Diabetic meal plan for crohn's disease
Manage Crohn's and diabetes with care using the Diabetic Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease. This plan features meals like soft-cooked chicken and rice, ripe banana smoothies, and steamed vegetables, all carefully prepared to be gentle on the digestive system and suitable for diabetic dietary needs.
Meal plan grocery list
- Eggs
- Fresh spinach
- Avocado
- Chicken breasts
- Carrots
- Quinoa
- Greek yogurt
- Sliced almonds
- Honey
- Salmon fillets
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Oatmeal
- Almond milk
- Strawberries
- Cinnamon
- Turkey breast
- Whole grain tortilla
- Mixed greens
- Cottage cheese
- Pineapple chunks
- Tofu
- Bell peppers
- Brown rice
- Granola
- Feta cheese
- Almond butter
- Rice cakes
- Shrimp
- Zucchini
- Pesto sauce
- Chia seeds
- Bananas
- Chicken (for Caesar salad)
- Caesar dressing
- Whole grain croutons
- Apples
- Peanut butter
- Cod fillets
- Brussels sprouts
- Lemon
- Herbs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lentil soup
- Turkey meatballs
- Marinara sauce
- Spaghetti squash
- Bell peppers (for scrambling with eggs)
- Onions
- Steak
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Baby carrots
- Hummus
- Chicken thighs
- Root vegetables
- Black beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Tzatziki sauce
- Cucumber
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb. 29, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
The Diabetic Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease caters to individuals managing both diabetes and Crohn's Disease. It includes easily digestible, low-glycemic foods that are gentle on the digestive system, such as cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, and soft grains, tailored to avoid aggravating Crohn's symptoms while maintaining blood sugar control.
This plan offers a balanced approach to dietary management for those with Crohn's and diabetes, focusing on meals that are both soothing and blood sugar-friendly.
Foods to eat
- Low-Residue Foods: White rice, bananas, and applesauce.
- Lean Proteins: Fish, egg whites, and chicken.
- Cooked Vegetables: Without skin or seeds.
- Low-Lactose Dairy: Lactose-free milk and yogurt.
- Small, Frequent Meals: To reduce the burden on the digestive system.
✅ Tip
Focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help manage symptoms of Crohn's disease and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Foods not to eat
- High-Fiber Foods: Whole grains, nuts, and raw fruits and vegetables.
- Sugary Foods: Can disrupt blood sugar levels and gut health.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Can irritate the digestive system.
- Fatty Foods: Difficult to digest and can exacerbate symptoms.
Main benefits
The Diabetic Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease caters to individuals with both diabetes and Crohn's disease. It focuses on foods that are easy on the digestive system and anti-inflammatory, while also maintaining stable blood sugar levels with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To support Crohn's disease management while balancing diabetes, consider these substitutions:
- For easy digestion, white rice can replace quinoa in meals and bowls.
- To reduce fiber, peeled apples can be used instead of whole apples as a snack.
- For a low-residue option, mashed potatoes can replace sweet potatoes in meals.
- To avoid seeds, smooth almond butter can be used instead of chia seeds in recipes.
- For a gentle vegetable, zucchini can replace bell peppers in stir-fries and salads.
How to budget on this meal plan
Purchase eggs, chicken breasts, and salmon in bulk for protein. Whole grain bread, brown rice, and quinoa are more affordable when bought in larger quantities. Fresh produce like spinach, carrots, and bell peppers can be more economical when in season. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese can be bought in larger containers for savings.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Gentle snack options for diabetics with Crohn's disease:
- Oatmeal with banana
- Boiled potatoes
- Peeled apple slices
- White rice with boiled chicken
- Scrambled eggs
- Plain yogurt with honey
- Homemade broth or soup
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For diabetics suffering from Crohn's disease, selecting non-irritating drinks is crucial. Water is key for maintaining hydration. Weak herbal teas, particularly peppermint or ginger, can aid digestion and offer a soothing effect. Beverages high in caffeine and sugar should be avoided, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
How to get even more nutrients?
Managing Crohn’s disease alongside diabetes involves minimizing digestive discomfort while keeping blood sugar levels stable. Choose low-fiber, well-cooked vegetables to reduce gut irritation and avoid potential flare-ups. Incorporate easily digestible proteins such as poached chicken, baked fish, or tofu that are gentle on the digestive system. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil, can help reduce the inflammation often associated with Crohn’s disease.
Meal plan suggestions
Diabetic Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with cooked spinach and mashed avocado (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 5g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Baked chicken breast with steamed carrots and quinoa (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with sliced almonds and a drizzle of honey (calories: 150, protein: 10g, carbs: 15g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 15g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal made with almond milk, topped with sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon (calories: 320, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with whole grain tortilla, served with a side of mixed greens (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks (calories: 150, protein: 12g, carbs: 15g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with bell peppers and brown rice (calories: 380, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with mixed berries and a sprinkle of granola (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 35g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Spinach and feta cheese omelette with a side salad (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: Almond butter spread on rice cakes (calories: 180, protein: 6g, carbs: 20g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp skewers with zucchini noodles tossed in pesto sauce (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk and topped with sliced bananas (calories: 280, protein: 8g, carbs: 35g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with homemade dressing and whole grain croutons (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter (calories: 150, protein: 4g, carbs: 20g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Baked cod with lemon and herbs, served with roasted Brussels sprouts (calories: 380, protein: 30g, carbs: 15g, fat: 20g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and cherry tomatoes (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 35g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Baby carrots with hummus (calories: 100, protein: 3g, carbs: 15g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Turkey meatballs with marinara sauce served over spaghetti squash (calories: 380, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 15g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with diced bell peppers and onions (calories: 280, protein: 15g, carbs: 5g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Grilled steak salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts (calories: 200, protein: 12g, carbs: 20g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken thighs with roasted root vegetables (calories: 380, protein: 25g, carbs: 25g, fat: 20g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with kale, banana, and almond milk (calories: 250, protein: 10g, carbs: 35g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with tzatziki sauce (calories: 80, protein: 3g, carbs: 10g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with a side of sautéed spinach and quinoa (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 20g)
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.