Can You Eat Bacon on a Low Fiber Diet?

Eating bacon on a low fiber diet is often one of the most common questions for people starting this type of eating plan. With dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, following a low fiber diet requires eliminating most high fiber foods. But what about everyone’s favorite crispy, savory breakfast meat? Here’s what you need to know about eating bacon on a low fiber diet.

What is a Low Fiber Diet?

A low fiber diet limits foods high in dietary fiber to ease digestion and reduce bowel movements. It’s usually recommended for people with digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Those recovering from bowel surgery or receiving treatments that can damage the digestive tract may also need to follow a low fiber diet.

The low fiber diet eliminates most fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds Allowed foods include refined grains like white bread, white rice and pasta, tender meat, eggs, dairy products if tolerated, canned fruits and well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds The diet should be followed temporarily under medical supervision until symptoms subside.

Why Follow a Low Fiber Diet?

Fiber moves through the digestive tract undigested, adding bulk to stool. For people with intestinal blockages, strictures, adhesions or inflammation, a high fiber diet can worsen symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.

Cutting back on fiber allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. A low fiber diet reduces stool bulk, frequency and discomfort during bowel movements. It’s usually recommended for flares or active disease, followed by gradual reintroduction of high fiber foods as tolerated.

Can You Have Bacon on a Low Fiber Diet?

Most types of bacon are allowed on a low fiber diet. Bacon from pork or turkey provides protein with little fiber per serving. However, it’s best to avoid bacon with added ingredients like maple flavoring honey or brown sugar which increase fiber.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a slice of roasted pork bacon contains

• 0.1 grams of fiber
• 43 calories
• 3.5 grams of fat
• 3 grams of protein

With less than 1 gram of fiber per slice, bacon can be part of a low fiber diet. It’s best to limit portion sizes to 2-3 slices per meal.

Some doctors may recommend avoiding all red meats, pork and processed meats if you have diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or colitis. Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific diet recommendations.

Tips for Following a Low Fiber Diet

When transitioning to a low fiber diet, read food labels closely. Here are some tips:

• Avoid whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, barley, bulgur, bran cereals. Choose white bread, rice, pasta and refined cereals instead.

• Skip fruits and vegetables except canned or cooked without skins/seeds. Bananas, applesauce and melons are lower fiber options.

• Don’t eat dried beans, peas, lentils. Tofu is a lower fiber alternative.

• Stay away from nuts, seeds and coconut. Try smooth nut butters instead of chunky.

• Check condiments for added fiber like ketchup with chia seeds or salad dressing with flax.

• Watch out for added fiber in yogurt, ice cream, drinks and packaged foods.

Getting enough nutrients can be challenging on a low fiber diet long term. Work with a registered dietitian to ensure you meet your needs, especially for iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium found in higher fiber foods.

Sample Low Fiber Diet Meal Plan

Here is a one day sample menu with less than 10 grams of fiber to give you meal ideas for a low fiber diet:

Breakfast:

• 1 scrambled egg

• 1 slice bacon

• 1 piece white toast with butter

• 1⁄2 grapefruit

Morning Snack:

• 3⁄4 cup vanilla yogurt

• Herbal tea

Lunch:

• Turkey & cheese sandwich on white bread

• 10 small crackers

• 1⁄2 cup canned peaches

Afternoon Snack:

• 1 string cheese stick

• 10 pretzel thins

Dinner:

• 3 oz baked chicken breast

• 1⁄2 cup mashed potatoes

• 1⁄2 cup cooked carrots

• 1⁄2 cup applesauce

This provides around 9 grams of fiber from refined grains, tender poultry and meat, dairy and fruits. Bacon can fit into a low fiber diet when consumed in moderation at 1-2 slices per meal a few times per week.

The Bottom Line

Most types of bacon are allowed on a low fiber diet since they contain minimal fiber per serving. To prevent constipation, drink fluids and gradually increase exercise. Work with your doctor on safely adding back high fiber foods over time for balanced nutrition. With mindful choices, you can still enjoy an occasional serving of bacon while following a low fiber diet.