Bland foods you can eat
Here some foods you can eat on a bland diet:
- Milk and other dairy products, low-fat only
- Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Cooked or canned fruit with the skin and seeds removed, such as applesauce or canned peaches
- Breads, crackers and pasta made with refined white flour
- Refined hot cereals, such as oatmeal and cream of wheat
- Lean, tender meats, such as poultry, whitefish, and shellfish that are steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat
- Creamy peanut butter
- Pudding and custard
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Soup, especially broth
- Weak tea
Foods to Avoid
Here are some foods you should NOT eat when you are on a bland diet:
- Fatty dairy foods, such as whipped cream or high-fat ice cream
- Strong cheeses, such as bleu or Roquefort
- Raw vegetables
- Vegetables that make you gassy, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers and corn
- Fresh berries and other fresh fruit
- Dried fruit
- Whole-grain or bran cereals
- Whole-grain breads, crackers, or pasta
- Pickles, sauerkraut, and similar foods
- Spices, such as hot pepper and garlic
- Foods with a lot of sugar or honey in them
- Seeds and nuts
- Highly seasoned cured or smoked meats and fish
- Fried foods
You should also avoid medicine that contains aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Other diet tips
Here are some tips for when you are on a bland diet:
- Eat small meals, and eat more often during the day.
- Chew your food slowly, and chew it well.
- Stop cigarette smoking, if you smoke.
- Do not eat within 2 hours of when you go to bed.
- Stop eating foods that are NOT on the “do not” list if you don’t feel well after eating them.
- Drink fluids slowly.
Updated by: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
