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

1. Wholegrain foods (e.g. bran cereals, which are high in dietary fibre) and breads (e.g. whole wheat grain breads).
2. Legumes (baked beans, cooked dried beans, cooked kidney beans, cooked lentils).
3. Fresh fruit (e.g. apples, banana, orange, pear, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries) with skin and pulp intact.
4. Dried or stewed fruits (e.g. prunes, apricots, raisins).
5. Root vegetables (e.g. carrots, turnips, potatoes).
6. Raw or fresh vegetables (e.g. cabbage).

Sample Meal Plan

The following diet has been suggested:

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2 grapefruit.
2. 3/4 cup rolled oats porridge with 2 tablespoons raisins.
3. 2 slices whole wheat toast with jam.
4. 1 cup skimmed milk.
5. Coffee or tea if desired.

MORNING TEA

• 1 rolled oats cookie
• Water

LUNCH

1. 1 cup vegetable soup.
2. 1 lean hamburger patty on multi grain bun with 2 slices of tomato and lettuce.
3. 1/2 cup baked beans.
4. Apple.
5. 1 cup skimmed milk.

AFTERNOON TEA

• Bran muffin if desired.
• 1/2 cup orange juice.

DINNER

1. 90g broiled chicken
2. 1/2 cup brown rice.
3. 1/2 cup broccoli with cheese sauce.
4. Salad comprising 1 cup lettuce, 1/8 cup cucumber, 1/2 tomato, 1/8 cup bean sprouts and 1 tablespoon salad dressing.
5. 1 slice pumpernickel bread.
6. 1/2 cup strawberries with 1/2 cup plain low-fat yoghurt.
7. 1 cup skimmed milk.

NOTES

1. Drink at least 6 cups of water of liquids (e.g. fruit or vegetable juices) each day.
2. Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
3. Eat meals at regular intervals.