The Bland Diet consists of bland, unseasoned foods that are soft and easy to digest. This is to ease the discomfort caused by ulcers and heartburn, as well as other conditions of the digestive system, bowel problems, or chronic gas. Some of the foods on the Bland Diet consist of:
Well-cooked soft cereals such as Cream of Wheat
Mashed potatoes
Plain toast or bread and crackers
Soup
Plain spaghetti
Rice
Plain Macaroni
Cottage cheese
Puddings
Lowfat yogurts
Lowfat milk
Vanilla ice milk
Canned fruit (except pineapple or any other citrus fruits)
Very ripe bananas
Apples without peels or cooked
Plain meats that are not fried, like chicken, lean beef, turkey, and fish
Cooked vegetables
The Bland Diet is not a weight-loss diet. It is strictly for health purposes.
Review
We’ve reviewed this diet based on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest) based on the following criteria:
Health – 3. The Bland Diet is as balanced and healthy as the dieter makes it. If you choose a balanced diet of the foods on the list, the diet is healthy for anyone. However, if you stick to just a few of the foods, you can be deprived of the proper nutrients. In addition, the Bland Diet is healthy because it cuts out many foods that aren’t good for you anyway, like fried foods.
Cost – 1. The GI Diet is relatively inexpensive to implement. The majority of foods are regular foods you’d purchase normally. There are no special supplements or ingredients to buy.
Ease of Implementation – 3. This is a fairly easy diet to implement, as dieters will probably already know most of the foods that should be avoided.
Ease of Adherence – 3. Depending on the dieter’s personal tastes and preference, this is a simple diet to adhere to. For those who like spicy or fried foods, it could be difficult to stick with.
Speed – 4. Most people who begin the Bland Diet will notice relief from their symptoms in a short amount of time, usually within a few days, especially for those with ulcers or heartburn. The bland diet cuts out all the foods that irritate the system and various conditions.
Long-term potential – 3. Adhering to the Bland Diet long-term could be tiresome for some, as the foods lack the spice and flavor that makes eating enjoyable.
Busy lifestyle rating – 4. Most of the foods are not difficult to prepare, and many things like yogurt and fruits can be eaten on the go. However, it can be time consuming to peel vegetables.
Family Friendly – 4. The Bland Diet is suitable for the entire family, although it isn’t necessary for those who have stomach, digestive, or bowel problems.
Bland Diet
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you have ulcers, bowel problems, nausea, vomiting, or gas, your doctor may recommend a “bland diet” limited to foods that are soft, lightly spiced, and low in fiber. A bland diet may also be helpful if you have had stomach or intestinal surgery.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
The foods you should and should not eat are listed below. Stick to this plan until your doctor says you can add other foods to your diet. To maintain a balanced diet, try to eat the number of servings listed for each food group on a daily basis.