Low Fiber Diet
DESCRIPTION
The Low Fiber Diet is composed of foods
that are low in residue content. This diet therefore reduces fecal mass and
avoids intestinal pressure. This diet is sometimes used in the treatment of
chronic diarrhea, colitis and other gastrointestinal disorders, although more
recently, higher fiber diets have been employed for these purposes. This diet
is very useful for pre- and post-operative abdominal surgery.
As long as milk or yogurt can be tolerated
by the patient, the Low Fiber Diet is adequate in all nutrients according to
the RDA, except iron for females.
SAMPLE MENU FOR ONE DAY
Breakfast
| 1/2 cup orange juice |
1 egg (poached or egg substitute |
| 1/2 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
1 two-inch slice of corn bread |
| 1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
Lunch
| 1 cup tomato juice |
2 ounces broiled chicken |
| 1/2 cup mashed potatoes |
1/2 cup steamed zucchini |
| 1 slice rye bread |
1 banana |
| 1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
1 cup yogurt made from skim milk or milk
(2% fat) |
Dinner
| 1/2 cup apple juice |
3 ounces broiled halibut |
| 1/2 cup white rice |
1/2 cup steamed spinach |
| 1 cup Boston lettuce and peeled, seeded
tomatoes |
2 teaspoons oil and vinegar
dressing |
| 1 slice rye bread |
1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
| 1/2 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
Nutrient Content
Calories: 1555
Protein: 12%
Carbohydrates: 57%
Fat: 31%
Cholesterol: 340 mg
Fiber: 17 g
FOOD EXCHANGE MENU
Bread and Cereal Exchange List:
4 or more servings per day
Recommended:
• Refined wheat bread Rye bread
• Rolls • Crackers
• Refined pastas • Refined
rice
• Potatoes • Pureed corn
• Lima beans • Refined cooked
or ready-to-eat cereals
Avoid:
• Whole wheat bread • Whole
wheat cereals
• Brown rice • Beans
(dried)
• Green peas • Lentils
• Corn • Popcorn
• Any baked products with seeds or
nuts
Fat Exchange List
Recommended:
All fats not noted below
Avoid:
• Nuts • Olives • Fried
foods • High-fat gravy
Fruit Exchange List:
2 to 3 servings per day
Recommended:
• All strained fruit juices except
prune juice
• Canned or cooked fruits without
seeds or tough skin, except prunes
• Banana
• Citrus fruits without skin
Avoid: All others
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange
List:
4 to 6 servings per day
Recommended:
• Meat • Poultry
• Fish • Shellfish
• Cottage cheese • Creamy
peanut butter
• Mild-flavored cheeses, such as
mozzarella
Avoid:
• Meat with tough connective tissue,
such as:
• Beef flank steak • Shellfish
with tough connective tissue
• Smoke, salted, or highly seasoned
meats
• Strong-flavored cheeses, such
as:
•Limburger • Sharp Cheddar
cheese
Milk Exchange List:
2 servings per day
Recommended: • Milk and milk
products • Yogurt
Avoid: None
Vegetable Exchange List:
2 to 3 servings per day
Recommended:
• Vegetable juices • Romaine
lettuce
• Boston lettuce • Tomato
(without skin and seeds)
• Cooked or canned mild-flavored
vegetables such as:
• Eggplant Acorn squash (without
seeds) • Spinach
Avoid: All vegetables which are not
recommended, especially:
• Rutabaga • Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts • Cabbage
• Onions • Carrots
• Turnips • Cauliflower
• Zucchini
Miscellaneous Exchange List
Recommended:
• Broth • Coffee
• Tea • Cereal beverages
Avoid:
• Chili sauce • Seed spices
• Coconut • Pepper
Note:
Include 6 to 8 cups of fluids, such as
water, per day. |
