Can You Eat Beef Before a Colonoscopy? A Guide on What’s Allowed

In order to get ready for a colonoscopy, you have to eat less in the days before the procedure. Yes, you can eat beef before your colonoscopy. This guide will tell you how to prepare your diet and answer your question.

Why a Special Diet is Needed Before Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the entire length of your colon and rectum using a thin flexible tube with a camera.

The colon has to be empty and clean for the doctor to be able to see the lining of the colon clearly. So, the week before the colonoscopy, you are told to eat very little so that there is less waste in the colon.

Two main dietary restrictions are recommended

1. Low fiber diet – Fiber adds bulk to stool. If you eat less fiber three to five days before the test, your stools will be smaller and easier to clean out of your colon.

2. Clear liquid diet – Sticking to clear liquids the day before flushes the colon of solid food residue. Clear liquids do not leave behind any undigested material.

Along with laxatives, these restricted diets help achieve thorough colon cleansing for better examination.

Can You Eat Beef on a Low Fiber Diet Before Colonoscopy?

In the 2-3 days prior to the colonoscopy prep, doctors recommend sticking to a low fiber diet. This means avoiding high fiber foods that are difficult to digest and take longer to move through your system.

Foods like raw fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, lentils, seeds, nuts, corn and popcorn are eliminated on a low fiber diet.

So where does beef stand when it comes to a low fiber pre-colonoscopy diet? Here are some guidelines:

Yes, you can eat beef in moderation

Beef is considered a low fiber food. A 3-ounce portion of lean beef contains 0 grams of fiber.

In the days before your colonoscopy, it is fine to continue eating beef in moderate portions as part of a low fiber diet.

Some tips:

• Choose lean cuts of beef like eye of round, sirloin tip, 93% lean ground beef or flank steak

• Limit portion to 3-4 ounces

• Avoid fatty meats like prime rib, ribs, brisket etc

• Remove any visible fat or skin before cooking

• Prepare beef without breading, batter or heavy sauces

Pay attention to texture

Opt for tender beef cuts that are easier to chew and digest. Avoid very chewy, stringy, tough meats as they take longer to break down which can interfere with colon cleansing.

Avoid processed beef foods

While plain beef is allowed, processed beef foods like sausage, deli meats, beef jerky, canned meat, corned beef should be avoided on the pre-colonoscopy diet.

These foods contain additives like salt, curing agents and preservatives that can lead to dehydration or irritation when you take bowel cleansing solutions.

Skip the skin and extra fat

Your goal is to choose low residue foods that leave minimal undigested material behind. To reduce waste matter, trim off any visible fat or skin on your beef before cooking and consuming.

Sample Low Fiber Beef Meals Before Colonoscopy

Here are some easy low fiber beef recipes you can enjoy in moderation leading up to the colon prep:

• Beef and mushrooms – Saute lean steak strips with sliced mushrooms.

• Beef stir fry – Mix thin beef slices with small broccoli florets, bell pepper strips and diced pineapple.

• Beef and potato scramble – Combine ground beef, diced potatoes, onions and eggs.

• Beef kabobs – Skewer cubed steak with cherry tomatoes and pineapple chunks.

• Beef barley soup – Simmer chunky beef cubes in broth with potatoes and pearl barley.

• Beef stroganoff – Saute slivered beef with mushrooms and onions in a light sour cream sauce over pasta.

What to Avoid With Beef Before Colonoscopy

When planning beef meals before the scope, steer clear of:

• Fatty cuts like ribs, brisket, prime rib

• Organ meats like liver, kidney, sweetbreads

• Processed beef including sausage, bologna, beef jerky

• Fajitas, tacos or burritos with beans, rice, tomatoes, lettuce

• Beef stews with veggies like peas, corn, potatoes, okra

• Rich sauces, gravies made with seeds, nuts or coconut milk

• Fried beef dishes with batter coating

• Gristle, skin, excess visible fat

Stick to lean beef prepared simply without fatty sauces or breading. Portion control is key – 3 to 4 ounces per meal. Avoid overdoing it on beef or being too heavy handed with oils, butter and condiments.

Transitioning to a Clear Liquid Diet

A day or two before the colonoscopy, you’ll need to switch to a clear liquid diet. This consists of see-through liquids that leave no undigested residue behind. Examples include:

• Water, tea, clear juices, carbonated beverages

• Clear broths – chicken, beef or vegetable broth

• Pulp-free fruit juices without red or purple color

• Plain jello without fruit pieces

• Popsicles without fruit or cream

• Clear sodas like ginger ale, sprite, 7UP

• Coffee and tea without milk or creamer

• Sports drinks like Gatorade® and Powerade®

• Plain gelatin

• Sorbet without seeds or pulp

No solid foods are allowed on the all-liquid diet. Stick to approved clear fluids right up until 2-4 hours before your colonoscopy when you need to stop drinking as well. This gives the bowels adequate time to empty completely.

Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day. Avoid dark juices, dairy products and juice pulp which can leave residue behind.

The Takeaway

Prepping for a colonoscopy requires some dietary restrictions. But you don’t have to say goodbye to meat entirely. Consuming tender, lean beef in moderation along with other low fiber foods can still be part of your menu in the days before the procedure. Just be sure to remove fat, choose easy to digest cuts and avoid processed beef products.