3 Acid Reflux-Friendly Dinner Recipes for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to set aside some quality time to spend with the ones you love. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a more casual gathering with single friends, one thing is certain: food will likely be a large part of your celebration. While a delicious Valentine’s spread might sound like a dream for some, for people with GERD, certain recipes can trigger acid reflux. But have no fear, we’ve put together some of our favorite acid reflux dinner recipes to make sure you can enjoy Valentine’s Day.
Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid
Not everyone with GERD experiences the same food and drink triggers; however, there are some common foods and drinks that have been shown to exacerbate acid reflux. These include:
Spicy foods
Fried or high-fat foods
Alcohol
Soda
Mint
Garlic
Onions
Citrus fruits
Refined carbohydrates and over-processed foods
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad with Veggies
A healthier reflux-friendly spin on an old classic! Boil whole wheat pasta, then let it cool. Chop some of your favorite veggies in small bite-sized pieces. Add broccoli, squash, artichokes, and herbs. For an extra fiber punch, you can also add chickpeas or kidney beans. Mix everything together with a little olive oil and a touch of red wine vinegar then refrigerate.
Baked Chicken Strips with Green Beans
Lean meat is best for those who experience acid reflux. Chicken breast is a tried-and-true source of lean protein for those suffering from acid reflux. Chicken is a popular protein and can begin to get boring if you cook acid reflux-friendly dinner recipes night after night. This recipe is a great twist on your traditional chicken fingers and fries, which are loaded with salt, fat, and carbohydrates.
For a healthier version that you can cook for dinner or bring over to a potluck, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and dip each of the tenders into an egg batter before coating them in the breadcrumbs. Once they are coated, add them to the oven, which was preheated to 350°F. While the tenders are baking (20-30 mins), add a bit of oil to a pan and place the green beans into the pan. Sautee for about 15-20 mins and then add sliced almonds.
Berries with Coconut Cream
Nothing says love like heart-shaped strawberries dipped in cream. However, dairy can be a trigger for some with acid reflux, so swap the high-sugar whipped cream for either refrigerated coconut cream pulsed in a food processor (for added creaminess) or a dairy-free alternative.
Coconut Whipped Cream Video Tutorial
Your acid reflux should not stop you from enjoying a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. For heaps more dinner for reflux recipes, check out the Tampa Bay Reflux Center blog!