Doctors often prescribe a bland diet -- made up of soft, low-fiber foods that are not spicy--to treat nausea, heartburn, vomiting, gas and ulcers. You might also need to follow this type of diet after intestinal or stomach surgery. The easily digestible foods on the diet will not irritate the lining of your stomach or cause an increased production of stomach acids. When following a bland diet, plan for three meals a day. Additional meals and snacks, especially late-night ones, can stimulate acid production and cause pain and discomfort.
Foods to Avoid
Fried, fatty, raw and spicy foods are off-limits, as are caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Avoid processed meats like bologna, sausage and lunch meat and seasoned soups like minestrone, chili or tomato. Citrus fruits, berries and tomato-based products can cause indigestion. Refrain from seasoning your foods with black pepper, chili powder, mustard, nutmeg, horseradish and mint. Do not eat gas-producing vegetables like broccoli, greens, cauliflower, sauerkraut, cabbage and onions. Stay away from rich desserts containing half and half or cream, and ones made with chocolate, coconut and nuts.
Breakfast
Breakfast entrée ideas include cereal with milk, oatmeal or cream of wheat, cottage cheese, scrambled or hardboiled eggs, creamy peanut butter on toast and yogurt. Add a banana or a cup of cooked or canned fruit with the skin removed, like peaches or pears. Drink water, milk, mild herbal teas or weak regular tea.
Lunch
Quiche, turkey or chicken sandwiches and creamy or broth-based soups make good lunch choices. Remember to use refined, white bread to make your sandwich since whole grain varieties are off-limits on a bland diet. Top your sandwich with a piece of mild cheese, such as Colby or Longhorn, and light mayonnaise. Include a serving of saltine crackers or plain pasta, noodles or macaroni. If you want something sweet, choose something light, like a serving of applesauce or a gelatin dessert.
Dinner
For dinner, select steamed, grilled or baked chicken, turkey or tofu. Use mild gravies and sauces to add flavoring to your meal. You can also create a tuna or chicken casserole made with pasta or rice, cream soup, peas and light cheese. Accompany the meal with mashed potatoes, rolls or white rice. Vegetable options include carrots, green beans, summer squash or zucchini and winter squash. For dessert, serve puddings, vanilla or angel food cake, custards, ice cream and ice milk.
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