Soothing Meals for Ulcerative Colitis: A 7-Day White Diet Menu

Crafting a White Diet Menu for Ulcerative Colitis

Following a white diet is often recommended for people with ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases. This elimination diet focuses on easy-to-digest foods that are low in fiber and not too spicy or harsh on the gut. Creating a white diet menu filled with nutritious, soothing meals can help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms during flares.

Below you’ll find a sample 7-day white diet menu plan, along with soup recipes, simple main dishes, snacks and desserts. These anti-inflammatory meal ideas can provide safe nutrition without aggravating the digestive tract.

White Diet Food List

Here are the types of foods recommended on a white diet:

• Grains: White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers, cereal
• Vegetables: Potatoes without skin, mushrooms, carrots, asparagus tips
• Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, canned peaches, melon
• Meats: Ground turkey, white fish, eggs, tofu
• Dairy: Yogurt, milk, cheese, custard

Foods to avoid include:

• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Raw produce
• Nuts and seeds
• Fried foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy seasonings

7-Day White Diet Meal Plan

Here is a sample menu for 1 week on a white diet:

Day 1

• Breakfast: Oatmeal made with milk, mashed banana, cinnamon
• Lunch: Chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers
• Dinner: Herb roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots
• Snacks: Yogurt, apple sauce

Day 2

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, white toast, peach slices
• Lunch: Baked cod, white rice, steamed asparagus
• Dinner: Potato gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce
• Snacks: Custard, rice cakes

Day 3

• Breakfast: Cream of wheat, sliced banana, milk
• Lunch: Tuna sandwich on white bread, melon chunks
• Dinner: Turkey meatballs, mashed potatoes, sautéed carrots
• Snacks: Vanilla pudding, saltine crackers

Day 4

• Breakfast: Omelet with cheese, white toast
• Lunch: Baked chicken breast, white rice, steamed broccoli
• Dinner: Veggie & barley soup, bread roll
• Snacks: Apple sauce, cheddar cheese

Day 5

• Breakfast: Cream of wheat, milk, sliced peaches
• Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich, vegetable broth soup
• Dinner: Pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots
• Snacks: Rice pudding, saltine crackers

Day 6

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, white rice, melon slices
• Lunch: Chicken & vegetable soup, bread roll
• Dinner: Shrimp pasta alfredo, steamed broccoli
• Snacks: Apple sauce, plain yogurt

Day 7

• Breakfast: Banana oatmeal, milk, cinnamon
• Lunch: Poached white fish, white rice, roasted carrots
• Dinner: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans
• Snacks: Custard, saltine crackers

Soothing White Diet Soups

Gentle, creamy soups are a cornerstone of the white diet. Try these ulcerative colitis-friendly soup recipes:

Creamy Potato Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots and celery 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. Remove from heat. Carefully transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
4. Return to pot and stir in milk. Heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

Chicken & Rice Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots and celery until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer and cook 20 minutes.
3. Remove cooked chicken and shred with two forks. Return to pot.
4. Stir in rice and simmer 15 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Creamy Mushroom Barley Soup

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 12 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms, cook 5 minutes.
2. Stir in barley and broth. Simmer 30 minutes until barley is tender.
3. Remove from heat and blend until smooth. Return to pot.
4. Mix in milk and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Simple White Diet Main Dishes

These mild entrees are good to include in an ulcerative colitis diet:

Baked Chicken Breast

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Pat chicken dry and place in baking dish. Rub seasonings and oil over chicken.
3. Bake 35 minutes until cooked through and juicy.

Broiled White Fish

• 1 lb cod, tilapia or sole fillets
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat broiler on high. Place fish on a sheet pan.
2. Squeeze lemon over fish and top with parsley, oil and seasonings.
3. Broil 8-12 minutes until fish flakes easily.

Turkey Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined. Pack into prepared pan.
3. Bake 45 minutes until cooked through. Slice and serve.

Tasty and Gentle Snacks

Here are some filling snacks to help manage ulcerative colitis flares between meals:

• Yogurt with applesauce mixed in
• Cottage cheese with peaches
• Scrambled eggs with cheese
• Oatmeal made with milk and mashed banana
• Smoothies made with banana, melon and milk
• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Cheese slices or cubes
• Cream of wheat with cinnamon

Soothing White Diet Desserts

These sweet treats can help satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to an ulcerative colitis diet:

Banana Pudding

• 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crumbled

1. Make pudding as directed on box using 2 cups milk.
2. Layer bananas and pudding in cups. Top with crumbled cookies.
3. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Peach Custard

• 4 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup peach slices
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar together in a bowl.
3. Stir in milk, peaches and vanilla.
4. Pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle nutmeg over top.
5. Bake 45 minutes until set.

Coconut Rice Pudding

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is very soft, about 30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Portion into dishes and refrigerate 2 hours until chilled.
5. Top with toasted coconut before serving.

Tips for Following a White Diet

Keep these tips in mind when following a white diet for ulcerative colitis:

• Work closely with your doctor and dietitian.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Take supplements if you are unable to meet nutrition needs.
• Avoid raw produce - cook or steam vegetables.
• Stick to low fiber grains like white rice and bread.
• Incorporate nutritious, smooth soups.
• Focus on mild, easy-to-digest proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, eggs.
• Have snacks on hand for between meals.
• Exercise caution when reintroducing foods.

Following an elimination diet tailored for ulcerative colitis like the white diet can help reduce symptoms during flares and promote healing. Use this sample menu and recipe ideas to craft soothing, nourishing meals.

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.