Getting ready for a colonoscopy can be a daunting task, but one crucial step in the process is preparing your digestive system. A gentle diet that’s easy on the stomach can make all the difference in making this procedure as comfortable and effective as possible. In this article, we’ll share 18 delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will help you prep for your colonoscopy while keeping your taste buds happy.
From soothing soups to refreshing drinks, these recipes are designed to be gentle on your digestive system and provide the necessary nutrients and hydration to ensure a smooth preparation process. Whether you’re looking for something warm and comforting or cool and refreshing, we’ve got you covered with these 18 gentle colonoscopy diet recipes.
Clear chicken broth with ginger
This recipe yields a light, refreshing chicken broth infused with the warmth of ginger, perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for soups and sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups water
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken, water, ginger, and garlic (if using).
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or container. Discard solids.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Homemade apple juice popsicles
Beat the heat with a refreshing twist on traditional popsicles – homemade apple juice popsicles! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the fun of a cool treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple juice (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Popsicle molds and sticks
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in water.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
4. Insert sticks and place in the freezer to chill for at least 4-5 hours or overnight.
5. To unmold, run the popsicles under warm water and gently pull out of the mold.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (heating the mixture) + freezing time
Enjoy your homemade apple juice popsicles!
Strained vegetable broth with turmeric
This recipe yields a clear and flavorful vegetable broth infused with the warm, earthy flavor of turmeric. This strained broth is perfect as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Pour in the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container. Discard the solids.
5. Add the ground turmeric and whisk until dissolved. Season with salt if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon-lime electrolyte ice chips
Stay hydrated and energized with these tangy and invigorating ice chips, perfect for hot summer days or post-workout refreshment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Ice cube trays
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon and lime juices until well combined.
2. Add honey and salt; whisk until dissolved.
3. Fill ice cube trays with the mixture.
4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or until solidified.
Cooking Time: None! Just freeze and enjoy.
Tips:
– For an extra boost, add a few drops of vitamin C-rich lemon essential oil to the mixture before freezing.
– Use these chips as a refreshing snack or add them to your favorite drinks for an electrolyte-packed pick-me-up.
Plain gelatin with honey drizzle
This recipe is a classic combination of plain gelatin set with honey, creating a sweet and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather. The honey drizzle adds a touch of warmth and flavor to the cool and creamy gelatin.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold water
– 2 envelopes (0.25 oz each) unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it soften for 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of cold water. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the softened gelatin to the saucepan and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or mold and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Just before serving, drizzle with honey.
Cooking Time: None (chilled)
Herbal chamomile tea with mint
This soothing tea combines the calming properties of chamomile with the refreshing flavor of mint, creating a perfect blend for unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
– 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
– 1 cup boiling water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup, combine the dried chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves.
2. Pour in the boiling water, making sure to cover the herbs completely.
3. Allow the mixture to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength of flavor.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using the infuser or by pouring it through a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
6. Enjoy your calming and refreshing herbal tea!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Strained butternut squash soup
This recipe yields a silky-smooth and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and comforting bowl of goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Place squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with butter.
4. Roast for 45 minutes, or until flesh is tender.
5. Scoop out roasted squash and blend with onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Add broth and heavy cream (if using) to blender and puree until smooth.
7. Strain soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
8. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
White grape juice slushies
Beat the heat with this simple and delicious recipe for white grape juice slushies. Perfect for hot summer days or as a quick pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups white grape juice
– 1 cup ice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine white grape juice and ice.
2. Blend until smooth and slushy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. If desired, add granulated sugar and blend until dissolved.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy.
Bone broth with a touch of sea salt
Rich in nutrients and flavor, this bone broth is elevated by the subtle touch of sea salt. Perfect for a comforting soup or as a base for your favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef bones (necks or marrow bones)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups water
– 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the bones for 30 minutes, or until browned.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
4. Add water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 24-48 hours, or overnight.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
7. Add sea salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 24-48 hours
Peach nectar ice cubes
Add a touch of summer sweetness to your drinks with these refreshing peach nectar ice cubes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peach nectar
– Water
– Optional: sliced peaches or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill an ice cube tray with water, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
2. Pour the peach nectar into the ice cube tray, filling each compartment to the top.
3. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and let the mixture freeze completely, approximately 2-3 hours.
4. Once frozen, remove the ice cubes from the tray and use them to chill your favorite beverages, such as tea, lemonade, or sparkling water.
5. For a decorative touch, place a sliced peach or sprig of mint on top of each ice cube before freezing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Clear consommé with parsley essence
This recipe yields a light, crystal-clear consommé infused with the bright, fresh flavor of parsley. Perfect for sipping on its own or serving as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine broth, wine, water, tomato paste, carrots, celery, and parsley in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Strain consommé through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pomegranate seed-free smoothie
Start your day with a burst of flavor and nutrients from this vibrant pomegranate smoothie, carefully crafted to exclude the pesky seeds. This recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of pomegranate but can’t stand the hassle of dealing with the arils.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pomegranate juice
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the frozen pomegranate juice, sliced banana, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract to a blender.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor as desired.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is fully incorporated.
6. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Strained carrot-ginger infusion
Soften your senses with this soothing and flavorful strained carrot-ginger infusion. This herbal drink is perfect for a relaxing evening or as a revitalizing pick-me-up any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups water
– Optional: honey or lemon to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped carrots and sliced ginger.
2. Add 4 cups of water to the pan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are soft and the mixture has reduced slightly.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard the solids.
5. Let the infusion cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve chilled, sweetened with honey if desired, and garnished with lemon slices if you like.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Green tea with a hint of lemon
A perfect blend of green tea’s subtle bitterness and the brightness of lemon, this recipe is ideal for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf green tea (or 1 green tea bag)
– 1 cup water
– Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the green tea leaves or tea bag. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on your desired strength of tea.
3. While the tea is steeping, squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using a tea infuser or by removing the tea leaves or tea bag.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (steeping time)
Strained cucumber-melon juice
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink that combines the cooling properties of cucumber with the sweetness of melon. This recipe is perfect for a hot day or as a healthy alternative to soda.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cucumber chunks
– 1 cup cantaloupe chunks
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine cucumber and melon chunks.
2. Add water and blend until smooth.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or fibers.
4. If desired, add honey to taste and stir well.
5. Chill the juice in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve cold with ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
– For a clearer juice, use a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve to strain again.
– Enjoy as is or add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz!
Plain agar-agar fruit jelly
This simple recipe yields a deliciously clear and refreshing fruit jelly using agar-agar, perfect for hot summer days or as a healthy dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 2 cups mixed fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or any other combination)
– 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the water and agar-agar powder in a saucepan and whisk until the powder dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the mixed fruits and honey (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the jelly has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test” (when you place a small amount of the mixture on a chilled plate, it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger).
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring into sterilized jars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Clear miso broth with scallions
This simple and comforting recipe makes a perfect base for various Japanese dishes or a soothing solo snack. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and clear miso broth in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
– Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the water and miso paste. Whisk until the miso dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the broth has slightly thickened.
4. Stir in soy sauce (if using).
5. Just before serving, add the sliced scallions to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strained pear and cinnamon compote
This sweet and tangy compote is perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pears, sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the liquid has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Strain the compote through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Are you preparing for a colonoscopy? A clear diet can help make the experience smoother. This article provides 18 gentle recipes to aid in your preparation, including soups, broths, teas, and more. From Clear Chicken Broth with Ginger to Plain Agar-Agar Fruit Jelly, these recipes are designed to be easy on the digestive system. Try making homemade Apple Juice Popsicles or Lemon-Lime Electrolyte Ice Chips to keep you hydrated and satisfied. With these recipes, you’ll be ready for your colonoscopy in no time.
