low residue diet low fiber diet recipes (2024)

Finding Low Residue Diet Low Fiber Diet recipescan be challenging. My hope is to come up with delicious recipes so that those on this restrictive diet can enjoy eating while staying healthy.

Update: I have posted a new Low Residue Diet Recipe for Braised Asparagus Tips using a cooking technique that infuses vegetable with more flavor, hoping to make eating more enjoyable for those on a low residue diet. Click here for additional low residue diet recipes.

Today, I’m sharing two Low Residue Diet Low Fiber Diet Recipes that I made for someone in my community that was on this restrictive diet following a reverse ileostomy. It’s a tricky diet, but it’s possible to come up with delicious recipes that fit this diet.

A healthy diet typically includes foods high in fiber.Fiber is usually recommended as part of a healthy diet because it helps to normalize bowel movements, lower blood cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.However, in certain circ*mstances, a Low Residue or Low Fiber Diet may be recommended.

A Low Residue Diet or Low Fiber Diet is typically only recommended for a short period of time (as determined by a doctor) as it does not provide all the nutrients to stay healthy. Since a Low-Residue or Low-Fiber Diet restricts many nutrient-rich foods, sometimes a vitamin supplement is recommended by the doctor or dietician.

The following summary is presented solely as a resource; anyone requiring a low residue or low fiber diet should consult their physician or dietician for specific dietary recommendations.

When is a Low Residue/Low Fiber Diet applicable?

People who have diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or bowel inflammation are usually advised to eat a Low Fiber Diet and sometimes a Low Residue Diet. Also, after certain kinds of surgery, such as an ileostomy or colostomy, a Low Residue or Low Fiber Diet is usually recommended.

What is a Low Residue/Low Fiber Diet?

A low fiber diet includes refined breads, crackers, cereals, pasta, white rice, and low fiber vegetables and fruits (with no skin, seeds or pulp), limited milk products (if tolerated), well-cooked lean proteins, and eggs. See below for more specific recommendations.

What is the difference between a Low Fiber Diet and a Low Residue Diet?

A Low-Fiber and Low-Residue Diet both limit the amount of dietary fiber and residue-producing food in the diet. Dietary fiber, which is found in plant foods, cannot be digested; residue is the undigested part of plants that contribute to stool. Limiting dietary fiber and residue reduces the amount of food that passes through the large intestine, reducing the size and number of stools, helping to reduce abdominal pain, diarrhea or flare-ups of certain digestive problems, such as diverticulitis.

Although a Low Residue Diet and Low Fiber Diet are related and sometimes used interchangeably, a Low Residue Diet is more restrictive than a Low Fiber diet. Some foods are low in fiber, but can increase residue (e.g., dairy and coffee), and some foods are low in residue, but high in fiber (e.g., blenderized bran).

While the Low-Fiber Diet allows some fresh fruits (without peels or seeds), the Low Residue Diet does not allow any raw fruits. Under the Low Residue Diet, vegetables must be well cooked and without any skin; dairy products are also restricted to no more than 2 cups a day.

Here are some suggestions for foods that can and cannot be eaten under the Low Fiber Diet (be sure to consult your physician or dietician for specific dietary requirements):

Low fiber vegetables that can be eaten raw:

• Lettuce
• Cucumbers (without skin and seeds)
• Zucchini (remove seeds)

Low fiber vegetables that can been eaten if they are well-cooked (without skin or seeds):

• Beets (without skin)
• Carrots (without skin)
• Tomatoes (without skin or seeds)
• Potatoes, without skin
• Asparagus (tips only)
• Yellow squash (remove seeds)
• Pureed spinach
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Wax beans

Vegetables to Avoid while on a Low-Fiber Diet:

Low fiber fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked (without skin):

Other Foods to Avoid:

• Fatty foods as these can increase residue
• Seeds (including popcorn)
• Nuts
• Whole grains and whole grain products
• No more than 2 cups of milk or milk products per day
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate that contains cocoa powder
• Caffeine
• Tough fibrous meats with gristle

Suggested Foods for a Low-Fiber Diet:

• Cream of Wheat
• Cream of Rice
• Non-fat or Low-fat yogurt
• Ground, well-cooked tender lean meats
• Poached eggs
• Well-cooked or pureed low-fiber vegetables
• Ripe or cooked/canned low-fiber fruits
• Pureed soups using low-fiber vegetables (e.g., carrot, beet, potato)
• Chicken soup with small pasta or white rice, low-fiber vegetables

Here are two low residue diet low fiber diet recipes that I hope you find useful.

Easy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Vegetables

Easy Pureed Beet and Carrot Soup

If you’re on a low fiber or low residue diet, substitute any vegetables that are permitted based on your doctor’s or dietician’s recommendations.

Pureed Beet and Carrot Soup is Vibrant and Delicious!

If you find these two low residue diet low fiber diet recipes helpful, you might also like:

Braised Asparagus Tips

Vanilla Soy Pudding

Egg Potato Bites

For more Low Residue Diet Low Fiber Diet Recipes, I’ve created a Pinterest board for inspiration.

Please share your low residue recipe ideas in the comments below.

Resources:
Mayo Clinic’s Low Residue Diet
Colon Health’s Low Residue Diet
Colon Health’s Low Fiber Diet