Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With Crohn’s, the digestive tract is inflamed causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Consequently, Crohn’s disease can be a difficult condition to live with.
However, diet and nutrition is an essential element in preventing flare-ups or easing them when they come. Below are five easy meal ideas that are Crohn’s Disease friendly. Try these out next time you’re looking for something new!
Oatmeal
Switch it up for breakfast! Upgrade your oatmeal with tasty toppings.
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Try adding chia seeds, peanut butter, and bananas to your oatmeal for a sweet kick that will keep you full and be gentle on your stomach.
You can also add fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, if these do not trigger flare-ups for you; top it off with some honey and you have a fresh breakfast.
Fruit Bowl with Low Fiber Fruits
This quick snack idea is perfectly customizable to you! Pick your favorite fruits, chop them up into bite-sized pieces, and throw them in a bowl!
However, try to pick low fiber fruits like banana, peaches, watermelon, and cantaloupe. You can also add a little bit of honey or agave nectar for some added sweetness.
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Skinless Chicken
Skinless chicken can be a staple in your diet that is Crohn’s-friendly and easy to prepare.
Season the chicken with your favorite seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, etc.) and roast on a sheet pan along with your favorite vegetables.
If you want to get more creative, try using the chicken in a tortilla soup or chicken fajitas. Use white rice or pasta as an effortless side dish.
Salmon
Oily fish, like salmon or tuna, is great for those with Crohn’s disease because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids which help with decreasing inflammation.
But salmon doesn’t have to be boring! Grill it and top with lemon, oil, seasonings or sauces that you like.
Salmon can go great with potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta. Grilled or roasted asparagus tips with lemon, olive oil, and seasonings on top is a great side dish with salmon that will not cause any digestive irritation.
Refined Grains
A staple in many diets, pasta is a refined grain that can be a base in so many recipes that fill you up without irritating your stomach.
Spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a super easy dish to make! Ground turkey is less fibrous than ground beef and is easier to digest. Opt for a low sugar tomato or pasta sauce, however, you can also make your own sauce to easily monitor the sugar and salt added to the recipe. Another refined grain to use is white rice!
This base is an easy combo as a base for any chicken recipes (try a honey garlic marinade next time) or under a salmon dinner.
