Meal plan grocery list
Chicken breast
Salmon fillet
Ground turkey
Lean beef
Tuna
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Almond milk
Carrots
Zucchini
Spinach
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Bell peppers
Cucumber
Blueberries
Bananas
Apples
Pears
Avocado
Oatmeal
Brown rice
Quinoa
Gluten-free bread
Lentils
Chickpeas
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Almond butter
Bone broth
Herbal tea
Rice cakes
Meal plan overview
The complete meal plan for crohn's disease focuses on reducing inflammation and easing digestion. It includes easily digestible foods like lean proteins, refined grains, and cooked vegetables, avoiding common irritants like dairy, high-fiber foods, and spicy dishes. This plan is tailored to minimize symptoms and support gut health.
With gentle, nutritious meals, it helps manage the condition while ensuring balanced nutrition. The goal is to provide tasty, soothing food options that promote overall well-being without aggravating symptoms.
Foods to eat
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are affordable and packed with protein.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats are nutritious and budget-friendly staples.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Buying what's in season, like squash in fall or greens in spring, saves money and boosts nutrition.
- Frozen Vegetables: A cost-effective and long-lasting option for getting your veggies in.
- Tofu and Tempeh: Inexpensive protein sources that can be used in a variety of dishes.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Expensive Meat Alternatives: Skip pricey fake meats and opt for whole food sources.
- Out-of-Season Produce: Costs more and isn't as fresh; stick to what's currently in season.
- Pre-packaged Meals: Generally more expensive and less nutritious than homemade.
- Specialty Health Foods: Items like goji berries or quinoa chips can quickly bust your budget.
- High-End Dairy Products: Fancy cheeses and yogurts are pricier; stick with basics like plain yogurt.
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Main benefits
A budget meal plan for vegetarian diets helps you enjoy nutritious meals without breaking the bank. It focuses on affordable plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. This plan encourages seasonal vegetable consumption, which is both cost-effective and fresh. Additionally, it promotes the use of whole grains and legumes, which are filling and nutrient-dense, ensuring you get essential nutrients without overspending.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To support easy digestion and nutrient absorption, consider these soothing and gentle food alternatives:
- For a lean protein, tilapia can replace salmon, offering a lower-fat and gentle-on-the-stomach option.
- To diversify your grains, white rice can replace quinoa, providing a soft and easily digestible alternative.
- For a vegetable alternative, cooked pumpkin can replace sweet potatoes, offering a smooth and gentle texture.
- To add variety to fruit choices, ripe pears can replace apples, providing a softer and easier-to-digest option.
- For a different fat source, avocado oil can replace olive oil, offering a mild flavor and high in healthy fats.
How to budget on this meal plan
Managing Crohn’s disease on a budget involves focusing on simple, whole foods like rice, potatoes, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods which can be more expensive and less gut-friendly. Shop sales for fresh produce and consider frozen options. Cooking at home allows for control over ingredients and can be more cost-effective.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for a complete meal plan for Crohn's disease:
- Banana slices with almond butter
- Rice cakes with avocado
- Homemade applesauce
- Soft-cooked carrots and zucchini sticks
- Plain Greek yogurt with honey
- Smoothies with low-fiber fruits
- Boiled eggs
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a complete meal plan for Crohn's disease, drink plenty of water and herbal teas. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages, as they can irritate the digestive system. Low-sugar electrolyte drinks and homemade broths can help maintain hydration. Fresh vegetable juices without pulp and lactose-free or plant-based milks may also be tolerated. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How to get even more nutrients?
For Crohn's disease, choose easily digestible proteins such as lean meats, fish, and eggs. Incorporate soluble fiber sources like oatmeal, applesauce, and bananas. Add healthy fats with olive oil, avocado, and nut butters. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to prevent deficiencies and avoid triggers that exacerbate symptoms.
Meal plan suggestion
Complete Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with Blueberries and Almond Milk
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa and Spinach
- Dinner: Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Zucchini
- Snack: Greek Yogurt with Sliced Banana
Calories: 1500 Fat: 50g Carbs: 150g Protein: 100g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek Yogurt, Spinach, Blueberries, and Almond Milk
- Lunch: Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Cucumber and Bell Peppers
- Dinner: Lean Beef Stir-fry with Brown Rice, Carrots, and Kale
- Snack: Cottage Cheese with Sliced Pear
Calories: 1600 Fat: 55g Carbs: 155g Protein: 110g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Gluten-free Bread
- Lunch: Tuna Salad with Avocado and Cucumber
- Dinner: Grilled Chicken Breast with Lentils and Carrots
- Snack: Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Calories: 1550 Fat: 60g Carbs: 140g Protein: 105g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Blueberries and Gluten-free Bread
- Lunch: Baked Salmon with Brown Rice and Zucchini
- Dinner: Ground Turkey with Quinoa, Kale, and Bell Peppers
- Snack: Cottage Cheese with Sliced Apple
Calories: 1500 Fat: 55g Carbs: 145g Protein: 100g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with Bananas and Almond Milk
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad with Spinach, Cucumber, and Carrots
- Dinner: Lean Beef with Sweet Potatoes and Kale
- Snack: Rice Cakes with Almond Butter
Calories: 1600 Fat: 60g Carbs: 150g Protein: 110g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek Yogurt, Spinach, Blueberries, and Almond Milk
- Lunch: Tuna Salad with Kale and Bell Peppers
- Dinner: Baked Salmon with Quinoa and Carrots
- Snack: Cottage Cheese with Sliced Pear
Calories: 1550 Fat: 55g Carbs: 150g Protein: 105g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Kale and Gluten-free Bread
- Lunch: Chicken Breast with Lentils and Cucumber
- Dinner: Ground Turkey with Brown Rice, Zucchini, and Spinach
- Snack: Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Calories: 1500 Fat: 50g Carbs: 145g Protein: 100g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jul 2, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024