Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine when you eat gluten. It stops you from taking in nutrients.
Eating a diet for celiac disease means removing all gluten from your diet. This includes wheat, rye, barley, triticale, and oats (in some cases).
This diet plan follows a gluten-free diet whilst also following healthy eating principles with food that is nutritious and filling.
This article will cover how you can follow a diet for celiac disease and includes 7 days of recipes, a structured meal plan, and a shopping list.
You can get a PDF of the plan here.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
About the Plan
Following a gluten-free diet can be tricky and sometimes expensive since gluten-free food alternatives can cost far more than products with wheat for example.
You’ll need to check the labels, particularly for processed foods and prepackaged meals. Therefore, it’s usually healthier, easier, and better for your wallet if you cook your meals from scratch.
Cooking from scratch using gluten-free foods rather than using processed foods and prepackaged meals allows you to eat fresh, healthy food that meets your nutritional needs.
This meal plan is based on the Mediterranean diet, so you’ll get to experience different types of flavorful cooking that can help you, whilst also following one of the most scientifically recommended diets around.
Gluten-Containing Foods
Following a gluten-free diet can be tough since gluten is found in various foods. Be sure to check the labels and list of ingredients on all the foods you buy. Processed foods in particular can contain these.
Remember that wheat-free doesn’t mean gluten-free, so if you’re unsure if a food contains gluten, it’s best to stay away.
These are the grains that contain gluten you should be aware of:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale — a cross between wheat and rye
- Oats, in some cases
Foods to Eat on a Healthy Diet for Celiac Disease
Generally, you should choose whole ingredients that are highly nutritious. These include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and herring)
- Beans and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Low-fat dairy (milk, eggs, yogurt).
- Olive oil
- Lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey)
Grains Allowed on a Diet for Celiac Disease
The grains below do not contain gluten:
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Flax
- Gluten-free flours — rice, soy, corn, potato, and bean flours
- Hominy (corn)
- Millet
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sorghum
- Soy
- Tapioca
- Teff
General Eating Tips on a Diet for Celiac Disease
Eat a Range of Proteins
Protein is important within the body for building and repairing your tissues and maintaining muscle mass (1).
Good amounts of protein can be found in both meat and plant sources. Foods like beans, legumes and pulses are great since they are low in fat but high in protein and fiber.
Lean meat like fish and chicken are also excellent choices. They are low in saturated fat but high in protein. It is recommended to eat oily fish at least once a week, as it contains healthy omega-3 fats that many people don’t get enough of.
Red meat like beef and pork are also high in protein and can be eaten on a diet for celiac disease. However, they are also higher in saturated fat, so it’s best to eat them more occasionally.
Be sure to avoid processed meats such as bacon and sausages have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This doesn’t appear to be true for unprocessed red meats (2).
Eat Enough Fiber
Whole grains are a healthy choice of foods for a balanced diet, but many can’t be eaten on a gluten-free diet.
Therefore, it’s important that you consume sufficient fiber from other sources such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
Fiber is important in reducing constipation and reducing blood sugar spikes as well as aiding weight loss. This is because fiber promotes feelings of fullness.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Reducing your added sugar intake is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. Excess sugar may cause you to pack on weight because it’s high in calories while offering few other nutrients.
Eating too much sugar contributes to a number of diseases, including:
- Increased risk of heart disease (3, 4)
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes (5, 6)
- Reduces your energy (7)
- Cause dental issues (8).
7 Day Diet Plan for Celiac Disease
In the meal plan are recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Banana Yogurt Pots | Greek Salad | Salmon and Chickpea Salad |
| Tuesday | Tomato and Watermelon Salad | Cannellini Bean Salad | Spicy Tomato Baked Eggs |
| Wednesday | Basil and Spinach Scramble | Mixed Bean Salad | Quick Moussaka |
| Thursday | Banana Yogurt Pots | Carrot, Orange and Avocado Salad | Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potato Mash |
| Friday | Tomato and Watermelon Salad | Strawberry and Almond Smoothie | Greek Salad Omelette |
| Saturday | Basil and Spinach Scramble | Moroccan Chickpea Soup | Spicy Mediterranean Beet Salad |
| Sunday | Banana Yogurt Pots | Quinoa and Stir Fried Veg | Aubergine Lentil Bake |
Snacks are recommended between meal times. Some great snacks include:
- A handful of nuts or seeds
- A piece of fruit
- Carrots or baby carrots
- Berries or grapes
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Celiac Disease Recipes
Day 1: Monday
Breakfast: Banana Yogurt Pots
Nutrition
- Calories – 236
- Protein -14g
- Carbs – 32g
- Fat – 7g
Prep + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people):
- 225g (¾ cups) non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 bananas, sliced into chunks
- 15g (¼ cups) walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Place some of the yogurt into the bottom of a glass. Add a layer of banana, then yogurt and repeat. Once the glass is full, scatter with the nuts.
Lunch: Greek Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 273
- Protein – 6g
- Carbs – 14g
- Fat – 24g
Prep + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 120g (⅝ cup) tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, then roughly chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 16 Kalamata olives
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 50g (⅓ cup) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and lightly season.
Dinner: Salmon & Chickpea Salad
Nutrition:
- Calories – 564
- Protein – 47g
- Carbs – 52g
- Fat – 21g
Prep + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large red pepper, quartered and deseeded
- ½ lemon, zest and juice
- pinch smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 100g (3 ⅓ cups) baby spinach
- 2 salmon fillets
- 400g (2 cups) can chickpeas
Instructions:
- Heat the grill and grill the pepper quarters for 5 minutes. Leave the grill on. Transfer the peppers to a bowl & leave to cool slightly. Peel off the skins & cut the flesh into strips.
- Whisk the lemon zest, juice, smoked paprika, olive oil & seasoning. Toss half the dressing with the spinach leaves and divide between 2 bowls.
- Season the salmon and grill for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the chickpeas in their canning liquid for 3-4 minutes, drain well, then mix with the remaining dressing & strips of pepper. Spoon over spinach and top with salmon to serve.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 2: Tuesday
Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 177
- Protein – 5g
- Carbs – 13g
- Fat – 13g
Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped mint
- 120g (⅝ cups) tomatoes, chopped
- 250g (1 cup) watermelon, cut into chunks
- 100g (⅔ cups) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- For the dressing, Mix the oil, vinegar, chilli flakes and mint and then season.
- Put the tomatoes and watermelon into a bowl. Pour over the dressing, add the feta, then serve.
Lunch: Cannellini Bean Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 302
- Protein – 20g
- Carbs – 54g
- Fat – 0g
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 600g (3 ⅓ cups) cans cannellini beans
- 70g (⅜ cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
- small bunch basil, torn
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the beans and mix with the tomatoes, onion and vinegar. Season, then add basil just before serving.
Dinner: Spicy Tomato Baked Eggs
Nutrition
- Calories – 417
- Protein – 19g
- Carbs – 45g
- Fat – 17g
Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 red onions, chopped
- 1 red chilli, deseeded & chopped
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- small bunch coriander, stalks and
- leaves chopped separately
- 800g (3 cups) can cherry tomatoes
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a frying pan with a lid, then cook the onions, chilli, garlic and coriander stalks for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the tomatoes, then simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 dips in the sauce, then crack an egg into each one. Put a lid on the pan, then cook over a low heat for 6-8 mins, until the eggs are done to your liking. Scatter with the coriander leaves and serve.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 3: Wednesday
Breakfast: Basil & Spinach Scramble
Nutrition
- Calories – 294
- Protein – 16g
- Carbs – 8g
- Fat – 24g
Prep & cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100g (½ cup) cherry tomatoes
- 4 eggs
- 60ml (¼ cup) milk
- handful basil, chopped
- 200g (6 ¾ cups) baby spinach
- black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and add the tomatoes. While they are cooking, beat the eggs in a jug and add the milk, black pepper, and basil.
- Remove the tomatoes from the pan and place on the plates. Add the oil, spinach and egg mixture to the pan, stirring occasionally until the eggs scramble. Once set, add to the plates and serve.
Lunch: Mixed Bean Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 240
- Protein – 11g
- Carbs – 22g
- Fat – 12g
Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 145g (1 ½ cups) jar artichoke heart in oil
- ½ tbsp sundried tomato paste
- ½ tsp red wine vinegar
- 200g (1 cup) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 150g (¾ cup) pack tomatoes, quartered
- handful Kalamata black olives
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- 100g (⅔ cup) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Drain the jar of artichokes, reserving 1-2 tbsp of oil. Add the oil, sun-dried tomato paste and vinegar and stir until smooth. Season to taste.
- Chop the artichokes and tip into a bowl. Add the cannellini beans, tomatoes, olives, spring onions and half of the feta cheese. Stir in the artichoke oil mixture and tip into a serving bowl. Crumble over the remaining feta cheese, then serve.
Dinner: Quick Moussaka
Prep time + cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 250g (9 oz) lean beef mince
- 200g (1 cup) can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 aubergine (eggplant)
- 100g (¼ cup) pack feta cheese, crumbled
- Bunch of fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion and garlic and fry until soft. Add the mince and fry for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Tip the tomatoes into the pan and stir in the tomato purée and cinnamon, then season. Leave the mince to simmer for 20 minutes. Add the aubergine half way through.
- Sprinkle the feta and mint over the mince.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 4: Thrusday
Breakfast: Banana Yogurt Pots
Lunch: Carrot, Orange & Avocado
Nutrition
- Calories – 177
- Protein – 5g
- Carbs – 13g
- Fat – 13g
Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 orange, plus zest and juice of 1
- 2 carrots, halved lengthways and
- sliced with a peeler
- 35g (1 ½ cups) rocket (arugula)
- 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the segments from 1 of the oranges and put in a bowl with the carrots, rocket and avocado. Whisk together the orange juice, zest and oil. Toss through the salad, and season.
Dinner: Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potato Mash
Nutrition
- Calories – 384
- Protein – 34g
- Carbs – 34g
- Fat – 9g
Prep time + cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 250g (1 ¾ cups) sweet potatoes, cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 100ml (½ cup) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp clear honey
- juice ½ lemon
- handful olives, pitted or whole
- bunch of coriander, leaves chopped
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Mix the cumin & cinnamon with ground pepper, then sprinkle over the chicken. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan, then cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove chicken from the pan. Add the onion & garlic & cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add stock, honey, lemon juice & olives, return the chicken to the pan, then simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
- Mash the potatoes with 1 tbsp oil & season. Slice each chicken breast & stir the coriander through the sauce before serving.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 5: Friday
Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Lunch: Strawberry and Almond Smoothie
Nutrition
- Calories – 239
- Protein – 8g
- Carbs – 36g
- Fat – 9g
Prep + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 bananas
- 8 strawberries
- 50g (¼ cup) non-fat Greek yogurt
- 50ml (⅕ cup) milk
- 30g (¼ cup) ground almonds
Instructions
- Slice the banana into a blender and add strawberries, yogurt, milk and ground almonds. Blitz until completely smooth.
Dinner: Greek Salad Omelette
Nutrition
- Calories – 369
- Protein – 15g
- Carbs – 10g
- Fat – 21g
Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 4 eggs
- handful of parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ large red onion
- 100g (½ cup)cherry tomatoes,
- handful black olives
- 50g (¼ cup) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Heat the grill to high. Whisk the eggs in a bowl with the chopped parsley, pepper and salt. Heat the oil in a frying pan, then fry the onion over a high heat for about 4 minutes until they start to brown. Add the tomatoes and olives and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Turn the heat to medium & add the eggs, cooking them for about 2 minutes, stirring until they begin to set. Add feta, then place the pan under the grill for 5-6 minutes until the omelette is golden. Cut into wedges and serve.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 6: Saturday
Breakfast: Basil and Spinach Scramble
Lunch: Moroccan Chickpea Soup
Nutrition
- Calories – 408
- Protein – 15g
- Carbs – 63g
- Fat – 11g
Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) hot vegetable stock
- 200g ( 1 cup) can chopped tomatoes
- 200g can (1 cup) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 50g (¼ cup) frozen broad beans
- zest and juice ½ lemon
- coriander to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan, then fry the onion and celery for 10 minutes until softened. Add the cumin and fry for another minute.
- Turn up the heat, then add the stock, tomatoes, chickpeas and black pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes. Add broad beans and lemon juice and cook for a further 2 minutes. Top with lemon zest and coriander.
Dinner: Spicy Mediterranean Beet Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 548
- Protein – 23g
- Carbs – 58g
- Fat – 20g
Prep time + cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 8 raw baby beetroots, or 4 medium, scrubbed
- ½ dried oregano
- ½ tbsp sumac
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 400g (2 cups) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 200g (¾ cups) non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp crushed red chilli flakes mint leaves, chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7. Halve or quarter beetroots depending on size. Mix spices together. On a large baking tray, mix chickpeas and beetroot with the oil. Season with salt & sprinkle over the spices. Mix again. Roast for 30 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mix the lemon zest and juice with the yogurt. Swirl the harissa through and spread into a bowl. Top with the beetroot & chickpeas, and sprinkle with the chilli flakes & mint.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Day 7: Sunday
Breakfast: Banana Yogurt Pots
Dinner: Quinoa and Stir Fried Veg
Nutrition
- Calories – 473
- Protein – 11g
- Carbs – 56g
- Fat – 25g
Prep time + cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 100g (½ cup) quinoa
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, cut into thin sticks
- 1 leek, sliced
- 150g (1 ½ cups) broccoli, cut into small florets
- 50g (¼ cup) tomatoes
- 100ml (½ cup) vegetable stock
- 1 tsp tomato purée
- juice ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to pack instructions. Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp of the oil in a pan, then add the garlic and quickly fry for 1 minute. Throw in the carrots, leeks and broccoli, then stir-fry for 2 minutes until everything is glistening.
- Add the tomatoes, mix together the stock and tomato purée, then add to the pan. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the quinoa and toss in the remaining oil and lemon juice. Divide between warm plates and spoon the vegetables on top.
Dinner: Aubergine Lentil Bake
Nutrition
- Calories – 444
- Protein – 17g
- Carbs – 52g
- Fat – 20g
Prep time + cook time: 60 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 aubergine, sliced lengthways
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 70g (⅓ cup) lentils
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 150g (1 cup) cooked butternut squash
- 200g (1 cup) can chopped tomatoes
- ½ small pack basil leaves
- 60g (¼ cup) feta
Instructions
- Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Add oil to each aubergine side. Lay on baking sheets, season and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once. Cook lentils following pack instructions.
- Heat oil in frying pan. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add squash & tomatoes, plus ½ can of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in lentils, basil & seasoning.
- Spoon layer of lentils into baking dish, then aubergine slices and repeat. Scatter feta and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is golden.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Gluten Free Mediterranean Diet Shopping List
This shopping list corresponds to the 7 day gluten free Mediterranean diet plan, serving 2 people. No snacks are included.
Get the full PDF of the meal plan and shopping list here.
View 7 Day Celiac Disease Diet Plan PDF
Life After the Meal Plan
Find more recipes on our site
Your journey doesn’t end after 7 days of healthy gluten-free recipes. It’s about finding recipes that can become staples in your household and creating eating habits that actually last.
We’ve got plenty of recipes online already. Just use the search function on our home page if you’re looking for a specific ingredient or check out our recipe page.
Disclosure
We would like to take a moment to note that this post is for information purposes only. It does not claim to provide medical advice or to be able to treat any medical condition. It makes no claims in respect to weight loss, either in terms of the amount or rate at which weight loss could be achieved. If you have any concerns regarding your health please contact your medical practitioner before making changes.