Diet details

A low-fiber diet limits the types of vegetables, fruits and grains that you can eat. Some of the foods that are allowed on a low-fiber diet include milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, fish and eggs. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid milk and dairy products if they cause stomach pain or diarrhea.

The ability to digest food varies from person to person. A healthcare professional may recommend a diet that is more or less limited depending on the reasons it is being used.

If you're eating a low-fiber diet, be sure to read food labels. Foods you might not expect can have added fiber. For example, yogurt, ice cream, cereal and even some drinks may have fiber. Look for foods that have no more than 1 to 2 grams of fiber in one serving.

Avoid these foods and products made with them:

• Nuts, seeds, dried fruit and coconut.
• Whole grains, popcorn, wheat germ and bran.
• Brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, granola, shredded wheat, quinoa, bulgur and barley.
• Dried beans, baked beans, lima beans, peas and lentils.
• Chunky peanut butter.
• Fruits and vegetables except those noted below.

Choose these foods:

• Tender meat, fish and poultry, ham, bacon, shellfish, and lunch meat.
• Eggs, tofu and creamy peanut butter.
• Dairy products if tolerated.
• White rice and pasta.
• Baked goods made with refined wheat or rye flour, such as bread, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, bagels, saltines and graham crackers.
• Hot and cold cereals that have less than 2 grams of dietary fiber in a single serving. Cereals made with rice cereals often have very little fiber.
• Canned or well-cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans.
• Plain tomato sauce.
• Vegetable and fruit juices.
• Bananas, melons, applesauce and canned peaches (no skin).
• Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings without seeds.

A typical menu might look like this: