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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

  • 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

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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

During flare-ups, opt for low-fiber, easily digestible foods; during remission, gradually reintroduce a wider range of foods.

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 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.

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🎓 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

To budget a meal plan for Crohn's disease, prioritize easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods that are also cost-effective. Buy staples like rice, oats, and almond milk in bulk. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables like bananas, carrots, and zucchini for better prices. Eggs and tofu are affordable protein sources. Opt for smaller portions of higher-cost items like salmon and lean turkey. Plan meals that reuse ingredients to minimize waste. Consider generic brands for items like yogurt and rice cakes to further reduce costs.

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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?

For those managing Crohn's Disease, diet plays a key role in managing symptoms and flare-ups. A diet low in roughage can help reduce intestinal irritation. Opt for cooked vegetables over raw, choose low-fiber fruits like bananas and cantaloupe, and consume refined grains instead of whole grains. Protein intake is important, but choose easy-to-digest sources like fish or eggs. During flare-ups, fatty foods should be limited, but incorporating healthy fats during remission can support overall nutrition.

Meal plan suggestions

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

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.