Low Residue Diet Guide

A temporary diet to reduce stool volume and digestive workload during GI flares or recovery.

What Is a Low Residue Diet?

A Low Residue Diet is a short-term dietary strategy used to reduce stool bulk and frequency. It limits foods high in undigested plant materials (residue) like fiber, seeds, and skins. The goal is to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest or heal — especially after surgery, during inflammatory bowel disease flares, or before/after colonoscopy.

“Residue” refers to the undigested parts of food that remain in the GI tract and form stool. Reducing residue helps:

Minimize bowel movements
Reduce irritation in the colon
Relieve abdominal cramping or diarrhea
Prepare for colonoscopy or GI surgery

Allowed Foods

Grains

White bread (no seeds or nuts)
Plain white rice or pasta
Low-fiber cereals (e.g., Cornflakes, Rice Krispies)

Proteins

Eggs (boiled, scrambled)
Lean poultry, beef, pork (well-cooked)
Fish (baked or broiled)

Fruits (no skin or seeds)

Bananas
Canned peaches or pears (in juice)
Applesauce

Vegetables (well-cooked, peeled)

Carrots
Green beans
Zucchini (peeled and seeded)

Dairy (if tolerated)

Milk, yogurt, cheese (low-fat)

Others

Butter, margarine, oils (in small amounts)
Clear fruit juices
Plain crackers and smooth peanut butter (in moderation)

Important:

A low residue diet is **not nutritionally complete** and is only intended for short-term use (usually less than 5–7 days) unless advised otherwise by a medical provider or dietitian.

Foods to Avoid

Whole grains, bran, and seeds
Raw vegetables and vegetable skins
Beans, lentils, and legumes
Fruits with skin or seeds (e.g., berries, apples)
Popcorn, nuts, and dried fruits
Spicy, fried, or heavily seasoned foods
Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, carbonated drinks

Sample Meal Plan with Recipes

Meal	Example	Simple Recipe
Breakfast	White toast with scrambled eggs	- 2 slices white toast with butter - 2 eggs scrambled with 1 tbsp milk - ½ banana
Snack	Applesauce and tea	- ½ cup plain unsweetened applesauce - Decaf tea with sugar or honey (no lemon)
Lunch	Grilled chicken with white rice and cooked carrots	- 3 oz grilled chicken breast (light seasoning only) - ½ cup white rice with a dash of butter - ½ cup cooked carrots (soft, no skin)
Snack	Vanilla yogurt	- 1 container low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt - Avoid yogurts with fruit, seeds, or fiber
Dinner	Baked white fish with mashed potatoes	- 4 oz baked cod or tilapia with lemon - ½ cup mashed potatoes (no skin) - ½ cup green beans, soft-cooked

When Is a Low Residue Diet Used?

During flares of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
After colon surgery or bowel resection
To reduce bowel movements before a colonoscopy
During recovery from diverticulitis or radiation enteritis

Medical Note

This diet should be supervised by a healthcare provider. If constipation, weight loss, or nutritional concerns arise, reintroduction of fiber may be necessary under professional guidance.

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the specific recommendations of your healthcare team.