Can You Eat Ham Before a Colonoscopy? Diet Tips and Food Rules

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves following a strict diet in the days leading up to the procedure. This clears out your digestive system and ensures your doctor can see your colon clearly. But what about favorites like ham? Can you enjoy some sliced ham before a colonoscopy, or do you need to avoid it completely?

Here’s a comprehensive look at the colonoscopy prep diet, including whether you can eat ham and other key foods to focus on or avoid.

Why Follow a Colonoscopy Prep Diet?

Before a colonoscopy you’ll be asked to follow a low fiber, low residue diet for at least 3 days. This diet helps clear stool and debris from your colon so the doctor can thoroughly examine the intestinal lining for polyps or other abnormalities.

Following the prep diet ensures

• Your colon is empty and clean for the procedure
• There are no solids blocking the doctor’s view
• Any abnormalities can be clearly seen

When to Start the Colonoscopy Diet

Most doctors recommend starting the specialized diet 3 full days before your colonoscopy appointment. For example:

• Colonoscopy on Thursday morning
• Start prep diet on Monday morning

You’ll also take a prescription bowel prep solution the day before to fully cleanse the colon. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions on when to start the diet and take the bowel prep.

Foods to Focus On

Aim to eat only low fiber, low residue foods. Here’s an overview of what’s allowed on the colonoscopy prep diet:

Dairy: Milk, plain yogurt, cheese, cream, butter

Grains: White bread, pasta, rice, crackers, cereals like cornflakes or rice krispies

Meats: Chicken, turkey, lean red meats, eggs, fish

Fruits: Canned fruit without skins/seeds, apple sauce, ripe melon

Vegetables: Well-cooked, peeled veggies like carrots or mushrooms

Desserts and snacks: Cookies without nuts/seeds, plain cakes, jello, popsicles

Drinks: Water, tea, coffee, sodas, clear juices without pulp

Foods to Avoid Before Colonoscopy

Some foods are off-limits for the colonoscopy prep diet. Avoid:

• Whole grains: Whole wheat bread/pasta, brown rice, oats
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Raw veggies and fruits: Broccoli, corn, peas, apples with skin
• Dried fruits and coconut
• Nuts and seeds
• Red jello or juices with pulp
• Anything with seeds: Tomatoes, jams with seeds

Can You Eat Ham?

Now to tackle the original question – can you enjoy some tasty ham in the days before your colonoscopy? The answer is yes, ham is allowed on the low fiber diet!

Lean sliced ham provides a good protein source without too much fat or fiber. Opt for plain ham without the crusty outside layer, which can be tougher to digest.

Here are some ways to enjoy ham before a colonoscopy:

• Add slices to sandwiches or wraps
• Dice ham for omelets, egg bakes, or quiche
• Include in pasta dishes, stir fries, or casseroles
• Snack on ham roll-ups with cheese or melon
• Use in soups or chowders instead of beans or lentils

Just avoid fibrous additions like whole grain bread or seeds. Stick to plain ham or pair with allowed foods like white rice or mashed potatoes.

Sample Colonoscopy Prep Diet Meal Plan

Here’s a sample one day meal plan following the colonoscopy prep diet:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with ham, white toast, peach slices

Lunch: Ham and cheese sandwich on white bread, yogurt, canned pears

Dinner: Baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots

Snacks: Rice cakes with cream cheese and jelly, popsicle, vanilla pudding

Helpful Tips for the Colonoscopy Prep Diet

• Drink lots of clear fluids like water, diluted juices, or tea
• Opt for well-cooked vegetables without skin or seeds
• Have fruits without skin or membranes like canned peaches
• Choose smooth nut butters without chunks
• Avoid skin, seeds, and membranes in fruits/veggies
• Prevent constipation by staying hydrated
• Check labels and choose low fiber cereal, crackers, etc
• Don’t eat raw veggies, skin, seeds, dried fruit, nuts, or coconut
• Have small, frequent meals rather than large ones

The Bottom Line on Eating Ham Before Colonoscopy

Overall, yes – you can absolutely still enjoy lean ham in the days leading up to your colonoscopy. It provides a tasty protein source that’s easy on the digestive system. Just be mindful of preparation methods and pairings. Avoid fibrous add-ons like crusty outer ham layers, whole grains, raw produce, seeds, skins, etc. Stick to a low fiber, low residue diet to get the best colon prep results.