7-day 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!

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Meal plan grocery list

Clear broth
Strained vegetable broth
Clear chicken broth

Clear beef broth
Apple juice (no pulp)
Jell-O (non-red/purple)
Clear fruit juice (strained)

Water
Herbal tea
Popsicles (non-red/purple)
Clear vegetable broth

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Article Reviewed

• Written by our editorial team.

• Published on December 19, 2023.

• Updated on June 21, 2024.

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 skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu for muscle maintenance and repair.
Low-Fiber Vegetables: Opt for cooked and peeled vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and spinach to minimize fiber intake.
White Rice and Pasta: Include well-cooked white rice and pasta as they are easier to digest compared to whole grains.
Low-Fiber Fruits: Choose peeled and seedless fruits like bananas, melons, and applesauce for a lower fiber content.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods to support gut health and balance the microbiome.
Smooth Nut Butters: Include smooth nut butters like almond or peanut butter for a source of healthy fats and protein.
Well-Cooked Eggs: Incorporate well-cooked eggs as they are a good source of protein and easy to digest.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas to support overall digestive health.

✅ Tip

Experiment with cooked fruits and vegetables, which may be easier to digest than raw ones.

Foods not to eat

High-Fiber Foods: Limit high-fiber foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables as they may exacerbate symptoms.
Spicy Foods: Avoid spicy foods, as they can irritate the digestive tract and potentially trigger symptoms.
Dairy (if lactose intolerant): If lactose intolerant, limit or avoid dairy products to prevent digestive discomfort.
High-Fat Foods: Limit high-fat foods, especially fried and greasy items, as they may be harder to digest.
Caffeine: Limit or avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can stimulate the digestive system and potentially worsen symptoms.
Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it may irritate the digestive tract and interact with medications.
Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed and packaged foods that may contain additives and preservatives.
Artificial Sweeteners: Avoid artificial sweeteners, as they may cause digestive issues in some individuals.

Main benefits

The 7-Day Meal Plan For Crohn's Disease is tailored to support individuals with Crohn's disease by focusing on foods that are easy on the digestive system. This plan emphasizes low-fiber, well-cooked options, including lean proteins and refined grains. By minimizing potential triggers and incorporating nutrient-dense choices, the plan aims to support digestive health and alleviate symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.

How to budget on this meal plan

To budget this Crohn's disease meal plan, focus on homemade options and bulk purchases. Prepare clear broths (chicken, beef, vegetable) at home using affordable ingredients, and store in bulk for convenience. Opt for larger containers of apple and clear fruit juices, avoiding individual packs to save money. Homemade Jell-O and popsicles can be more cost-effective than store-bought versions, and you can control the ingredients to avoid red or purple dyes. Buying herbal tea in bulk can also reduce costs. Remember to prioritize hydration with water, a no-cost option, as a mainstay in the diet.

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Extra tips ✨

Any healthy snack ideas?

These gentle-on-the-stomach snacks can be suitable for Crohn's disease:

Banana or cooked apple slices
Plain rice cakes
Scrambled eggs
Boiled potatoes
Gluten-free toast with avocado
Yogurt with honey
Peeled cucumber slices

What should I drink on this meal plan?

Those with Crohn's disease should choose beverages that are easy on the digestive system. Water is essential for hydration. Herbal teas, like peppermint or ginger, can soothe the digestive tract. Aloe vera juice might help with inflammation. Bone broth is nutritious and usually well-tolerated. It's important to avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or high-sugar drinks.

How to get even more nutrients?

Managing Crohn's disease with diet involves creating meal plans that minimize inflammation and intestinal distress. During flare-ups, low-fiber foods may be necessary to reduce symptoms. Incorporating easily digestible proteins like fish and eggs can aid in nutrition without overstressing the digestive system. Avoiding high-fat and potentially irritating foods like dairy (if lactose intolerant) and spicy foods is also key. Nutrient-dense, soft-cooked vegetables can be included as tolerated.

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