Preparing for Your Colonoscopy: A Comprehensive 7-Day Nutrition Plan

If you’re gearing up for a colonoscopy, you’ll need to make some important dietary adjustments beforehand. Though the procedure itself is routine, the preparatory steps are essential for ensuring everything goes smoothly. This article will walk you through a detailed 7-day nutrition plan designed specifically to prepare your body for this important health screening.

About This Plan

This 7-day nutrition plan is carefully designed around the following key points:

• Caloric Options: The plan is set at 1,800 calories per day, with optional modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories.
• Protein Focus: Each day includes at least 112 grams of protein, adhering to general pre-colonoscopy nutrition guidelines.
• Fiber Limitation: To ensure a clear colon for examination, the fiber content is gradually reduced in the latter part of the week.

Throughout the week, you’ll avoid nuts, seeds, and any foods containing them. You’ll also transition into a low-fiber routine as you prepare for fasting the day before the procedure.

Day 1

Total Calories: 1,792

• Breakfast (447 calories): Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo
• A.M. Snack (200 calories): 1 medium apple with 1 tablespoon unsalted smooth peanut butter.
• Lunch (548 calories): [Haven’t specified; use your choice of protein-focused meal.]
• P.M. Snack (62 calories): Simple snack options like a baby carrot or 1 string cheese.
• Dinner (536 calories): [Haven’t specified; consider lean meat or poultry with well-cooked vegetables.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Reduce breakfast to ¾ cup of cantaloupe and omit both snacks.
• For 2,000 calories: Increase A.M. snack to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and add 1 cup of low-fat plain kefir to the P.M. snack.

Day 2

Total Calories: 1,779

• Breakfast (371 calories): 1 cup low-fat plain strained yogurt, ¾ cup banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
• A.M. Snack (186 calories): 1 cup seedless grapes and ½ cup unsalted low-fat cottage cheese.
• Lunch (548 calories): [Choose a protein-rich salad or wrap.]
• P.M. Snack (200 calories): 1 medium apple with 1 tablespoon unsalted peanut butter.
• Dinner (413 calories): [Aim for a lean protein with cooked veggies.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Omit P.M. snack and evening snack.
• For 2,000 calories: Increase A.M. snack to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and add 1 cup of low-fat kefir to the evening snack.

Day 3

Total Calories: 1,803

• Breakfast (447 calories): Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Chives.
• A.M. Snack (285 calories): 6 soda crackers with 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
• Lunch (395 calories): [Consider a protein-packed soup.]
• P.M. Snack (151 calories): ¾ cup low-fat yogurt with ¼ cup canned peaches.
• Dinner (524 calories): [Select a protein dish such as grilled chicken or fish.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Omit the A.M. snack.
• For 2,000 calories: Add a medium banana with 1 cup of low-fat kefir as an evening snack.

Day 4

Total Calories: 1,781

• Breakfast (371 calories): 1 cup low-fat yogurt, ¾ cup banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
• A.M. Snack (182 calories): 2 large hard-boiled eggs and ½ cup cantaloupe.
• Lunch (388 calories): 1 serving of Low-Carb Chicken Soup, ½ cup cottage cheese, and ½ cup canned peaches.
• P.M. Snack (285 calories): 6 soda crackers with 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
• Dinner (555 calories): [Aim for a filling protein dish.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Omit the P.M. snack.
• For 2,000 calories: Add an additional cup of pasta for dinner and 1 cup of mandarin oranges with ¾ cup of low-fat kefir that evening.

Day 5

Total Calories: 1,818

• Breakfast (447 calories): Slow-Cooker Herb & Mushroom Braised Beef (or a suitable alternative).
• A.M. Snack (315 calories): 1 medium banana with 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
• Lunch (388 calories): [Consider a filling grain-free dish.]
• P.M. Snack (160 calories): ¾ cup low-fat yogurt with ¼ cup canned mandarin oranges.
• Dinner (508 calories): [Focus on protein-rich options.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Omit the A.M. snack.
• For 2,000 calories: Add a slice of toasted sourdough with peanut butter in the evening.

Day 6

Total Calories: 1,799

• Breakfast (371 calories): 1 cup low-fat yogurt, ¾ cup banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
• A.M. Snack (201 calories): 2 large hard-boiled eggs with ½ cup canned mandarin oranges.
• Lunch (395 calories): [Select a low-fiber, high-protein meal.]
• P.M. Snack (285 calories): 6 soda crackers with 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
• Dinner (431 calories): [Protein-focused dish.]

Caloric Modifications

• For 1,500 calories: Omit the P.M. snack.
• For 2,000 calories: Add a slice of toasted bread with peanut butter to your evening snack.

Day 7: Fasting Day

Tomorrow is your colonoscopy. On this day, it’s crucial to adhere to a clear-liquid diet. This can include electrolyte drinks, clear broths, fruit-flavored popsicles, and clear juices (except those that are red or purple). Avoid anything that might mimic blood in your colon, as this could lead to inaccurate results.

Nutrition Tips to Prep for a Colonoscopy

Follow your medical provider’s guidelines for dietary adjustments leading up to your colonoscopy. The steps you take to prepare can greatly impact the accuracy of your results. Here’s a summary of essential tips:

• Nuts and Seeds: Avoid these, along with any foods containing them, for seven days before the procedure. This includes foods with seeds like berries or crunchy nut butters.

• Limit High-Fiber Foods: Especially three to five days before the procedure. Reduce your intake of oatmeal, whole grains, nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and certain crunchy snacks for a clearer colon.

• Transition to a Low-Fiber Diet: This should focus on tender foods like well-cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and some canned fruits.

• Embrace Clear Liquids before the Procedure: On Day 7, prepare by consuming only clear liquids to support a smooth bowel prep.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to clear your colon effectively, and these dietary steps are vital in achieving that. If questions arise, consult your medical team as guidelines may vary for different individuals or healthcare facilities.