High Fiber
Veges rich in dietary fiber
Dietary fiber rich foods
This diet is designed to increase stool bulk. It may be used for irritable colon syndrome and diverticulosis. There may be an increase in gas formation as the body adjusts to the extra fiber content of the diet. A gradual increase of roughage over a period of 3 to 4 weeks may help minimize discomfort.
Whole grain breads and cereals, oat or wheat bran, and fruits and vegetables are the major sources of dietary fiber. It is essential to drink large quantities of water when consuming large amounts of bran - a fluid intake of 2 quarts per day is recommended. (Coffee, tea, and colas should be limited.)
A reduction in the use of refined carbohydrates is stressed because they contain little or no bulk, and decrease appetite for other foods, as well as, produce flatulence.
Note: A high fiber diet does not limit your intake of milk, meat, or fats. But low fat milk, baked, broiled or boiled meats, and only small amounts of fats are recommended.
Food Groups |
Foods Allowed |
Foods Not Allowed |
| Milk - 2 or more cups | 2% milk or buttermilk | Milk products with concentrated |
| Eggs - 1 or less daily | Scrambled, poached, boiled | Limit fried eggs |
Meat, Fish, Poultry 2 servings, 4-6 ounces |
Beef, lamb, veal, pork, poultry, ham; all fish and shellfish | Limit fried meats |
| Chesse - as meat substitute | Low fat regular cheeses | |
Potato or Potato substitute 1 or more servings |
White or sweet potatoes with skin: whole grain rice (brown or wild) | Limit refined grain products |
| Vegetables - 4 or more daily include some raw each day | Raw or cooked high fiber content vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, eggplant, green peas, pumpkin winter squash, sweet potatoes, beets, cabbage, spinach, dried beans and peas, lentils, and soybeans. Cooked fresh or frozen vegetables only until fork tender (not mushy). Cooked potatoes with the skin on. | Overcooked vegetables or pureed vegetables |
| Fruits - 2 or more servings | Dried and stewed such as prunes, apricots, and raisins. Fresh fruits especially apples, plums, peaches or pears | Canned fruits, pared raw fruits |
Breads and Cereals - 4 or more servings |
Whole wheat bread with oat or wheat bran added; raisin bran bread. or pumpernickel bread; whole wheat, oat, or wheat bran muffins; any whole grain ready-to-eat cereals such as All Bran, Bran Flakes, Bran Buds, Raisin Bran, or Shredded Wheat; whole grain cooked cereals such as oatmeal; and unprocessed bran as needed; 3 servings of 2 teaspoons each | White bread, cookies, pies, pastries, and other products, made from refined flour |
| Soups | As desired | |
| Fats | In small amounts | Excessive amounts of fried foods |
| Beverages | As desired | Excessive amounts of sweetened drinks |
| Miscellaneous | As desired; Iodized salt, condiments, herbs, spices, etc., relishes and sauces | Limit candy |
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