High Fiber Diet
DESCRIPTION
The High Fiber Diet is designed to
increase the amount of soluble and insoluble fiber in the diet. Fiber has been
shown to lower blood cholesterol, improve blood glucose tolerance after a meal,
and promote regular fecal elimination due to fiber’s water-holding
capacity.
The High Fiber Diet is applied to those
with symptoms of chronic constipation, diverticulosis and irritable bowel
syndrome. It is also useful when an increased stool volume and reduced fecal
transit time is desired. The objective of the diet is to provide at least 25
grams per day of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin-rich foods (fiber) in the
diet.
Higher fiber diets can bind trace minerals
due to the presence of phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate). If fiber is added
to a mineral-depleted diet it can result in poor mineral bioavailability and
deficiency. Mineral-rich whole foods should be used to increase the fiber
component of the diet.
With excessive consumption in the absence
of proper fluid intake, fiber can actually result in worsening of the symptoms
of chronic constipation. For this reason the high fiber diet is not to be
considered an alternative to a laxative.
SAMPLE MENU FOR ONE DAY
Breakfast
| 1 orange |
1 egg (poached or egg substitute) |
| 3/4 cup all-bran cereal |
1 slice whole wheat bread
(toasted) |
| 1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
1 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
| 10 whole, shelled, unsalted almonds (if
tolerated) |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
Lunch
| 1 cup barley vegetable soup |
2 ounces sliced turkey breast |
| 2 slices whole wheat bread |
1 pear |
| 1 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
2 teaspoons butter, margarine, or
mayonnaise, sliced lettuce and tomato for sandwich |
Dinner
| 1 cup tomato juice |
3 ounces broiled halibut |
| 1/2 cup dark whole buckwheat (kasha)
|
1/2 cup steamed broccoli |
| 2 teaspoons oil and vinegar
dressing |
1 slice whole wheat bread |
| 1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
1/2 cup canned blackberries |
| 3 tablespoons bran in 1 cup low-fat
yogurt |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
| 1/2 cup salad: romaine or Boston
lettuce, |
sliced carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms,
green pepper, celery |
Nutrient Content:
- Calories: 2252
- Protein: 23.5%
- Carbohydrates: 65.5%
- Fat: 11%
- Cholesterol: 414.5 mg
- Fiber: 19.3 g
FOOD EXCHANGE MENU
Bread and Cereal Exchange List:
4 or more servings per day
Recommended:
| Whole wheat pastas |
Whole wheat bread |
| Brown rice |
Whole wheat cereals |
| Beans (dried) |
Whole wheat flour |
| Green peas |
Whole wheat crackers |
Avoid: All breads and cereals which
are not recommended, particularly products made
from refined, fiber-free grains and
flours
Fat Exchange List
Recommended: Nuts
Avoid: None
Fruit Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Recommended: All, especially raw
fruits
Avoid: None
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange
List:
6 or more servings per day
Recommended: All
Avoid: None
Milk Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Recommended: All low-fat
Avoid: None
Vegetable Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Recommended: All, especially high fiber
vegetables such as:
• Broccoli • Carrots •
Brussels sprouts
Avoid: None
Miscellaneous Exchange List: Not
applicable
Note:
Include six to eight cups of fluids, such
as water, per day. |
