What Foods Are Allowed on a Bland Diet?

Bland diets help treat a variety of digestive issues such as ulcers, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These diets eliminate foods that might aggravate your symptoms such as foods that are fatty, spicy, raw, fried, high in fiber or hard in texture. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages on a bland diet 1. Despite these limitations, you can find a variety of foods and beverages to suit a bland diet 1.

Protein Foods

Lean, tender meats such as poultry, whitefish and shellfish are good sources of protein for your bland diet 1. Vegetarian protein sources for a bland diet include creamy peanut butter, eggs and tofu 1. When cooking with these foods, opt for steaming, boiling, baking or grilling, instead of frying to avoid adding too much fat.

Carbohydrates

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Your main concern with carbohydrates on a bland diet is to avoid high-fiber foods 1. Stick to breads, crackers and pasta made with refined white flour. In the morning, choose hot cereals made with refined grains such as instant oatmeal and farina. Other good bland carbohydrate sources are boiled or baked potatoes, rice and white pasta.

Fruits and Vegetables

Cooked, canned and frozen vegetables all suit the needs of your bland diet, but avoid raw vegetables 1. Similarly, cooked and canned fruits are acceptable, as long as they do not contain seeds or skin. It's best to avoid dried fruits and fresh fruits with seeds, such as berries, while following a bland diet 1.

Beverages and Dairy

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Milk and other dairy products are suitable for a bland diet, although you should choose only low-fat options 1. Other beverage options include weak, preferably caffeine-free tea, fruit juices without seeds and vegetable juices. Puddings and custards made with low-fat milk are a good choice, too.