Bland Diet

Dietary treatment plan for diarrhea and gastroenteritis is replenishment of lost fluids and calories, followed by bland diet. Fluid intake helps to regulate electrolyte imbalance, and prevent further fluid losses, which are vital for prevention of dehydration. Moreover, if you have some ailment like ulcers, nausea, vomiting, gas or bowel problems, the physician is likely to recommend you ‘Bland Diet’. This diet restricts the use of certain foods and advises you to use soft foods. These foods should also be lightly spiced and be low in fiber. Doctors commonly recommend bland diet, if the patient has surgery upon stomach or intestine. Follow the directions of the doctor and should note them down, if you are likely to forget. Add other foods in the diet only on the recommendations of the doctor. Follow the recommendations of foods from each food group to maintain a balanced diet. Here I list some groups and recommendations for foods.

Breads & Starches:

You are advised to eat six to eight servings per day from these items:
a. 1/2 cup cream of wheat
b. 1/2 cup cooked and mashed potatoes
c. 1/2 cup cooked pasta, noodles or macaroni
d. 1/2 cup well cooked white rice
e. 6 small salty crackers
f. 1 slice white bread
g. 1 medium size roll or bun, soft type

Do not eat these foods:
a. Bran and granola cereals in any quantity
b. Breads and rolls with nuts, seeds, or bran
c. Corn chips
d. Barbecue made from poultry or meat or beef
e. Whole-grain breads and rolls
f. Hard crackers
g. Popcorn
h. Potato chips, fried potatoes or French fries

FRUITS

Eat two to three servings a day from this list:
a. 1/2 cup canned or cooked fruits but without skins or seeds
b. 1/2 cup mild juices, such as grape, apple, and pear
c. 1/2 of a 9 inch banana or 1 small size banana
d. 1/2 cup applesauce
Do not eat or drink these foods:
a. Berries with seeds, such as blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries
b. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and pineapples
c. Cranberry, orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juice
d. Lemonade

Vegetables

Eat two to three servings a day from this list:
1/2 cup cooked or mashed vegetables without stems and seeds
a. 1/2 cup green beans
b. 1/2 cup onions and celery in soups
c. 1/2 cup summer squash or zucchini
d. 1/2 cup winter squash
e. 1/2 cup carrots

Do not eat these foods:
a. Raw vegetables
b. Mild or hot peppers
c. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other

Vegetables that cause gas

d. Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, and tomato juice
e. Sauerkraut and pickled vegetables
f. Vegetable juice

Milk And Dairy

Eat two to four servings a day from this list:
a. 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup cottage cheese
b. 1/2 cup ice cream or ice milk, without nuts
c. 1- to 2-inch-square slice of mild cheese, such as

Longhorn, Colby, Or Muenster

d. 1 cup plain yogurt i.e. it should be without seeds or nuts
e. 1 cup low fat milk
f. 1/2 cup pudding
g. 1/2 cup custard

Do not eat these foods:

a. Chocolate milk products
b. High fat dairy foods, such as cream
c. Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses

Meat And Meat Substitutes

Eat the equivalent of five to seven ounces of meat a day from this list:
a. 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (equals 1 ounce of meat)
b. 1 large egg (equals 1 ounce of meat)
c. 1 cup of a casserole made from foods listed in this diet (equals 2 to 3 ounces of meat)
d. Fish, turkey, chicken, or other meat that is not tough or stringy
e. 1/2 cup tofu or other bland soy products (equals 1 ounce of meat)
Do not eat these foods:
a. Processed, spicy meats, such as sausage, bacon, ham, and lunch meats
b. Dried cooked beans, such as pinto, kidney, or navy beans
c. Tough or stringy meats, such as corned beef or beef jerkey
d. Ribs and other meats with barbecue sauce
e. Fried or greasy meats
f. Crunchy peanut butter

Fats

Eat two to four servings a day from this list:
a. 1 teaspoon olive, vegetable, or safflower oil
b. 1 pat or 1 teaspoon butter
c. 1 pat or 1 teaspoon margarine
Do not eat these foods:
a. Nuts and seeds
b. Fried foods

Beverages

Drink as much as you want from this list:
a. Water
b. Caffeine-free drinks
c. Mild herbal teas or weak regular tea
d. Low-acid juices, such as apple, grape, or pear
e. Soda (do not drink more than 2 cans a day)

Do not drink these liquids:

a. Alcoholic beverages
b. Coffee and regular teas
c. Colas and other drinks with caffeine

Soups

Eat or drink as much as you want from this list:
a. One serving of a cream soup may take the place of a serving of milk
b. Any soup without tomato or strong spices
c. Bouillon or broth
Do not eat these foods:
a. Chile (any kind)
b. Minestrone and other tomato-based soups

Other Items

Eat as much as you want from this list:
a. Desserts made with approved foods from the lists above
b. Salt and other mild seasonings
c. Mild gravies and sauces
d. Herbs

Do not eat these foods:

a. Chili, taco, or picante sauces
b. Chili pepper
c. Desserts with nuts or coconut
d. Horseradish
e. Pickles

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