Manage Crohn's: Low Cholesterol Diet Plan That Works
Primary concerns of Crohn's disease management via a low-cholesterol diet are inflammatory control and the maintenance of good intestinal health. This dietary change will have the effect of soothing your gut while at the same time maintaining the level of cholesterol in the body. It's a way of eating that's mindful and can help soothe Crohn's symptoms.
Diet plan grocery list
Spinach
Salmon
Quinoa
Olive oil
Almonds
Avocado
Broccoli
Chicken breast
Brown rice
Blueberries
Tofu
Oats
Apples
Walnuts
Sweet potatoes
Greek yogurt
Green beans
Turkey breast
Flaxseeds
Oranges
Cauliflower
Cottage cheese
Lentils
Strawberries
Lean beef
Barley
Carrots
Low-fat milk
Brussels sprouts
Tilapia
Whole wheat bread
Peas
Low-fat cheese
Diet plan overview
For those managing Crohn's disease while keeping in mind cholesterol concerns, the low cholesterol diet plan for Crohn's disease is tailored to gently treat a tender digestive system while servicing heart health. It cuts down fatty meats and high-fat dairy products and replaces these with lean proteins and low-fat alternatives. Its main share comes from non-cruciferous, cooked vegetables and adds soluble fiber for handling inflammation.
It also forbids spicy foods and large meals that only exacerbate the symptoms of Crohn's. It advises frequent small meals that are easily digestible and provide the required amount of energy constantly.
Foods to eat
- Low-Fiber Fruits: Bananas and melons are easier on the digestive system.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and fish provide protein without aggravating symptoms.
- Cooked Vegetables: Carrots, squash, and potatoes can be less irritating when well-cooked.
- Refined Grains: White rice and white bread are often better tolerated.
- Lactose-Free Dairy: Lactose-free yogurt and cheese can be good calcium sources.
✅ Tip
Opt for wild-caught salmon, which provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s to help manage Crohn's disease.
Foods not to eat
- Dairy Products: Milk and ice cream can worsen symptoms for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- High-Fiber Foods: Beans, popcorn, and whole grains can be too fibrous for some people.
- Caffeine: Coffee and tea can increase diarrhea and cramping.
- Fatty Foods: Fried foods and fatty cuts of meat can exacerbate symptoms.
- Alcohol: Can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
Main benefits
A strong component of the low cholesterol diet plan for Crohn's disease is soluble fiber derived from oats and apples, which soothes the digestive tract. Lean proteins like turkey and tofu provide necessary nutrition without causing flare-ups. In addition, it advocates an anti-inflammatory diet in foods such as ginger and turmeric to reduce symptoms. The low-fat dairy and healthy avocado addition with low-fat ensure low cholesterol levels while maintaining gut health.
📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)
How to budget on this diet plan
Low-cholesterol doesn't have to mean low flavor, so it's best to opt for non-cruciferous vegetables such as squash and carrots, which happen to be budget-friendly and gentle on the gut. Canned salmon is a cheap alternative to purchasing fish fresh. There, you will get your omega-3s. Plain yogurt is so often cheaper and more versatile than fancy probiotic drinks. Not only gut-friendly, but also filling. Don't fear bulking up on rice or potatoes for full but cheap sides.
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Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Low Cholesterol Diet Plan for Crohn's Disease
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries, almonds, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, quinoa, and steamed spinach
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Apple slices with cottage cheese
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with strawberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat bread with avocado and green beans
- Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
- Snack: Orange slices and low-fat cheese
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, blueberries, spinach, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots and peas
- Dinner: Grilled lean beef, quinoa, and steamed cauliflower
- Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices
Day 4
- Breakfast: Barley porridge with strawberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Tilapia with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
- Dinner: Turkey breast with brown rice, steamed green beans, and olive oil
- Snack: Orange slices with almonds
Day 5
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with quinoa, blueberries, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa, spinach, and avocado
- Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
- Snack: Apple slices with low-fat cheese
Day 6
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with strawberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Lentil salad with spinach, quinoa, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices
Day 7
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries, almonds, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat bread with avocado and green beans
- Dinner: Grilled lean beef, barley, and steamed cauliflower
- Snack: Orange slices and low-fat cheese
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on May 13, 2024
- Updated on Nov 1, 2024