Eat Well with an Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are often a side effect of having too much stress, smoking, excessive alcohol usage, and even bacteria. Whatever might be the cause—stomach ulcers affect nearly 10% of the population in America. The perception is that bland foods are part of the treatment is not entirely true. Here are a few flavorful recipes that you might enjoy.

Baked Chicken Breast

Since some peptic ulcers are agitated by fatty foods, it's nearly an added benefit that most of the meals you will be preparing will be low or fat free. Baked chicken is always a savory and healthy choice.

Ingredients:

2 c. of diced cooked chicken breast
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese (fresh or pre-shredded)
1 large can of cream of celery soup
1 c. skimmed or 2% milk
1/2 c. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. long-grain white rice (cooked)
Oil

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the milk, Parmesan cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese (1/4 cup). Add the chicken and celery soup. Mix in cooked rice. Coat the baking dish with oil and add the rice mixture. Top off with the remaining (1/4 cup) shredded cheese. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes.

Grilled Marinated Steak

You shouldn't have to give up your "meat and potatoes" lifestyle altogether. So, here is a recipe that's sure to satisfy the meat-lovers in your house without requiring anyone to "pay the price" later.

Ingredients:

4 lbs. of flank steak
1/4 c. vegetable or olive oil
1/2 c. light soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar

Preparation:

Place the steak into a container large enough to marinade. Combine oil, light soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl and blend well. Pour mixture over the steak, making sure meat is completely coated. Cover marinade dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Light your grill—how else are you going to cook a steak? Remove the steak from the marinade and grill to appropriate temperature.

** When buying the streak remember to buy "lean" steak with a good bit of marbling and not a lot of fat. Ask your butcher or meat department stocker to help with this. Once you have explained your dietary requirements, they will be more than willing to help.**

Angel food Pudding

What's dinner without dessert? Try BORING! Here is a nice combination of bread pudding and angel food cake. It might not be the absolute healthiest thing out there, but it's not the worst either. And it doesn't taste like cardboard.

Ingredients:

1 angel food cake
6 cups cold milk (or skim milk)
1 package instant chocolate pudding
1 package instant vanilla pudding
2 bars Butterfinger bars (crushed)—You can also use Chic-o-Stix candy if you wish to avoid more chocolate.

Preparation:

Cut the angel food cake into 1 x 1 inch squares and place at the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch dish. Prepare the chocolate and vanilla puddings in separate bowls according to directions. When they're ready, pour the pudding over the cake cubes. Sprinkle on half of the crushed candy. Spread the rest of the cake cubes over candy and top with vanilla pudding. Sprinkle with remaining candy and chill until you're ready to serve.

Having an ulcer doesn't mean a strict diet of nothing but bland rice and broth. If you don't take care of yourself, though, that could be where you're heading. Listen to your body—particularly your stomach—and take it easy on the foods that affect you adversely.