What to eat on a low-fiber diet?

October 16, 2025 •

5 min read

For medical reasons like digestive issues or preparing for a procedure, a healthcare provider may recommend a low-fiber diet. Also known as a low-residue diet, this eating plan restricts the amount of fiber you consume daily to reduce stool bulk and lessen the workload on your digestive system.

Quick Summary

A low-fiber diet limits high-fiber foods to reduce digestive strain and stool volume. It focuses on refined grains, cooked and peeled fruits and vegetables, and tender meats. Following this dietary pattern helps manage symptoms of certain gastrointestinal conditions and prepare for medical procedures like a colonoscopy.

Key Points

Focus on Refined Grains: Choose white bread, white rice, refined pasta, and low-fiber cereals over whole grains to reduce undigested residue.
Select Cooked and Peeled Produce: Opt for cooked, seedless, and peeled fruits and vegetables, such as canned peaches or well-cooked carrots, to limit fiber intake.
Prioritize Tender Proteins: Include lean, tender meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and creamy nut butters in your diet, as they are fiber-free and easy to digest.
Incorporate Plain Dairy: Most plain dairy products are acceptable, but consider lactose-free options if you experience discomfort.
Read Food Labels: Check for added fiber in unexpected products like yogurt, ice cream, and certain cereals, and choose items with minimal fiber per serving.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, broth, and juice without pulp to prevent constipation while on a low-fiber diet.
Consult a Professional: Follow this diet under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for conditions like IBS or post-surgery care.
Plan for Reintroduction: Understand that this is often a temporary diet and work with a doctor to gradually add fiber back once symptoms improve.

The Basics of a Low-Fiber Diet

Unlike a standard diet that emphasizes high fiber for digestive health, a low-fiber diet is designed to reduce the amount of undigested material that passes through your intestines. This is often recommended for a short period to manage flare-ups of conditions like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease, or in preparation for surgery or a colonoscopy. The diet focuses on specific food choices and preparation methods to limit daily fiber intake, typically to 10–15 grams.

To successfully follow this diet, you must be mindful of both the foods you include and those you need to avoid. Often, foods are well-cooked, and skins, seeds, and tough membranes are removed. Reading labels is crucial, as some processed foods unexpectedly contain added fiber.

Low-Fiber Food Categories

To understand what to eat on a low-fiber diet, it's helpful to break down acceptable foods by category. This list serves as a guide for building meals and snacks while adhering to the diet's guidelines.

Grains

Refined grains are a staple of a low-fiber diet because they have had the bran and germ removed, which contain most of the fiber. Examples include:

White bread, rolls, and buns
White rice and pasta
Plain crackers, such as saltines
Cooked cereals like cream of wheat or rice
Refined cold cereals, such as corn flakes or puffed rice

Fruits

Fruits are allowed, but with specific preparation. The goal is to avoid seeds, skins, and tough membranes. Stick to soft, ripe, and cooked options.

Bananas, melon, and ripe mangoes
Applesauce
Canned peaches, pears, and apricots (without skin)
Fruit juices without pulp
Cherries and seedless grapes

Vegetables

As with fruits, preparation is key. Vegetables should be well-cooked and peeled, and seeds must be removed.

Peeled, cooked potatoes
Canned or well-cooked green beans and carrots
Strained vegetable juices
Asparagus tips
Pureed vegetables

Protein Sources

Most tender, well-cooked meats, fish, and eggs are low in fiber. Lean and simple preparations are best.

Tender, well-cooked lean beef, pork, or lamb
Fish and shellfish
Skinless, well-cooked poultry (chicken, turkey)
Eggs and egg whites
Creamy, smooth nut butters (avoid chunky)

Dairy

Most plain dairy products are fiber-free. However, if lactose intolerance is an issue, alternatives or lactose-free products should be used.

Milk and buttermilk
Cheese, including cottage cheese
Plain yogurt and smooth ice cream
Cream and sour cream

Fats, Sweets, and Miscellaneous

This group includes a variety of condiments, beverages, and desserts that can add flavor and variety to your diet without adding fiber.

Butter, margarine, oils, and smooth salad dressings
Plain gravy, clear jelly, and honey
Plain cakes, cookies, and gelatin desserts
Coffee, tea, and soda

High-Fiber Foods to Avoid

Avoiding high-fiber foods is just as important as knowing what to include. Here is a comparison of low-fiber swaps for common high-fiber items.


High-Fiber Food (AVOID)	Low-Fiber Alternative (INCLUDE)	Rationale
Whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals	White bread, refined pasta, and corn flakes	High fiber can irritate the digestive system, while refined grains are easier to digest.
Beans, lentils, and peas	Tender, well-cooked meats, fish, and eggs	Legumes are a major source of fiber, so lean animal proteins or tofu are better alternatives.
Nuts, seeds, and crunchy peanut butter	Creamy peanut butter without nuts or seeds	Nuts and seeds are difficult to digest and can aggravate the gut.
Raw vegetables and vegetables with skins/seeds	Well-cooked and peeled vegetables (carrots, squash)	Skins, seeds, and raw cellulose increase residue in the digestive tract.
Most raw fruits, berries, and dried fruit	Canned fruit, fruit juice (no pulp), and melons	Seeds and skins in raw fruits add fiber, while processed or peeled options are gentle on the gut.

Practical Tips and Meal Planning

Following a low-fiber diet requires careful planning, but it doesn't have to be bland. The key is to focus on simple, well-cooked preparations.

Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition facts for fiber content. Look for products with no more than 1–2 grams of fiber per serving.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or clear juice, is essential to prevent constipation while on a lower fiber intake.
Cook Thoroughly: All vegetables should be cooked until soft. Cooking softens tough fibers, making them easier on your system.
Gradual Reintroduction: This diet is typically a short-term solution. Your doctor will advise you on how to slowly reintroduce fiber once your symptoms improve.

Conclusion

A low-fiber diet is a specialized, often temporary, eating plan designed to rest the digestive system by reducing the amount of undigested food (residue). By focusing on refined grains, tender proteins, plain dairy, and cooked, peeled, and seedless fruits and vegetables, you can manage symptoms related to conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or surgery recovery. While it may feel restrictive, focusing on the variety of permissible foods can help you maintain adequate nutrition and flavor. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting or making changes to this diet to ensure it is the right approach for your specific medical needs and that you are meeting your nutritional requirements.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before beginning a low-fiber diet, as the duration and specifics depend on individual health conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. For personalized guidance, speak with your doctor or a qualified medical professional.

Low-fiber diet resources

For more detailed information, consider consulting these trusted sources on medical nutrition and digestive health. Your healthcare provider can also provide you with personalized meal plans and guidance during your dietary transition.

Mayo Clinic: A comprehensive guide on the do's and don'ts of a low-fiber diet.
MedlinePlus: A medical encyclopedia resource from the National Library of Medicine.
Healthline: An overview of what a low-fiber diet is and who might need it.

It is important to remember that a low-fiber diet is not a long-term solution for healthy individuals. A gradual reintroduction of fiber is typically recommended to resume normal digestive function and long-term health benefits, under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-fiber diet is an eating plan designed to reduce the amount of indigestible food (residue) that passes through the digestive system. It involves restricting high-fiber foods to decrease stool bulk, which helps to rest the bowels.

A healthcare provider may recommend a low-fiber diet for individuals with conditions such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), or narrowing of the bowel. It is also commonly used before and after certain intestinal surgeries and procedures like a colonoscopy.

When choosing vegetables for a low-fiber diet, select well-cooked and peeled options. Canned vegetables like green beans and carrots, as well as strained vegetable juices, are good choices. Avoid raw vegetables, corn, and those with skins like potatoes with the skin on.

Yes, you can eat certain fruits. The best options are canned fruits (without skin or seeds), fruit juices without pulp, ripe bananas, and melons. You should avoid raw fruits with skin or seeds, dried fruit, and all berries.

The best protein sources are tender, well-cooked lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Tofu is also an option. Avoid tough or fatty meats and legumes like beans, peas, and lentils, which are high in fiber.

Yes, plain dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are generally allowed, provided you are not lactose intolerant. Choose options without added fruit pieces, nuts, or seeds.

A low-fiber diet is typically a short-term plan intended to manage acute symptoms or prepare for a medical procedure. It is not recommended for long-term use in healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the appropriate duration and how to gradually reintroduce fiber.