You can eat a light, low-fiber diet in the days leading up to a colonoscopy, and switch to clear liquids the day before the procedure. Here are practical guidelines commonly recommended by major medical sources: Core answer

• Five days before to two days before: follow a low-fiber diet. Choose items that are easy to digest and low in residue.
• The day before: switch to a clear liquid diet only.
• On the day of the procedure: avoid all solid foods and stick to clear liquids until your procedure time.

What to eat in the days before (low-fiber diet)

• Grains and starches: white bread, plain white rice, plain pasta, refined cereals (like cornflakes), crackers, plain oatmeal.
• Proteins: well-cooked, tender meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish), eggs, smooth dairy products (milk, yogurt without fruit pieces, cheese).
• Fruits (peeled or without skin, and seedless): bananas, canned peaches or pears in juice, applesauce.
• Vegetables (well cooked and without skins/seeds): well-cooked carrots, zucchini, potatoes without skin, canned or well-cooked peeled vegetables.
• Dairy and fats: small amounts of butter or oil for cooking, plain butter or margarine, cheese, milk or lactose-free alternatives if tolerated.
• Soups: clear broths or strained soups without chunks; avoid soups with vegetable skins, seeds, or high-fiber additions.

What to avoid (during low-fiber phase)

• Whole grains, raw vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, popcorn, corn, raw fruit with skins or seeds, tough meats, fried or fatty foods, spicy foods, fibrous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), seeds, and bran.
• Legumes, whole grains, and anything with visible fiber.

Day before the procedure (clear liquids only)

• Water, plain tea or coffee (no added milk or cream unless cleared with your doctor), clear broths or bouillon, clear fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape), clear soft drinks or sports drinks without colorings or pulp, lemon juice optional.
• Gelatin desserts (clear colors only, no red/blue/purple), popsicles or ice chips (avoid red, orange, or purple colors).
• Avoid: any liquids with color that could be mistaken for blood or stool (no red, purple, or orange colored drinks), dairy products, alcohol, fruit with pulp, and anything not clearly liquid.

Important notes

• Always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider or colonoscopy center, as regimens can vary (especially regarding timing and exact allowed items). If you’re unsure about any item, contact your doctor’s office before your prep day to avoid issues with the procedure.
• If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other special conditions, your dietary plan may have additional modifications.

If you’d like, share your current dietary restrictions or any items you’re unsure about, and I can tailor a day-by-day prep plan that aligns with common guidelines and helps you avoid anything that could complicate the prep.