The holidays pose all kinds of challenges for eating healthy, but also pose major challenges for those out there with Crohn’s Disease. Patients with Crohn’s Disease are very sensitive to fatty and high fiber foods. Crohn's sufferers generally tolerate lower fiber foods much better, along with lower fat foods. It can be hard to eat just anything during the holidays for people with eating restrictions, like Crohn’s. Just one slip up can cause pain, inflammation of the bowel, and even possible damage. There are some safe holiday foods you can enjoy if you do suffer from Crohn’s though. Here’s 7 great foods to enjoy that shouldn’t upset you at all, so you can enjoy your holiday with family and friends and forget about your Crohn’s for once.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes may not be a low calorie option when traditionally prepared, but if made with skim milk and a healthy alternative to butter, anyone with Crohn’s Disease could enjoy them. Make sure the skins are removed since they contain much of the fiber in potatoes. If you need to, prepare your own dish to offer to bring, and make a batch of healthy mashed potatoes. They’ll be digested quite easily, and no one will ask why you offered to bring a dish, and will most likely appreciate the offer.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
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2. Turkey
White turkey breast is the perfect holiday food for anyone who has Crohn’s Disease. Avoid the fatty pork and ham dishes like sausages, brisket, or the holiday ham your granny makes each year, because turkey is the perfect choice. Turkey is low in fat, and the breast meat is the leanest option, so be sure to snag some of that before it gets gone. Just make sure that turkey’s roasted, not fried!
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
0/80
3. Green Beans
Most people with Crohn’s do not tolerate beans, or raw veggies at all. Yet, one dish that’s usually well tolerated are well cooked green beans. If they’re cooked in oil, drain yours really well with a spoon first, and if you’re preparing your own, just steam them really well in some lemon juice, black pepper and salt for a great flavor that’s much better tolerated. Just forego that green bean casserole since it’s high in fat and fiber, which will upset your stomach pretty quickly.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
0/80
4. Pumpkin
Plain pumpkin, roasted or baked, is great for people with Crohn’s. Even though it is high in fiber, it is a form of fiber known as soluble fiber that is better tolerated than insoluble fiber from nuts and seeds. Those are quite healthy still, but not great for someone with Crohn’s. If you’re sensitive to dairy, be sure you forego the pumpkin pie though. It usually contains dairy, but if it’s made dairy-free, feel free to have a slice.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
0/80
As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!
5. Apple Pie
Apple pie is also usually well tolerated by people with Crohn’s, due to it’s lower fiber content that only comes from soluble fiber. Though it’s not the healthiest option, it shouldn’t upset your Crohns, unless made with a lot of fat.
***
Apple pie is a traditional holiday food that can be enjoyed by people with Crohn's Disease. It is low in fiber, with most of its fiber content being soluble fiber, which is much easier to digest. However, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients used to make the pie, as a high-fat recipe can still cause issues. To make a Crohn's-friendly apple pie, use a recipe that calls for butter or margarine instead of lard or shortening, and opt for a crust made with whole wheat flour or oats for added fiber.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
0/80
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6. Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is very low in fat and fiber, which make it a great choice for both diabetics and someone with Crohn’s Disease. It is high in sugar, but if you’re going to indulge, be sure to indulge in something that won’t cause pain. As a nutritionist though, I will say, I’d go with the pumpkin for a healthier option!
***
Angel food cake is not only low in fat and fiber, but it is also made with egg whites, which are a good source of protein. It is also high in sugar, so it is best to enjoy it in moderation. For a healthier option, diabetics and those with Crohn's Disease can substitute pumpkin for angel food cake. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it also contains a high level of antioxidants. Pumpkin is also a low-glycemic food, which means it is less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Plan meals ahead, eat slowly, and avoid known personal trigger foods.
Dairy can trigger symptoms for some, so consider lactose-free or dairy-free dessert options.
Choose pies with soft fillings like pumpkin or apple, and avoid those with nuts or high-fat crusts.
Stick to small portions of low-fat, low-fiber foods and avoid spicy or fried dishes.
Choose stuffing made without high-fiber ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to reduce irritation.
Some with Crohn's benefit from gluten-free options, but it varies; listen to your own body’s responses.
Opt for easily digestible dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes without butter, and steamed vegetables.
Yes, but opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar and no added spices.
Eggnog can be high in fat and dairy; try a lactose-free or lighter version instead.
Consider steamed carrots, green beans, or white rice as gentle, nutritious sides.
0/80
7. Apple Cider
Choose apple cider (not hard cider) over wine if you can. It will still give you a warming sensation, much like wine, but since it’s alcohol free, it won’t cause GI irritation like alcohol will. I know it’s not the same, but remember, if you’re in pain, it won’t matter how much you enjoyed it!
Remember, fat and fiber are the two things you want to avoid more than anything. Other than that, you should be okay as long as you avoid those two main GI irritants. If you have Crohn’s Disease, what holiday foods are usually safe for you to enjoy?
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/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03080438_4379_600x776.jpg)
Mashed potatoes may not be a low calorie option when traditionally prepared, but if made with skim milk and a healthy alternative to butter, anyone with Crohn’s Disease could enjoy them. Make sure the skins are removed since they contain much of the fiber in potatoes. If you need to, prepare your own dish to offer to bring, and make a batch of healthy mashed potatoes. They’ll be digested quite easily, and no one will ask why you offered to bring a dish, and will most likely appreciate the offer./filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03080645_5448_600x897.jpg)
White turkey breast is the perfect holiday food for anyone who has Crohn’s Disease. Avoid the fatty pork and ham dishes like sausages, brisket, or the holiday ham your granny makes each year, because turkey is the perfect choice. Turkey is low in fat, and the breast meat is the leanest option, so be sure to snag some of that before it gets gone. Just make sure that turkey’s roasted, not fried!/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03080842_3862_600x900.jpg)
Most people with Crohn’s do not tolerate beans, or raw veggies at all. Yet, one dish that’s usually well tolerated are well cooked green beans. If they’re cooked in oil, drain yours really well with a spoon first, and if you’re preparing your own, just steam them really well in some lemon juice, black pepper and salt for a great flavor that’s much better tolerated. Just forego that green bean casserole since it’s high in fat and fiber, which will upset your stomach pretty quickly./filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03081118_5374_600x900.jpg)
Plain pumpkin, roasted or baked, is great for people with Crohn’s. Even though it is high in fiber, it is a form of fiber known as soluble fiber that is better tolerated than insoluble fiber from nuts and seeds. Those are quite healthy still, but not great for someone with Crohn’s. If you’re sensitive to dairy, be sure you forego the pumpkin pie though. It usually contains dairy, but if it’s made dairy-free, feel free to have a slice./filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03081149_8662_600x900.jpg)
Apple pie is also usually well tolerated by people with Crohn’s, due to it’s lower fiber content that only comes from soluble fiber. Though it’s not the healthiest option, it shouldn’t upset your Crohns, unless made with a lot of fat.
/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03081241_7158_600x900.jpg)
Angel food cake is very low in fat and fiber, which make it a great choice for both diabetics and someone with Crohn’s Disease. It is high in sugar, but if you’re going to indulge, be sure to indulge in something that won’t cause pain. As a nutritionist though, I will say, I’d go with the pumpkin for a healthier option!/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/03081312_0025_600x760.jpg)
Choose apple cider (not hard cider) over wine if you can. It will still give you a warming sensation, much like wine, but since it’s alcohol free, it won’t cause GI irritation like alcohol will. I know it’s not the same, but remember, if you’re in pain, it won’t matter how much you enjoyed it!
Feedback Junction
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