7-Day Meal Plan for Patients with Gastritis and Gallbladder Polyps
A balanced meal plan for gastritis and gallbladder polyps should focus on small, frequent meals with low-fat, non-spicy foods while emphasizing fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to reduce symptoms and inflammation.
Dietary Principles for Gastritis and Gallbladder Polyps
Foods to Emphasize:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits: 5-6 servings daily 1
- Whole grains: Make up ¼ of your plate 1
- Lean proteins: Focus on plant proteins when possible 1, 2
- Low-fat dairy: 2-3 servings daily 1
Foods to Avoid:
- Fatty foods: Fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy 1, 3
- Acidic foods: Orange juice, tomatoes, coffee 3
- Spicy foods: Peppers, salsa, and spicy seasonings 3
- Roughage-based foods: Cabbage, lettuce, broccoli 3
- Processed foods: High in salt, sugar, and preservatives 1
7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with banana and a small amount of honey
- Low-fat yogurt
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Saltine crackers with small amount of low-fat cheese
Lunch:
- Baked white fish
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed carrots
- Water or herbal tea
Afternoon Snack:
- Applesauce
- Graham crackers
Dinner:
- Baked chicken breast (skinless)
- Baked sweet potato
- Steamed green beans
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Low-fat yogurt with a small amount of honey
Day 2
Breakfast:
- Scrambled egg whites
- Whole grain toast (fresh)
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Rice cakes with small amount of nut butter
Lunch:
- Clear vegetable soup
- Quinoa
- Steamed zucchini
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Fruit popsicle (no citrus)
Dinner:
- Baked salmon
- Brown rice
- Steamed asparagus
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Plain pretzels
Day 3
Breakfast:
- Cream of wheat with a small amount of honey
- Low-fat milk
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Jello
Lunch:
- Lentil soup (mild)
- Whole grain bread (fresh)
- Steamed spinach (small portion)
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Baked apple with cinnamon
Dinner:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Baked potato
- Steamed carrots
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Graham crackers with small amount of honey
Day 4
Breakfast:
- Whole grain cereal with low-fat milk
- Sliced banana
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Saltine crackers
Lunch:
- Chickpea salad with olive oil and mild herbs
- Brown rice
- Steamed green beans
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Plain yogurt with a small amount of honey
Dinner:
- Baked white fish
- Quinoa
- Steamed yellow squash
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Rice cakes
Day 5
Breakfast:
- Overnight oats with almond milk and banana
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Low-fat cottage cheese
Lunch:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed carrots
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Applesauce
Dinner:
- Baked tofu
- Baked sweet potato
- Steamed broccoli (small portion, well-cooked)
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Plain pretzels
Day 6
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs
- Whole grain toast (fresh)
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Jello
Lunch:
- Clear chicken soup
- Whole grain crackers
- Steamed zucchini
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Baked pear
Dinner:
- Baked salmon
- Brown rice
- Steamed asparagus
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Low-fat yogurt
Day 7
Breakfast:
- Whole grain pancakes with a small amount of maple syrup
- Low-fat milk
- Herbal tea
Mid-morning Snack:
- Graham crackers
Lunch:
- Hummus with whole grain pita (fresh)
- Steamed carrots
- Water
Afternoon Snack:
- Fruit popsicle (no citrus)
Dinner:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Quinoa
- Steamed green beans
- Water
Evening Snack:
- Saltine crackers with small amount of low-fat cheese
Key Dietary Recommendations
Meal Structure:
- Eat 4-6 small meals throughout the day 1
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly 1
- Separate liquids from solids (drink 15 minutes before or 30 minutes after meals) 1
Cooking Methods:
- Baking, steaming, grilling, or boiling instead of frying 1, 3
- Use minimal oil in cooking
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods
Hydration:
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily 1
- Avoid carbonated beverages 1
- Herbal teas (especially ginger or chamomile) may be soothing
Important Considerations
- Monitor symptoms: Keep a food diary to identify individual triggers 2
- Portion control: Overeating can worsen gastritis symptoms 4
- Gradual introduction: Introduce potentially problematic foods one at a time
- Medication timing: Take prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco: These can worsen both gastritis and gallbladder issues 1
This meal plan focuses on gentle, easily digestible foods while providing adequate nutrition. The emphasis on low-fat options is particularly important for gallbladder polyps, while the avoidance of spicy, acidic, and rough-textured foods helps manage gastritis symptoms 3.