Meal Plan For Crohn's Disease
Living with Crohn's disease and seeking dietary guidance? Our 7-day meal plan for Crohn's disease focuses on gut-friendly foods. Learn how to create meals that are gentle on your digestive system and turn them into a Crohn's-friendly shopping list. Let's eat for digestive comfort!
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Spinach
Banana
Chicken
White rice
Carrots
Salmon
Quinoa
Zucchini
Low-fat yogurt
Pear
Oatmeal
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Blueberries
Turkey
Avocado
Whole grain tortilla
Tofu
Basmati rice
Bell peppers
Ripe banana
Lactose-free yogurt
Strawberries
Cottage cheese
Peaches
Ground flaxseeds
Cucumber
Vinaigrette
Cod
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Rice cakes
Almond butter
Kiwi
Gluten-free granola
Mashed potatoes
Lean ground turkey
Peas
Shrimp
Brown rice
Butternut squash
Apple
Cinnamon
Greek yogurt
Honey
Sliced almonds
Mixed greens
Tilapia
Brussels sprouts
Peanut butter
Feta cheese
Gluten-free bread
Grilled vegetables
Lemon-tahini dressing
Chicken soup
Rice noodles
Orange
Walnuts
Chia seeds
Berries
Shredded chicken
Corn tortillas
Guacamole
Steak
Yogurt parfait
Granola
Strawberries
Meal plan overview
Living with Crohn's disease? Our 7-day meal plan is designed to ease digestive discomfort. It focuses on gut-friendly foods that are gentle and nourishing.
This plan aims to reduce inflammation and symptoms, offering a variety of easy-to-digest options for better digestive health.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Choose lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and tofu to support muscle maintenance and repair.
- Colorful Vegetables: Include a variety of colorful vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers for antioxidants and essential nutrients.
- Fruits: Opt for fresh fruits like berries, apples, and oranges for vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fiber, energy, and essential nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds to support overall health.
- Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods to support gut health, which plays a role in overall immunity.
- Herbs and Spices: Use herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water, herbal teas, and broths to support overall health and manage side effects of treatments.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Processed Meats: Limit processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats, as they may contain additives that could be harmful.
- High-Sugar Foods: Minimize consumption of sugary snacks, desserts, and sweetened beverages, as excessive sugar intake may negatively impact health.
- Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can interact with medications and may have negative effects on the immune system.
- High-Fat Dairy: Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy options to manage calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Spicy Foods: Be cautious with spicy foods, especially if experiencing digestive issues or mouth sores as a result of treatments.
- High-Sodium Foods: Limit sodium intake to manage fluid retention and blood pressure, especially if dealing with side effects like edema.
- Raw or Undercooked Foods: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially if the immune system is compromised, to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Caffeine (if sensitive): Some individuals may need to limit or avoid caffeine, especially if it interferes with sleep or causes digestive discomfort.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Cancer Patients is designed to provide nutrient-dense foods that support overall health during cancer treatment. This plan emphasizes easy-to-digest, energy-rich options, including protein, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. By incorporating foods that address specific nutritional needs during cancer therapy, the plan aims to support patients in maintaining strength and managing side effects.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Managing Crohn's disease involves choosing foods that are gentle on the digestive system and provide balanced nutrition. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace quinoa with millet for a gentle, easily digestible grain.
- Instead of low-fat yogurt, try lactose-free kefir for a probiotic-rich option that's easier to digest.
- Switch whole grain tortilla with gluten-free tortilla to avoid potential gluten sensitivities.
- Use sweet potato puree instead of mashed potatoes for a smoother, nutrient-dense side.
- Substitute cottage cheese with soft tofu for a low-lactose, high-protein alternative.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Gentle snacks for Crohn's Disease, focusing on easy digestion:
- Smooth peanut butter on white toast
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Bananas or melon slices
- Applesauce
- Plain white rice or rice cakes
- Yogurt (if tolerated)
- Instant oatmeal
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For those with Crohn's Disease, it's important to choose beverages that are easy on the digestive system. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. Herbal teas, especially peppermint and chamomile, can soothe the digestive tract. Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary drinks, as they can trigger symptoms.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mashed banana
- Lunch: Grilled chicken with white rice and well-cooked carrots
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed zucchini
- Snack: Low-fat yogurt with ripe, peeled pear
Calories: 1800 Fat: 60g Carbs: 200g Protein: 90g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk, chia seeds, and blueberries
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with a soft whole grain tortilla
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with basmati rice and well-cooked bell peppers
- Snack: Smoothie with ripe banana, lactose-free yogurt, and strawberries
Calories: 1900 Fat: 55g Carbs: 225g Protein: 80g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Low-fat cottage cheese with diced peaches and a sprinkle of ground flaxseeds
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with cooked chicken, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked cod with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans
- Snack: Rice cakes with almond butter
Calories: 1850 Fat: 62g Carbs: 200g Protein: 75g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with blended banana, kiwi, and gluten-free granola
- Lunch: Mashed potatoes with well-cooked lean ground turkey and peas
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with brown rice and roasted butternut squash
- Snack: Baked apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Calories: 1800 Fat: 55g Carbs: 210g Protein: 70g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and sliced almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked tilapia with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Banana with peanut butter
Calories: 1850 Fat: 65g Carbs: 190g Protein: 85g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Spinach and feta omelette with gluten-free toast
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with grilled vegetables and a lemon-tahini dressing
- Dinner: Slow-cooked chicken soup with well-cooked rice noodles and carrots
- Snack: Orange slices with a handful of walnuts
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 200g Protein: 85g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk and topped with berries
- Lunch: Shredded chicken tacos with corn tortillas and a side of guacamole
- Dinner: Grilled steak with mashed potatoes and well-cooked green beans
- Snack: Yogurt parfait with granola and sliced strawberries
Calories: 1950 Fat: 75g Carbs: 200g Protein: 90g
These 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 Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024