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What is the Best Diet in Preparation for My Colonoscopy?

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Compared to other preventative screenings, colonoscopies require extra time and preparation. Think about it: you don’t have to do anything to prepare for a vision screening, mammogram or prostate cancer screening. You simply show up for your appointment and no preparation is required. Colonoscopies are unique because you must completely empty the bowel to give your doctor a clear view of your colon. A clean colon gives your doctor the best opportunity to find and remove precancerous polyps.

Modify your diet a few days before the colonoscopy

Colonoscopy preparation actually begins several days before the procedure. Everyone is familiar with the clear liquid diet on the day before the colonoscopy, but your doctor may suggest a low-fiber diet about three to five days before your colonoscopy. It includes dairy, refined carbohydrates, fats, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables without peels. Eliminating high-fiber foods a few days prior will minimize the production of waste, make the purgative process easier and result in a higher quality colonoscopy.

Here are some examples of foods that you can eat on the days leading up to your colonoscopy:

  • Milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream
  • White rice, white bread, refined pasta, refined crackers, breakfast cereals
  • Applesauce, canned vegetables, fruits without seeds or skin
  • Chicken, pork, seafood
  • Salad dressing, butter, ice cream, pudding

Your doctor will give you a comprehensive list of permissible foods at your consultation appointment.

Consume clear liquids on the day before the colonoscopy

On the day before the colonoscopy, you will be drinking the purgative colonoscopy preparation solution to clear your bowel. You can also consume clear liquids that day such as juices, soft drinks, black coffee, plain tea, strained broths, and Jell-O and popsicles (no red or purple).  On the day of your procedure, your doctor may restrict you to water only.

Diet modifications are only temporary

No one looks forward to colonoscopy preparation, but try to remind yourself that it is only for a short time. You may actually find yourself looking forward to abandoning your high-fiber/low-fat diet for a few days and indulging in some creamy desserts and your favorite childhood breakfast cereal. Don’t get too comfortable, though. You’ll need to go back to whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and limited fats after your colonoscopy, but you might as well enjoy a few extra treats while you can!

What to Eat (& not Eat) for a Healthier Colon

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Do you know someone affected by colon cancer? Have you yourself been personally touched by it? Each year 150,000 people will be diagnosed with and 50,000 will die from this disease. Most of us know someone who has or has had colon cancer. While genetics may play a role, a healthy lifestyle “could prevent up to 70 to 90 percent of colorectal cancers” (Source: Everyday Health).

Unlike family history, diet is something we can all control. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s be more conscious of what we’re eating (and not eating) this month, and try to add (or eliminate) foods to improve our colon health. Below are some healthy eating tips. At the end of this post, you will find the link to a meal plan including 31 colon-healthy meals.

What to Eat

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  • Fill 2/3 of the plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
  • Eat more fiber. Aim for 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories in your diet. Good sources include whole grains (brown rice, oats, couscous, quinoa, whole wheat breads, and pastas); vegetables, especially broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots; fruits like avocado, apples, and pears; nuts; and beans (black, pintos).
  • Eat more garlic.
  • Eat omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon, milled flaxseed, walnuts, and plant-based oils like olive and sunflower oil.
  • Eat fresh roasted chicken breast, hummus, or peanut butter.
  • Eat at least 5 daily servings of vegetables–especially colorful ones like cabbage, kale, and broccoli plus cauliflower.
  • Try to eat yellow and orange vegetables like carrots, peppers, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potatoes every day.

What to Cut Out

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  • Fill no more than 1/3 of your plate with poultry or lean red meat.
  • Cut back on red meats and processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, salami, and deli meats. The high saturated fat content has been linked to colon cancer.
  • Avoid charred or blackened meats.
  • No prepackaged foods like frozen TV dinners and boxed meals that are full of sodium, fat, preservatives, and additives.
  • Limit refined sugars found in cakes, cookies, pies, and sodas.

If you are in need of some meal ideas to improve colon health, check out the March Meal Plan where you will find 31 recipes featuring these colon-friendly foods.

March Meal Plan

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For these and over 1,600 recipes, follow my Colon-Healthy Recipes board on Pinterest.

Do something good for yourself this month. Assess your diet, and see where you need to make some changes to transform your colon health.

Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Could Have Negative Health Consequences

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A new study published in JAMA Oncology suggests drinking coffee could extend survival time in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 or four or five percent. In 2020, the American Cancer Society predicts that there will be 104,610 new colon cancer cases and 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer.

Coffee and Colon Cancer

Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found drinking a few cups of coffee per day was associated with increased survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (colon cancer that spreads to other parts of the body). The study also associated coffee drinking with a decreased risk of cancer worsening.

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee produced similar results, and patients who drank more than four cups of coffee per day experienced more significant benefits.

While the study establishes an association between coffee and reduced risk of colon cancer spreading and colon cancer death, it is not a cause-and-effect relationship. The good news is that drinking coffee is not detrimental to colon health.

Kimmie Ng, the senior author of the study, said, “Although it is premature to recommend a high intake of coffee as a potential treatment for colorectal cancer, our study suggests that drinking coffee is not harmful and may potentially be beneficial.”

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

What role does diet play in colon cancer? Heredity is only responsible for ten percent of colon cancers. This means that the majority of colon cancers develop from environmental facts and unhealthy habits. Diet plays a crucial role in colon cancer risk. Some foods associated with colon cancer risk include refined grains, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats. These foods tend to trigger inflammation.

Foods like whole grains and dark, leafy green vegetables score low on the inflammatory scale and are not associated with colon cancer risk (Harvard Health Publishing).

Colonoscopy Exams Prevent Colon Cancer

Besides eating a healthy diet and exercising daily, you can prevent colon cancer by scheduling a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening that detects and prevents colon cancer. During the exam, your gastroenterologist will examine the entire colon for precancerous polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. No other colon screening offers the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of a colonoscopy.

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Individuals with a family history of the disease or who exhibit certain risk factors may need to get screened earlier. Talk to your doctor about when you should get your first colonoscopy. One test could save your life.

The Dangers of Food Additives & How to Avoid Them

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According to a recent article in Medical News Today, certain food additives found in processed foods may be responsible for the rise in colorectal cancer rates in the mid-twentieth century. Dietary emulsifiers are the prime culprit. These “detergent-like molecules [are] added to modern processed food” to create a smooth texture that is pleasing to the palate. While they may seem harmless, according to researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, these additives actually alter microbes in the gut, creating “an environment favorable for the development of cancer.”

Our bodies have built-in defenses against harmful bacteria, but chemically-created food additives are wreaking havoc. Normally, its mucus covering protects the intestines from the invasion of bad bacteria, but emulsifiers actually appear to carry harmful bacteria across the cells lining the intestines, changing the gut environment. When these changes in the gut microbiota are severe, inflammation can result. That inflammation can lead to Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD) and even colorectal cancer.

The most common food additives linked to inflammation are polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose, both emulsifiers. Polysorbate-80, also known as Tween 80, is a yellow-colored liquid found in foods, cosmetics, vitamins, vaccines, and medicines. It makes products look and taste creamier, bulks foods up, and acts as a binder for ice creams and puddings. Additionally, polysorbate-80 helps dissolve ingredients so they can more easily blend together (Source: The Good Human). Look for polysorbate-80 in chewing gum, ice cream, gelatin, and shortening.

Carboxymethylcellulose, also known as cellulose gum or CMC, is used in foods as a thickener and to stabilize emulsions as well as a source of fiber because it is not absorbed (Source: Be Food Smart). It’s also used in nonfood products such as detergents, artificial tears, toothpaste, and laxatives. But don’t be fooled! CMC is not a natural fiber source, and it does not provide the same health benefits as the fiber found in legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Look for CMC in ice cream, salad dressings, cheese, gelatin, infant formula, and candy.

You should try to avoid all food additives but especially polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose as these have been linked to colon cancer.

What can you do?

  1. Shop and eat organic. According to the USDA’s National Organic Program, synthetic additives like polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are not allowed in organic foods. Therefore, an easy option is to simply buy organic.
  2. Read food labels. Buying all organic foods can be very expensive. A more frugal and prudent option is to check the ingredients listed on the products you buy. Steer clear of anything with polysorbate-80 or carboxymethylcellulose. Choose foods containing natural preservatives like ascorbic acid, citric acid, vinegar, salt, and sugar. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid any foods containing ingredients you are unable to read.
  3. Avoid all food additives including artificial flavorings, textures, and colors. Again, you must read your food labels or buy organic.
  4. Cook and eat fresh, whole foods.
  5. Promote a healthy gut and eliminate bad bacteria by doing the following: (1) regularly taking probiotics; (2) lowering stress; (3) eating fermented foods like saurkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kombucha; (4) limiting refined sugar; and (5) regularly consuming bone broth.

Food additives are everywhere, but unless you’re actively looking for them, you may not realize how common they are. Polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are two such additives that have recently been linked to alterations in gut bacteria and even colon cancer. Be proactive with your colon health by buying organic, reading food labels and making good health-conscious choices, eating whole foods, and promoting a healthy gut.

How to Beat Unwanted Belly Fat Naturally

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Belly fat. We’ve all got it, but some of us have a little more to share than others. Even skinny people aren’t immune to the pooch. Some fat around your middle — just under the skin — is normal, but too much belly fat is unhealthy. That deeper belly fat, called “visceral fat,” isn’t just an eyesore; it can actually be dangerous to your health. While some visceral fat provides a cushion to the organs, too much can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers like breast cancer and colon cancer. That’s because visceral fat stimulates stress hormones like cortisol, which cause inflammation and affect insulin production.

A simple way to determine how much visceral fat you have is to stand up and measure your waist at your belly button with a measuring tape. A healthy waist size is less than 35 inches for women and less than 40 inches for men. If you have more abdominal fat, then most likely you also have more visceral fat. Remember, even a thin person can have too much unhealthy visceral fat.

So how do we beat belly fat? There are four areas of your life that affect how much or how little belly fat you have: exercise, diet, sleep, and stress level. To follow are some tips that not only help you burn belly fat, but also lose weight and improve overall health.

  1. Exercise is essential to burning belly fat. Regular exercise reduces fat all over the body, including visceral fat around the belly.
  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week or more vigorous exercise like running or cycling for 20 minutes, four days a week.
  • You cannot spot reduce belly fat, so unlimited crunches aren’t as effective as you might think. Instead, do a variety of exercises that work your core like planks, Russian twists, and V-ups.
  • To really eviscerate visceral fat, step up your workouts. According to Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, “people who completed a high-intensity workout regimen lost more belly fat than those who followed a low-intensity plan.” That’s because high-intensity exercises burn more calories.
  • Maintaining weight loss with regular exercise is key to preventing belly fat from coming back.
  • A low-carb, high protein, high fiber diet is another key ingredient to burn belly fat. When you lose weight on any diet, belly fat is usually the first to go.
  • Aim for at least 14 grams of soluble fiber a day from fruits and veggies, oats, and legumes.
  • Eat more protein and fewer carbs. As you age, your body begins to produce more insulin, and more insulin means more fat especially around your belly. Eating more protein protects against insulin resistance and visceral fat. Ideally, daily food intake should consist of 30 percent protein, 30 percent fats, and 40 percent carbs (Prevention).
  • Avoid sugar and sugar-sweetened drinks like fruit juice, sports drinks, and sodas. According to Authority Nutrition, “[e]xcess sugar consumption may be the primary driver of belly fat accumulation especially sugary beverages.”
  • Reduce the refined carbs found in processed foods; opt instead for natural foods like produce and whole grains. The antioxidants may actually prevent belly fat.
  • Saturated fats found in meat and dairy also increase visceral fat. Instead, eat more monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados) and polyunsaturated fats (fish, nuts, and seeds).
  • Use coconut oil instead of vegetable or canola oil. Two tablespoons of coconut oil a day might slightly reduce belly fat.
  • Track your food intake to see how much protein, fat, and carbs you’re eating. My Fitness Pal is a really handy and free app.
  • Get 6 to 7 hours of sleep at night. In a 16-year study of 70,000 women, those who slept five hours or less at night were 30 percent more likely to gain 30 pounds or more than than those sleeping seven hours (Time). Good sleep is good for the mind, body, and soul, so make it a priority.
  • Stress is also a contributing factor to belly fat. During stressful times, people often reach for high-fat, high-calorie foods that contribute to weight gain. When you’re stressed the hormone cortisol is released, which may increase the amount of fat your body holds on to and enlarge fat cells. Higher levels of cortisol have been linked to more visceral fat. Finding healthy ways to relieve stress can actually reduce visceral fat.
  • Exercise, prayer and meditation, reading, and spending time with family and friends are just a few ways to reduce stress and beat belly fat. Find what works best for you.

Still, despite your attempts to reduce belly fat, genetics plays a significant role in how much visceral fat you have. If you are apple-shaped, then you will tend to pack pounds around your middle. This genetic predisposition means it may be harder for you to lose belly fat than a pear-shaped person who puts on weight around the hips and thighs. However, don’t let your genetic make-up be an excuse to be unhealthy.

No matter your genes, if you are motivated to lose weight, you can. Commit to regular exercise (especially weight training and cardio), eat a low-carb/high-fiber diet, sleep seven hours a night, and find enjoyable stress relievers. Then, watch the belly fat melt away.

What tips do you have to lose unwanted belly fat?

Best Foods to Keep Your Colon Clean

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“You are what you eat” is a saying that definitely applies to colon cancer.  Some of the risk factors for colon cancer are linked to what you eat. One of the most significant factors includes eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet, so eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to protect your colon (Source: Latinos Health).

Here are some foods that are gut-healthy for your colon and delectable to the taste buds:

  1. Apples or apple cider vinegar. Apples are rich in fiber and promote healthy digestion. Apples also contain pectin which assists in removing toxins and building a stronger intestinal lining.
  2. Avocados. This fruit has both soluble and insoluble fibers at a ratio of one to three. Soluble fibers promote bowel regularity and prevent toxin build-up. Insoluble fiber prevents colon cancer by adding bulk and cleaning out the colon.
  3. Broccoli. Almost everyone likes broccoli. This cruciferous vegetable contains antioxidants which protect cells from cancer. Soluble fiber in broccoli promote healthy bacteria in the intestines.
  4. Spinach. This dark leafy green is one of the best sources of vitamin A and provides roughage to keep the colon clear and help digestion run smoothly.
  5. Lemon. All citrus fruits are known to be good colon cleansers, but lemons are especially good at detoxification. They act as an antiseptic to reduce waste matter build up and hinder the growth of harmful microorganisms.
  6. Garlic. This spice has worldwide appeal and is used in cuisines in almost all cultures. Garlic is known to protect against viruses, parasites and bacteria and helps flush pathogens from the colon
  7. Water. It is impossible to have a healthy colon without water. Fiber absorbs water, and constipation can result if fiber is consumed without adequate H2O. Drinking plenty of water will help move the bulk that fiber has created in the intestine to clean the colon and remove toxins and waste.

Maybe it’s time to make some modifications to your diet. Try adding some of these colon-friendly foods to your grocery list, and spend some time with a cookbook or your favorite recipe website. Good health and a clean colon are within your reach!

Coconut Oil and Colon Health

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Is there anything that says summer more than coconut? Coconut shampoos, lotions, sunscreen, air fresheners, and candles are available at every store. And then there’s all the tasty ways to use the coconut in food. Pina coladas, coconut cakes and coconut cream pies are popular favorites, just to name a few.

The coconut is not just limited to aroma and taste, though. There are a myriad of uses and health benefits of the coconut. Coconut oil is full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids that can assist in digestive disorders, viruses and bacterial and fungal infections. More research needs to be done, but coconut oil has long been a friend of the colon and has been known to aid in the digestive process (Source: LiveStrong).

Properties of coconut oil

Coconut is a good source of nutrition and fiber. Coconut oil is unique because it is comprised of medium chain triglycerides and not long chains of triglycerides. The shorter chain helps improve nutrient absorption and eliminate parasite infections. The antimicrobial properties in coconut oil help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungal infections like candidiasis. Cleansing your colon with coconut oil can help restore lost vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Coconut oil and digestion

Not only does coconut oil help to clean the colon but it can help prevent digestive and nutritional diseases. Coconut oil has been especially helpful in relieving symptoms of Crohn’s disease. A digestive disorder that starts in the ileum, Crohn’s disease inflames the digestive tract and causes ulcers, fistulas, infections and diarrhea. According to Healthy Ways Newsletter, the short chains of fatty acids in the fiber of coconut meat can help sufferers of Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel disease and can help the digestive system absorb nutrients more efficiently. This is because the shorter chains of fatty acids puts less stress on the pancreas and digestive system.

Adding more coconut to your diet

There are many foods and supplements that we don’t want to add to our diet, but adding more coconut should be easy unless you do not prefer the taste. Taking a coconut oil supplement each day should help your digestion, but you can also try to eat more coconut too. Try sprinkling some toasted coconut on yogurt, cereal or granola. Dried coconut can also be a chewy, nutritious snack. Give the coconut a try! And while you’re at it, check out the Recipe section of the butt seriously blog to learn about new and tasty recipes for your colon health.

Low-Fiber Dinner: Provolone Stuffed Chicken Breast with White Rice

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The kids are home, the homework is done and now it’s time for dinner. The only issue? You’ve been advised to eat a low-fiber diet, but you need a meal that the whole family can eat. There’s a solution to this problem, and no, it does not involve becoming a short order cook.

Provolone stuffed chicken breast served with white rice will be appealing to your entire family while fulfilling your pre-colonoscopy dietary requirements. If brown rice is normally on your dinner plate, white rice may just be a welcome change. Or if you eat white rice regularly, this will be a yummy way to spice up a favorite dish.

Putting cheese in the chicken breast before baking it makes dinner more exciting, and you won’t feel like you’re missing out while eating a small amount of fiber. One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add different items to your chicken breast each time. Get creative. Stuff chicken with Swiss cheese or maybe spinach for a different flavor. This is a meal that will get a stamp of approval from your doctor – and your family.

Ingredients:

  • 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup organic Panko crumbs
  • 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups white rice
  • 12 oz. box Pacific Natural Foods Organic Condensed Soup, Cream of Chicken

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Set out two medium bowls. In the first bowl, beat eggs and add a little salt and pepper. In the second bowl, combine Panko crumbs and parmesan cheese. Set both bowls aside.
  3. Lightly pound each chicken breast to make thinner. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each breast and roll it tightly, laying them seam-side down.
  4. Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture and then Panko crumbs and cheese. Place them seam down in a large shallow glass dish.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees with a meat thermometer.
  6. When the chicken is close to being done, prepare the white rice with the cream of chicken soup as the liquid instead of water.
  7. Serve chicken on top of rice.

Low Fiber Breakfast Muffins

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When you’re told to go on a low fiber diet, one of your first thoughts may be, “How do I go about doing that?” It’s easy to find recipes with a high fiber content, especially when high fiber is used as a selling feature for many products. But sometimes, a low fiber diet is recommended before undergoing a colonoscopy or to help a digestive issue.

This type of diet limits the kinds of vegetables, fruit and grains you can eat. It does not, however, limit your quality of food. Low fiber does not mean low flavor.

One way you can cut down on the amount of fiber you’re eating is to start off with a good breakfast. Turkey sausage, spinach, eggs and cheese make a great combination for muffins. They are just what the doctor ordered—literally. The eggs and cheese have zero fiber with 100 percent taste, while the spinach and sausage have a small amount of fiber. (Always read food labels to make sure the fiber content of the product you are purchasing is low.)

These muffins can be made Sunday night and eaten throughout the week. If they are stored in an air tight container, they reheat in the microwave nicely. They also don’t have a lot of calories, so you’re getting low calories and low fiber. That’s two for the price of one.

Low Fiber Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 5 sausage links
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  • Salt
  • Cooking oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is warming, spray muffin pan with cooking oil.
  2. Squeeze out any excess liquid from spinach. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the turkey sausage links and cut into small pieces.
  4. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cheese, spinach and sausage. Sprinkle with salt.
  5. Fill six muffin cups with the egg mixture and bake 25 minutes or until sides are golden brown.

Pre-Colonoscopy Diet Could Be More Indulgent Than You Think

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I’ve always loved a good excuse to cheat on my diet. I’m not talking about a planned cheat day or special holiday celebrations like birthdays and Christmas. I’m talking about those times when you have a legitimate reason to eat something just a little bit sinful. After having my wisdom teeth removed, I was placed on a strict diet of popsicles and milkshakes for the first 24 hours – fine by me! When I was in the hospital after delivering my son, the night shift nurse would bring ice cream with my medication because she insisted it needed to be taken with food – who am I to argue? And of course, my favorite part of marathon training was that blessed week before the race known as carb week. In hindsight, I’m not sure how much that plate of fettuccini alfredo helped me cross the finish line, but I like to think it helped a little.

It’s nice to have an excuse every now and then to do something we normally wouldn’t allow ourselves to do. And if you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, you’ve got a great excuse! Some doctors now prescribe a low-fiber diet 4 to 5 days prior to a colonoscopy to aid in the colon preparation process. Yes, I’m talking about refined carbohydrates, fatty dressings and sweet, creamy desserts.

Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods that creates bulk in stool and leaves a high amount of digestive residue. When you have a colonoscopy, your entire colon must be clear in order for your doctor to obtain a clear visual and perform a thorough exam. Eliminating high fiber foods from your diet several days prior to your colonoscopy minimizes the production of waste. This increases your chances of achieving a successful bowel preparation and a receiving high-quality colonoscopy (Source: LIVESTRONG).

It might seem a little ironic that doctors would prescribe a low-fiber diet for colonoscopies when a high-fiber diet is recommended to prevent colon cancer, but keep in mind that this is a temporary dietary change. A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes is still an important part of a healthy lifestyle that prevents colon cancer.

If your doctor has prescribed a low-fiber diet in preparation for your colonoscopy, there is a wide variety of foods you can eat. Here are some items that can stay on your low-fiber pre-colonoscopy menu:

Dairy

  • Milk or buttermilk
  • Cream
  • Hot chocolate
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Sour cream

Grains

  • Refined breads and baked goods
  • White rice
  • Low-fiber cereal
  • Plain crackers without seeds

Lean Meat

  • Poultry
  • Lamb
  • Pork
  • Veal
  • Seafood
  • Eggs

Fruits and vegetables

  • Canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without seeds or skin
  • Applesauce
  • Ripe cantaloupe and honeydew (no watermelon)

Fats and oils

  • Butter or margarine
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salad Dressing
  • Vegetable and other oils

Desserts

  • Ice cream
  • Custard
  • Sherbet or sorbet without seeds
  • Pudding or Jell-O
  • Refined cookies or cakes without nuts or seeds (Source: Group Health)

Even if a food appears on your safe list, it is still important to check food labels and ingredients. Some items such as yogurt and ice cream may contain nuts, seeds or whole pieces of fruit.

Preparing for a colonoscopy is never fun, but with a low-fiber diet, you can at least treat yourself to some foods that wouldn’t normally make it on your plate. With adequate preparation and a successful exam, you won’t have to repeat the process for an entire decade, so it’s worth getting it right the first time around. Make a commitment to yourself to do your absolute best when preparing for your colonoscopy, and give yourself the gift of good health for many years to come.