Bland Foods Just What Are They

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.