What foods to eat to avoid fiber?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a low-fiber diet is an eating plan that limits high-fiber foods to reduce the amount of undigested food passing through the body. Knowing what foods to eat to avoid fiber is essential for managing certain medical conditions or preparing for specific procedures as directed by a healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

This guide covers low-fiber foods, such as refined grains, cooked fruits and vegetables without skin, and tender proteins. It explains the medical reasons for a low-fiber diet and provides meal tips, food preparation advice, and a list of foods to include or avoid.

Key Points

Refined Grains: Opt for white bread, white rice, and refined pasta, which have the fibrous bran and germ removed, making them easier to digest.
Tender Proteins: Choose tender, well-cooked meats like fish, poultry, and eggs. Smooth peanut butter and tofu are also excellent low-fiber protein sources.
Peeled Produce: Only eat fruits and vegetables that have been peeled and cooked until very tender. Remove all skins, seeds, and tough stems before consumption.
Clear Liquids: Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water, clear broth, and pulp-free juices. This is crucial for preventing constipation while on a low-fiber diet.
Temporary Measure: Remember that this diet is typically a short-term solution for managing digestive issues or preparing for procedures, not a long-term lifestyle choice.
Read Nutrition Labels: When purchasing packaged foods, always check the nutrition label and choose items with no more than 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Medical Guidance: A low-fiber diet should be followed only under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian to ensure proper nutrition and symptom management.

Understanding a Low-Fiber Diet

A low-fiber diet, also known as a low-residue diet, is a temporary eating plan designed to decrease the workload on your digestive system. By limiting the amount of dietary fiber and other undigested material (residue), it helps reduce stool bulk and the frequency of bowel movements. This can be beneficial for managing symptoms of certain gastrointestinal conditions like diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis during a flare-up. It is also commonly prescribed to prepare for a colonoscopy or after certain types of bowel surgery.

It is crucial to remember that a low-fiber diet is generally a short-term intervention and should only be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Long-term adherence without supervision can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues, as fiber is vital for overall health.

Low-Fiber Food Choices by Category

To effectively reduce fiber intake, focus on foods from the following categories and pay close attention to preparation methods.

Refined Grains

Refined grains are processed to remove the bran and germ, where most of the fiber resides, making them easier to digest.

White bread, rolls, and pasta
Plain crackers, such as saltines
White rice
Cooked cereals like cream of wheat or grits
Low-fiber cold cereals (e.g., corn flakes, puffed rice)
Pancakes and waffles made with white flour

Tender Proteins

Protein is an important part of a low-fiber diet and can be found in many low-fiber sources.

Tender, well-cooked meat, fish, and poultry
Eggs
Tofu
Smooth nut butters, such as creamy peanut butter (avoid chunky varieties with nuts)
Lean deli meats like turkey or chicken breast

Cooked Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, especially their skins and seeds. To make them suitable for a low-fiber diet, careful preparation is required.

Fruits: Canned or cooked fruits without skins or seeds, such as applesauce, canned peaches, or pears. Ripe bananas, cantaloupe, and honeydew are often tolerated. Strained, pulp-free fruit juices are also acceptable.
Vegetables: Well-cooked, seedless, and peeled vegetables, such as asparagus tips, beets, carrots, and yellow squash. Potatoes should be consumed without the skin. Strained vegetable juice is an option.

Dairy and Fats

Most dairy products are low in fiber, though individual tolerance can vary, especially for those who are lactose intolerant.

Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and smooth yogurt (without added fruits or nuts)
Butter, margarine, oils, and mayonnaise
Plain gravies and smooth salad dressings

Comparison Table: High vs. Low-Fiber Foods


Food Category	High-Fiber Options (To Avoid)	Low-Fiber Options (To Include)
Grains	Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, oatmeal, popcorn	White bread, white rice, white pasta, refined cereals, crackers
Protein	Beans, lentils, nuts, chunky nut butters	Tender meat, fish, eggs, tofu, smooth peanut butter
Fruits	Berries, apples and pears with skin, dried fruit, fruit juice with pulp	Ripe bananas, cantaloupe, canned peaches/pears (no skin), applesauce, pulp-free juice
Vegetables	Raw vegetables, corn, broccoli, potato skins, cabbage, seeded vegetables	Cooked carrots, peeled potatoes, asparagus tips, strained vegetable juice
Dairy	Yogurt with nuts or seeds	Milk, cheese, plain yogurt, cottage cheese

Tips for Successfully Following a Low-Fiber Diet

Following a low-fiber diet requires attention to detail. Proper preparation is key to minimizing digestive residue.

Cook Thoroughly: All vegetables should be cooked until very tender. This can be achieved by boiling, steaming, or pureeing.
Peel and Deseed: Always remove the skins, peels, and seeds from fruits and vegetables, as these contain the most fiber.
Stay Hydrated: When reducing fiber, it's crucial to drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation. Aim for 8-10 glasses of non-caffeinated beverages per day.
Chew Your Food: Chewing thoroughly breaks down food, aiding digestion and absorption.
Read Labels: Check the nutrition facts for hidden fiber in processed foods. Avoid products with more than 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Blend It: Use a blender to create smoothies from approved, peeled, and seedless fruits, or to puree cooked vegetables into smooth soups.
Limit Certain Fats: If experiencing diarrhea, limit fats and oils, as they can sometimes make symptoms worse.

Conclusion

While a high-fiber diet is generally recommended for long-term health, a temporary low-fiber eating plan is necessary for certain medical conditions and procedures. Focusing on refined grains, tender proteins, and carefully prepared fruits and vegetables can provide relief from digestive symptoms and assist with preparation for medical tests. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to tailor the diet to your specific needs and ensure you meet nutritional requirements during this temporary period. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing your dietary plan. For more detailed guidance, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive information on low-fiber diet do's and don'ts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose is to reduce the amount of undigested material in the digestive tract, resulting in smaller, fewer bowel movements. This helps to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions or prepare for medical procedures like a colonoscopy.

No, a low-fiber diet is not recommended for weight loss. Fiber contributes to feelings of fullness and has numerous health benefits, so eating more fiber, not less, is generally a better strategy for managing weight.

The terms are often used interchangeably. A low-residue diet is a type of low-fiber diet that also limits other types of food residue that increase bowel activity, not just fiber. Both diets serve to decrease stool volume.

Yes, but with restrictions. You should only eat fruits that are cooked, canned, or very ripe, and all skins, peels, and seeds must be removed. Pulp-free juices are also an option.

With reduced fiber, staying hydrated is critical. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, is the most effective way to help prevent constipation.

Tender, well-cooked meats, fish, skinless poultry, and eggs are excellent choices. Tofu and smooth nut butters are also good low-fiber protein sources.

The duration of a low-fiber diet is typically short-term and depends on your specific medical condition or procedure. You should always consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine the appropriate timeline and how to reintroduce fiber gradually.