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7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis

Diet for Ulcerative Colitis

A 7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis is presented here in a table format. A printable PDF format is given at the end.

This diet plan has been formulated by our nutritionist who has a special interest in healing diseases with simple dietary changes.

It is also important to note that during a flare of ulcerative colitis, always consult your doctor and do not experiment with diet alone.

In addition, some individuals have concomitant medical illnesses other than ulcerative colitis and they may need specialized diets. Such individuals can contact us and we can help them out with whatever is possible.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is sometimes mistaken for colitis and Crohn’s disease, but the three conditions are quite different.

Colitis is a general term indicating inflammation of the large intestine which could be due to any reason such as infections, whereas ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition with flares, remissions, and relapses.

The management of ulcerative colitis can be quite difficult, and nutrition plays a critical role in this. The following are the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramping
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Urgency
  • Weight loss
  • Fever

The main cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but genetics and auto-immune responses are said to be the two main causative agents for ulcerative colitis.

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Diet and Ulcerative Colitis:

There is a great link between diet and ulcerative colitis, diet can be the cause, but diet can be the cure too.

Although, some people think that poor diet is the actual cause of ulcerative colitis. However, foods can aggravate or trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis but are not causing it.

Can Diet Cure Ulcerative Colitis?

NO, but diet can help you live in good health even if you have ulcerative colitis. There are many diets that claim to cure it but there is no scientific evidence on any such diet. One diet might work for someone while on the other hand, it can be a culprit for someone else.

As a result, we cannot suggest one diet as a permanent solution for ulcerative colitis because there is no limit to how long it works in your favor.

What are the Worst Foods for Ulcerative Colitis?

A list of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis is given below. These should be specifically avoided during a flare.

  • Raw foods
  • High fiber foods
  • High-fat foods
  • Spicy or acidic foods
  • Lactose or gluten-containing foods
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Processed foods

If you have ulcerative colitis, you must be careful with these foods.

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Diet for Ulcerative Colitis – The Complete Food Guide

As mentioned above, there is no specific diet to cure ulcerative colitis however, eating a balanced diet with carefully examining your symptoms after each meal can help you eliminate harmful foods and still have a nutritious diet.

Protein and Calories:

Your daily calorie intake should be optimal to support your daily life activities. Besides this, a high lean protein intake is recommended to meet the increased protein needs due to inflammation. With inadequate intake, UC patients might notice gradual weight loss and fatigue.

Fiber Intake:

At the start, a medium fiber diet is an easy way to keep the flare-ups at bay.  Soluble fiber is the most suitable as it does not cause any gas or abdominal pain. Furthermore, to stay on the safe side you must avoid fiber foods during a flare-up

However, you should try to reintroduce high-fiber foods one at a time and again check if they are still causing any symptoms.

Generally, it is safe to take 15-20 grams of fiber daily.

Cereals:

Refined cereals are good for people with ulcerative colitis as they contain less fiber. This is mostly recommended to prevent gas and bloating.

Lastly, it is not a hard and fast rule for everyone, if whole grains are well tolerated then you can always switch them with refined grains.

Dairy and Gluten:

If you have lactose or gluten intolerance then you need to be extra careful with dairy foods and gluten-containing foods. Consult a dietician to help you with alternative foods that are equally nutritious.

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Essential Vitamins for Ulcerative Colitis:

People with ulcerative colitis follow a restrictive diet, even if they eat a wide variety of foods, they still have to avoid some foods.

Here are some vitamins and minerals that you need to be extra careful with:

  • Calcium & Vitamin D:

    • Most people with diarrhea and colitis are asked to limit dairy products as they may have flares using dairy products especially if they have concomitant lactose intolerance.
    • Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation is necessary.
    • In addition, people with ulcerative colitis are also on medications such as prednisolone (corticosteroids) which can weaken your bones hence vitamin D and calcium supplementation is necessary.
    • It is generally recommended to take 800 IU to 1200 IU of vitamin D daily. However, those who have vitamin D deficiency may need higher doses of up to 2000 IU per day.
  • Folic Acid:

    • Folic acid is an essential vitamin. It is required for healing. Patients with chronic diarrhea and ulcerative colitis may be deficient in folic acid because of several reasons. These include:
      • Low intake as the patient may not be able to tolerate fresh vegetables and fruits.
      • Poor absorption because of diarrhea
      • Increased demand as a result of cellular turnover
      • Use with antifolate medications such as methotrexate.
    • Folic acid supplementation is essential for patients with ulcerative colitis as it may prevent some of the complications of ulcerative colitis [Ref]
    • Folic acid in a dose of 0.4 to 5 mg is recommended. It may be given at an interval of 2 to 3 days after methotrexate. 
  • Magnesium:

    • Magnesium deficiency is common in people with frequent diarrheal episodes. It is also one of the important causes of resistant hypokalemia (low potassium).
    • In addition, magnesium is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and supplementation may improve some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis [Ref].
    • Magnesium should be taken in a dose of 320 to 420 mg per day.
  • Iron:

    • Iron deficiency is very common in patients with ulcerative colitis because of frequent bloody diarrhea.
    • However, oral iron worsens the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and should be especially avoided during flares or ongoing intestinal inflammation.
    • In mild to moderate disease, a trial of oral iron as a maintenance therapy is given. However, intravenous iron is preferred in acute flares and in the following situations [Ref]:
      • an inadequate response to oral iron with a less than 2 gm/dl increase in hemoglobin after 4 weeks
      • Intolerance to oral iron
      • Hemoglobin of less than 10 g/dl

Foods to Avoid During Flare-up

People with ulcerative colitis experience flare-ups in which the symptoms aggravate. You may have frequent loose stools, bloating, and abdominal cramps during a flare-up.

  • During a flare, you must follow a low-fiber diet. High-fiber foods might worsen diarrhea symptoms as they increase the transit time.
  • Avoid foods containing insoluble fiber such as whole grains, fruits with peels, seeds, and vegetable skins.
  • Eat small and frequent meals. Avoid eating large portions of food in one sitting.
  • Take an adequate amount of fluid to avoid dehydration.
  • To reduce gas and bloating, avoid carbonated beverages, sucking on candies, and quickly gulping food.
  • Avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, lentils, sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.
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7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis – ∼1000 calories

Day 1MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
MondayBreakfastScrambled eggs with white bread200
SnackBaked sweet potato120
Lunch1 cup Vegetable rice with steamed chicken250
SnackFrench toast110
DinnerZucchini noodles270

 

Day 2MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
TuesdayBreakfast1 cup rice flakes bowl with frozen strawberries250
SnackPapaya and pineapple smoothie120
LunchGrilled chicken tortilla wrap230
SnackAmaranth muffin140
Dinner1 cup Spinach pasta with guacamole320

 

Day 3MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
WednesdayBreakfastEgg and avocado sandwich230
SnackSliced apples (2)120
LunchGrilled shrimp with steamed, honey-glazed carrots270
SnackAlmond milk latte150
DinnerArtichoke flatbread310

 

Day 4MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
ThursdayBreakfastGreek yogurt bowl + 2 bananas210
Snack1 cup mango chunks90
LunchChicken Cesar salad with olive oil350
SnackChocolate chip cookie120
Dinner2 oz Baked cod210

 

Day 5MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
FridayBreakfastBlueberry pancakes150
SnackSliced kiwi fruit160
LunchRoasted turkey with cooked bell peppers350
SnackDates (4)60
DinnerMango ice cream shake250

 

Day 6MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
SaturdayBreakfastMango smoothie with yogurt180
SnackHoney glazed carrots100
LunchTaco salad bowl270
SnackBread with strawberry jam150
DinnerRoasted vegetable sandwich (without spices, or lime seasonings)290

 

Day 7MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
SundayBreakfastWhite bread + vegetable omelet220
SnackPotato wedges with minimum salt150
LunchCranberry Quinoa bowl290
SnackCantaloupe chunks (1 cup)120
DinnerEgg sandwiches (2 small)230

 

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Table Summarizing the 7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: ∼1000 kcal:

DayBreakfastSnackLunch SnackDinnerTotal Calories
MondayScrambled eggs with white bread

200 kcal

Baked sweet potato

120 kcal

1 cup Vegetable rice with steamed chicken

250 kcal

French toast

110 kcal

Zucchini noodles

270 kcal

960 kcal
Tuesday1 cup rice flakes bowl with frozen strawberries

250 kcal

Papaya and pineapple smoothie

120 kcal

Grilled chicken tortilla wrap

230 kcal

Amaranth muffin

140 kcal

1 cup Spinach pasta with guacamole

320 kcal

1060 kcal
WednesdayEgg and avocado sandwich

230 kcal

Sliced apples (2)

120 kcal

Grilled shrimp with steamed, honey-glazed carrots

270 kcal

Almond milk latte

150 kcal

Artichoke flatbread

310 kcal

1080 kcal
ThursdayGreek yogurt bowl + 2 bananas

210 kcal

1 cup mango chunks

90 kcal

Chicken Cesar salad with olive oil

350 kcal

Chocolate chip cookie

120 kcal

2 oz Baked cod

210 kcal

980 kcal
FridayBlueberry pancakes

150 kcal

Sliced kiwi fruit

160 kcal

Roasted turkey with cooked bell peppers

350 kcal

Dates (4)

60 kcal

Mango ice cream shake

250 kcal

970 kcal
SaturdayMango smoothie with yogurt

180 kcal

Honey glazed carrots

100 kcal

Taco salad bowl

270 kcal

Bread with strawberry jam

150 kcal

Roasted vegetable sandwich (without spices, or lime seasonings)

290 kcal

990 kcal
SundayWhite bread + vegetable omelet

220 kcal

Potato wedges with minimum salt

150 kcal

Cranberry Quinoa bowl

290 kcal

Cantaloupe chunks (1 cup)

120 kcal

Egg sandwiches (2 small)

230 kcal

1010 kcal

 

7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis – 1500 Calories

Day 1MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
MondayBreakfastScrambled egg + bread + 2 Bananas240
SnackStrawberry + yogurt smoothie180
LunchChicken Sandwich (2) + 1 cup of cantaloupe chunks450
Snack1 cup fat-free chocolate milk220
Dinner2 oz Baked Fish with Plain Rice (1 cup)440

 

Day 2MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
TuesdayBreakfast1 cup fat-free yogurt + 2 large Crackers305
SnackPineapple juice160
LunchChicken soup + cucumber and apple salad380
SnackChocolate muffin240
DinnerZucchini pasta (without cheese) + 1 cup pomegranate juice470

 

Day 3MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
WednesdayBreakfast1 cup cooked oatmeal + 1 medium Pear280
Snack1 cup fat-free yogurt120
LunchTuna Spaghetti + minted Potatoes + ½ cup melon chunks510
SnackBoiled sweet potato (without salt)180
DinnerSteamed Chicken + Spanish rice + ½ cup apricots420

 

Day 4MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
ThursdayBreakfastFrench toast + 1 cup of fat-free milk400
Snack¾ cup dried Figs120
Lunch2 oz Turkey Meat loaf + guacamole + 1 medium peach380
Snackcrackers (2)180
Dinner2 oz Ginger Sesame salad + fresh spinach and mushroom460

 

Day 5MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
FridayBreakfastLow-fat Granola bar + 2 Bananas310
Snack½ cup roasted peanuts (without salt)120
LunchTurkey Sandwich with lettuce leaves + 1 cup of grapes460
Snackchocolate cookies (2)220
DinnerVegetable rice + steamed chicken thigh (2)410

 

Day 6MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
SaturdayBreakfastOmelet + bread (2 slices) + 1 Apple350
SnackGreek yogurt ½ cup120
LunchStuffed turkey with vegetable rice450
Snack1 cup black grapes150
DinnerFrench Toast (2) + Honey-glazed sweet potatoes430

 

Day 7MealFood ItemCalories (Kcal)
SundayBreakfast1 cup sweet yogurt with strawberries + 2 boiled eggs390
Snack1 cup green smoothie (spinach+ banana+ mango)210
LunchBaked chicken macaroni + 1 cup mint margarita370
SnackCaramelized banana120
DinnerWhite bean stew + whole wheat roll + thyme roasted beets450

 

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Table summarizing the 7 Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis ∼1500 kcal:

DayBreakfastSnackLunchSnackDinnerTotal Calories
Day 1 Scrambled egg + bread + 2 Bananas

240 kcal

Strawberry + yogurt smoothie

180 kcal

Chicken Sandwich (2) + 1 cup of cantaloupe chunks

450 kcal

1 cup fat-free chocolate milk

220 kcal

2 oz Baked Fish with Plain Rice (1 cup)

440 kcal

1530 kcal
Day 21 cup fat-free yogurt + 2 large Crackers

305 kcal

Pineapple juice

160 kcal

Chicken soup+ cucumber and apple salad

380 kcal

Chocolate muffin

240 kcal

Zucchini pasta (without cheese) + 1 cup pomegranate juice

470 kcal

 

1555 kcal
Day 31 cup cooked oatmeal + 1 medium Pear

280 kcal

1 cup fat-free yogurt

120 kcal

Tuna Spaghetti + minted Potatoes + ½ cup melon chunks

510 kcal

Boiled sweet potato (without salt)

180 kcal

Steamed Chicken + Spanish rice + ½ cup apricots

420 kcal

1510 kcal
Day 4French toast + 1 cup of fat-free milk

400 kcal

¾ cup dried Figs

120 kcal

2 oz Turkey Meat loaf + guacamole + 1 medium peach

380 kcal

crackers (2)

180 kcal

2 oz Ginger Sesame salad + fresh spinach and mushroom

460 kcal

1500 kcal
Day 5Low-fat Granola bar + 2 Bananas

310 kcal

½ cup roasted peanuts (without salt)

120 kcal

Turkey Sandwich with lettuce leaves + 1 cup of grapes

460 kcal

chocolate cookies (2)

220 kcal

Vegetable rice + steamed chicken thigh (2)

410 kcal

1520 kcal
Day 6Omelet + bread (2 slices)

+ 1 Apple

350 kcal

Greek yogurt ½ cup

120 kcal

Stuffed turkey with vegetable rice

450 kcal

1 cup black grapes

150 kcal

French Toast (2) +

Honey-glazed sweet potatoes

430 kcal

 

1500 kcal
Day 71 cup sweet yogurt with strawberries + 2 boiled eggs

390 kcal

1 cup green smoothie (spinach+ banana+ mango

210 kcal

Baked chicken macaroni + 1 cup mint margarita

370 kcal

Caramelized

banana

120 kcal

 

White bean stew + whole wheat roll + thyme roasted beets

450 kcal

 

1540 kcal

Here is a printable ulcerative colitis diet plan PDF version

What do you think?

Written by Dr. Ahmed

I am Dr. Ahmed (MBBS; FCPS Medicine), an Internist and a practicing physician. I am in the medical field for over fifteen years working in one of the busiest hospitals and writing medical posts for over 5 years.

I love my family, my profession, my blog, nature, hiking, and simple life. Read more about me, my family, and my qualifications

Here is a link to My Facebook Page. You can also contact me by email at contact@dibesity.com or at My Twitter Account
You can also contact me via WhatsApp 🙏

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