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uggg, everywhere I read it says crohn's is not linked to food and to just eat a "well-balanced" diet. But then I've read elsewhere to avoid high fiber, nuts, dairy, vegetables, everything? I've been eating chicken or beef on rice or pasta for weeks. Any recommendations on some other dishes that don't have onions or dairy? I can't handle the food monotony any longer!

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

I think the distinction is that Crohn's is not caused by diet and diet alone won't cause a flair up.  That said, during a flare up, food certainly can have an effect on symptoms.

In my case, when I am not having symptoms, I can and do eat everything.  I have very broad tastes.  I particularly love Asian food which you would think would be a disaster.  Between the fibrous vegetables and intense spices, I shouldn't be able to eat them but I have many, many times.  I love Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and I eat it on a regular basis.

The exception is when I feel a flare up coming on.  Then I stop and I eat more sensibly.  I don't really feel bad because I know as soon as whatever I am going through passes, I will be back to eating my favorites again.

I guess that is the most important thing to remember.  Just because you can't eat something now doesn't mean you won't be able to at some point in the future.

Good luck

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

What you can eat seems to be trial and error. When I'm in a flare, there are some things that just make me feel worse, so I avoid them. Those things are, generally, raw foods ("sharp" foods that hurt going through) gassy foods (because the gas hurts when I'm flaring) fatty/fried foods, acidy foods (citrus, tomato products.) I, personally, have never had issues with dairy. Meats? Pork tends not to sit well... at least BBQ, which stinks, because part of my family is Southern. But really good beef, like tenderloin or filet mignon? Goes through as easily as fish or chicken. And to flavor those - marinades don't bother me, and my new love is Ken's Lowfat Asian Sesame Dressing  -  wow, what a great chicken salad flavoring that makes!  With  a little angel food cake or sorbet for dessert......
(Having a teenager who also has IBD has spurred me to be as creative as I can!)
The frustrating thing is that because we're all different in "where" our systems are inflamed, different foods affect us all differently, so there's not a black-and-white roadmap to follow. Good luck; some experimenting will help you break the diet monotony!

 Reply posted for sewthis.

Hey I too feel your pain.  I cut out ice cream, and I don't eat much in the way of fried food, but I have found the only thing that really works for me is just not eating too much.  Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 Reply posted for ckin.

Hi.  That diet sounds pretty tasty right now.  I was trying to stay away from red meat but I do love it and it really hasn't made a huge difference because I'm still having flare ups and diarhea!  Sorry, too much information!

ngc

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

I have had to really change my diet over the last few weeks due to a hospital stay.  Right now my diet is skinless chicken, filet mignon, turkey burgers, Boar's Head lunch meat (the flavors with no preservatives) noodles, potatoes, english muffins, crackers, bagels, broths, soups, small amts of baby swiss cheese and koolaid!!  Not much of a diet yet but after not eating for a few weeks...it all tastes okay.  

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

It's a hit and miss with different foods . I cant handle dairy, nuts, corn, and the gassy veggies . I eat oatmeal in the mornings without milk. I found out the hard way about chocolate it doesn't matter what kind either. I stay away from all peppers . I look at the ingredients  to make sure it has no red or green peppers.(ie spaghetti sauce, frozen dinners, and salsa. ) I also stay away from fried foods. I eat a lot of steak and potatoes,and dry cereal. I cut back to one soda a day . I use to drink about 4 to 6 a day  the doc made me cut back I told him I don't smoke or drink so I need my caffeine.

 Reply posted for faulders.

I am completely bummed about the chocolate as well.  I love the Ciabatta bread!  It's true we learn from our mistakes but it is quite the price to pay!

ngc

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

What to eat? Very good question. We learn by making mistakes. 

My goal is to decrease amount of breaks during the day. Exercise really helps and so does nutrition. 

I agree that the following are trouble: nuts, high fiber breads (no bran muffins in the mornings: disappointing), cappuccinos (too much cream, very disappointing), undercooked vegetables, and chocolate (ok, I used to think God loved me, but not anymore. No chocolate?).

I find the following to be helpful: Cream of wheat (folic acid), turkey bacon (protein) , soft cheese, Ciabatta (soft bread from Ralphs), non-citrus fruits (apples, peaches, necterines, apricots, cantelope and more apples), white rice, fish, asparagus (well cooked) and soda crackers.

Chron's and Colitis are two harmful conditions. Each will get in the way of a busy day. Making good choices about nutrition and exercise is now a top priority.

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

Hi.

I dont know what to eat, either. Thats why Im here today. Even pureed canned peaches run through me like a river. Im taking probiotics that my doctor prescribed, and Im taking slippery elm capsules. (Of course I also have been taking a maintenance medication, balzalaside). I go less frequently now, and there is less bloating and wind, but Im no where near remission.

I've taken prednisone in the recent past, and it stops the trouble right away. But I cant take it forever--My doctor is trying not to give it to me because I have a lot of bone trouble related to prednisone. Plus it made me gain weight, be depressed, be manic, and who knows what else.

It has taken me 3 years to lose the prednisone weight. Now I have to be careful about losing weight with active uc.

Im so tired of all of this that I want to give up, but that wont help, either! Help!

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

I feel for you!  I feel the same way.  I've given up dairy, except for a little cream in my coffee, which I hear is a big no, no, too.  I've also given up red meat, baby steps right?  I still had a lousy flare up.  I'm trying but am not having much luck in the food department.  I do eat a lot of carbs because that's what works for me.  So many say no carbs and lots of veggies.  I can't tolerate a lot of veggies.  I love yogurt, which was very easy to eat for lunch with fruit but not anymore.   I had a bad episode with fried food so will never touch it again!  Good luck!

ngc

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

After my last go round in the hospital, which was a minor obstruction, I got a do not eat from my Dr. I eat NO raw fruits or vegetables. No cooked cabbage or brocolli. I do not have a lactose problem. In my genes we have gluten problems. I have mild celiac sprue. Need to watch my gluten intake. I  limit the amount of bread I eat in a day. Too much and I make stinky music. I eat yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce and jello. I drink lots of water. When I was on prednisone. I gained 25 pounds. I've managed to take 15 of it off. I'm in the pool walking for 1 hour at least 4 days a week.  Most restaurants will puree soup for you. That way I can have minestrone. I can't handle the fiber in the beans unless they are pureed. Olive Garden doesn't flinch when I ask them to blend my soup. I can't have the salad. No popcorn, cheetos are better  than potato chips.  Try different foods, you'll find out what works and what doesn't for you.

 Reply posted for hope2skiagain.

I feel the exact same way you do. I often wish we didn't need to eat every day, lol. I am constantly wondering, am I sick because I have chrons or is it something I ate? I as well eat a lot of protein accompanied by rice or baked potatoe. Some people say to stay away from potatoes because they increase inflamation, but they've never bothered me. I can say I really try to stay away from fried food, I love fish and chips and clamcakes, typical summer in new england food, but it definetly makes me ill. I do not avoid nuts, even though they have skin but I try not to eat popcorn. I've had luck with food in the crock pot, it's delicious and easy like pulled pork and pot roast as it cooks for hours and the fat melts away and it's easier to digest. I stick to salads and raw fruit rather than most vegetables, as they make me bloated.