7-Day Meal Plan for Crohn's Disease: Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory Recipes

The Basics of an IBD-Friendly Diet

There is no universally recommended Crohn's disease diet. Different foods impact people differently. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow:

• Consume lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices.
• Choose lean protein sources like poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu.
• Limit fried foods, processed meats, refined carbs, and sugary foods.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal tea, broths.
• Avoid known trigger foods that worsen your symptoms.
• Reduce dairy, fat, and fiber during flare-ups.

This meal plan incorporates those dietary strategies. The recipes feature nourishing anti-inflammatory foods that are gentle on the digestive system. Portion sizes and fat content are controlled as well.

7-Day Meal Plan

Day 1

Breakfast: Oatmeal with Berries and Flaxseed

Oatmeal is a warm, comforting way to start the day. The fiber in oats provides prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria. Berries add antioxidants and flaxseed contributes anti-inflammatory omega-3s.

Lunch: Mexican Chicken Soup with Rice

Bone broth-based soups provide hydration and minerals for healing the gut lining. Protein from chicken and fiber from veggies make this soup nourishing. Rice adds easily digestible carbs.

Dinner: Baked Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Pairs nicely with quinoa, a seed with prebiotic fiber. Steamed asparagus has antioxidants without too much fiber.

Snacks: Yogurt with Blueberries, Trail Mix

Use plain Greek yogurt and limit to 1/2 cup per day if dairy is tolerated. The probiotics support healthy gut flora. Blueberries provide antioxidants. Trail mix made with nuts/seeds, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate makes a filling, energizing snack.

Day 2

Breakfast: Banana Almond Butter Toast

Banana and almond butter provide potassium and healthy fats to start the day. Use white bread or gluten-free bread to reduce fiber content.

Lunch: Carrot Ginger Soup with Chicken Salad Sandwich

Carrots and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties in this creamy, smooth soup. A chicken salad sandwich provides protein while being gentle on the stomach.

Dinner: Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Ground turkey reduces fat versus ground beef. Mashed potatoes without skins are an easy-to-digest source of carbs and calories. Cook green beans thoroughly until soft.

Snacks: Cucumber Slices with Hummus, Rice Cakes with Nut Butter

Hummus provides protein and fiber without added fat. Cucumbers are hydrating. Rice cakes are a bland starch good for snacking. Nut butters add protein and healthy fats.

Day 3

Breakfast: Egg and Turkey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich

Eggs provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Opt for turkey bacon over pork to reduce fat content. Have it on a white English muffin or croissant.

Lunch: Tuna Salad Wrap with Carrot Sticks

Tuna salad with lemon juice provides flavorful protein for lunch. Carrots are an easy veggie to digest. Wrap in a whole wheat tortilla or lettuce leaves.

Dinner: Chicken Fried Rice

White rice, eggs, tender chicken and safe veggies like carrots make classic fried rice a good dinner option. Use sesame oil and soy sauce for flavor.

Snacks: Apple Slices with Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Cookies

Apples are generally well tolerated and provide fiber, vitamin C. Peanut butter adds protein, fat. Oatmeal cookies can satisfy a sweet craving.

Day 4

Breakfast: Cinnamon Apple Porridge

Porridge cooked with cinnamon and apples provides a comforting, nutritious breakfast. The fiber in oats and apples promotes digestion.

Lunch: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Whole Grain Crackers

Roasting squash brings out its natural sweetness in this vitamin-rich soup. Pair it with simple whole grain crackers.

Dinner: Lemon Chicken Piccata with Quinoa

Piccata sauce gives lean chicken breast flavor. Protein-rich quinoa mixed with parsley and lemon zest makes a bright, antioxidants side.

Snacks: Sliced Pears with Cheddar Cheese, Boiled Edamame

Pears offer fiber, vitamin C. Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium. Boiled edamame pods provide protein, fiber, vitamins.

Day 5

Breakfast: Poached Eggs on Sweet Potato Toast

Sweet potato toast provides antioxidants and fiber. Top with poached eggs for protein. The yolk also provides vitamin A and iron.

Lunch: White Bean and Tomato Soup with Whole Grain Bread

White beans give plant-based protein. Tomatoes add lycopene and vitamins. Pair with whole grain bread or crackers.

Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Brown Rice

Lean chicken and a combo of tender veggies make a balanced stir fry. Use gluten-free soy or tamari sauce. Serve over easy-to-digest brown rice.

Snacks: Baked Pita Chips with Baba Ganoush, Frozen Yogurt with Berries

Baba ganoush has olive oil, eggplant, garlic - all helpful for Crohn's. Berries provide antioxidants and fiber to creamy yogurt.

Day 6

Breakfast: Smoothie with Peaches, Yogurt, Oats

Blend peaches, Greek yogurt, oats and ice for a meal-in-a-glass. It provides carbs, protein, probiotics, and vitamin C.

Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup

Melted cheese and sliced tomato comfort foods. Pair them with creamy, vitamin-rich tomato soup.

Dinner: Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus

Nutrient-dense basil pesto coats whole grain pasta and shrimp. Lemony asparagus is a fiber-rich addition. `

Snacks: Protein Muffin with Nut Butter, Dried Fruit and Nuts

A prepared protein muffin along with nut butter provides fiber, fat. Dried fruit and nuts add vitamins and minerals.

Day 7

Breakfast: Veggie Omelet with Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Eggs and veggies make a protein and antioxidant-rich omelet. Bake sweet potato into hash browns for an IBD-friendly starch.

Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup with Crackers

Warm broth, chicken, veggies and noodles create a comforting soup. Pair it with saltines or rice crackers.

Dinner: Meatballs Marinara with Spaghetti Squash

Try baked turkey or chicken meatballs in tomato sauce over roasted spaghetti squash strands for a lighter take on pasta night.

Snacks: Cinnamon Apple Chips, Rice Cakes with Almond Butter

Baked apple chips sprinkled with cinnamon make a tasty snack. Top rice cakes with smooth almond butter for protein.

Tips for Grocery Shopping and Meal Prep

Planning weekly meals and being prepared with the right foods can make sticking to an IBD-friendly diet much easier. Keep these tips in mind:

• Shop for produce in season when possible to maximize nutrients.
• Stock up on pantry staples like broths, canned fish, spices, grains.
• Cook a couple batches of rice and quinoa to have on hand.
• Make extra chicken or other protein to use in salads and soups.
• Cut up veggies and fruits to grab for easy snacks.
• Save time by washing and prepping produce when you get home.
• Portion out snacks to bring on-the-go.

Helpful Foods and Nutrients for Managing Crohn's

Certain foods and nutrients have been shown to help reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and support gut health with Crohn's disease.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids that are strongly anti-inflammatory. Aim for 2-3 servings per week.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can help control inflammation. Use for cooking, drizzling, and dressings.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage contain sulforaphane, an antioxidant compound that may benefit gut health and reduce colon inflammation.

Spices

Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Use them generously to add flavor without salt or fat.

Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Get it from foods like oats, apples, onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas.

Probiotic Foods

Probiotic foods help maintain balance of healthy gut flora. Look for yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermented foods.

Vitamin D

Many people with Crohn's are deficient in Vitamin D, an important anti-inflammatory nutrient. Take a supplement if your levels are low.

Zinc

Zinc assists with wound healing, immune function, and protein absorption. Meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains are good sources.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial when living with an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's. Water helps keep your digestive system functioning properly. Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluids per day. Keep these tips in mind:

• Always bring a water bottle with you for frequent sipping.
• Start and end your day with a glass of room temperature water.
• Choose herbal teas like green, chamomile, ginger to add variety.
• Infuse your water with fruits and herbs for flavor.
• Broths are great hydrating options when food is not appealing.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol which can dehydrate.

The Takeaway

Crohn's disease can certainly present some dietary challenges. However, with the right meal planning strategies, you can nourish your body and support your gut health. Try rotating these IBD-friendly recipes into your weekly menu for variety. Focus on anti-inflammatory whole foods and proper hydration. With some diligence and gentle care, you can manage your symptoms and thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.