Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which requires extra planning and precautions when it comes to preparing meals at home. The Celiac Disease Foundation is here to help with numerous nutritionally-balanced meal plans catered to specific individual needs, guaranteed to make life easier for you and your family.
In anticipation of the upcoming school year this fall, we are pleased to introduce a new 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, developed by Janelle Smith, Registered Dietitian at UCLA, who has expertise in celiac disease. Suitable for all ages, this meal plan is especially perfect for back-to-school lunches and planning busy morning breakfasts and quick weeknight dinners for busy families. Having a child with celiac disease poses unique challenges both for you and your child. The lifestyle changes – and how they are managed – that come with a diagnosis of celiac disease can be difficult during the school-age years. This 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan offers simple and healthy meals suitable for hectic family schedules. Fuel your child’s busy school week with Hearty Oatmeal with Fruit for breakfast, and a colorful Veggie Pizza for dinner. Want to put a healthy spin on their favorite ice cream? Try this Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie with cacao as a healthy alternative to a minty dessert.
Based on a 2,000 calorie/day diet, the meal plan includes three nutritionally complete and healthy meals and one snack per day. While this meal plan can be great for busy back-to-school weeks, it’s also beneficial for adults. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown the Mediterranean diet to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death related to heart problems by 30%. The diet can be used as a long-term diet pattern to promote health, control blood sugar, and prevent chronic disease.
People with celiac disease often battle inflammation. As an anti-inflammatory diet, the Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices are the foundation of the diet. Olive oil is the main source of added fat, and fish, seafood, dairy, and poultry are included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.
This free Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan can be accessed here.