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 shopping 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 (vegetables, chickpeas)
- Granola
- Whole grain bread
- Apples
- Spaghetti squash
- Marinara sauce
- Sautéed vegetable ingredients
- Hemp seeds
- Kale
- Trail mix ingredients (nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate chips)
- 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 (quinoa, black beans, corn)
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team has checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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-Residue Foods: Refined grains like white rice and sourdough bread.
- Cooked Vegetables: Skinless potatoes, squash, and carrots.
- Low-Fiber Fruits: Ripe bananas and melon, avoiding seeds and skins.
- Lean Protein Sources: Tofu, eggs, and lactose-free yogurt.
- Hydration: Water, herbal teas, and broth-based soups.
✅ Tip
Incorporate fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
Foods not to eat
- High-Fiber Foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables.
- Spicy Foods: Can irritate the digestive tract.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Can exacerbate symptoms.
- Sugary Foods: Can cause imbalances in gut bacteria.
Main benefits
The Vegetarian Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease aims to reduce symptoms and inflammation. This diet includes easily digestible foods, such as cooked fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, and refined grains, to help manage the condition while providing necessary nutrients.
How to budget on this meal plan?
Buy staples like bananas, quinoa, and oatmeal in bulk. Almond milk and Greek yogurt can be more economical when purchased in larger sizes. Fresh vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers are more affordable in season. Consider preparing and freezing portions of meals like vegetable curries or lentil stews.
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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?
Managing Crohn's disease involves eating foods that reduce intestinal inflammation. Opt for easily digestible proteins like scrambled eggs and soft-cooked legumes, which are gentle on the gut. Incorporating cooked, peeled vegetables and fruits can provide necessary vitamins and nutrients while minimizing fiber that could irritate the gut. Including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like flaxseed oil, can also help reduce inflammation.
Meal plan suggestions
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
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of updating it on April 12, 2024.
