Eating Well With Gastroparesis

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis means the stomach empties food more slowly than normal. When this happens, food can sit in the stomach too long and cause symptoms such as:

• Feeling full very quickly
• Bloating or stomach discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heartburn or reflux
• Poor appetite or unintentional weight loss

If you also have diabetes, keeping blood sugar well controlled is very important. High blood sugar can slow stomach emptying even more.

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Nutrition Goals With Gastroparesis

The main goals of eating with gastroparesis are to:

• Reduce symptoms like nausea, bloating, and fullness
• Help food move through the stomach more easily
• Maintain strength, weight, and nutrition
• Make eating feel less stressful

Many people feel better with smaller meals, softer foods, and lower‑fiber options.

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Helpful Eating Tips

• Eat 5–6 small meals or snacks instead of 3 large meals
• Chew foods well and eat slowly
• Choose soft, moist, or blended foods when possible
• Sit upright during meals and for at least 1 hour after eating
• Sip fluids between meals or with meals if tolerated
• Gentle movement (like a short walk) after eating may help digestion
• Maintain adequate hydration (ask your healthcare provider what your recommended daily amount of fluids is)

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Foods That Are Usually Easier to Tolerate

Grains & Starches

Choose low‑fiber, soft options:

• White bread or toast
• Saltine or graham crackers
• Cream of wheat or cream of rice
• Grits (fine ground and well cooked)
• Puffed rice cereal
• White rice (cooked until very soft)
• Pretzels

Protein Foods

Choose tender, moist proteins:

• Soft or finely chopped chicken or turkey
• Fish (baked, poached, or canned)
• Eggs or egg whites (scrambled or soft)
• Smooth peanut butter (limit to 1 tablespoon at a time)

Dairy & Alternatives

• 2% milk or lactose‑free milk if tolerated
• Yogurt (regular or lactose‑free)
• Lactose-free pudding or custard
• Frozen yogurt or sherbet
• Lactose-free milkshakes or smoothies (may help increase calories)
• Fortified non‑dairy milks (almond, soy, pea, or rice)

Vegetables (Cooked Only)

• Well‑cooked carrots
• Mashed potatoes (white or sweet)
• Vegetable soups with soft vegetables

Fruits

• Applesauce
• Mashed banana
• Canned peaches or pears (in juice)
• Soft melon cut into small pieces
• Fruit nectars or juices (if tolerated)

Fats & Extras

• Olive or canola oil (small amounts)
• Soft margarine
• Clear soups, gelatin, popsicles

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Foods That Often Worsen Symptoms

These foods may slow digestion or increase bloating:

High‑Fiber Grains

• Bran or bran cereals
• Brown rice, barley, quinoa
• Whole‑grain breads or pasta
• Oatmeal or granola
• Popcorn

Tough or Fatty Proteins

• Fried meats or fish
• Sausage, bacon, hot dogs
• Tough cuts of beef or pork
• Beans, peas, or lentils
• Nuts or seeds

Vegetables (Raw or Gas‑Producing)

• Raw vegetables of any kind
• Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
• Corn, onions, mushrooms, peppers
• Spinach, kale

Fruits That May Be Hard to Digest

• Fresh fruit with skins
• Berries
• Dried fruit
• Pineapple, coconut
• Citrus fruits and juices

Other Common Triggers

• Fried foods
• Coffee
• Pizza
• Salsa
• Pickles or olives
• Sushi

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Sample Gentle 1‑Day Meal Plan

Breakfast

• White toast with soft margarine
• Scrambled eggs or egg substitute
• Peach nectar

Morning Snack

• Yogurt smoothie with banana and milk

Lunch

• Canned chicken with crackers
• Applesauce
• Small amount of mayonnaise

Afternoon Snack

• White toast with smooth peanut butter

Dinner

• Baked fish
• Mashed potatoes with olive oil
• Milk or fortified non‑dairy milk

Evening Snack

• Instant breakfast drink or pudding

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When to Ask for Help

Contact your healthcare provider or dietitian if you:

• Are losing weight without trying
• Have frequent vomiting
• Struggle to eat enough
• Have worsening symptoms
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

A registered dietitian can help personalize food choices and textures that work best for you.

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Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/digestive/gastroparesis-clinic/diet-for-gastroparesis.ashx

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⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this resource is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual needs vary based on medical history, medications, allergies, and overall health status.

Before making any changes to your diet, trying new foods, modifying portion sizes, or following any nutrition recommendations, please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, food intolerances, or other chronic health concerns, discussing dietary changes with your healthcare team is especially important.