Meal Plan For Colonoscopy Prep
Embarking on a colonoscopy preparation? Dive into our guide featuring a specialized meal plan. Learn to prioritize clear liquids, strained broths, and electrolyte-rich drinks to streamline the cleansing process. Discover how these temporary adjustments can make your colonoscopy preparation smoother and more manageable.
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Meal plan grocery list
- Clear broth
- Strained vegetable broth
- Clear chicken broth
- Clear beef broth
- Apple juice (no pulp)
- Jell-O (non-red/purple)
- Clear fruit juice (strained)
- Water
- Herbal tea
- Popsicles (non-red/purple)
- Clear vegetable broth
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec. 19, 2023.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Preparing for a colonoscopy? Optimize the process with a specialized meal plan. Prioritize clear liquids, strained broths, and electrolyte-rich drinks for cleansing.
While the temporary adjustments may differ from your regular diet, this plan aims to make the preparation process as smooth as possible for your upcoming colonoscopy.
Foods to eat
- Clear Liquids: Consume clear liquids such as water, clear broths, plain gelatin, and clear fruit juices without pulp.
- Popsicles: Enjoy popsicles without any fruit or cream content to stay hydrated and provide a bit of flavor.
- Herbal Tea: Drink non-caffeinated herbal teas without milk or cream for a warm and soothing option.
- Clear Sports Drinks: Opt for clear sports drinks to help replenish electrolytes and maintain hydration.
- Plain Water: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plain water throughout the preparation process.
- Broth-based Soups: Choose clear broth-based soups without solid ingredients for a source of fluids.
- Ice Chips: Suck on ice chips for hydration, especially if you find it challenging to drink larger volumes of liquid.
- Fruit Juice (without pulp): Consume clear fruit juices like apple or white grape juice without any pulp.
- Strained Clear Fruit Jellies: Include strained clear fruit jellies for a bit of sweetness without solid particles.
✅ Tip
Follow your doctor's dietary guidelines strictly, usually involving clear liquids and avoiding red or purple dyed foods.
Foods not to eat
- Solid Foods: Avoid all solid foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins during the preparation period.
- Dairy Products: Exclude dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and ice cream, as they can leave residue in the digestive tract.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Steer clear of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables, which are harder to digest.
- Caffeine: Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can potentially dehydrate the body, and opt for non-caffeinated alternatives.
- Alcohol: Eliminate alcohol, as it can dehydrate the body and may interfere with the effectiveness of the preparation process.
- Red or Purple Foods: Exclude red or purple-colored foods and beverages, as they may mimic blood during the colonoscopy.
- Artificially Colored Jellies: Avoid jellies with artificial coloring, as they may interfere with the colonoscopy procedure.
- Fruit with Skin or Seeds: Skip fruits with skins or seeds, as they can leave residue in the digestive tract.
- Fatty Foods: Eliminate high-fat and fried foods, as they can be more challenging to digest and may leave residue.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Colonoscopy Prep is tailored to ease the preparation process for a colonoscopy. This plan focuses on easily digestible, low-fiber options to clear the digestive tract. By providing specific guidelines for the days leading up to the procedure, the plan aims to ensure a successful and comfortable colonoscopy prep experience while minimizing discomfort and promoting hydration.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
When preparing for a colonoscopy, it's crucial to consume clear liquids and easily digestible foods. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace clear chicken broth with clear vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Instead of apple juice, try white grape juice for a clear, non-red juice option.
- Switch clear fruit juice with clear sports drinks for added electrolytes and hydration.
- Use gelatin desserts instead of Jell-O to avoid red or purple dyes.
- Substitute popsicles with homemade ice pops made from clear juice to ensure they are non-red and non-purple.
How to budget on this meal plan
To budget for a colonoscopy prep meal plan, focus on simplicity and affordability. Purchase store-brand clear broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable, which are often cheaper than name brands. Opt for generic apple juice and clear fruit juices without pulp. Buy bulk packs of Jell-O and popsicles in acceptable colors (avoiding red and purple). Herbal teas can be bought in larger quantities for savings. Remember, this diet is temporary, so only buy what you need for the prep period to avoid waste.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Light snacks suitable for colonoscopy prep:
- Clear broths (like chicken or vegetable broth)
- Jello (avoid red or purple colors)
- Apple sauce (without pulp or skin)
- White toast with a small amount of jelly
- Popsicles (avoid red or purple colors)
- White rice cooked plain
- Herbal tea (without milk or cream)
What should I drink on this meal plan?
During Colonoscopy Prep, clear liquids are vital. Water ensures hydration, while clear broths provide some nutrients. Apple juice and lemonade are acceptable for some sweetness and flavor, and tea or black coffee can offer a comforting warm drink, as long as milk or creamer is avoided.
How to get even more nutrients?
During colonoscopy prep, dietary adjustments are necessary to ensure a clear view during the procedure. In the days leading up to the test, it's about reducing fiber intake to clear the digestive tract. Start by avoiding whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables. Instead, focus on eating low-fiber foods like white bread, rice, and lean meats. The day before the procedure, only clear liquids such as broth, tea, and clear juices are typically recommended.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Meal Plan for Colonoscopy Prep
Day 1 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear broth or strained vegetable broth (no solid pieces)
- Lunch: Clear chicken or beef broth, and apple juice (no pulp)
- Dinner: Jell-O (avoid red or purple colors), clear fruit juice (strained)
Calories: 400 Fat: 0g Carbs: 95g Protein: 10g
Day 2 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear liquids like water, herbal tea, and clear apple juice
- Lunch: Popsicles (avoid red or purple colors), clear fruit juice (strained)
- Dinner: Clear broth, clear fruit juice, and Jell-O
Calories: 350 Fat: 0g Carbs: 85g Protein: 8g
Day 3 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear liquids, avoiding any colored liquids
- Lunch: Clear chicken or beef broth, clear fruit juice (strained)
- Dinner: Popsicles, clear vegetable broth
Calories: 300 Fat: 0g Carbs: 70g Protein: 7g
Day 4 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear liquids, avoiding any colored liquids
- Lunch: Popsicles, clear fruit juice (strained)
- Dinner: Clear broth, clear vegetable broth, Jell-O
Calories: 350 Fat: 0g Carbs: 85g Protein: 8g
Day 5 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear liquids, avoiding any colored liquids
- Lunch: Popsicles, clear fruit juice (strained)
- Dinner: Clear broth, clear vegetable broth, Jell-O
Calories: 350 Fat: 0g Carbs: 85g Protein: 8g
Day 6 (Prep Day)
- Breakfast: Clear liquids, avoiding any colored liquids
- Lunch: Popsicles, clear fruit juice (strained)
- Dinner: Clear broth, clear vegetable broth, Jell-O
Calories: 350 Fat: 0g Carbs: 85g Protein: 8g
Day 7 (Colonoscopy Day)
- Clear liquids only: Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider
Calories: 200 Fat: 0g Carbs: 50g Protein: 4g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Note: Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your colonoscopy prep. This plan is a general guideline and may need to be adjusted based on individual health needs and medical advice.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.