The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and More
What is diet’s role in ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. People with UC often have periods of increased symptoms (flares), followed by periods of little to no symptoms (remission).
Ulcerative colitis can impact the absorption of nutrients in the gut, so if you have UC, it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition status. Cutting out too many foods or food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on overall health.
During times of remission, it’s important for you to eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for as broad of a diet as possible without triggering symptoms. This includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as gluten and dairy products as tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber gets a lot of attention in the UC world. Most guidelines recommend reducing fiber during a flare and then increasing as tolerated during remission; however, the research in this area is ever-evolving. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to identify your individual needs during a flare versus during remission.
Hydration
Since UC can cause you to have multiple bowel movements per day, you may be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially during a flare.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics has become increasingly popular for those with UC. Research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in increasing the rate of remission in those with active UC, particularly when added to conventional treatment. A registered dietitian can help recommend whether certain types of probiotics may be helpful for an individual with UC.
While there is no single diet for ulcerative colitis, adequate and appropriate nutrition is an essential part of treatment. Our registered dietitians help people determine what foods may trigger symptoms, while also helping put together a plan for how (and what) to eat during a flare. Tolerance to specific foods varies from person to person, so having an individualized nutrition plan is essential for success.
If you have UC, here’s an example of what a well-balanced 7-day meal plan may look like (while we provide general guidelines and recommendations, it's essential to speak with your physician before making any significant changes to your health routine. Individual needs can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another).
Day 1
Breakfast
Banana smoothie
Whip up a creamy smoothie using banana, milk (almond milk if dairy-free), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Add more fiber (as tolerated) with spinach, blueberries, and/or ground flaxseeds. Round it all out with a bowl of oatmeal with a touch of honey.
Lunch
Soup and salad
Make a simple grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avoiding high-fiber vegetables if needed. Pair with a soothing vegetable soup like carrot, potato, and chicken-broth based. Serve with a slice of bread (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Baked salmon
Bake a filet of salmon and serve with a side of steamed carrots and mashed potatoes. You can season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Snacks
Fruit plate
Cut up fruit (choose lower fiber options if needed like peeled apples or a banana). Eat with some crackers (gluten-free if needed) and cheese (if tolerated) on the side.
Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with toast
Scramble up two eggs and eat with a slice of toast on the side. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed).
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Use your favorite tortilla (gluten-free if needed) to make a turkey and avocado wrap. You can also add shredded lettuce and tomato for some added crunch.
Dinner
Grilled chicken
Marinate chicken breast in a sauce of your choosing. Avoid spicy options if these are triggering for you. Grill or bake the chicken and serve with a side of white rice and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Protein plate
Make two hard boiled eggs. Serve with smooth peanut butter on crackers (gluten-free if needed).
Day 3
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Use one scoop of your favorite protein powder to make a smoothie using fruits of your choice. If needed, pick low fiber fruits and blend with yogurt (lactose-free if needed) and a bit of maple syrup.
Lunch
Fish tacos
Bake or grill white fish (like cod) and serve in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Top with shredded lettuce, white rice, and mild salsa.
Dinner
Roasted turkey
Roast a turkey breast in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Add a green salad made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side as tolerated.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve cheese (lactose-free if needed) on top of crackers and fruit of choice on the side. If you need a low-fiber fruit, try peeled pears.
Day 4
Breakfast
Egg white omelet
Make an egg white omelet with a side of steamed spinach. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed) with a sliced banana on top.
Lunch
Tuna salad & soup
Make tuna salad. You can use plain yogurt (lactose-free if needed) instead of mayonnaise, if you prefer. Serve over a salad and add crackers or toast on the side (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Grilled shrimp
Grill shrimp marinated in sauce of your choosing and serve with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks
Hard-boiled eggs
Serve hard-boiled eggs with a side of cottage cheese (lactose-free if needed) with a bit of honey
Day 5
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Mix up a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. Stir in yogurt (lactose-free) and fruit of your choice. If low fiber is needed, cook the oatmeal with peels and sliced apples.
Lunch
Grilled chicken wrap
Make a wrap using a corn tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a dressing or sauce of your choice. Serve with a side of carrot ginger soup.
Dinner
Baked cod
Bake cod and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve rice crackers topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed) and smooth almond butter.
Day 6
Breakfast
Yogurt parfait
Make a yogurt parfait (lactose-free if needed) by adding fruits of your choice. If tolerated, can add chopped nuts of your choice for added crunch.
Lunch
Salmon salad
Make a canned salmon salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with vegetable and rice soup on the side.
Dinner
Grilled lamb
Grill lamb chops and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Veggies & hummus
Slice cucumbers and carrots and serve with a side of hummus.
Day 7
Breakfast
Eggs and toast
Scramble eggs with veggies of your choice (low fiber if needed). Serve with a toasted english muffin (gluten-free if needed) with smooth peanut butter on top.
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Make a wrap using roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Eat with tomato soup on the side.
Dinner
Baked chicken
Bake a chicken breast and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed zucchini.
Snacks
Melon fruit plate
Cut up melon and serve with crackers (gluten-free if needed) topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed).
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
While there is no specific list of foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms for some people. These include:
High-fiber vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Spicy foods and hot sauces
Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant
Gluten for those who also have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant
Carbonated beverages and alcohol
What about ulcerative colitis and alcohol?
Those with ulcerative colitis should be cautious about consuming alcohol. Research suggests that alcohol may trigger flares and cause an increase in symptoms. Alcohol may also interfere with certain medications. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine if you should avoid or moderate your current alcohol intake.
How to stick with your meal plan
Once you plan out your meals for the week, it’s helpful to make a grocery list and gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your meals. You can also do some meal prepping to save time.
The meal plan above can give you a starting place to help you plan out your meals, but it isn’t meant to be followed forever. Variety is the spice of life, after all! So even if you have UC, you may want to try changing up the foods in your typical eating plan. This is where having the support of a registered dietitian can help. They can adjust your meal plan and provide you with new recipes and ideas that meet your preferences and tolerances.
How Season can help
The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and More
What is diet’s role in ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. People with UC often have periods of increased symptoms (flares), followed by periods of little to no symptoms (remission).
Ulcerative colitis can impact the absorption of nutrients in the gut, so if you have UC, it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition status. Cutting out too many foods or food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on overall health.
During times of remission, it’s important for you to eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for as broad of a diet as possible without triggering symptoms. This includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as gluten and dairy products as tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber gets a lot of attention in the UC world. Most guidelines recommend reducing fiber during a flare and then increasing as tolerated during remission; however, the research in this area is ever-evolving. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to identify your individual needs during a flare versus during remission.
Hydration
Since UC can cause you to have multiple bowel movements per day, you may be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially during a flare.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics has become increasingly popular for those with UC. Research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in increasing the rate of remission in those with active UC, particularly when added to conventional treatment. A registered dietitian can help recommend whether certain types of probiotics may be helpful for an individual with UC.
While there is no single diet for ulcerative colitis, adequate and appropriate nutrition is an essential part of treatment. Our registered dietitians help people determine what foods may trigger symptoms, while also helping put together a plan for how (and what) to eat during a flare. Tolerance to specific foods varies from person to person, so having an individualized nutrition plan is essential for success.
If you have UC, here’s an example of what a well-balanced 7-day meal plan may look like (while we provide general guidelines and recommendations, it's essential to speak with your physician before making any significant changes to your health routine. Individual needs can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another).
Day 1
Breakfast
Banana smoothie
Whip up a creamy smoothie using banana, milk (almond milk if dairy-free), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Add more fiber (as tolerated) with spinach, blueberries, and/or ground flaxseeds. Round it all out with a bowl of oatmeal with a touch of honey.
Lunch
Soup and salad
Make a simple grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avoiding high-fiber vegetables if needed. Pair with a soothing vegetable soup like carrot, potato, and chicken-broth based. Serve with a slice of bread (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Baked salmon
Bake a filet of salmon and serve with a side of steamed carrots and mashed potatoes. You can season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Snacks
Fruit plate
Cut up fruit (choose lower fiber options if needed like peeled apples or a banana). Eat with some crackers (gluten-free if needed) and cheese (if tolerated) on the side.
Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with toast
Scramble up two eggs and eat with a slice of toast on the side. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed).
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Use your favorite tortilla (gluten-free if needed) to make a turkey and avocado wrap. You can also add shredded lettuce and tomato for some added crunch.
Dinner
Grilled chicken
Marinate chicken breast in a sauce of your choosing. Avoid spicy options if these are triggering for you. Grill or bake the chicken and serve with a side of white rice and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Protein plate
Make two hard boiled eggs. Serve with smooth peanut butter on crackers (gluten-free if needed).
Day 3
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Use one scoop of your favorite protein powder to make a smoothie using fruits of your choice. If needed, pick low fiber fruits and blend with yogurt (lactose-free if needed) and a bit of maple syrup.
Lunch
Fish tacos
Bake or grill white fish (like cod) and serve in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Top with shredded lettuce, white rice, and mild salsa.
Dinner
Roasted turkey
Roast a turkey breast in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Add a green salad made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side as tolerated.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve cheese (lactose-free if needed) on top of crackers and fruit of choice on the side. If you need a low-fiber fruit, try peeled pears.
Day 4
Breakfast
Egg white omelet
Make an egg white omelet with a side of steamed spinach. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed) with a sliced banana on top.
Lunch
Tuna salad & soup
Make tuna salad. You can use plain yogurt (lactose-free if needed) instead of mayonnaise, if you prefer. Serve over a salad and add crackers or toast on the side (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Grilled shrimp
Grill shrimp marinated in sauce of your choosing and serve with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks
Hard-boiled eggs
Serve hard-boiled eggs with a side of cottage cheese (lactose-free if needed) with a bit of honey
Day 5
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Mix up a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. Stir in yogurt (lactose-free) and fruit of your choice. If low fiber is needed, cook the oatmeal with peels and sliced apples.
Lunch
Grilled chicken wrap
Make a wrap using a corn tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a dressing or sauce of your choice. Serve with a side of carrot ginger soup.
Dinner
Baked cod
Bake cod and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve rice crackers topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed) and smooth almond butter.
Day 6
Breakfast
Yogurt parfait
Make a yogurt parfait (lactose-free if needed) by adding fruits of your choice. If tolerated, can add chopped nuts of your choice for added crunch.
Lunch
Salmon salad
Make a canned salmon salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with vegetable and rice soup on the side.
Dinner
Grilled lamb
Grill lamb chops and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Veggies & hummus
Slice cucumbers and carrots and serve with a side of hummus.
Day 7
Breakfast
Eggs and toast
Scramble eggs with veggies of your choice (low fiber if needed). Serve with a toasted english muffin (gluten-free if needed) with smooth peanut butter on top.
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Make a wrap using roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Eat with tomato soup on the side.
Dinner
Baked chicken
Bake a chicken breast and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed zucchini.
Snacks
Melon fruit plate
Cut up melon and serve with crackers (gluten-free if needed) topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed).
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
While there is no specific list of foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms for some people. These include:
High-fiber vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Spicy foods and hot sauces
Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant
Gluten for those who also have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant
Carbonated beverages and alcohol
What about ulcerative colitis and alcohol?
Those with ulcerative colitis should be cautious about consuming alcohol. Research suggests that alcohol may trigger flares and cause an increase in symptoms. Alcohol may also interfere with certain medications. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine if you should avoid or moderate your current alcohol intake.
How to stick with your meal plan
Once you plan out your meals for the week, it’s helpful to make a grocery list and gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your meals. You can also do some meal prepping to save time.
The meal plan above can give you a starting place to help you plan out your meals, but it isn’t meant to be followed forever. Variety is the spice of life, after all! So even if you have UC, you may want to try changing up the foods in your typical eating plan. This is where having the support of a registered dietitian can help. They can adjust your meal plan and provide you with new recipes and ideas that meet your preferences and tolerances.
How Season can help
The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and More
What is diet’s role in ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. People with UC often have periods of increased symptoms (flares), followed by periods of little to no symptoms (remission).
Ulcerative colitis can impact the absorption of nutrients in the gut, so if you have UC, it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition status. Cutting out too many foods or food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on overall health.
During times of remission, it’s important for you to eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for as broad of a diet as possible without triggering symptoms. This includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as gluten and dairy products as tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber gets a lot of attention in the UC world. Most guidelines recommend reducing fiber during a flare and then increasing as tolerated during remission; however, the research in this area is ever-evolving. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to identify your individual needs during a flare versus during remission.
Hydration
Since UC can cause you to have multiple bowel movements per day, you may be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially during a flare.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics has become increasingly popular for those with UC. Research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in increasing the rate of remission in those with active UC, particularly when added to conventional treatment. A registered dietitian can help recommend whether certain types of probiotics may be helpful for an individual with UC.
While there is no single diet for ulcerative colitis, adequate and appropriate nutrition is an essential part of treatment. Our registered dietitians help people determine what foods may trigger symptoms, while also helping put together a plan for how (and what) to eat during a flare. Tolerance to specific foods varies from person to person, so having an individualized nutrition plan is essential for success.
If you have UC, here’s an example of what a well-balanced 7-day meal plan may look like (while we provide general guidelines and recommendations, it's essential to speak with your physician before making any significant changes to your health routine. Individual needs can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another).
Day 1
Breakfast
Banana smoothie
Whip up a creamy smoothie using banana, milk (almond milk if dairy-free), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Add more fiber (as tolerated) with spinach, blueberries, and/or ground flaxseeds. Round it all out with a bowl of oatmeal with a touch of honey.
Lunch
Soup and salad
Make a simple grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avoiding high-fiber vegetables if needed. Pair with a soothing vegetable soup like carrot, potato, and chicken-broth based. Serve with a slice of bread (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Baked salmon
Bake a filet of salmon and serve with a side of steamed carrots and mashed potatoes. You can season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Snacks
Fruit plate
Cut up fruit (choose lower fiber options if needed like peeled apples or a banana). Eat with some crackers (gluten-free if needed) and cheese (if tolerated) on the side.
Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with toast
Scramble up two eggs and eat with a slice of toast on the side. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed).
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Use your favorite tortilla (gluten-free if needed) to make a turkey and avocado wrap. You can also add shredded lettuce and tomato for some added crunch.
Dinner
Grilled chicken
Marinate chicken breast in a sauce of your choosing. Avoid spicy options if these are triggering for you. Grill or bake the chicken and serve with a side of white rice and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Protein plate
Make two hard boiled eggs. Serve with smooth peanut butter on crackers (gluten-free if needed).
Day 3
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Use one scoop of your favorite protein powder to make a smoothie using fruits of your choice. If needed, pick low fiber fruits and blend with yogurt (lactose-free if needed) and a bit of maple syrup.
Lunch
Fish tacos
Bake or grill white fish (like cod) and serve in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Top with shredded lettuce, white rice, and mild salsa.
Dinner
Roasted turkey
Roast a turkey breast in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Add a green salad made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side as tolerated.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve cheese (lactose-free if needed) on top of crackers and fruit of choice on the side. If you need a low-fiber fruit, try peeled pears.
Day 4
Breakfast
Egg white omelet
Make an egg white omelet with a side of steamed spinach. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed) with a sliced banana on top.
Lunch
Tuna salad & soup
Make tuna salad. You can use plain yogurt (lactose-free if needed) instead of mayonnaise, if you prefer. Serve over a salad and add crackers or toast on the side (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Grilled shrimp
Grill shrimp marinated in sauce of your choosing and serve with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks
Hard-boiled eggs
Serve hard-boiled eggs with a side of cottage cheese (lactose-free if needed) with a bit of honey
Day 5
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Mix up a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. Stir in yogurt (lactose-free) and fruit of your choice. If low fiber is needed, cook the oatmeal with peels and sliced apples.
Lunch
Grilled chicken wrap
Make a wrap using a corn tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a dressing or sauce of your choice. Serve with a side of carrot ginger soup.
Dinner
Baked cod
Bake cod and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve rice crackers topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed) and smooth almond butter.
Day 6
Breakfast
Yogurt parfait
Make a yogurt parfait (lactose-free if needed) by adding fruits of your choice. If tolerated, can add chopped nuts of your choice for added crunch.
Lunch
Salmon salad
Make a canned salmon salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with vegetable and rice soup on the side.
Dinner
Grilled lamb
Grill lamb chops and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Veggies & hummus
Slice cucumbers and carrots and serve with a side of hummus.
Day 7
Breakfast
Eggs and toast
Scramble eggs with veggies of your choice (low fiber if needed). Serve with a toasted english muffin (gluten-free if needed) with smooth peanut butter on top.
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Make a wrap using roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Eat with tomato soup on the side.
Dinner
Baked chicken
Bake a chicken breast and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed zucchini.
Snacks
Melon fruit plate
Cut up melon and serve with crackers (gluten-free if needed) topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed).
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
While there is no specific list of foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms for some people. These include:
High-fiber vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Spicy foods and hot sauces
Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant
Gluten for those who also have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant
Carbonated beverages and alcohol
What about ulcerative colitis and alcohol?
Those with ulcerative colitis should be cautious about consuming alcohol. Research suggests that alcohol may trigger flares and cause an increase in symptoms. Alcohol may also interfere with certain medications. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine if you should avoid or moderate your current alcohol intake.
How to stick with your meal plan
Once you plan out your meals for the week, it’s helpful to make a grocery list and gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your meals. You can also do some meal prepping to save time.
The meal plan above can give you a starting place to help you plan out your meals, but it isn’t meant to be followed forever. Variety is the spice of life, after all! So even if you have UC, you may want to try changing up the foods in your typical eating plan. This is where having the support of a registered dietitian can help. They can adjust your meal plan and provide you with new recipes and ideas that meet your preferences and tolerances.
How Season can help
The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and More
What is diet’s role in ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. People with UC often have periods of increased symptoms (flares), followed by periods of little to no symptoms (remission).
Ulcerative colitis can impact the absorption of nutrients in the gut, so if you have UC, it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition status. Cutting out too many foods or food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on overall health.
During times of remission, it’s important for you to eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for as broad of a diet as possible without triggering symptoms. This includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as gluten and dairy products as tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber gets a lot of attention in the UC world. Most guidelines recommend reducing fiber during a flare and then increasing as tolerated during remission; however, the research in this area is ever-evolving. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to identify your individual needs during a flare versus during remission.
Hydration
Since UC can cause you to have multiple bowel movements per day, you may be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially during a flare.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics has become increasingly popular for those with UC. Research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in increasing the rate of remission in those with active UC, particularly when added to conventional treatment. A registered dietitian can help recommend whether certain types of probiotics may be helpful for an individual with UC.
While there is no single diet for ulcerative colitis, adequate and appropriate nutrition is an essential part of treatment. Our registered dietitians help people determine what foods may trigger symptoms, while also helping put together a plan for how (and what) to eat during a flare. Tolerance to specific foods varies from person to person, so having an individualized nutrition plan is essential for success.
If you have UC, here’s an example of what a well-balanced 7-day meal plan may look like (while we provide general guidelines and recommendations, it's essential to speak with your physician before making any significant changes to your health routine. Individual needs can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another).
Day 1
Breakfast
Banana smoothie
Whip up a creamy smoothie using banana, milk (almond milk if dairy-free), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Add more fiber (as tolerated) with spinach, blueberries, and/or ground flaxseeds. Round it all out with a bowl of oatmeal with a touch of honey.
Lunch
Soup and salad
Make a simple grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avoiding high-fiber vegetables if needed. Pair with a soothing vegetable soup like carrot, potato, and chicken-broth based. Serve with a slice of bread (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Baked salmon
Bake a filet of salmon and serve with a side of steamed carrots and mashed potatoes. You can season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Snacks
Fruit plate
Cut up fruit (choose lower fiber options if needed like peeled apples or a banana). Eat with some crackers (gluten-free if needed) and cheese (if tolerated) on the side.
Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with toast
Scramble up two eggs and eat with a slice of toast on the side. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed).
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Use your favorite tortilla (gluten-free if needed) to make a turkey and avocado wrap. You can also add shredded lettuce and tomato for some added crunch.
Dinner
Grilled chicken
Marinate chicken breast in a sauce of your choosing. Avoid spicy options if these are triggering for you. Grill or bake the chicken and serve with a side of white rice and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Protein plate
Make two hard boiled eggs. Serve with smooth peanut butter on crackers (gluten-free if needed).
Day 3
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Use one scoop of your favorite protein powder to make a smoothie using fruits of your choice. If needed, pick low fiber fruits and blend with yogurt (lactose-free if needed) and a bit of maple syrup.
Lunch
Fish tacos
Bake or grill white fish (like cod) and serve in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Top with shredded lettuce, white rice, and mild salsa.
Dinner
Roasted turkey
Roast a turkey breast in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Add a green salad made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side as tolerated.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve cheese (lactose-free if needed) on top of crackers and fruit of choice on the side. If you need a low-fiber fruit, try peeled pears.
Day 4
Breakfast
Egg white omelet
Make an egg white omelet with a side of steamed spinach. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed) with a sliced banana on top.
Lunch
Tuna salad & soup
Make tuna salad. You can use plain yogurt (lactose-free if needed) instead of mayonnaise, if you prefer. Serve over a salad and add crackers or toast on the side (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Grilled shrimp
Grill shrimp marinated in sauce of your choosing and serve with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks
Hard-boiled eggs
Serve hard-boiled eggs with a side of cottage cheese (lactose-free if needed) with a bit of honey
Day 5
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Mix up a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. Stir in yogurt (lactose-free) and fruit of your choice. If low fiber is needed, cook the oatmeal with peels and sliced apples.
Lunch
Grilled chicken wrap
Make a wrap using a corn tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a dressing or sauce of your choice. Serve with a side of carrot ginger soup.
Dinner
Baked cod
Bake cod and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve rice crackers topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed) and smooth almond butter.
Day 6
Breakfast
Yogurt parfait
Make a yogurt parfait (lactose-free if needed) by adding fruits of your choice. If tolerated, can add chopped nuts of your choice for added crunch.
Lunch
Salmon salad
Make a canned salmon salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with vegetable and rice soup on the side.
Dinner
Grilled lamb
Grill lamb chops and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Veggies & hummus
Slice cucumbers and carrots and serve with a side of hummus.
Day 7
Breakfast
Eggs and toast
Scramble eggs with veggies of your choice (low fiber if needed). Serve with a toasted english muffin (gluten-free if needed) with smooth peanut butter on top.
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Make a wrap using roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Eat with tomato soup on the side.
Dinner
Baked chicken
Bake a chicken breast and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed zucchini.
Snacks
Melon fruit plate
Cut up melon and serve with crackers (gluten-free if needed) topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed).
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
While there is no specific list of foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms for some people. These include:
High-fiber vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Spicy foods and hot sauces
Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant
Gluten for those who also have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant
Carbonated beverages and alcohol
What about ulcerative colitis and alcohol?
Those with ulcerative colitis should be cautious about consuming alcohol. Research suggests that alcohol may trigger flares and cause an increase in symptoms. Alcohol may also interfere with certain medications. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine if you should avoid or moderate your current alcohol intake.
How to stick with your meal plan
Once you plan out your meals for the week, it’s helpful to make a grocery list and gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your meals. You can also do some meal prepping to save time.
The meal plan above can give you a starting place to help you plan out your meals, but it isn’t meant to be followed forever. Variety is the spice of life, after all! So even if you have UC, you may want to try changing up the foods in your typical eating plan. This is where having the support of a registered dietitian can help. They can adjust your meal plan and provide you with new recipes and ideas that meet your preferences and tolerances.
How Season can help
The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and More
What is diet’s role in ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. People with UC often have periods of increased symptoms (flares), followed by periods of little to no symptoms (remission).
Ulcerative colitis can impact the absorption of nutrients in the gut, so if you have UC, it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition status. Cutting out too many foods or food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on overall health.
During times of remission, it’s important for you to eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for as broad of a diet as possible without triggering symptoms. This includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as gluten and dairy products as tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber gets a lot of attention in the UC world. Most guidelines recommend reducing fiber during a flare and then increasing as tolerated during remission; however, the research in this area is ever-evolving. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to identify your individual needs during a flare versus during remission.
Hydration
Since UC can cause you to have multiple bowel movements per day, you may be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially during a flare.
Probiotics
The use of probiotics has become increasingly popular for those with UC. Research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in increasing the rate of remission in those with active UC, particularly when added to conventional treatment. A registered dietitian can help recommend whether certain types of probiotics may be helpful for an individual with UC.
While there is no single diet for ulcerative colitis, adequate and appropriate nutrition is an essential part of treatment. Our registered dietitians help people determine what foods may trigger symptoms, while also helping put together a plan for how (and what) to eat during a flare. Tolerance to specific foods varies from person to person, so having an individualized nutrition plan is essential for success.
If you have UC, here’s an example of what a well-balanced 7-day meal plan may look like (while we provide general guidelines and recommendations, it's essential to speak with your physician before making any significant changes to your health routine. Individual needs can vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another).
Day 1
Breakfast
Banana smoothie
Whip up a creamy smoothie using banana, milk (almond milk if dairy-free), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Add more fiber (as tolerated) with spinach, blueberries, and/or ground flaxseeds. Round it all out with a bowl of oatmeal with a touch of honey.
Lunch
Soup and salad
Make a simple grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avoiding high-fiber vegetables if needed. Pair with a soothing vegetable soup like carrot, potato, and chicken-broth based. Serve with a slice of bread (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Baked salmon
Bake a filet of salmon and serve with a side of steamed carrots and mashed potatoes. You can season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Snacks
Fruit plate
Cut up fruit (choose lower fiber options if needed like peeled apples or a banana). Eat with some crackers (gluten-free if needed) and cheese (if tolerated) on the side.
Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with toast
Scramble up two eggs and eat with a slice of toast on the side. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed).
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Use your favorite tortilla (gluten-free if needed) to make a turkey and avocado wrap. You can also add shredded lettuce and tomato for some added crunch.
Dinner
Grilled chicken
Marinate chicken breast in a sauce of your choosing. Avoid spicy options if these are triggering for you. Grill or bake the chicken and serve with a side of white rice and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Protein plate
Make two hard boiled eggs. Serve with smooth peanut butter on crackers (gluten-free if needed).
Day 3
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Use one scoop of your favorite protein powder to make a smoothie using fruits of your choice. If needed, pick low fiber fruits and blend with yogurt (lactose-free if needed) and a bit of maple syrup.
Lunch
Fish tacos
Bake or grill white fish (like cod) and serve in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Top with shredded lettuce, white rice, and mild salsa.
Dinner
Roasted turkey
Roast a turkey breast in the oven and serve with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Add a green salad made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side as tolerated.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve cheese (lactose-free if needed) on top of crackers and fruit of choice on the side. If you need a low-fiber fruit, try peeled pears.
Day 4
Breakfast
Egg white omelet
Make an egg white omelet with a side of steamed spinach. Serve with a cup of yogurt (lactose-free if needed) with a sliced banana on top.
Lunch
Tuna salad & soup
Make tuna salad. You can use plain yogurt (lactose-free if needed) instead of mayonnaise, if you prefer. Serve over a salad and add crackers or toast on the side (gluten-free if needed).
Dinner
Grilled shrimp
Grill shrimp marinated in sauce of your choosing and serve with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks
Hard-boiled eggs
Serve hard-boiled eggs with a side of cottage cheese (lactose-free if needed) with a bit of honey
Day 5
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Mix up a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. Stir in yogurt (lactose-free) and fruit of your choice. If low fiber is needed, cook the oatmeal with peels and sliced apples.
Lunch
Grilled chicken wrap
Make a wrap using a corn tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a dressing or sauce of your choice. Serve with a side of carrot ginger soup.
Dinner
Baked cod
Bake cod and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Snacks
Cheese and crackers
Serve rice crackers topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed) and smooth almond butter.
Day 6
Breakfast
Yogurt parfait
Make a yogurt parfait (lactose-free if needed) by adding fruits of your choice. If tolerated, can add chopped nuts of your choice for added crunch.
Lunch
Salmon salad
Make a canned salmon salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with vegetable and rice soup on the side.
Dinner
Grilled lamb
Grill lamb chops and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks
Veggies & hummus
Slice cucumbers and carrots and serve with a side of hummus.
Day 7
Breakfast
Eggs and toast
Scramble eggs with veggies of your choice (low fiber if needed). Serve with a toasted english muffin (gluten-free if needed) with smooth peanut butter on top.
Lunch
Turkey avocado wrap
Make a wrap using roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato in a tortilla (gluten-free if needed). Eat with tomato soup on the side.
Dinner
Baked chicken
Bake a chicken breast and serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed zucchini.
Snacks
Melon fruit plate
Cut up melon and serve with crackers (gluten-free if needed) topped with cheese (lactose-free if needed).
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
While there is no specific list of foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms for some people. These include:
High-fiber vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Spicy foods and hot sauces
Acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant
Gluten for those who also have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant
Carbonated beverages and alcohol
What about ulcerative colitis and alcohol?
Those with ulcerative colitis should be cautious about consuming alcohol. Research suggests that alcohol may trigger flares and cause an increase in symptoms. Alcohol may also interfere with certain medications. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine if you should avoid or moderate your current alcohol intake.
How to stick with your meal plan
Once you plan out your meals for the week, it’s helpful to make a grocery list and gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your meals. You can also do some meal prepping to save time.
The meal plan above can give you a starting place to help you plan out your meals, but it isn’t meant to be followed forever. Variety is the spice of life, after all! So even if you have UC, you may want to try changing up the foods in your typical eating plan. This is where having the support of a registered dietitian can help. They can adjust your meal plan and provide you with new recipes and ideas that meet your preferences and tolerances.
