Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which
For many people with Crohn’s disease, certain foods can improve or worsen symptoms during a flare, according to
Though there is no specific one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn’s disease, some foods are more likely to contribute to symptoms than others.
The following 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.
Breakfast: Vegan Instant Pot Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good breakfast choice for people with Crohn’s disease because it’s a great source of soluble fiber, which can add bulk to the stool to
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 yet 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
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
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
Featuring peeled sweet potatoes, chickpeas, curly kale, and coconut milk, this curry is warm, rich, and soothing.
It’s also 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.
Be sure to adjust this recipe as needed and omit ingredients like bacon, onions, cheese, or broccoli if they cause digestive issues for you.
Lunch: Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta
Made with roasted tomatoes, homemade pesto, and your choice of pasta, this recipe is filling, flavorful, and easy on the stomach.
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
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
Lunch: Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
For a quick lunch that’s easy to make and gentle on the stomach, try out this veggie and hummus sandwich.
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 meal makes for a cozy and comforting weeknight dinner that can be cooked and served in a single pot for easy clean-up.
Plus, according to a
Breakfast: The Best Tofu Scramble
In addition to being high in protein, tofu gives you an easy and effective way to
Getting enough calcium in your diet is especially important if you have Crohn’s disease, as some
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 (a type of carbohydrate), check out this salad. It pairs spinach, strawberries, and feta with a rich balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
You can also try adding grilled chicken or baked salmon to ramp up the protein content even more.
Dinner: Healthy Sheet Pan Tilapia and Veggies
This recipe combines tilapia with a variety of cooked vegetables, which are
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
According to one study from 2020, people with IBD have a 2.7 times higher risk of lactose intolerance, making it difficult for some 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
In addition to being high in heart-healthy fats and other essential nutrients, this low FODMAP meal is incredibly 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
Not only is this avocado toast creamy and satisfying, but it’s also easy to make and completely customizable.
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
Because they can be made in advance and easily stored and reheated, frittatas can be an excellent make-ahead lunch.
This recipe is a particularly good choice for people with digestive issues, as you can easily tailor it to fit your needs by trading 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, which is typically lower in fiber than other whole grain varieties of pasta and features other nutritious ingredients like shrimp, diced tomatoes, peas, and olive oil.
