Snacks are pretty important for people with IBD as many patients report that they feel better eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of fewer larger ones. Snacking is also a great way to give your body an energy boost during the day, particularly necessary when you suffer from chronic fatigue. So, with that in mind, here are three of my personal favourite Crohn’s friendly snacks:
1. Houmous:
Beans, lentils and pulses are notoriously difficult to digest for IBD sufferers, but being blended, houmous has always been a go-to snack for me. It’s high in protein, it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, it’s one of your five a day and its rich in iron, all of which make it the perfect on-the-go snack for busy schedules. I usually enjoy about a tablespoon of reduced-fat houmous either with toasted pitta bread, sliced cucumber, low-fat lentil/ vegetable crisps or sundried tomatoes. And don’t forget, you can always mix it up and try different flavours of houmous- there’s a rather tasty roasted red pepper one, a beetroot version and a Moroccan style if you can handle the spice. Or, get creative and make your own!
2. Yoghurt, berries and granola:
For me this is the perfect snack, or even dessert, for the summer. It’s vibrant, fresh and satisfying. I like the Free-From Fromage Frais in strawberry/ raspberry from Tesco as the little pots are the perfect size for one portion, but Alpro have just released a Dairy Free Greek-Style Yoghurt which is equally delicious and slightly lower in fat and sugar. I serve the yoghurt with a generous handful of blueberries and red seedless grapes along with a small handful of Quaker’s Super Goodness Hazelnut and Pecan Granola. I adore this granola and it’s one of the few on the market which doesn’t contain seeds, which aggravate many Crohn’s patients’ systems. If you can’t have nuts either, not to worry! Try their Golden Crunch Granola instead. I also usually top this snack with a good sprinkle of organic cocoa nibs. These little nibs are tasty as and they are a superfood, being rich in iron, fibre, potassium and magnesium.
3. Rice cakes, banana and peanut butter:
Finally, you may sigh upon the words “rice cakes” but trust me, they can be delicious! They are easy to digest and low calorie which makes them the perfect base for this snack. I spread some organic smooth peanut butter on top of two plain wholegrain rice cakes, followed by some sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon- known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If I am feeling particularly indulgent, I have been known to add a touch of chocolate sauce or some dark chocolate chips for some extra richness. You could also swap the peanut butter for a dairy free chocolate and hazelnut spread if you fancy. This snack fills me up just enough (thanks to the rich and protein-filled peanut butter) without feeling too heavy, and it definitely fulfils my cravings for something sweet!
Me and My Crohn's 