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Healthy snack diet plan for colonoscopy prep

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves some dietary changes, especially when it comes to snacks. The right pre-colonoscopy snacks can help keep you comfortable and energized without complicating the procedure. Picking easily digestible options that keep you satisfied and clear-headed makes this prep phase a bit more manageable.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Applesauce
  • White bread
  • Plain crackers
  • Vanilla pudding
  • Greek yogurt
  • Plain bagels
  • Chicken broth
  • Clear apple juice
  • Lemon gelatin
  • Egg whites
  • Cream of wheat

  • Instant mashed potatoes
  • Plain pasta
  • Rice cakes
  • Plain popcorn
  • Canned peaches
  • Canned pears
  • Cottage cheese
  • Sherbet
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • White rice
  • Plain tortillas

  • Chicken breast
  • Tilapia fillets
  • Honey
  • Plain oatmeal
  • White cheddar cheese
  • Turkey breast slices
  • Carrot juice
  • Pear juice
  • White grape juice
  • Pineapple juice
  • Sports drinks

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on June 16, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves a healthy snack diet plan for colonoscopy prep that focuses on low-fiber foods. The aim is to reduce the residue in your digestive tract, making the procedure easier. Clear broths, plain crackers, and white bread are suitable choices, as they are easy to digest and leave minimal waste. Avoiding nuts, seeds, and whole grains is crucial, as they can be difficult to clean out during the prep process.

In the days leading up to the procedure, sticking to this simplified diet can make the preparation smoother and less stressful. Staying hydrated with clear fluids like apple juice or electrolyte drinks is also important. By choosing these specific snacks, you can help ensure that your colonoscopy preparation goes as smoothly as possible, minimizing discomfort and potential complications.

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Foods to eat

  • Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broths that are easy on the digestive system.
  • Gelatin: A simple, clear snack that provides some energy without solid food.
  • Electrolyte Drinks: Keeps you hydrated and maintains your electrolyte balance.
  • Plain Crackers: Low-fiber and easy to digest, perfect for when you can have light snacks.
  • Popsicles: Clear, non-dairy popsicles can be refreshing and hydrating.
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A healthy diet can give you more energy and help you feel good today. Making poor dietary choices—eating too much of the wrong kinds of food and too little of the right kinds, or too much food altogether—can send you in the other direction (...)

Walter C. Willett, M.D., Dr. P.H.

Foods not to eat

  • High-Fiber Foods: Avoid vegetables, whole grains, and beans to prevent residue in the colon.
  • Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt can leave a residue in your colon.
  • Nuts and Seeds: These can be hard to digest and may leave particles in the colon.
  • Red and Purple Foods: Foods like red Jell-O or grape juice can stain the colon and interfere with the procedure.
  • Solid Foods: Generally, you should avoid all solid foods as you get closer to your prep day.

Main benefits

The healthy snack diet plan for colonoscopy prep is designed to make the preparation process more bearable. This diet includes clear, low-residue snacks that minimize bowel content, easing the cleanse process. Additionally, it promotes hydration through hydrating snacks, which can improve comfort and reduce dehydration risks. The plan's simplicity helps keep your energy up without complicating digestion, and its focus on easy-to-digest foods can make the prep phase smoother.

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📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Planning is your wallet's best friend. Create weekly menus and shopping lists to avoid impulse buys. Focus on versatile ingredients like quinoa and lentils that can be used in multiple dishes. Batch cooking is a great way to save time and money; leftovers make excellent lunches. Making your own salad dressings and sauces is another simple way to cut costs.

Check out local farmers' markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) group for affordable fresh produce.

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Healthy Snack Diet Plan for Colonoscopy Prep

  • Snack 1: Applesauce with Plain Crackers

Calories: 150  Fat: 1g   Carbs: 33g   Protein: 2g

  • Snack 2: White Bread with Honey

Calories: 180  Fat: 1g   Carbs: 38g   Protein: 3g

  • Snack 3: Vanilla Pudding

Calories: 140  Fat: 4g   Carbs: 24g   Protein: 2g

  • Snack 4: Greek Yogurt with Honey

Calories: 170  Fat: 3g   Carbs: 24g   Protein: 10g

  • Snack 5: Plain Bagel with White Cheddar Cheese

Calories: 220  Fat: 7g   Carbs: 34g   Protein: 8g

  • Snack 6: Chicken Broth with Plain Crackers

Calories: 70  Fat: 1g   Carbs: 10g   Protein: 3g

  • Snack 7: Clear Apple Juice with Plain Crackers

Calories: 160  Fat: 1g   Carbs: 38g   Protein: 1g

  • Snack 8: Lemon Gelatin

Calories: 80  Fat: 0g   Carbs: 19g   Protein: 1g

  • Snack 9: Egg Whites with Instant Mashed Potatoes

Calories: 130  Fat: 0g   Carbs: 27g   Protein: 6g

  • Snack 10: Rice Cakes with Canned Peaches

Calories: 120  Fat: 0g   Carbs: 27g   Protein: 1g

  • Snack 11: Cottage Cheese with Canned Pears

Calories: 150  Fat: 2g   Carbs: 20g   Protein: 10g

  • Snack 12: Sherbet

Calories: 110  Fat: 1g   Carbs: 24g   Protein: 1g

  • Snack 13: Vanilla Ice Cream

Calories: 140  Fat: 7g   Carbs: 16g   Protein: 2g

  • Snack 14: Plain Tortilla with Turkey Breast Slices

Calories: 210  Fat: 5g   Carbs: 29g   Protein: 10g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

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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.