What is a Bland Diet?

A bland diet is a type of diet that includes foods that are soft, low in fiber, and not spicy. The main purpose of a bland diet is to reduce discomfort or irritation of the digestive system. It is often recommended for people who have digestive conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other illnesses that can cause digestive issues.

A bland diet is not meant to be a long-term solution and is generally recommended for short-term use. Your doctor may recommend a bland diet if you are experiencing digestive symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

What Foods Can You Eat on a Bland Diet?

When following a bland diet, you should focus on eating foods that are low in fiber and fat, as well as soft and easily digestible. Generally, the following foods are allowed on a bland diet:

White bread, crackers, and other refined grain products
Low-fiber cereals
Skinless, white-meat poultry
Cooked fish and shellfish
Eggs
Low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream
Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables
Cooked or canned fruits
Cooked beans
Tofu
Cooked potatoes
White rice, pasta, and noodles
Butter, margarine, oil, and mayonnaise
Gelatin, pudding, and custard
Herbal teas

What Foods Should You Avoid on a Bland Diet?

When following a bland diet, you should avoid the following foods:

Raw vegetables
Spicy, fried, or fatty foods
High-fiber foods such as whole grains, bran, seeds, nuts, and popcorn
Processed meats such as sausage, bacon, and hot dogs
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomatoes and tomato-based products
Chocolate
Alcohol
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda
Artificial sweeteners

Sample Bland Diet Recipes

Baked Salmon with Rice and Vegetables

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon fillet
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup cooked vegetables (such as carrots, peas, green beans)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place salmon in a baking dish.
Melt butter and pour over the salmon.
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the salmon.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Divide the salmon, rice, and vegetables among 4 plates.

Egg Salad

Ingredients:

6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Stir in the chopped parsley (optional).
Serve on top of a piece of toast, or with crackers or pita chips.

Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups non-fat milk
1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Add the milk and whisk until combined.
Whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Serve pudding warm or chilled.

Conclusion

A bland diet can provide relief from digestive symptoms and can be helpful in managing certain digestive disorders. Foods that are allowed on a bland diet are low in fiber and fat and are soft and easily digestible. Commonly allowed foods include white bread, crackers, white-meat poultry, cooked fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, cooked vegetables, cooked fruits, cooked beans, tofu, white rice, pasta, and noodles. Foods to avoid include raw vegetables, spicy, fried, or fatty foods, high-fiber foods, processed meats, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and artificial sweeteners.