The High Fiber Diet is useful in the treatment of many of the diseases of public health significance—obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes—as well as the less prevalent but no less significant diagnoses of colonic diverticulosis and constipation.
These conditions can be prevented or treated by increasing the amounts and varieties of fiber-containing foods. (3) Additionally, a diet higher in fiber is likely to be less calorically dense and have a higher satiety value than a diet lower in fiber.
Suggested Menu Plan for High Fiber Diet
Breakfast
1 small orange
1 egg
½ c. oatmeal with up to
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 tsp. jelly
1 tsp. soft margarine
1 c. fat-free milk
Hot beverage
Sugar, pepper (optional)
Lunch
2 oz. roasted chicken breast
3 oz. baked potato with skin
½ c. mixed vegetables with corn
and peas
1 oz. whole wheat roll
2 tsp. soft margarine
1 c. fat-free milk
Water
Supper
2 oz. tuna on 2 slices whole wheat
bread with
2 tsp mayonnaise
2 tomato slices
1 c. leafy greens salad
1 Tbsp. salad dressing
½ c. fruit cocktail
1 c. fat-free milk
Water
Snack Ideas
1 c. cantaloupe
½ c. carrot sticks
3 c. popcorn
High Fiber Diet Diet Principles
1. The High Fiber Diet contributes 25–30 grams of
dietary fiber, defined as plant materials resistant to digestion.
Because fiber is found exclusively in plant foods, increase consumption
of whole grains (e.g., whole wheat, bulgur, oatmeal, whole cornmeal,
brown rice, buckwheat, wild rice, whole rye, whole-grain barley,
amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and popcorn), fruits, vegetables,
beans, nuts, and seeds. Increased fiber intake should come from a
variety of food sources rather than from fiber supplements to ensure
adequate nutrient intake.
2. High dietary fiber foods should be
added gradually to prevent possible short-term side effects including
abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramping, or diarrhea. If symptoms
continue, reduce fiber intake.
3. A high fiber diet should be
accompanied by a liberal intake of water or other fluids. Because fiber
holds water, thereby softening the stool, at least 8 cups of liquids
should be ingested daily. Inadequate fluid can lead to constipation or
impaction in the colon because dietary fiber absorbs water from the
intestinal tract.
4. Despite the popular notion that indigestible
fiber from nuts, corn, popcorn, and seeds could lodge in the
diverticula and cause inflammation and infection, no scientific data
support this, so eliminating specific foods is not necessary.* (2,4)
*Many,
but not all whole-grain products are good sources of dietary fiber. Use
the Nutrition Facts label on whole-grain products to choose foods that
are a good or excellent source of dietary fiber.
The High Fiber Diet Menu Plan Source :
Simplified Diet Manual, Eleventh Edition. Edited by Andrea K. Maher.
