7-Day Meal Plan for Crohn’s Disease by a Dietitian

Crohn’s disease can cause debilitating digestive symptoms that affect quality of life—but what you eat (or don’t eat) can make a major difference in how you feel.

This 7-day meal plan for Crohn’s disease is designed to be gentle on the digestive system while providing essential nutrients to support healing and overall health. 

It emphasizes low-residue, low-fiber foods that reduce irritation and help minimize inflammation—especially important for those with strictures or active flares.

Lactose-free dairy and easy-to-digest proteins provide essential calories and nutrients without triggering symptoms, while peeled, well-cooked, low-fiber fruits and vegetables offer key micronutrients and antioxidants. Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and ghee add flavor and energy that’s easier to absorb.

Overall, this plan balances symptom management with nourishment to help people with Crohn’s feel better and recover more effectively. 

However, if you have severe Crohn’s disease or are experiencing a significant flare, this plan may not meet your needs.Consult your gastroenterologist or a Registered Dietitian specializing in IBD for personalized guidance.

Day 1

Breakfast: Lactose-Free Yogurt and Baked Apple

• 6-8 oz lactose-free yogurt (ex: Fage) or coconut yogurt
• 1 small Granny Smith or Pink Lady apple, peeled and baked in the oven with cinnamon and 1 tsp coconut oil 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Many people with Crohn’s struggle to digest lactose, so lactose-free or coconut yogurt provides a creamy, protein-rich alternative that’s gentle on the gut. Peeled, baked apples are easier to digest than raw apples with skin, and baking them with cinnamon and coconut oil adds flavor and healthy fat without irritation.

Lunch: Ground Turkey “Taco” Bowl 

• 4 oz lean ground turkey (93%)
• ½ cup cooked white rice
• ¼ cup peeled, diced, well-cooked zucchini or carrots
• 2 Tbsp lactose-free sour cream 
• 2 Tbsp smooth mashed avocado or guacamole
• Seasonings: salt, cumin, black pepper*, garlic powder, a tiny pinch of paprika (skip spicy chili powder)
• Optional: 1-2 Tbsp shredded lactose-free cheddar cheese 

Directions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add seasonings and stir in the cooked vegetables.
3. Serve over warm white rice.
4. Top with lactose-free sour cream, mashed avocado (if tolerated), and a small sprinkle of cheese.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

This meal features low-fiber, well-cooked ingredients with gentle seasonings and easy-to-digest protein. By avoiding raw toppings, spicy salsas, beans, and high-fat meats, it maintains flavor while minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. *Keep in mind that some people with Crohn’s may not tolerate black pepper—skip it if that applies to you.

Snack: Rice Cakes and Peanut Butter

• 2 plain rice cakes
• 2 Tbsp smooth peanut butter 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Plain rice cakes are low-residue, low-fiber carbohydrates that are easy to digest. Smooth peanut butter provides healthy fats and a bit of protein, and is gentler on the digestive system than chunky nut butters or heavily processed spreads.

Dinner: Baked Cod and Carrots 

• 4-6 oz cod baked in 1 tsp olive oil or ghee, salt, and pepper (if tolerated) 
• 1 cup cooked carrots, roasted until very soft 
• ½ cup white rice   

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Cod provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation. Cooked carrots offer soft, mild fiber and key nutrients like beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that supports tissue repair. White rice is one of the easiest grains to digest. Ghee is often better tolerated than butter because most of the milk solids and lactose have been removed.

Day 2

Breakfast: Pear and Oat Bowl 

• ¾ cup quick or instant oats 
• 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk or lactose-free milk
• 1 ripe pear, peeled and baked until soft (or 1 cup of canned pears in water, drained)
• 1 scoop collagen or 1 Tbsp peanut butter
• Dash of cinnamon 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Quick oats are gentler on the digestive tract than steel-cut or old-fashioned oats, making them a better choice for people with Crohn’s disease. Peeled or canned pears provide soft, easy-to-digest fiber and natural sweetness. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory spice that may support gut health, and collagen or peanut butter adds protein and healthy fat to help stabilize blood sugar in a carb-heavy meal. 

Lunch: Chicken and Rice Soup 

• 6 oz shredded chicken (poached or slow-cooked)
• ½ cup cooked white rice
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins (cooked until very soft)
• 2 cups bone broth (low-sodium, no onion/garlic if sensitive)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Why it works for Crohn’s:

This soup provides easy-to-digest protein, carbs, and gut-soothing fluids. Soft, peeled vegetables reduce fiber load while still providing antioxidants. Bone broth offers collagen, amino acids like glycine, and minerals to support gut health and fight inflammation.

Snack: Hard-Boiled Eggs and Fruit 

• 2 hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper (if tolerated)
• 1 piece or cup of tolerated fruit (ex: banana, ripe mango, pears, or peaches without skin)

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Hard-boiled eggs are a good source of easily digestible protein, and fruits like bananas, ripe mangos, and peeled apples are low in fiber and acidity, making them more tolerable for those with Crohn’s.

Dinner: Turkey Meatballs and Polenta 

• 6 oz lean ground turkey (93%)
• 1 egg 
• ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp lactose-free milk or almond milk
• Salt and mild seasonings: garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano 
• 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan
• ½ cup dry polenta
• 2 cups water or bone broth
• 1 tsp olive oil or ghee

Directions:

1. Mix all meatball ingredients and form into small balls. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Cook polenta according to package instructions. Use water or broth and stir in oil or butter at the end.
3. Serve meatballs over polenta. Add a drizzle of olive oil, ghee, and a sprinkle of mild cheese, if tolerated.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Ground turkey is lean and easy to digest, and polenta (aka cornmeal) is low in fiber and gentle on the gut. Baking the meatballs keeps fat low, and avoiding tomato-based sauces reduces acidity and inflammatory potential.

Day 3

Breakfast: Eggs and Toast 

• 2-3 scrambled or poached eggs
• 1-2 slices white or sourdough toast
• 1-2 tsp ghee
• 1 small ripe banana  

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Eggs are a gentle, highly digestible protein source, and white or sourdough toast is lower in fiber and easier on the gut than whole-grain breads. Adding ghee provides healthy fats that enhance flavor and texture without irritating the digestive tract, and a small banana provides potassium and quick carbs. 

Lunch: Tuna Salad and Crackers 

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna packed in water, drained
• 1 tsp avocado oil mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (if tolerated)
• Salt to taste
• 6-8 saltine crackers or other low-fiber crackers (e.g., plain rice crackers)
• Side of peeled cucumbers 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Tuna is a lean protein that’s rich in gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Avocado oil mayo provides healthy fats without ultra-refined oils, while peeled cucumber is easier to tolerate. Saltines or similar crackers add a simple, bland carb that’s unlikely to irritate the digestive tract.

Snack: Lactose-Free Cottage Cheese and Pears

• 5-6 oz lactose-free cottage cheese (ex: Good Culture)
• 1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced (or 1 cup canned pears packed in water or juice, drained)
• Sprinkle of cinnamon 

Why it works for Crohn’s: 

Lactose-free cottage cheese provides protein and calcium without triggering dairy-related symptoms. Peeled or canned pears are low in fiber and gentle on the gut, making this a well-balanced, satisfying snack for people with Crohn’s. 

Dinner: Chicken Burgers and Mashed Sweet Potato 

• 6 oz ground chicken (93% or higher)
• 1 Tbsp plain breadcrumbs (white flour)
• 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Garlic powder and onion powder (if tolerated), dried parsley, salt
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (peeled, boiled, or baked until soft)
• 2 tsp lactose-free butter, olive oil, or ghee

Directions:

1. Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, oil, and seasonings. Form into patties and pan-sear or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
2. Peel and cook sweet potatoes until soft, then mash with butter or oil and season as desired.
3. Serve burger with mashed sweet potato on the side. Optionally, serve on a plain white bun or with soft lettuce (if tolerated). 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Ground chicken is a lean, easy-to-digest protein. Sweet potatoes (peeled and cooked well) offer micronutrients like beta-carotene and gentle fiber. Skipping spicy seasonings, seeds, or raw toppings keeps it flare-safe. Add a white bun if you tolerate it, or skip it if you want a lower-carb meal.

Day 4

Breakfast: Sweet Rice Porridge with Peaches 

• ½ cup dry white rice
• 2 cups water or lactose-free milk (or a 50/50 blend for creaminess)
• ½ cup canned peaches in water, drained (or peeled, soft fresh peaches)
• Pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine white rice and liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is very soft and creamy. Add more liquid as needed.
2. Stir in peaches and heat through. Sprinkle with cinnamon or add a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

White rice is low-residue and gentle on the gut. Canned or peeled peaches offer natural sweetness and nutrients without harsh fiber. The soft, porridge texture is ideal for sensitive digestion, especially during flares.

Lunch: Turkey Sandwich 

• 4-6 slices deli turkey breast
• 1-2 slices of Swiss or low-lactose cheese (such as Provolone or aged cheddar)
• Soft white or sourdough bread (no seeds)
• Avocado oil mayonnaise and/or mustard (if tolerated) 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Simple sandwiches are a good lunch option for Crohn’s disease, especially with high-quality turkey like Applegate or True Story. Swiss cheese is low in lactose, but you could also choose another cheese you tolerate well. If you tolerate sourdough bread, it’s a more nutritious option than white bread.

Snack: Peanut Butter Banana Toast 

• 1 slice white or sourdough bread
• 2 Tbsp smooth peanut butter 
• ½ of a banana, sliced
• Cinnamon 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Bananas and white bread are low-residue carbohydrates, while smooth peanut butter provides healthy fats that are easier to digest than chunky varieties. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory spice that may help with the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Dinner: Salmon and Mashed Potatoes 

• 4-6 oz baked salmon with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt
• 1 cup mashed potatoes (skins removed, light butter, no cream)
• Steamed or boiled green beans (well-cooked) 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support gut health and calm inflammation. Mashed potatoes without skins provide a low-residue, easily digestible carbohydrate source, while well-cooked green beans offer mild and gentle fiber.

Day 5

Breakfast: Simple Smoothie 

• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• 1 small ripe banana 
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop vanilla or unsweetened collagen peptides 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which may support gut health and reduce inflammation. When blended, they are easier to tolerate than when eaten raw. Bananas are one of the most easily digested fruits and are often well-tolerated during flares. Collagen peptides provide amino acids without common irritants found in whey or plant-based powders.

Lunch: Potato Soup 

• 1 cup peeled, diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
• 1½ cups chicken bone broth (avoid garlic and onion if sensitive)
• 3 carrots, diced 
• ½ cup lactose-free milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp olive oil or ghee
• Salt, thyme, and parsley
• 1 Tbsp plain lactose-free Greek yogurt 

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, add the potatoes, carrots, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes and carrots are very soft (about 20 minutes).
2. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to create a smooth or slightly chunky texture, depending on preference.
3. Stir in milk, oil or ghee, and yogurt. Warm through and season to taste.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Potatoes and carrots (peeled and well-cooked) are low in fiber and easy to digest, while providing starchy carbs, vitamin A, and potassium. Bone broth adds hydration, collagen, and minerals, and blending makes it easier on the gut.

Snack: Collagen Cinnamon Applesauce 

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 scoop collagen peptides 
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Applesauce offers pectin (a soluble fiber) and cinnamon is mildly anti-inflammatory to support gut health. Adding collagen provides protein and blunts a steep blood sugar spike. 

Dinner: Turkey, Rice, and Zucchini Casserole 

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% or higher)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup peeled, grated zucchini (sautéed until soft)
• ½ cup lactose-free plain Greek yogurt or lactose-free sour cream
• ¼ cup shredded lactose-free mozzarella cheese 
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a skillet, cook ground turkey in olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. Stir in the sautéed zucchini, cooked rice, yogurt or sour cream, and a pinch of salt and herbs. 
3. Transfer mixture to a small baking dish and top with cheese if using.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Lean ground turkey is easy to digest and low in fat. Cooked white rice provides gentle carbs, while peeled zucchini keeps fiber low and soft. Using lactose-free yogurt adds creaminess without dairy irritation. Baking blends it all into soft, easy-to-tolerate comfort food.

Day 6

Breakfast: Overnight Oats

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or lactose-free milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• ½ banana, mashed (or ½ cup canned peaches or pears in juice, drained)
• 1 scoop collagen peptides 
• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or container with a lid.
• Stir well, seal, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
• In the morning, stir and add extra milk if needed for texture.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Well-soaked old-fashioned oats are easier to digest than freshly cooked oats. Almond milk provides a gentle, dairy-free base, while mashed fruit adds natural sweetness without adding harsh fiber.

Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwich

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, mashed with avocado oil mayo and mustard
• 2 slices white or sourdough bread 
• Optional: Peeled cucumbers on the side 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Eggs are a well-tolerated, easily digestible source of high-quality protein. Avocado oil mayo adds healthy fat without gut-irritating ingredients, and small amounts of mustard are usually tolerated well. White or sourdough bread is lower in fiber than whole wheat versions, while peeled cucumbers provide a veggie and a crisp texture without the rough fiber from their skin.

Snack: Coconut Yogurt and Mango 

• 6 oz coconut yogurt (or another dairy-free yogurt you prefer)
• 1 small ripe mango, diced 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Many people with Crohn’s struggle to digest lactose, so coconut yogurt offers a gentle, dairy-free alternative with a creamy texture and some protein that’s less likely to irritate the gut. Ripe mango is an easy-to-digest fruit that adds natural sweetness along with vitamins A and C.

Dinner: Chicken Veggie Stew 

• 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup peeled, diced carrots
• 1 cup peeled, diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• ½ cup peeled, diced zucchini or yellow squash
• 3 cups chicken bone broth (avoid onion and garlic if sensitive)
• 1 tsp olive oil or ghee
• Salt, dried thyme, and parsley

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. 
2. Add carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and herbs. Adjust seasoning gently to taste.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

This stew uses peeled, well-cooked vegetables and lean protein to minimize fiber and irritation. Bone broth provides gut-soothing collagen and minerals, while olive oil adds healthy fat for easy absorption and flavor.

Day 7

Breakfast: Avocado Toast 

• 1 to 2 slices plain white or sourdough bread (avoid whole grain or seeded breads)
• ¼ to ½ ripe avocado, mashed
• Pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Why it works for Crohn’s:

White or sourdough bread is lower in fiber and gentler on the gut than whole grain varieties. Ripe avocado provides healthy fats that are generally well tolerated in moderate amounts and support nutrient absorption. Keeping the seasoning simple helps avoid potential irritation.

Lunch: Chicken and Rice Bowl

• 5 oz rotisserie chicken (skin removed if necessary)
• ½ cup white rice
• 1 cup pan-cooked peeled summer squash or zucchini 
• Optional: Drizzle of olive oil, ghee, or lemon juice

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Rotisserie chicken is a lean, easily digestible protein source, especially with the skin removed if that’s a trigger for you. White rice is a low-residue carbohydrate that’s gentle on the gut, while peeled summer squash or zucchini provides mild fiber in a soft, well-cooked form to support digestion without triggering symptoms.

Snack: Banana Date Shake

• 1 small ripe banana
• 1 soft Medjool date (pit removed)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop collagen peptides 

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Bananas and dates are easy-to-digest fruits that provide natural sweetness and quick energy. Collagen peptides add gentle protein that supports gut health and helps balance blood sugar levels. Just don’t overdo it on the dates—one is plenty!

Dinner: Pork Tenderloin, Green Beans, and Carrots

• 4-6 oz pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and steamed until tender
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and steamed or roasted until soft
• 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to taste 

Directions:

1. Roast or grill pork tenderloin until cooked through and tender (internal temp 145°F).
2. Steam or roast the green beans and carrots until soft and easy to digest.
3. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil and season pork and veggies lightly with salt and herbs.

Why it works for Crohn’s:

Lean pork tenderloin is a gentle, high-quality protein that’s easier on digestion than fattier cuts. Steamed or roasted peeled vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants with minimal fiber irritation. Using mild herbs and healthy oils adds flavor without triggering symptoms.

Common Trigger Foods for Crohn’s Disease

Everyone’s experience with Crohn’s disease is different, but some common trigger foods include:

• Vegetables high in insoluble fiber (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, kale)
• Beans, lentils, and other legumes
• Fruit skins and those with seeds (e.g., apples with skin, berries, tomatoes)
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains (e.g., popcorn, brown rice, quinoa)
• Dairy products or high-lactose dairy
• High-fat or fried foods
• Spicy foods
• Caffeinated beverages (coffee, energy drinks)
• Alcohol
• Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol)
• Carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water)

How a Dietitian Can Help

Finding a way to eat regular and nutritious foods when you have Crohn’s disease can be a major challenge—especially when you’re in the middle of a flare-up. 

But it’s not impossible—the key is discovering what works specifically for your gut, because what triggers symptoms in one person may be perfectly fine for another. That’s why working with a Registered Dietitian (RD) is so valuable.

Dietitians are qualified nutrition experts who can help you build a personalized meal plan that eases inflammation, reduces stomach discomfort, and fits your unique lifestyle and food preferences. Whether you’re managing a flare-up or aiming to prevent future ones, a dietitian takes the guesswork out of eating with Crohn’s disease.

Ready to feel better and eat with confidence? Book an appointment with one of our Registered Dietitians today!