A healthy alternative?

[bc*]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum *waves*
I'm 22 and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 9.

Despite growing up with the disease, one thing I still struggle with is diet.
Most people with Crohn's know their 'safe foods'. However, my list of safe foods includes very very little fruit and veg.

I feel like my diet is just so unbalanced, and i've noticed this particularly as i've got older. I tend to skip meals as I only really feel hungry late afternoon/evening and I think this, coupled with a massively unbalanced diet, is completely messing around with my bowels.

I was just wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation and if you could suggest any healthy alternatives to fruit and veg? maybe things to snack on during the day so i don't go for long periods of time without eating - i've found that little and often seems to work best with me.

i know i should probably see a dietician or something but i've had bad experiences with them in the past so would rather do something myself.

anyway, sorry to go on!
-bc x.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Hi BC -
I tend to stick to low residue foods when flaring. If you google ;low residue diet' you might find some food ideas that don't bother your belly too much. Diet is different for everyone though.

What else are you doing to manage your Crohn's?
Welcome to the forum!
MBH

 

[bc*]

hey, thanks for the reply.
Currently i take 75mg azathioprine daily, and have been for the past few years. this seems to work well and I haven't had a bad flare up for a while *touch wood*, just the odd bad patch - and y'know everyone has their bad days!

I have been through many diets before, and used to take Ensure however my GP said they'd rather I tried without it.

thanks for recommending the low residue diet, i'll have a look into it.

can anyone suggest any alternatives to ensure? ones that are available within the UK if possible!

thanks,
-bc x

 

[BWS1982]

What's the reason the GP was against Ensure, was the reason for the bowels, or just he's/she's against that product, the idea of supplementing?

 

[jec1126]

I've had Crohn's for 5 years and I struggle with diet as well. I was recently hospitalized with a picc line to have nutrients infused into my body... After talking with specialists, I am sticking to low residue diet... I eat everything PLAIN and boring. All white pastas, breads, cereals, no fancy sauces on anything... it figures that the "safe" foods are all carbohydrates! Also, if I eat veggies, they are ones with no skins or seeds, so I only really eat broccoli tops and green beans if they cooked really well. As for fruit, I can tolerate clementines and bananas, NO APPLES! (Apple sauce is okay though!) Also, I dont know if you've tried yogurt, but that is a great snack to tide you over during the day... I am a teacher and find that eating a yogurt mid-morning before lunch helps, and does not cause any discomfort. A drink called "Boost" is similar to Ensure, but also comes in fruity flavors as well as the chocolate or vanilla... you may want to try that for some nutrition. Ensure always ran right through me, but Boost used to be okay (havent had it in awhile). Hope some of this helps!

 

[bc*]

thanks for the replies.
(bit late i know, but been busy)

BWS1982 - i think my GP's issue was that she wanted me to try and get a 'balanced' diet without having to rely on supplements.

jec1126 - agreed, everything 'safe' i seem to eat is mostly carbs and very little fruit.
I have tried yoghurts, and they seem to be ok so i'll try having more of those.

i just feel i'm not getting enough 'healthy' food, and i wonder what effect its going to have on my body in the long run.

-bc x.