Meals for Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. Foods high in purines metabolize into uric acid. Meals for gout limit your intake of these high-purine foods, which are mostly animal proteins. Aim for meals that are plant-based and promote a healthy weight, according to MayoClinic.com.

Breakfast

To limit uric acid buildup, avoid foods high in purines such as anchovies, bouillon, organ meats, meat extracts, herring and mackerel. A low-purine diet contains 100 to 150 mg of purines daily. A gout-friendly breakfast meal might include whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit. Eating low-fat and nonfat dairy foods may reduce your risk of gout, according to MayoClinic.com. Choosing more whole grains also helps satisfy hunger for weight control. Another breakfast for gout might include a two-egg omelet with low-fat cheese and mushrooms, two slices of whole wheat toast and a glass of orange juice.

Lunch

Limit animal proteins such as red meat, poultry, fatty fish and seafood to 4 to 6 oz. a day to prevent uric acid buildup. Instead, choose more plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, peas, nuts and seeds. A gout-friendly lunch might include 1/4 cup of hummus stuffed into a whole wheat pita with lettuce and tomato, served with fresh fruit and nonfat yogurt. You can also try a chicken salad -- a bed of greens topped with 2 to 3 oz. of grilled chicken breast, walnuts, cranberries and low-fat salad dressing, and served with whole-grain crackers and fresh grapes. Eating more low-calorie fruits and vegetables can help you achieve a healthy weight. When it comes to weight loss and gout, you want to lose weight slowly, as quick weight loss can trigger a gout attack.

Dinner

A healthy gout dinner meal may include a 2- to 3-oz. baked pork chop served with brown rice or wild rice pilaf, steamed green beans and unsweetened applesauce. You can also try pasta primavera made with whole wheat pasta and mixed vegetables, and tossed with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. A bean burrito is another gout-friendly dinner meal, served with salsa, rice and a tossed garden salad with low-fat salad dressing. Drinking fluids with each meal will help to remove excess uric acid and help limit joint swelling and pain; MayoClinic.com recommends 64 to 128 oz. of fluid a day.