A high fiber diet decreases intestinal transit time, promotes more frequent bowel movements, and results in softer stools. It is prescribed for a variety of conditions: Diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and constipation. For a high fiber diet of approximately 24 grams of dietary fiber, use 4 or more servings of food from each of the 3 groups. Each food listed contains approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber. The other table lists the fiber content of various foods in grams per average serving. |
FRUIT GROUP |
Apple, 1 small | Orange, 1 small |
Banana, 1 small | Peach, 1 medium |
Strawberries, 1/2 cup | Pear, 1/2 small |
Cherries, 10 large | Plums, 2 small |
BREAD AND CEREAL GROUP |
Whole wheat bread, 1 slice | All Bran, 1 Tbsp. |
Rye bread, 1 slice` | Corn flakes, 2/3 cup |
Cracked wheat bread, 1 slice | Oatmeal, dry, 3 Tbsp. |
Shredded Wheat, 1.2 biscuit | Wheat Bran, 1 tsp. |
Grape-Nuts, 3 Tbsp. | Puffed Wheat, 1 1/3 cup |
VEGETABLE GROUP |
Broccoli, 1/2 stalk | Lettuce, raw, 2 cups |
Brussels sprouts, 4 | Green beans, 1/2 cup |
Carrots, 1/3 cup | Potato, 2" diameter |
Celery, 1 cup | Tomato, raw, 1 medium |
Corn on the cob, 2" | Baked beans, canned, 2 Tbsp. |
FOOD TYPE |
grams/average serving |
Vegetables | |
Beans (navy, lima, kidney, baked) |
|
Canned peas |
|
Corn on the cob |
|
Broccoli |
|
Potato (baked with skin) |
|
Corn |
|
Brussel sprouts |
|
Beans (string) |
|
Cabbage |
|
Carrots |
|
Potato (french fried) |
|
Celery |
|
Lettuce |
|
Rice |
|
Fruit | |
Raspberries |
|
Apple with peel |
|
Orange |
|
Peach |
|
Strawberries |
|
Banana |
|
Grapefruit (fresh) |
|
Apple juice |
|
Breads | |
Whole wheat |
|
White, rye, french |
|
Cereal | |
All-bran (100%) |
|
Corn Flakes |
|
Wheaties |
|
Meats,
chicken, fish, cheese, cheese, milk, yogurt |
|