High Fibre Diet
Definition
The aim of the High Fibre Diet is to provide 25-35g dietary fibre from a mixture of sources, both soluble and insoluble. It is useful for the following conditions: constipation, diverticular disease, varicose veins, hiatus hernia and to minimise the risk of bowel cancer.
Diet should be high in
- Wholegrain foods (e.g. bran cereals, which are high in dietary fibre) and breads (e.g. whole wheat grain breads).
- Legumes (baked beans, cooked dried beans, cooked kidney beans, cooked lentils).
- Fresh fruit (e.g. apples, banana, orange, pear, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries) with skin and pulp intact.
- Dried or stewed fruits (e.g. prunes, apricots, raisins).
- Root vegetables (e.g. carrots, turnips, potatoes).
- Raw or fresh vegetables (e.g. cabbage).
Sample Meal Plan
The following diet has been suggested:
BREAKFAST
- 1/2 grapefruit.
- 3/4 cup rolled oats porridge with 2 tablespoons raisins.
- 2 slices whole wheat toast with jam.
- 1 cup skimmed milk.
- Coffee or tea if desired.
MORNING TEA
- 1 rolled oats cookie
- Water
LUNCH
- 1 cup vegetable soup.
- 1 lean hamburger patty on multi grain bun with 2 slices of tomato and lettuce.
- 1/2 cup baked beans.
- Apple.
- 1 cup skimmed milk.
AFTERNOON TEA
- Bran muffin if desired.
- 1/2 cup orange juice.
DINNER
- 90g broiled chicken
- 1/2 cup brown rice.
- 1/2 cup broccoli with cheese sauce.
- Salad comprising 1 cup lettuce, 1/8 cup cucumber, 1/2 tomato, 1/8 cup bean sprouts and 1 tablespoon salad dressing.
- 1 slice pumpernickel bread.
- 1/2 cup strawberries with 1/2 cup plain low-fat yoghurt.
- 1 cup skimmed milk.
NOTES
- Drink at least 6 cups of water of liquids (e.g. fruit or vegetable juices) each day.
- Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
- Eat meals at regular intervals.