If your doctor says you have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, they may tell you to follow a low-residue diet.
You’ll eat more foods that are easy for your body to break down and less foods that aren’t.
A low residue diet can seem restrictive for bacon lovers After all, bacon is a delicious and versatile meat that adds flavor to many dishes. If you’ve been prescribed a low residue diet for health reasons, you may be wondering if you still have to say goodbye to your favorite bacon recipes
The good news is that not all bacon is off limits! With some modifications and careful selection, you can still enjoy the smoky, salty, umami taste of bacon while following a low residue diet In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from what a low residue diet is to bacon nutrition facts, foods to avoid, and low residue bacon options and substitutes
What is a Low Residue Diet?
A low residue diet limits high fiber foods to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest and heal. This type of diet reduces the amount of undigested material passing through the colon, easing digestive distress. It is often prescribed for conditions like
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Some cancers
- Bowel obstruction
- Upcoming colonoscopy
On a low residue diet, the goal is to limit fiber intake to less than 10-15 grams per day. High fiber foods like raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and tough, fibrous meats are restricted. The diet focuses on low fiber foods that are more easily digested and leave less undigested residue behind.
Can You Eat Bacon on a Low Residue Diet?
The answer is yes, you can eat bacon on a low residue diet, but in moderation. Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to residue content. Here are some tips for choosing low residue bacon options:
-
Opt for leaner bacon cuts like center-cut bacon or Canadian style bacon which have less fat and are easier to digest.
-
Avoid heavily processed bacons with added sugars or seasonings, which can stimulate the bowels.
-
Look for bacon that is broiled, baked, or pan-fried instead of deep fried, as the cooking method impacts fat and residue content.
-
Limit portion sizes to 2-3 strips per sitting and avoid eating bacon every day.
As long as you follow those guidelines, bacon can be incorporated as an occasional treat on a low residue diet. Check with your doctor for personalized advice based on your condition.
Bacon Nutrition Facts
Before adding any food to your low residue diet, it’s important to understand the nutritional content. Here are the nutrition facts for a serving of pan-fried bacon (3 slices or about 28g):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 9g
As you can see, bacon is high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. But it contains zero fiber or carbohydrates, making it easy to digest. Consumed occasionally and in moderation, it can fit into a low residue diet.
Foods to Avoid on a Low Residue Diet
To help you make the best choices while following a low residue diet, here are some foods that should be avoided or limited due to their high fiber content:
- Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta
- Brown or wild rice
- Dried fruits and prune juice
- Raw fruits and vegetables, especially those with skin and seeds
- Dried beans, peas, and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Coconut
- Popcorn
- Strong spices
Stick to refined grain products, canned fruits and vegetables, tender meats, eggs, and moderate amounts of dairy products. Always opt for cooked vegetables over raw.
Low Residue Bacon Options
If you want to enjoy bacon on a low residue diet, look for these specific types and cooking methods:
-
Canadian bacon – Also known as back or peameal bacon, this is cut from the pork loin and is very lean.
-
Turkey bacon – With around half the fat of pork bacon, turkey bacon makes a lighter option.
-
Prosciutto – This dry-cured ham is saltier than bacon but contains little fat.
-
Bake or broil bacon – This reduces the overall fat content compared to frying.
-
Grill or microwave bacon – Quick cooking methods that allow fat to drip away.
Stick to just 1-2 slices per meal and avoid eating bacon every day. Monitor your digestion and cut back if you experience discomfort.
Low Residue Bacon Substitutes
If you need to avoid bacon altogether on your low residue diet, these substitutes can provide similar smoky, savory flavors:
-
Eggplant bacon – Roasted eggplant slices with added smoke flavor.
-
Coconut bacon – Crispy coconut chips flavored with smoked paprika and maple.
-
Tempeh bacon – Thin slices of fermented soybean tempeh marinated in a smoky sauce.
-
Shiitake mushroom bacon – Sliced shiitake mushrooms roasted with spices.
-
Liquid smoke – Add flavor to dishes without using actual bacon.
-
Smoked paprika – Has a bacon-like taste that you can sprinkle on anything.
With some creativity, you can mimic the taste of bacon on a low residue diet using plants, spices, and smoke flavors. Moderation and mindful ingredient choices are key!
Following a low residue diet doesn’t mean saying goodbye to bacon forever. With careful selection and preparation, bacon can be incorporated occasionally as a special treat. Focus on leaner cuts, limit portion sizes, and avoid heavily processed bacon with added sugars or seasonings. For those who need to avoid it altogether, plant-based substitutions can provide similar smoky, savory notes. As always, be sure to check with your doctor to determine the best bacon choices for your individual health needs. With the right guidelines, you can still enjoy a little bacon delight while sticking to a low residue diet.
What Is a Low-Residue Diet?
It limits high-fiber foods, like whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables.
“Residue” is undigested food, including fiber, that makes up stool. The goal of the diet is to have fewer, smaller bowel movements each day. That will ease symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping.
Your doctor may tell you to follow this diet for a short time during a flare-up or after surgery to help you get better.
What You Can Eat
Grains
- Rich or refined white breads and plain crackers, like Melba toast or saltines (no seeds).
- Cooked cereals, like farina, cream of wheat, and grits
- Cold cereals, like puffed rice and corn flakes
- White rice, noodles, and refined pasta
Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetable and fruit skins and seeds are often high in fiber, so peel them and stay away from the seeds.
These vegetables are OK:
- vegetable tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, squash (no seeds), and pumpkin that are well-cooked or canned and don’t have seeds
- Cooked potatoes without skin
- Tomato sauce (no seeds)
Fruits on the good list include:
- Ripe bananas
- Soft cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Fruits that are cooked or canned but don’t have seeds or skin, like applesauce or canned pears
- Avocado
Milk and Dairy
Theyre OK in moderation. Milk has no fiber, but it may trigger symptoms like diarrhea and cramping if youre lactose intolerant. You could take lactase supplements or buy lactose-free foods if you are someone who has trouble digesting dairy foods.
Meats
Animal products dont have fiber. You can eat pork, beef, lamb, chicken, fish (no bones), and fish as long as they’re healthy, lean, and soft. Eggs are OK, too.
Fats, Sauces, and Condiments
These are all on the diet:
- Margarine, butter, and oils
- Mayonnaise and ketchup
- Sour cream
- Smooth sauces and salad dressing
- Soy sauce
- Clear jelly, honey, and syrup
Sweets and Snacks
You can satisfy your sweet tooth on a low-residue diet. These desserts and snacks are OK to eat in moderation:
- Plain cakes and cookies
- Gelatin, plain puddings, custard, and sherbet
- Ice cream and ice pops
- Hard candy
- Pretzels (not whole-grain varieties)
- Vanilla wafers
Drinks
Safe beverages include:
- Decaffeinated tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks (caffeine can make you sick)
- Milk
- Apple, no-pulp orange, and cranberry juices are examples of juices that don’t have seeds or pulp.
- Strained vegetable juices
Dietitian’s Tips on Following a Low Fiber Diet – Mayo Clinic
FAQ
Can you eat bacon on a low fiber, low residue diet?
What meats are allowed on a low residue diet?
Can I have bacon before a colonoscopy?
What foods should be avoided on a low residue diet?
Can a low residue diet help bowel problems?
With fewer stools, people following a low-residue diet may experience relief from symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and cramping. Can prep bowels before surgery or colonoscopy: A liquid-only diet is often recommended before bowel surgery or colonoscopy. This is known as bowel prep.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Can you eat meat if you have a low residue diet?
Here’s what you need to know about eating meat on a low-residue diet: 1.**Meats**: Animal products don’t have fiber, which makes them suitable for a low-residue diet.
Can a low residue diet help with a colonoscopy?
Special diets can sometimes help. A low residue diet could potentially aid in staying well nourished while recovering from a bowel obstruction or surgery. The goal of a low residue diet is to limit the size and number of stools. Therefore, it may be prescribed to someone who’s about to undergo a colonoscopy.