An easy-to-digest diet is recommended by doctors and nutritionists for people struggling with stomach problems such as ulcers. It can be indicated for various types of gastrointestinal problems, in the pre-operative and post-operative periods. It limits the intake of foods that can cause bloating and digestive problems. A well-composed easy-to-digest diet should be rich in protein and vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. An easy-to-digest diet should also limit the amount of sugar and fat supplied with food.
Products allowed and recommended in an easy-to-digest diet
Although the main principles of the diet are quite strict, the products that can be eaten on it are really quite a lot. A lot of them also have beneficial effects on the body. The main principle of the easy-to-digest diet is to modify the current diet.
Among grain products, it is advisable to eat light bread, which is often also stale. You can confidently reach for wheat bread and Kaiser rolls, as well as products prepared on the basis of wheat flour. As for fruits and vegetables, they should be eaten after undergoing heat treatment - that is, stewed or cooked. Remember to consume them without peel and seeds.
Products contraindicated in an easy-to-digest diet
It is absolutely necessary to exclude foods prepared with whole-grain flours from the diet. Consumption of confectionery products such as yeast, doughnuts, sweet croissants and pastries is also not allowed. Eating brown rice, coarse-grain groats and dark pasta is also contraindicated. Unripe fruits and vegetables such as pears, plums, bell peppers, radishes, turnips, chives and all varieties of cabbage, corn, garlic and onions should be eliminated from the diet. Fried potatoes and French fries, as well as fruits in syrup and high-sugar jams and dried fruits should also be avoided.
How to prepare meals on an easy-to-digest diet - basic cooking techniques
An easy-to-digest diet is designed to provide adequate energy to the body and saturate it with vitamins and minerals and nutrients. Therefore, it cannot be an elimination diet, but only a modification of the existing dietary style. The basic cooking techniques recommended for preparing meals on an easily digestible diet include, first of all, steaming or boiling in water, baking in foil/parchment paper or ceramic dishes, and stewing, but without frying.
Properly prepared foods can affect whether they are light or heavy to digest. Therefore, it is worth keeping an eye on the food preparation process.
Fiber elimination
The aforementioned cooking techniques are able to reduce the amount of digestible dietary fiber. This will have a positive effect on the digestibility of the dish and how you feel after eating it. Mixing meals can also help reduce the amount of fiber. Blending will also contribute to better digestibility of the meal, and in turn will not negatively affect the amount of vitamins provided to the body.
Prohibited cooking techniques
On an easy-to-digest diet, forbidden cooking techniques such as frying, smoking and curing must be strictly observed. Meals prepared in this way are hard to digest and result in a longer period of lingering in the digestive tract. All kinds of roux should also be completely excluded.
How many meals should I eat on an easy-to-digest diet?
The digestion process is positively affected by breaking down the 24-hour ration into more meals consumed than before. Eating 5-6 meals a day in smaller portions than usual works best. This does not strain the digestive tract and contributes to better absorption and bioavailability of nutrients.
Sample menu
The menu is designed for an adult with energy requirements of about 2,600 kcal.
Breakfast
- Sandwich:
- Wheat roll 25g, lettuce 10g, butter 5g
- bavarian tea:
- Honey 20g, lemon juice 5g, milk 0.5% 200ml, weak black tea
- fruit:
- Blueberries 25g, kiwi 70g, strawberries 50g
II breakfast
- Sandwich:
- wheat bread 25g, ham 50g, butter 5g
- orange juice 200 ml
Dinner
- Tomato soup:
- Carrot 50g, parsley root 50g, cream 18% 25g, tomato 130g, tomato paste 25g, eggless pasta 25g - prepare stock from vegetables, add concentrate and tomatoes after scalding and skinning. Add boiled pasta. Blend the whole thing, whipped with cream.
- Fish with rice:
- white rice 80g, cod fillet 180g, olive oil 20g, spinach 100g - braise spinach in a pan, pour oil over it before serving. Steam the cod and rice.
Afternoon snack
- Baked apple:
- Apple without skin 150g - bake, you can lightly season with cinnamon.
- Carrot juice 200g
Dinner
- Flakes on milk:
- milk 1.5% 350ml, cornflakes 25g
As you can see - an easy-to-digest diet does not have to be an elimination diet. You can consume the vast majority of foods with full awareness, taking care, in fact, of the form of their preparation and the cooking techniques used. Eating unpeeled, heat-treated fruits, or crushing prepared meals and serving them in the form of paps, mousses or simply eating soft foods will not negatively affect your well-being. As an interesting fact, it is worth mentioning that in an easy-to-digest diet white bread previously soaked in milk works perfectly.
Recipes in an easy-to-digest diet do not have to be boring or elaborate. It is worth modifying your traditional diet yourself, based on specific exclusions and recommendations - especially when it comes to meal preparation.
