There's no single diet that will help everyone with ulcerative colitis. The condition can also change over time, so your plan will need to be flexible, too. The key is to find what works for you. To stay organized, keep a food diary. Use your smartphone or a small notebook to record what you eat and drink and how they make you feel, both good and bad. It takes a bit of time and patience, but it will help you track your condition and fine-tune your diet plan. When you prepare your meals, don't forget that a well-balanced diet gives you enough protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. You might not be able to eat everything in the grocery store or on the menus at the restaurants you like. But try to focus on the ones that you can enjoy without triggering your symptoms. Some simple tweaks in your meal prep can make it easier to eat some foods, like steaming veggies or switching to low-fat dairy. Some people follow a low-residue diet or low-fiber diet every so often, getting about 10-15 grams of fiber a day. That can help you go to the bathroom less often.