Oatmeal
Whole grain tortillas
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including bran flakes or shredded wheat
Popcorn
Benefits and Disadvantages of a Low-Fiber Diet
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet is commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and relieve acute symptoms associated with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgery. A low-fiber diet has many benefits when used as a therapeutic intervention.
Potential benefits of a low-fiber diet include:
Reduced stool frequency and volume to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and support healing.
Prevents intestinal blockages: A low-fiber diet limits the movement of undigested food through the intestines, reducing the risk of blockages in individuals who have strictures (narrowing in the intestine).
Symptom management: Alleviates symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating and potentially induces remission during flare-ups.
Common Drawbacks
A low-fiber diet should only be temporary. Still, despite its short duration, a low-fiber diet can have some drawbacks.
Common drawbacks of a low-fiber diet include the following:
Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Limiting fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
Constipation: While a low-fiber diet helps reduce gut irritation, it may also lead to constipation, especially in the long term. Consuming adequate fiber supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Additionally, nutrients in fruits and vegetables support healthy bowel function.
Limited food choices: A low-fiber diet can restrict food options, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and varied diet.
A low-fiber diet is not sustainable or recommended for the long term, as fiber is essential for gut and overall health.
Tips for Following a Low-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet can be challenging to implement. Meal prepping can make it easier.
Meal Ideas and Preparation Tips
Opt for canned, frozen, or cooked vegetables and fruit, which are lower in fiber and easier to digest. Roast a batch of veggies ahead of time, and store in containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Peel and deseed fruits and vegetables to have on hand for quick snacks or additions to meals. White rice, bread, and regular pasta are lower-fiber starches. Cook a batch of grains ahead of time for use throughout the week, or purchase frozen grains to microwave immediately prior to eating.
You may be surprised to find that many meals you already eat can be modified for a low-fiber diet. Some meal ideas low in fiber include the following:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with white toast
Cream of Wheat hot cereal
Banana-Greek yogurt smoothie
French toast made with white bread and topped with Greek yogurt
Lunch and Dinner
Grilled chicken and white rice with canned carrots
Turkey sandwich on white bread with a side of applesauce
Vegetable soup with well-cooked, peeled vegetables
Cod fish with cauliflower rice
Baked Salmon with mashed potatoes
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Roasted chicken and white rice pilaf
Snacks
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt
Saltine crackers with smooth peanut butter
Boiled eggs
Low-fat cheese sticks
Balancing Nutrition While Limiting Fiber
Create balanced meals low in fiber with the MyPlate guide. Make ½ of your plate peeled and cooked non-starchy vegetables; ¼ of your plate lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken, and tofu; and ¼ of your plate easy-to-digest grains like pasta or rice. Incorporating a variety of foods helps balance nutrition despite a diet that limits fiber.
How Season Can Help You Implement a Low-Fiber Diet
Season Health’s virtual services will connect you with expert Registered Dietitians who provide personalized guidance for successfully following a low-fiber diet. Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, Season’s dietitians tailor recommendations to fit your specific health goals, circumstances, and lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet
High-Fiber Foods
Most fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered high-fiber foods and should be limited on a low-fiber diet. The following foods can particularly irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables:
All raw vegetables and fruits
Alfalfa or bean sprouts (high fiber and risk for bacteria)
Cooked vegetables: beets; broccoli; brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower;
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce
Foods with lots of skin like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes
Avocados
Berries
Coconut
Corn
Fruit juice with pulp
Prune juice
Dried Fruits
The following dried fruits are significant sources of fiber and should be limited on a low-fiber diet:
Prunes
Cranberries, raisins
Dried plums
Protein foods
Certain plant-based protein sources contain fiber and may need to be limited on a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may minimize the following plant-based proteins:
Hummus
Drained beans, peas, or lentils
Nuts and chunky nut butter
Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritious because of their fiber content. However, on a low-fiber diet, many whole grains should be limited because of their potential to irritate the digestive system. Consider limiting the following whole grains with a low-fiber diet:
Bread, whole wheat, or with whole grain flour or seeds or nuts
Brown rice, quinoa, barley
Oatmeal
Whole grain tortillas
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including bran flakes or shredded wheat
Popcorn
Benefits and Disadvantages of a Low-Fiber Diet
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet is commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and relieve acute symptoms associated with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgery. A low-fiber diet has many benefits when used as a therapeutic intervention.
Potential benefits of a low-fiber diet include:
Reduced stool frequency and volume to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and support healing.
Prevents intestinal blockages: A low-fiber diet limits the movement of undigested food through the intestines, reducing the risk of blockages in individuals who have strictures (narrowing in the intestine).
Symptom management: Alleviates symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating and potentially induces remission during flare-ups.
Common Drawbacks
A low-fiber diet should only be temporary. Still, despite its short duration, a low-fiber diet can have some drawbacks.
Common drawbacks of a low-fiber diet include the following:
Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Limiting fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
Constipation: While a low-fiber diet helps reduce gut irritation, it may also lead to constipation, especially in the long term. Consuming adequate fiber supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Additionally, nutrients in fruits and vegetables support healthy bowel function.
Limited food choices: A low-fiber diet can restrict food options, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and varied diet.
A low-fiber diet is not sustainable or recommended for the long term, as fiber is essential for gut and overall health.
Tips for Following a Low-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet can be challenging to implement. Meal prepping can make it easier.
Meal Ideas and Preparation Tips
Opt for canned, frozen, or cooked vegetables and fruit, which are lower in fiber and easier to digest. Roast a batch of veggies ahead of time, and store in containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Peel and deseed fruits and vegetables to have on hand for quick snacks or additions to meals. White rice, bread, and regular pasta are lower-fiber starches. Cook a batch of grains ahead of time for use throughout the week, or purchase frozen grains to microwave immediately prior to eating.
You may be surprised to find that many meals you already eat can be modified for a low-fiber diet. Some meal ideas low in fiber include the following:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with white toast
Cream of Wheat hot cereal
Banana-Greek yogurt smoothie
French toast made with white bread and topped with Greek yogurt
Lunch and Dinner
Grilled chicken and white rice with canned carrots
Turkey sandwich on white bread with a side of applesauce
Vegetable soup with well-cooked, peeled vegetables
Cod fish with cauliflower rice
Baked Salmon with mashed potatoes
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Roasted chicken and white rice pilaf
Snacks
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt
Saltine crackers with smooth peanut butter
Boiled eggs
Low-fat cheese sticks
Balancing Nutrition While Limiting Fiber
Create balanced meals low in fiber with the MyPlate guide. Make ½ of your plate peeled and cooked non-starchy vegetables; ¼ of your plate lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken, and tofu; and ¼ of your plate easy-to-digest grains like pasta or rice. Incorporating a variety of foods helps balance nutrition despite a diet that limits fiber.
How Season Can Help You Implement a Low-Fiber Diet
Season Health’s virtual services will connect you with expert Registered Dietitians who provide personalized guidance for successfully following a low-fiber diet. Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, Season’s dietitians tailor recommendations to fit your specific health goals, circumstances, and lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet
High-Fiber Foods
Most fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered high-fiber foods and should be limited on a low-fiber diet. The following foods can particularly irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables:
All raw vegetables and fruits
Alfalfa or bean sprouts (high fiber and risk for bacteria)
Cooked vegetables: beets; broccoli; brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower;
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce
Foods with lots of skin like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes
Avocados
Berries
Coconut
Corn
Fruit juice with pulp
Prune juice
Dried Fruits
The following dried fruits are significant sources of fiber and should be limited on a low-fiber diet:
Prunes
Cranberries, raisins
Dried plums
Protein foods
Certain plant-based protein sources contain fiber and may need to be limited on a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may minimize the following plant-based proteins:
Hummus
Drained beans, peas, or lentils
Nuts and chunky nut butter
Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritious because of their fiber content. However, on a low-fiber diet, many whole grains should be limited because of their potential to irritate the digestive system. Consider limiting the following whole grains with a low-fiber diet:
Bread, whole wheat, or with whole grain flour or seeds or nuts
Brown rice, quinoa, barley
Oatmeal
Whole grain tortillas
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including bran flakes or shredded wheat
Popcorn
Benefits and Disadvantages of a Low-Fiber Diet
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet is commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and relieve acute symptoms associated with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgery. A low-fiber diet has many benefits when used as a therapeutic intervention.
Potential benefits of a low-fiber diet include:
Reduced stool frequency and volume to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and support healing.
Prevents intestinal blockages: A low-fiber diet limits the movement of undigested food through the intestines, reducing the risk of blockages in individuals who have strictures (narrowing in the intestine).
Symptom management: Alleviates symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating and potentially induces remission during flare-ups.
Common Drawbacks
A low-fiber diet should only be temporary. Still, despite its short duration, a low-fiber diet can have some drawbacks.
Common drawbacks of a low-fiber diet include the following:
Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Limiting fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
Constipation: While a low-fiber diet helps reduce gut irritation, it may also lead to constipation, especially in the long term. Consuming adequate fiber supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Additionally, nutrients in fruits and vegetables support healthy bowel function.
Limited food choices: A low-fiber diet can restrict food options, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and varied diet.
A low-fiber diet is not sustainable or recommended for the long term, as fiber is essential for gut and overall health.
Tips for Following a Low-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet can be challenging to implement. Meal prepping can make it easier.
Meal Ideas and Preparation Tips
Opt for canned, frozen, or cooked vegetables and fruit, which are lower in fiber and easier to digest. Roast a batch of veggies ahead of time, and store in containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Peel and deseed fruits and vegetables to have on hand for quick snacks or additions to meals. White rice, bread, and regular pasta are lower-fiber starches. Cook a batch of grains ahead of time for use throughout the week, or purchase frozen grains to microwave immediately prior to eating.
You may be surprised to find that many meals you already eat can be modified for a low-fiber diet. Some meal ideas low in fiber include the following:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with white toast
Cream of Wheat hot cereal
Banana-Greek yogurt smoothie
French toast made with white bread and topped with Greek yogurt
Lunch and Dinner
Grilled chicken and white rice with canned carrots
Turkey sandwich on white bread with a side of applesauce
Vegetable soup with well-cooked, peeled vegetables
Cod fish with cauliflower rice
Baked Salmon with mashed potatoes
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Roasted chicken and white rice pilaf
Snacks
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt
Saltine crackers with smooth peanut butter
Boiled eggs
Low-fat cheese sticks
Balancing Nutrition While Limiting Fiber
Create balanced meals low in fiber with the MyPlate guide. Make ½ of your plate peeled and cooked non-starchy vegetables; ¼ of your plate lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken, and tofu; and ¼ of your plate easy-to-digest grains like pasta or rice. Incorporating a variety of foods helps balance nutrition despite a diet that limits fiber.
How Season Can Help You Implement a Low-Fiber Diet
Season Health’s virtual services will connect you with expert Registered Dietitians who provide personalized guidance for successfully following a low-fiber diet. Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, Season’s dietitians tailor recommendations to fit your specific health goals, circumstances, and lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet
High-Fiber Foods
Most fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered high-fiber foods and should be limited on a low-fiber diet. The following foods can particularly irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Fruits and Vegetables:
All raw vegetables and fruits
Alfalfa or bean sprouts (high fiber and risk for bacteria)
Cooked vegetables: beets; broccoli; brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower;
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce
Foods with lots of skin like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes
Avocados
Berries
Coconut
Corn
Fruit juice with pulp
Prune juice
Dried Fruits
The following dried fruits are significant sources of fiber and should be limited on a low-fiber diet:
Prunes
Cranberries, raisins
Dried plums
Protein foods
Certain plant-based protein sources contain fiber and may need to be limited on a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may minimize the following plant-based proteins:
Hummus
Drained beans, peas, or lentils
Nuts and chunky nut butter
Whole Grains
Whole grains are nutritious because of their fiber content. However, on a low-fiber diet, many whole grains should be limited because of their potential to irritate the digestive system. Consider limiting the following whole grains with a low-fiber diet:
Bread, whole wheat, or with whole grain flour or seeds or nuts
Brown rice, quinoa, barley
Oatmeal
Whole grain tortillas
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain and high-fiber cereals, including bran flakes or shredded wheat
Popcorn
Benefits and Disadvantages of a Low-Fiber Diet
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet is commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and relieve acute symptoms associated with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgery. A low-fiber diet has many benefits when used as a therapeutic intervention.
Potential benefits of a low-fiber diet include:
Reduced stool frequency and volume to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and support healing.
Prevents intestinal blockages: A low-fiber diet limits the movement of undigested food through the intestines, reducing the risk of blockages in individuals who have strictures (narrowing in the intestine).
Symptom management: Alleviates symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating and potentially induces remission during flare-ups.
Common Drawbacks
A low-fiber diet should only be temporary. Still, despite its short duration, a low-fiber diet can have some drawbacks.
Common drawbacks of a low-fiber diet include the following:
Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Limiting fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
Constipation: While a low-fiber diet helps reduce gut irritation, it may also lead to constipation, especially in the long term. Consuming adequate fiber supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Additionally, nutrients in fruits and vegetables support healthy bowel function.
Limited food choices: A low-fiber diet can restrict food options, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and varied diet.
A low-fiber diet is not sustainable or recommended for the long term, as fiber is essential for gut and overall health.
Tips for Following a Low-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet can be challenging to implement. Meal prepping can make it easier.
Meal Ideas and Preparation Tips
Opt for canned, frozen, or cooked vegetables and fruit, which are lower in fiber and easier to digest. Roast a batch of veggies ahead of time, and store in containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Peel and deseed fruits and vegetables to have on hand for quick snacks or additions to meals. White rice, bread, and regular pasta are lower-fiber starches. Cook a batch of grains ahead of time for use throughout the week, or purchase frozen grains to microwave immediately prior to eating.
You may be surprised to find that many meals you already eat can be modified for a low-fiber diet. Some meal ideas low in fiber include the following:
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with white toast
Cream of Wheat hot cereal
Banana-Greek yogurt smoothie
French toast made with white bread and topped with Greek yogurt
Lunch and Dinner
Grilled chicken and white rice with canned carrots
Turkey sandwich on white bread with a side of applesauce
Vegetable soup with well-cooked, peeled vegetables
Cod fish with cauliflower rice
Baked Salmon with mashed potatoes
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Roasted chicken and white rice pilaf
Snacks
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt
Saltine crackers with smooth peanut butter
Boiled eggs
Low-fat cheese sticks
Balancing Nutrition While Limiting Fiber
Create balanced meals low in fiber with the MyPlate guide. Make ½ of your plate peeled and cooked non-starchy vegetables; ¼ of your plate lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken, and tofu; and ¼ of your plate easy-to-digest grains like pasta or rice. Incorporating a variety of foods helps balance nutrition despite a diet that limits fiber.
How Season Can Help You Implement a Low-Fiber Diet
Season Health’s virtual services will connect you with expert Registered Dietitians who provide personalized guidance for successfully following a low-fiber diet. Recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique, Season’s dietitians tailor recommendations to fit your specific health goals, circumstances, and lifestyle.
