While this diet can’t cure these conditions, it can help manage their symptoms. In general, high-fat, spicy, fried, and acidic foods, and caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are the most likely to cause distress.
Food Choices on a Bland Diet
Food Category
Foods Recommended
Foods to Avoid*
Grains
Any (eg, pasta, rice, bulgur)
(Note: prepared without fat [eg, oil, butter])
Grains prepared with fat
Vegetables
Any
(Note: prepared without fat)
Vegetables prepared with fat (eg, French fries, mashed potatoes made with butter or cream), tomato juice, tomato sauce
Fruits
Any (except citrus)
(Note: prepared without fat)
Citrus fruits and juices
Milk
Low-fat or nonfat milk,
soy milk,
buttermilk,
powdered milk,
low-fat or nonfat yogurt,
low-fat or nonfat cheese,
low-fat or nonfat ice cream,
sherbet
Whole and 2% milk products, cream,
regular cheese
Meats and Beans
Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, soy, dried beans, nuts, and nut butters
(Note: prepared without added fat)
Fried meats, bacon, sausage, pepperoni, salami, bologna, hot dogs
Snacks, Sweets, and Condiments
All unless listed
Pepper, chili powder,
ketchup, mustard,
vinegar,
rich desserts (eg, cakes and pastries),
doughnuts, chocolate
Beverages
Water, nonfat or low-fat milk, juice, caffeine-free soda, and herbal tea
Peppermint or spearmint teas,
decaffeinated or regular coffee and tea,
caffeinated soda or energy drinks,
chocolate milk, hot cocoa,
alcoholic beverages
Fats and Oils
Less than 8 teaspoons per day
*These are foods, beverages, spices, and condiments that commonly irritate the stomach. However, there may be foods on this list that don’t bother you. Likewise, there may be foods not on this list that do bother you. (For example, some individuals with
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
complain that high-acid fruits, such as oranges and tomatoes bother them). Therefore, it’s important to monitor the foods you consume and how well you tolerate them.
Suggestions
Eat small, frequent meals (eg, six small meals instead of three large meals).
Eat slowly; try putting utensils down between bites.
Avoid lying down for 3-4 hours after eating.
Keep a food log to try and pinpoint the foods that bother you.
Talk a registered dietitian about an individualized meal plan.
American Dietetic Association. Nutrition Care Manual.
American Dietetic Association website. Available at:
http://nutritioncaremanual.org
. Accessed December 20, 2009.
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at:
http://www.gastro.org
. Accessed December 20, 2009.
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