Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and a variety of foods high in protein, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals could help reduce Crohn’s disease flare-ups.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that most commonly affects the small intestine and colon. During flare-ups, you may experience symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Some 2019 research suggests that diet may play a key role in managing Crohn’s disease flare-ups.

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn’s disease, some foods may be more likely to trigger symptoms than others.

The following 7-day sample meal plan has been designed for people with Crohn’s disease who are looking for healthy, nutritious meals but don’t want monotony on their plates.

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Breakfast: Vegan instant pot peanut butter banana oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good breakfast choice if you have Crohn’s disease because it’s a great source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help people stay in remission.

Soluble fiber can also help bulk up and soften stool, which can ease digestive issues like diarrhea.

Be sure to swap in quick or rolled oats during a flare-up, as these varieties contain slightly less fiber than steel-cut oats and may be easier to digest.

Lunch: Greek chicken wrap

These Greek chicken wraps are great as a simple make-ahead lunch that’s highly nutritious and gentle on the stomach.

You can also customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or trading the chicken for other nutritious sources of protein.

Dinner: Lemon garlic butter salmon with mashed potatoes

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of heart-healthy fat that may help reduce the severity of symptoms of flare associated with Crohn’s disease.

This recipe pairs garlic butter salmon with mashed potatoes and green beans to help round out your plate and keep you feeling full.

Breakfast: Best berry smoothie

For an easy breakfast that you can take on the go, try whipping up this high protein smoothie.

Not only is it packed with nutrients like vitamin A and potassium, but it’s also suitable for a low FODMAP diet, which may help improve digestive issues related to Crohn’s disease.

Lunch: Marinated grilled chicken with zucchini

This recipe requires just eight simple ingredients, making it an excellent weekday lunch you can prepare ahead and bring to work.

If you’re feeling creative, try mixing it up and adding in some other easy-to-digest vegetables, such as cooked carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.

Dinner: Sweet potato bowls with kale and chickpeas

This warm, rich curry features tasty foods like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and curly kale.

It also has coconut milk, which is recommended as a low-FODMAP milk alternative for people with Crohn’s disease.

It’s great for meal prep and can easily be stored in the fridge and enjoyed as leftovers.

Breakfast: Breakfast egg muffins

These baked egg muffins can be made ahead and kept in the fridge or freezer for busy mornings when you’re short on time.

Research suggests that egg yolks may help reduce inflammation and improve the gut microbiome in people with IBD. This may help maintain remission.

You may want to adjust this recipe as needed and omit ingredients that may cause digestive issues.

Lunch: Creamy vegan pesto pasta

This recipe is made with roasted tomatoes, homemade pesto, and your choice of pasta to make a filling, flavorful dish.

Dinner: Paleo turkey burgers with spinach

These burgers are made with ground turkey instead of beef, reducing the amount of total fat and saturated fat in each serving.

According to a 2020 research review, some studies suggest that high fat diets rich in saturated fat can increase intestinal inflammation, which could worsen symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Breakfast: Quinoa porridge with banana and yogurt

This hearty breakfast features quinoa flakes, bananas, yogurt, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to boost the flavor.

Ideally, select a variety of yogurt that contains probiotics when preparing this dish. Probiotics can support the health of the gut microbiome and may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Lunch: Veggie and hummus sandwich

Try this veggie and hummus sandwich for a quick lunch that’s easy to make and gentle on the stomach.

Pair with a fresh fruit salad, your favorite soup, or a simple side salad to round out your meal.

Dinner: One pot chicken and rice

This cozy and comforting weeknight dinner can be cooked and served in a single pot for easy clean-up.

What’s more, according to a 2020 study of 233 people with IBD, chicken and rice were among the most commonly identified foods associated with a reduction of symptoms.

Breakfast: The best tofu scramble

Tofu is high in protein and an easy way to boost your intake of calcium, an essential nutrient involved in bone health.

Getting enough calcium in your diet is especially important if you have Crohn’s disease. A 2020 review suggests that IBD may be linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density.

Enjoy this tofu scramble with white toast or boiled potatoes and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sliced avocado or fresh herbs.

Lunch: Low FODMAP spinach salad with strawberries

For a refreshing and flavorful lunch that’s low in FODMAPs, check out this salad. It pairs spinach, strawberries, and feta with a rich balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

You can also add grilled chicken or baked salmon to increase the protein.

Dinner: Healthy sheet pan tilapia and veggies

This recipe combines tilapia with a variety of cooked vegetables, which are often recommended for people with Crohn’s disease because they’re lower in fiber and better tolerated than raw vegetables.

You can also adjust as needed and swap out potential trigger foods, such as broccoli, for other veggies during flare-ups.

Breakfast: Vegan pumpkin pancakes

A 2020 review found that people with IBD are 2.7 times more likely to have lactose intolerance, making it difficult to digest dairy products like milk, cheese, or butter.

If you have lactose intolerance or are limiting your dairy intake, these fluffy vegan pumpkin pancakes can be a flavorful addition to your breakfast rotation.

Lunch: Low FODMAP tuna salad

This low FODMAP meal is easy to prepare, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time to come together.

Enjoy it as is, spread it on toast to make a sandwich, or pair it with crackers for a lighter lunch.

Dinner: Parmesan zucchini tomato chicken spaghetti

This hearty pasta dish features a wide range of nutrient-dense ingredients, including cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and chicken.

You can also give it a gluten-free twist by trading the regular spaghetti for a gluten-free variety instead.

Breakfast: Avocado toast

This avocado toast is creamy and satisfying, easy to make, and customizable.

Research suggests avocados could help maintain remission for people with Crohn’s disease. However, if you have intestinal strictures, you may want to limit your intake of avocados.

Choose a low fiber bread during flares and top it with scrambled eggs, fresh tomatoes, or a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.

Lunch: Vegetable frittata

Frittatas are an excellent make-ahead lunch because they can be made in advance, easily stored, and reheated.

This recipe is a good choice for people with digestive issues because you can trade any potential trigger foods for other ingredients that you’re able to tolerate.

Dinner: One pot lemon orzo shrimp

This rich and creamy one-pot meal is ready to serve in less than an hour.

It’s made with orzo pasta and other nutritious ingredients like shrimp and diced tomatoes. It also has olive oil, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could help people with IBD maintain remission.

What is the best food to eat for Crohn’s disease?

The best foods to eat will differ for each individual and depend on several factors, such as whether you’re in remission or experiencing a flare-up. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recommends eating a well-balanced diet of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Are scrambled eggs good for Crohn’s disease?

Yes, scrambled eggs are a high protein food that people with Crohn’s disease can add to their diets. However, it’s best to avoid scrambled eggs with a lot of cow’s milk, butter, or creams, as these may trigger symptoms in some people.

What do people with Crohn’s eat for breakfast?

There are plenty of tasty breakfast options if you have Crohn’s, such as oatmeal, eggs, low fat Greek yogurt, avocado on toast, and pumpkin pancakes.

What are high protein meals for Crohn’s disease?

Some high protein foods to add to your meals if you have Crohn’s include fish, chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs, nut butters, and chia seeds.

Eating with Crohn’s disease doesn’t have to be boring.

In fact, there’s a large variety of healthy, tasty, and convenient dishes you can make to help prevent flare-ups, maintain remission, and get all the nutrients you need.

If you’re unsure of what foods you should be eating, speak with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. They could help develop a meal plan for you.