Dietary Suggestions for Managing Crohn's Disease

Dietary Suggestions for Managing Crohn's Disease

Hey there! Looking for some tasty, easy-to-make recipes that are friendly for those with Crohn's disease? Look no further! Here's a collection of six Crohn's disease-friendly recipes for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Remember, every body is different, so feel free to swap out any ingredients that may trigger symptoms for you.

Breakfast Recipes

1. Simple Banana Oats

This quick and simple oatmeal recipe is perfect for those with Crohn's disease. Use lactose-free or low-FODMAP milk like Lactaid or soy milk for a smoother digestion. Bananas are low in FODMAPs, making them an excellent choice for breakfast.

"FODMAP" stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols - a group of sugars that may not be well-absorbed by people with Crohn's disease.

Prep Time: 10 minutesServings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup milk of choice (lactose-free, almond, or soy)
• 2 teaspoons stevia
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)

Instructions

1. Combine oats, milk, stevia, and vanilla in a small bowl and whisk together.
2. Divide mixture into two mason jars.
3. Top each jar with sliced banana and peanut butter.
4. Refrigerate for 4 hours or more. Enjoy hot or cold.

2. Scrambled Eggs with Avocado Toast

For a hearty breakfast, try scrambled eggs with avocado toast. Use sourdough or gluten-free bread to make it friendly for Crohn's disease. You can also swap out eggs if needed to find a healthier option.

Prep Time: 15 minutesServings: 1

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 slices sourdough or gluten-free bread, toasted

Instructions

1. Grease a frying pan with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
2. When it's hot, scramble eggs for 1-2 minutes, or until fully cooked.
3. Mash avocado in a small bowl. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Divide avocado mash between toast slices and spread evenly.
5. Top toast with scrambled eggs.

Lunch Recipes

1. Refreshing Strawberry Salad

This strawberry, cucumber, and feta salad is light, refreshing, and easy to make. It's also packed with nutrients! If you're sensitive to strawberry seeds or peeling isn't an option for you, consider swapping out strawberries for canned pears or another low-FODMAP fruit.

Prep Time: 10 minutesServings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 grilled chicken breast (optional)

Instructions

1. Add strawberries and cucumber to a salad bowl.
2. Top with feta.
3. Drizzle oil and vinegar over salad and toss gently.
4. If using chicken breast, slice and add to the top of the salad.

2. Veggie Roll-Ups

Simple and easy to make, these veggie roll-ups make for a great on-the-go lunch. Use low-FODMAP vegetables like cucumbers, celery, or carrots, and deli-sliced ham or turkey breast.

Prep Time: 10 minutesServings: 1

Ingredients

• Low-FODMAP vegetables (such as cucumbers, celery, carrots, or bell peppers)
• Deli-sliced ham or turkey breast

Instructions

1. Slice vegetables into thin strips or sticks.
2. Place several strips of vegetable onto 1-2 slices of deli meat, then roll into a "burrito" shape. Add toothpicks to hold them together if needed.

Dinner Recipes

1. Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This classic one-pan dish comes together in just one pan and is easy on your stomach but full of flavor. Use lean proteins like chicken and sweet potatoes, which are generally well-tolerated by people with Crohn's disease.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutesServings: 3

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel sweet potatoes to reduce fiber content, if desired. Cut sweet potatoes into cubes.
3. Combine broth, lemon juice, oil, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and whisk together.
4. Arrange sweet potatoes in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place chicken breasts over sweet potatoes. Pour lemon mixture over chicken and sweet potatoes.
5. Roast in the oven for 1 hour.

2. Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu

This low-fat, vegan, and gluten-free dish is easy to make and perfect for those with Crohn's disease. You can enjoy crispy foods without the frying by using baking techniques.

Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutesServings: 2

Ingredients

• 12 ounces extra-firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos (ensure low FODMAP brand)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
• 2 tablespoons stevia (with no erythritol or inulin added)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Instructions

1. Press tofu to remove water (wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy bowl or pan on top for about 30 minutes). Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Combine coconut aminos, water, peanut butter, maple syrup, and ginger in a mixing bowl and whisk together.
3. Pour mixture over tofu cubes. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Slice zucchini into coins.
6. Spread tofu cubes and zucchini coins on a sheet pan. Spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until tofu and zucchini are crispy around edges.

If you need to add carbs to these meals, opt for gluten-free products like oats, brown rice, quinoa, or amaranth. Enjoy these delicious Crohn's disease-friendly recipes!

• Preparing Simple Banana Oats for breakfast can help people with Crohn's disease due to its low FODMAP content and use of lactose-free or low-FODMAP milk, such as Lactaid or soy milk.
• For those looking for a hearty breakfast option, consider scrambled eggs with avocado toast, using sourdough or gluten-free bread to make it suitable for Crohn's disease.
• The Refreshing Strawberry Salad is a nutrient-packed lunch option, but those who are sensitive to strawberry seeds or peeling may want to swap out strawberries for canned pears or another low-FODMAP fruit.

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