The days leading up to your first colonoscopy can feel overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about all the required prep work. It’s not uncommon to wonder what you can and can’t eat or drink in the days leading up to your procedure. But with a little planning and the right shopping list, you can navigate this short-term diet with confidence. Keep reading for shopping tips to help you make the week of your colonoscopy easier and ensure you’re maintaining a colonoscopy-safe diet.
Shopping for a Low-Residue Diet
Generally, your doctor will recommend that you follow a low-residue (low fiber) diet for three to five days before your colonoscopy to help clear your digestive tract. This means you’ll want to stock up on foods that are easy to digest. Here’s a list of foods you can safely eat and foods you should avoid for a few days.
| Low-Residue Foods You Can Have | Foods to Avoid Before a Colonoscopy |
|---|
| Avocado | Certain cooked vegetables (beets, broccoli, cabbage, corn, leafy greens, mushrooms, peas) |
| Applesauce | Coconut |
| Canned fruits and vegetables (without seeds or peels) | Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, prunes) |
| Cold cereals like puffed rice or corn flakes | Fatty and processed meats |
| Crackers and pretzels (avoid whole-grain varieties) | Fried foods |
| Eggs | Fruit juices with pulp |
| Ice cream | Nuts and seeds |
| Jello (avoid red, purple, blue, orange) | Popcorn |
| Lean meats like chicken and turkey (without the skin) | Tofu |
| Melons | Tomato sauce |
| Milk | Raw fruits with skins or seeds (apples, berries, grapes, etc.) |
| Ripe bananas | Raw vegetables (especially corn, squash, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens) |
| Pasta (avoid whole-grain or high fiber varieties) | Whole grains (brown or wild rice, oatmeal, granola, quinoa) |
| Potatoes without skin | |
| Pudding | |
| White bread, rolls or plain bagels | |
| White rice | |
Though most of these high-residue foods are generally included as part of a healthy diet, eating them before a colonoscopy can make it harder to clear your colon entirely before your procedure. Sticking to low-residue foods is an effective way to help make sure you won’t have to repeat your procedure due to unclear results.
Shopping for Clear Liquids
On the day before your procedure, you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by your gastroenterologist’s office, as instructions can vary slightly depending on the time of your procedure the following day.
You’ll need to avoid drinking anything blue, purple or red, as the dyes can temporarily discolor the lining of your colon, making it more difficult for your doctor to complete their examination. Yellow, green and clear liquids are generally considered safe.
In addition to plain water, here are some of our go-to choices for a clear liquid diet:
- Apple or white grape juice
- Black coffee or tea without milk or creamer
- Fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
- Flavored waters, sparkling waters and electrolyte drinks
- Gummy bears (safe colors only)
- Hard candy, like lollipops or mints
- Jello (safe colors only)
- Lemonade without pulp
- Popsicles (no fruit bars with pulp or popsicles containing dairy)
- Sprite, 7Up® or ginger ale
You’re welcome to choose as many or as few of the listed items as you’d like, though having a variety tends to make getting through the day easier. Many people appreciate having vegetable or chicken broth to help balance out the sweetness of the other clear liquids throughout the day. Sucking on gummy bears or hard candies can also help you feel like you aren’t missing out on food.
Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
Preparing for a colonoscopy isn’t necessarily pleasant, but colonoscopies are the best way to safeguard your health against colon cancer, and there’s no reason to be worried.
On the day before your colonoscopy, you’ll want to avoid making plans outside of your home. Make sure you have everything you’ll need before starting your prescribed prep. You’ll also want to ensure you have plenty of soft toilet paper and baby wipes on hand.
Your doctor may have additional prep instructions regarding what you can safely have before a colonoscopy, so be sure to ask questions and see if they have any suggestions.
Take Charge of Your Digestive Health
As you prepare for your colonoscopy, understanding which foods are colonoscopy-safe can make the process smoother and less stressful. Our digestive health experts are here to help you feel your best. Request an appointment to get support for your whole health or schedule your colonoscopy today.
