Home > Meal plans

30-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep

Prepare for your procedure with ease using the 30-Day Meal Plan for Colonoscopy Prep. This plan includes meals that are gentle on your digestive system and help ensure a smooth preparation process. Enjoy tasty options that make sticking to the plan simple and stress-free.

Get grocery list
meal plan icon
complete meal plan
meal plan icon
FREE SHOPPING LIST
review icon
Article reviewed
people
30-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep photo cover

Meal plan grocery list

  • White rice
  • Skinless chicken breast
  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • White bread
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Carrots
  • Boiled eggs
  • Canned peaches
  • Lean ground turkey
  • Cucumber

  • White potatoes
  • Clear broth
  • Spinach
  • Gelatin
  • White pasta
  • Turkey bacon
  • White fish fillets
  • Zucchini
  • White grapes
  • Cream of wheat
  • Turkey deli meat

  • White cauliflower
  • Honeydew melon
  • White toast
  • Turkey sausage
  • Jellied cranberry sauce
  • White onion
  • Cream cheese
  • Papaya
  • White corn tortillas
  • Turkey burgers
  • Coconut water

Save this list
Share this list
fact-checked review
Article reviewed

Meal plan overview

Prepare for your procedure with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Colonoscopy Prep. This plan guides you through meals that are low in fiber and easy to digest, helping you get ready for a colonoscopy. Follow a structured approach to ensure your digestive system is properly prepared.

Each day provides meal ideas and tips to help you follow the necessary dietary restrictions. This plan makes it simple to stick to a colonoscopy prep diet while still enjoying your meals.

Foods to eat

  • Clear Liquids: Broth, clear juices, and water to keep hydrated and clear the colon.
  • Low-Fiber Foods: White bread, pasta, and rice that are easy on the digestive system.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and eggs to provide necessary nutrients without adding bulk.
  • Plain Cereals: Cream of wheat and cornflakes that are easy to digest.
  • Non-Carbonated Beverages: Herbal teas and clear sports drinks for hydration and electrolytes.
✅ Tip

Include low-fiber options like smooth soups and broths in your meals to keep things easy on your digestive system while prepping for a colonoscopy.

Foods not to eat

  • High-Fiber Foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables that can bulk up stool.
  • Red Meat: Beef and pork, which are harder to digest and can cause discomfort.
  • Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt, which can lead to bloating and gas.
  • Carbonated Beverages: Soda and sparkling water, which can cause gas and bloating.
  • Alcohol: Beer, wine, and spirits, which should be avoided to prevent dehydration.

Main benefits

The 30-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep helps ensure a clean and clear digestive tract, making the procedure more effective. It includes easily digestible foods that minimize residue and reduce the risk of complications. This plan is designed to keep you hydrated, which is crucial for a smooth prep process. Additionally, it provides balanced nutrition despite the dietary restrictions, helping to maintain your energy levels.

graph image
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To prepare for a colonoscopy while maintaining adequate nutrition, try these substitutions:

  • For a low-fiber grain, white rice can replace brown rice in meals.
  • To reduce residue, canned peaches can replace fresh fruits in snacks and desserts.
  • For added protein, poached eggs can replace scrambled eggs in breakfast.
  • To keep meals bland, plain white toast can replace whole wheat bread in meals.
  • For a soothing drink, chicken broth can replace clear broth in soups and sips.

How to budget on this meal plan

Preparing for a colonoscopy requires a special diet, but you can still save money. Stick to clear liquids like homemade broths and avoid expensive pre-made options. Gelatin and clear juices can be bought in bulk and are usually affordable. Preparing soft foods at home, such as mashed potatoes or applesauce, can be cheaper than buying pre-packaged options. Planning ahead and buying in bulk can help keep costs down.

Download the grocery list for FREE

  • ✔️ Add and remove items
  • ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
  • ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Get grocery list
phone picture with a shopping list

Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some suitable snacks during colonoscopy prep:

  • Plain crackers
  • Boiled eggs
  • Clear gelatin
  • Chicken broth
  • Apple sauce (without pulp)
  • Plain white toast
  • Yogurt (without fruit pieces)
What should I drink on this meal plan?

During colonoscopy prep, drink options include water, clear broths, apple juice, and electrolyte drinks. Clear sodas and tea (without milk) can also be included. Avoid any red or purple liquids, which can interfere with the procedure.

How to get even more nutrients?

Preparing for a colonoscopy requires a careful approach to diet. Initially, choose low-fiber foods such as white bread, eggs, and lean meats, seasoned lightly. Avoid whole grains and raw vegetables. Include clear broths and gelatin for easy digestion. As the procedure approaches, transition to a clear liquid diet, including clear soups, apple juice, and electrolyte drinks. This approach ensures easy digestion and clear bowels while providing necessary nutrients up until the clear liquid phase.

Meal plan suggestions

30-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Cream of wheat with banana slices
  • Lunch: White rice with skinless chicken breast and boiled carrots
  • Dinner: Baked white fish fillets with steamed spinach and white potatoes
  • Snack: Applesauce and a few white grapes

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Low-fat yogurt with canned peaches
  • Lunch: White pasta with lean ground turkey and zucchini
  • Dinner: Turkey burger with a side of white cauliflower
  • Snack: Gelatin and honeydew melon cubes

Day 3

  • Breakfast: White toast with cream cheese and a papaya slice
  • Lunch: Turkey deli meat wrap with white corn tortillas and cucumber slices
  • Dinner: Baked turkey sausage with white rice and steamed carrots
  • Snack: Jellied cranberry sauce and coconut water

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs with white toast
  • Lunch: Clear broth with white potatoes and spinach
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey bacon with white pasta and steamed zucchini
  • Snack: Applesauce and white grapes

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Low-fat yogurt with banana slices
  • Lunch: White rice with lean ground turkey and white onion
  • Dinner: Baked white fish fillets with boiled carrots and cauliflower
  • Snack: Gelatin and canned peaches

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Cream of wheat with honeydew melon
  • Lunch: White bread turkey sandwich with cucumber slices
  • Dinner: Turkey sausage with white potatoes and steamed spinach
  • Snack: Jellied cranberry sauce and coconut water

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs with white toast and cream cheese
  • Lunch: White pasta with skinless chicken breast and zucchini
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey bacon with white rice and steamed carrots
  • Snack: Papaya slices and gelatin

Repeat this plan 4 times.

Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan

Like this meal plan?

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

Want to learn more?

⚠️ 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.