Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the large intestine. It occurs when small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. This can lead to abdominal pain, fever, nausea and changes in bowel habits.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis, you may be wondering how it will impact your diet. Can you still enjoy your favorite foods like lobster? Or do you need to avoid it completely?
In this article we’ll take a detailed look at how diverticulitis affects your diet, including whether or not you can eat lobster during a flare-up or for prevention. We’ll also discuss
- What foods to eat and avoid with diverticulitis
- Sample meal plans and recipes
- Tips for transitioning to a high-fiber diet
Understanding Diverticulitis Diets
There are two main dietary approaches for managing diverticulitis:
1. Low-fiber diet
This diet is typically recommended during an acute attack to help ease symptoms. It limits high-fiber foods that could aggravate the colon.
Foods to avoid include
- Whole grains
- Raw fruits and vegetables with skins/seeds
- Dried fruits
- Beans, lentils and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Tough meats
2. High-fiber diet
This diet contains 25-35 grams of fiber per day from plant foods It may help prevent attacks by softening stool and allowing waste to pass through the colon more easily
Foods to include:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Nuts
So which diet is right for you? Let’s look at how lobster fits into each approach.
Can You Eat Lobster on a Low-Fiber Diverticulitis Diet?
Lobster is perfectly acceptable on a low-fiber diverticulitis diet. Here’s why:
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It’s an animal protein that’s naturally low in fiber. A 3 oz serving of lobster contains 0 grams of fiber.
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It’s a tender, easy-to-digest seafood. The soft flesh shouldn’t irritate the colon.
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It can be prepared simply by steaming, boiling or sautéing. Avoid adding high-fiber ingredients like whole grains or raw veggies.
Some delicious low-fiber ways to enjoy lobster include:
- Lobster rolls made with a hot dog bun
- Lobster mac and cheese with white pasta
- Lobster quesadillas with flour tortillas
- Lobster bisque soup
Just watch your portion size. Stick to 3-4 oz of lobster meat per serving. Larger amounts may be difficult to tolerate during an attack.
What About On a High-Fiber Diverticulitis Diet?
A high-fiber diet is recommended for diverticulitis prevention. But is lobster okay to eat when ramping up your fiber intake?
The answer is yes – lobster can still be included as part of a balanced high-fiber diet. Here’s why:
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It provides protein without extra fiber. This makes it a nice complement to high-fiber plant foods.
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Preparing it with fiber-rich ingredients can help increase your total daily fiber intake.
Some ways to enjoy lobster on a high-fiber diet include:
- Lobster tacos in whole grain tortillas with beans, salsa and avocado
- Lobster salad over mixed greens, tomatoes and quinoa
- Stir-fried lobster with brown rice and broccoli
Aim for 25-35 grams of fiber from a variety of whole plant foods each day. Lobster can be one component of your diet, along with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
Sample Meal Plans
Here are sample low-fiber and high-fiber meal plans showing how lobster can be included:
Low-Fiber Meal Plan
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with white toast and jam
Lunch: Lobster bisque, crackers and canned peaches
Dinner: Sautéed lobster tails, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots
Snack: Yogurt with sliced bananas
High-Fiber Meal Plan
Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and flaxseed
Lunch: Lobster and avocado salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and balsamic vinaigrette
Dinner: Lobster tacos with whole grain tortillas, black beans, tomatoes, romaine lettuce and guacamole
Snacks: Roasted almonds, pear
Aim for a variety of protein sources, not just lobster. Rotate in poultry, eggs, tofu and fish. This will help ensure you meet all your nutrient needs on either diet plan.
Lobster Recipes
Here are some delicious low-fiber and high-fiber lobster recipes to try:
Low-Fiber Recipes
- Lobster Bisque
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Lobster Roll Lettuce Wraps
- Lobster Cobb Salad
- Sautéed Lobster Tails
High-Fiber Recipes
- Lobster Tacos with Black Beans
- Lobster and Vegetable Stir Fry with Brown Rice
- Lobster Salad with Quinoa and Mango
- Lobster Salad Stuffed Avocado
- Lobster Pizza with Veggies on Whole Wheat Crust
Get creative with preparation methods and flavor combinations. Herbs, spices, lemon and low-fiber vegetables can all add flavor without extra fiber.
Transitioning to a High-Fiber Diet
Increase fiber slowly over several weeks to allow your body time to adjust. This helps minimize gas and bloating. Follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Add one new high-fiber food at a time
- Ramp up slowly from 15 grams, to 25 grams then 35 grams of fiber
- Include a fiber source with every meal and snack
- Chew thoroughly and eat slowly
- Exercise regularly
- Consider a fiber supplement like psyllium
Speak to your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diverticulitis diet. They can help tailor a plan that meets your individual nutritional needs and health goals.
The Bottom Line
The good news is that you don’t have to avoid lobster completely with diverticulitis. Both low-fiber and high-fiber diets can include moderate amounts of this tasty shellfish.
Focus on preparation methods that don’t add extra fiber. Limit portion sizes to 3-4 ounces. And pair it with low-fiber or high-fiber sides depending on which diet phase you’re in.
A nutritious, high-fiber diet can help prevent future diverticulitis flare-ups. But you can still enjoy the occasional lobster dish as part of an overall healthy diet. With proper planning and care, living with diverticulitis doesn’t mean depriving yourself of your favorite foods.
What Foods Trigger Diverticulitis?
Can you eat meat if you have diverticulitis?
Meat and poultry are low-fiber foods that are among the safe ones to eat when you are dealing with a diverticulitis flare-up. However, a high red meat diet might not be good if you don’t already have diverticulitis and don’t want to develop it. What Is Diverticulitis?
What should one eat if they have diverticulosis?
The best recipes for diverticulosis are those with a low amount of fiber. However, the soluble fiber present in vegetables, fruits, and legumes is necessary.
Can you eat a liquid diet if you have diverticulitis?
A liquid diet is meant to allow your bowels to rest and heal. It is generally recommended to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet only until your diverticulitis symptoms improve. Afterward, you may gradually add solid foods back into your diet along with slowly increasing your fiber intake.
Can a healthy diet reduce diverticulitis risk?
The researchers found that a reduced risk of diverticulitis may be associated with an anti-inflammatory diet that includes higher amounts of leafy green vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, coffee, and tea, and lower amounts of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages.