14-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep

Prepare for a colonoscopy with our specialized 14-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep. Featuring gentle and easy-to-digest recipes, this plan helps you follow the necessary dietary guidelines before the procedure. Enjoy a variety of light and satisfying options that make the preparation process more manageable.

Meal plan grocery list

• Clear liquids
• Broth
• Gelatin
• Apple juice
• White rice
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Chicken broth
• Popsicles

• Black coffee
• Herbal tea
• Water
• Sports drinks
• White bread
• Lemonade
• Plain noodles
• Clear fruit juices
• White fish

• Vanilla pudding
• Clear soda
• Canned peaches
• Canned pears
• Sorbet
• Rice cakes

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Meal plan overview

Prepare for a colonoscopy with our 14-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep. Featuring gentle and easily digestible recipes, this plan helps you navigate the pre-colonoscopy diet with flavorful options. Enjoy a variety of meals that support the preparation process while keeping your taste buds satisfied.

Foods to eat

• Low-Fiber Foods: Choose white bread, white rice, and refined grains to reduce fiber intake before the colonoscopy.
• Lean Proteins: Opt for chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu as protein sources with lower fiber content.
• Well-Cooked Vegetables: Include well-cooked, peeled vegetables like carrots and zucchini for a lower-fiber option.
• Low-Fiber Fruits: Choose ripe bananas, melons, and peeled apples for fruit options with lower fiber content.
• Clear Liquids: Stay hydrated with clear liquids such as water, broth, clear juices, and sports drinks without artificial colors.
• Caffeine-Free Tea and Coffee: Enjoy caffeine-free tea and coffee for hydration without irritation to the digestive system.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of clear liquids to stay hydrated before the colonoscopy.
• Individualized Prep Instructions: Follow specific prep instructions provided by the healthcare team for a successful colonoscopy.
• Consult a Healthcare Professional: For any questions or concerns about colonoscopy prep, consult with the healthcare provider.

✅ Tip

Stick to clear liquids like broth, gelatin, and sports drinks while avoiding red or purple-colored liquids to ensure a successful colonoscopy prep.

Foods not to eat

• High-Fiber Foods: Avoid high-fiber foods, including whole grains, raw vegetables, and nuts, in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.
• Seeds and Popcorn: Steer clear of foods with seeds and popcorn, as they can contribute to bowel obstruction during the prep.
• Dairy Products: Limit dairy products, especially if lactose intolerant, to avoid potential discomfort during the prep.
• Red and Purple Foods: Avoid foods with red or purple coloring, as they can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
• Individual Dietary Needs: Adjust the meal plan based on individual sensitivities and prep instructions provided by the healthcare team.
• Follow Healthcare Team's Guidance: Adhere to the healthcare team's specific instructions for a successful colonoscopy prep.

Main benefits

The 14-day meal plan for colonoscopy prep includes a diet that helps clear the colon. It starts with low-fiber foods and transitions to clear liquids, avoiding foods that could hinder the procedure.

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Food alternatives

Preparing for a colonoscopy requires a specific diet. Here are some alternative suggestions to help keep meals varied:

• Substitute clear broth with clear vegetable broth for a different taste.
• Replace apple juice with white grape juice for a different flavor profile.
• Opt for clear sports drinks instead of water to maintain electrolyte levels.
• Use plain crackers instead of white bread for a different texture.
• Try gelatin dessert in place of popsicles for a sweet treat.

How to budget on this meal plan

Focus on clear liquids like broth and gelatin, which are often affordable. White rice and applesauce are staples that can be bought in bulk. Bananas, chicken broth, and popsicles offer variety and are often cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Black coffee, herbal tea, and water are also more affordable in larger sizes.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Light snacks suitable during colonoscopy preparation:

• Broth-based soups (clear, no solids)
• Gelatin desserts (avoid red or purple)
• Apple sauce
• White toast with honey
• Plain white rice
• Boiled potatoes without skin
• Herbal tea (no milk or cream)

What should I drink on this meal plan?

During colonoscopy prep, clear liquids like water, broth, and apple juice are usually recommended. Electrolyte solutions help maintain hydration. Avoid anything with red, purple, or blue dyes. Tea and black coffee are also generally allowed.

How to get even more nutrients?

For colonoscopy prep, the focus is initially on a low-fiber diet leading up to the procedure to clear the colon. Foods often include low-residue foods like white bread, rice, and lean meats. In the final 24 hours, only clear liquids such as broth, tea, and clear juices are typically recommended to ensure the colon is clean for effective examination.

Meal plan suggestions

14-Day Colonoscopy Prep Meal Plan

This meal plan provides options for clear liquids and easily digestible foods to help prepare for a colonoscopy.

Day 1

• Breakfast: Clear broth
• Snack: Apple juice
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Grape gelatin
• Dinner: White rice

Day 2

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Banana (ripe)
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Clear lemonade
• Dinner: Applesauce

Day 3

• Breakfast: Clear broth
• Snack: Popsicle (without fruit chunks)
• Lunch: Clear chicken broth
• Snack: Black coffee (without cream or sugar)
• Dinner: White rice

Day 4

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Clear gelatin
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Herbal tea (without caffeine)
• Dinner: Clear chicken broth

Day 5

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Banana (ripe)
• Lunch: Clear chicken broth
• Snack: Clear lemonade
• Dinner: Applesauce

Day 6

• Breakfast: Clear broth
• Snack: Popsicle (without fruit chunks)
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Black coffee (without cream or sugar)
• Dinner: White rice

Day 7

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Clear gelatin
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Herbal tea (without caffeine)
• Dinner: Clear chicken broth

Day 8

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Banana (ripe)
• Lunch: Clear chicken broth
• Snack: Clear lemonade
• Dinner: Applesauce

Day 9

• Breakfast: Clear broth
• Snack: Popsicle (without fruit chunks)
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Black coffee (without cream or sugar)
• Dinner: White rice

Day 10

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Clear gelatin
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Herbal tea (without caffeine)
• Dinner: Clear chicken broth

Day 11

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Banana (ripe)
• Lunch: Clear chicken broth
• Snack: Clear lemonade
• Dinner: Applesauce

Day 12

• Breakfast: Clear broth
• Snack: Popsicle (without fruit chunks)
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Black coffee (without cream or sugar)
• Dinner: White rice

Day 13

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Clear gelatin
• Lunch: Chicken broth
• Snack: Herbal tea (without caffeine)
• Dinner: Clear chicken broth

Day 14

• Breakfast: Clear apple juice
• Snack: Banana (ripe)
• Lunch: Clear chicken broth
• Snack: Clear lemonade
• Dinner: Applesauce

Like this meal plan? Turn it into a grocery list!

Like this meal plan?

Want to learn more?

• Bowel preparation in diabetic patients undergoing colonoscopy
• Diabetic Colon Preparation Comparison Study

⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.