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My doctor says excercise and eat three good meals per day.  Pretty generic advice but here is my delimma.

I've got colitis and I'm an ectomorph.  If I eat three regular meals per day and exercise regularly, I'll drop from 150 lbs. to about 140 lbs. (or maybe even 130).  If I get below 145, I'll be too weak in my legs to work and feel like a regular guy.  If I eat three huge meals per day, I'll likely upset my stomach and would probably, eventually have flares. 

About a week after a two-week flare, I weighed in at about 142 (I had lost 8 lbs due to the flare).  My doctor diagnosed me with UC proctitis (lower end only).  That's when he told me to eat three good meals; drink lots of water; exercise; and that I could stand to put on a few pounds.  When I told him that I normally eat five meals, he disregarded my statement and just repeated what he originally said.

Right now, I'm eating five smaller meals, but the meals are pretty substantial  compared to the average person's diet.  I probably get 4,000 to 4,500 calories.  I started running every other day, and I strength train twice per week.  I'm holding steady @ 148 lbs.

Is anyone on here an ectomorph or ever dealt with their body's tendancy for being underweight or understrengthed?

Does anyone see anything wrong with my nutrition and exercise plan?  I plan on taking a week off from excercise about three times per year for recuperation. 

I don't see how my doctor's plan is relevant to my situation.  Is eating several, smaller meals per day dangerous for someone with colitis.  It seems better to me than very large meals or being underweight or being inactive, which are my only choices.

 Reply posted for gregsfc.

Listen to your body.  I used to keep a detailed journal of everything I experienced throughout the day, foods, calories, the types of calories, times of day I was eating, stress factors, amounts of water, exercise routines, and so on.  It sounds time consuming and tedious but what else do we have to do, if it guides us in the right direction.  See how you do with 3 meals for 2 weeks then try 5 meals for 2 weeks.  Switch it up until your body reacts the way you want it to and you'll have a record of exactly what to repeat.  It helped me a lot.

 Reply posted for dylanP27.

I have had a lot of success with watching what I eat, eating regularly and getting into the gym no less than 3 days a week for good work-outs.

Starting in January I've been taking natural supplements that have really been having a positive impact on my crohn's. It has the effect of reducing the inflammation that accompanies Crohn's sufferers.  I've noticed that I'm not running to the bathroom as much, my energy level has improved and a lot of my former joint pain (also a big side effect of Crohn's) especially in my knees has almost completely gone away. 

Jim

 Reply posted for stp26jc.

hey,
I eat several small meals each day as opposed to the traditional 3 meals a day. Eating more smaller meals can actually raise your metabolism, same as if you eat a high protein diet, that can also raise your metabolism. I lift weights, do western boxing and I practice taekwondo, which I've been doing consistently for the past 2 years. I think exercise is one of the best ways to manage crohns. I'm around the same weight as you, I fluctuate, but I've built up muscle and I weigh around 160 now and I feel great. GI docs say there is no connection between diet and managing crohns but I think there is a strong correlation. You're on the right track just keep working out, its the best and you feel great after a good sweat. I know that sounds cliched but for me its really helped, when I box or spar in my taekwondo class I feel like I have total control over my body. Its a nice feeling, mentally and physically when you have a disease that's so out of your direct control. I hope you feel better.
Best,
Dylan

 Reply posted for gregsfc.

I normally always recommend for people to get a few opinions from different doctors as this disease can be a little complicated.  In your case, I would go further and say "Get a new doctor now!!"  I am not an expert, but I am a guy who has went through a lot with UC.  I have read multiple books, read crazy amounts of information online, and have probably been seen by a few dozen doctors based on my three hospital stays.  Every single source has said that eating several meals a day is good for people with UC.  I wish you a lot of luck.  If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at tony@lonelysmallintestine.com and/or visit my UC site at www.lonelysmallintestine.com.