Vegetarian meal plan for crohn's disease
Manage Crohn's with care using the Vegetarian Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease. This plan includes comforting vegetarian dishes like creamy vegetable soups, mashed potatoes, and ripe banana smoothies, all chosen for their ease of digestion and nutrient content, ensuring a gentle yet nutritious approach to managing Crohn's symptoms.
Meal plan grocery list
Bananas
Spinach
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Quinoa
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Eggplant
Lemon vinaigrette ingredients
Greek yogurt
Honey
Strawberries
Lentils
Carrots
Celery
Potatoes
Oatmeal
Almonds
Blueberries
Maple syrup
Chickpeas
Brown rice
Cottage cheese
Pineapple chunks
Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Mixed berries
Shredded coconut
Feta cheese
Edamame
Vegetable curry ingredients
Granola
Whole grain bread
Apples
Spaghetti squash
Marinara sauce
Sautéed vegetable ingredients
Hemp seeds
Kale
Trail mix ingredients
Cashews
Peaches
Ricotta cheese
Pasta shells
Hummus
Tzatziki sauce
Greek salad ingredients
Whole grain toast
Avocado
Tomatoes
Hemp seeds
Soba noodles
Cottage cheese
Stuffed bell pepper ingredients
Meal plan overview
The Vegetarian Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease is tailored for individuals managing Crohn's symptoms. It includes gentle, easily digestible vegetarian foods like cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, and soft grains, focusing on reducing digestive discomfort.
This plan offers a variety of soothing, nutrient-rich meals, providing comfort and nourishment while catering to the dietary needs of Crohn's disease.
Foods to eat
- Low-Sodium Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts, and homemade meals.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats.
- Lean Proteins: Fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu.
- Potassium-Rich Foods: Bananas, oranges, and sweet potatoes to help manage blood pressure.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado, and flaxseeds.
- Herbs and Spices: To flavor food instead of salt.
- Water: Adequate hydration is important for blood pressure regulation.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Sodium Foods: Canned soups, processed meats, and salty snacks.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Processed Foods: Often high in sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Fried Foods: Tend to be high in calories and unhealthy fats.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread and pasta.
- Sugary Snacks and Beverages: Can contribute to weight gain and hypertension.
Main benefits
The Dairy-Free Meal Plan for High Blood Pressure focuses on reducing sodium and increasing potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, all dairy-free, to support cardiovascular health.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A vegetarian meal plan for Crohn's disease can be optimized with these alternatives:
- Replace quinoa with white rice to provide a more easily digestible grain that’s gentle on the digestive tract.
- Instead of chickpeas, consider using white beans, which are softer and easier to digest, reducing potential discomfort.
- Swap raw spinach with cooked spinach to make the greens easier to digest while still offering nutritional benefits.
- For a different protein source, try tofu instead of lentils, as it is lower in fiber and easier on the digestive system.
- Replace whole grain bread with sourdough bread, which is less likely to irritate the gut due to its fermentation process.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
These gentle-on-the-stomach vegetarian snacks can be suitable for Crohn's disease:
- Banana
- Applesauce
- White toast with margarine
- Plain rice cakes
- Boiled potatoes
- Steamed carrots
- Homemade smoothies with tolerated fruits
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For Crohn's disease, soothing beverages like peppermint tea can ease intestinal discomfort. Carrot juice, gentle on the stomach and nutritious, is beneficial. Aloe vera juice can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Chamomile tea is recommended for its calming properties, and water is crucial to maintain hydration.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Vegetarian Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease
Day 1
- Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, spinach, almond milk, and chia seeds (Calories: 300, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant) tossed in lemon vinaigrette (Calories: 380, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and sliced strawberries (Calories: 150, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Lentil stew with carrots, celery, and potatoes (Calories: 350, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced almonds, blueberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup (Calories: 320, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable stir-fry with tofu, served with brown rice (Calories: 380, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g)
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks (Calories: 180, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Baked tofu with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli (Calories: 400, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 18g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk, topped with mixed berries and shredded coconut (Calories: 300, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Spinach and feta stuffed bell peppers served with quinoa (Calories: 370, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g)
- Snack: Edamame sprinkled with sea salt (Calories: 150, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Vegetable curry with chickpeas, served with brown rice (Calories: 400, Protein: 16g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 14g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with layers of yogurt, granola, and sliced bananas (Calories: 350, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable soup with a side of whole grain bread (Calories: 350, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter (Calories: 200, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and sautéed vegetables (Calories: 380, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 14g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Berry and kale smoothie with hemp seeds and almond milk (Calories: 300, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable curry with coconut milk, served with quinoa (Calories: 380, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 16g)
- Snack: Trail mix with mixed nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate chips (Calories: 200, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with tofu and cashews, served over brown rice (Calories: 400, Protein: 16g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced peaches and a sprinkle of granola (Calories: 320, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells with marinara sauce (Calories: 370, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 16g)
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (Calories: 100, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Baked falafel with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad (Calories: 400, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with mashed avocado and sliced tomatoes, sprinkled with hemp seeds (Calories: 320, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 16g)
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stir-fry with ginger-soy sauce, served over soba noodles (Calories: 380, Protein: 16g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 14g)
- Snack: Mixed berries with cottage cheese (Calories: 180, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, black beans, corn, and avocado (Calories: 400, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 16g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024