If you suffer from hemorrhoid flare-ups, you’ve probably experienced some uncomfortable barbecue seasons. And for those of us who have, we know it’s important to maintain a diet that’s high in fiber. Regular and healthy bowel movements help avoid straining and constipation that can worsen your symptoms.

Constipation is one of the biggest contributors to hemorrhoids. Focusing on fiber-rich foods can help ease constipation and make stools easy to pass.

That’s why today, the Simple Promise Team is sharing a few quick 15-minute high-fiber recipes for your summer BBQs that will keep your bowels happy and we're certain you’ll enjoy.

Carrot and Avocado Salad

This salad is mainly served alongside main foods and is rich in vitamin A. Both carrots and avocado are rich in dietary fiber, especially the insoluble fiber that softens your stool and increases their bulk which helps to avoid straining that can worsen your hemorrhoid symptoms during bowel movements.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large peeled and diced avocado
• 4 peeled and grated medium carrots
• Dash of balsamic vinegar
• Sunflower seeds, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Add the avocado and grated carrots in a medium salad bowl then sprinkle with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and sunflower seeds.
2. Cover and refrigerate for a few minutes before serving. Alternatively, the carrot can first be roasted before adding to the salad.

Black Bean Burgers

This is one of the most effective foods for treating hemorrhoids. Veggie burgers are made with beans that are rich in fiber which helps to soften your stools, making it less straining during your bowel movements. That’s definitely important because constipated stools strain the annual area and worsens your hemorrhoid symptoms.

You can get a proper burger experience with these delicious black bean burger patties. Not to mention, they contain 10g of fiber per serving.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (573 ML) can unsalted black beans, drained
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp canola oil
• 5 whole wheat hamburger buns (4 for serving and 1 for cooking)

DIRECTIONS

1. Toast one whole wheat hamburger bun. In a food processor, pulse the bun until finely ground.
2. In a large bowl, mash drained and rinsed black beans with a fork.
3. Stir breadcrumbs, spices, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, egg and egg white into mixture until completely combined.
4. Divide and shape black bean mixture into four patties, one inch thick. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to the pan and cook for four minutes on each side or until browned. Alternatively, heat grill on high and grill three minutes on both sides, or until patties reach the desired level of heat and char.
5. Dress to your preference (if adding cheese, add to patties during the second half of the cooking process) and serve on whole wheat buns.

Dessert – Fruit Smoothie Popsicles

It’s not hard to get your fiber while still eating deliciously this summer! These sweet and creamy homemade fruit smoothie popsicles can be made out of whatever fruit you have on hand. They’re a great way to stay cool and you know exactly what’s going into them.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cup Orange juice
• ¾ cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt (or your favorite high fiber yogurt)
• 2 ½ cup Fruit—fresh or frozen. Get creative and find your favorite combination!

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender, blend together all ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds.
3. Allow popsicles to freeze completely through, and enjoy.

There you have it. This is our favorite BBQ meal that will help keep your bowels happy and hemorrhoids at bay. Try it out and let me know what you think!

To your health,
The Simple Promise Team