Community Forum

Hello, I'm a young adult that has been living with UC for 15 years. Does anyone have suggestions for food plans/diets? I've been trying to do a low-residue diet. School is starting soon-and I'll be running 14+ hour days during the week. I know all of you know the embarrassment of having the urgency to run to the bathroom throughout the day. Any food tips would be greatly appreciated!

 Reply posted for bh151.

Given the fact that you are going to be away/active with the 14 hr days, the best thing you can do is be a planner.   Make yourself a list:   what agrees w/you and is packable.   Suggestions:  all natural unsweetened apple sauce bowls, fruit cups (if tolerable), pretzels, yogurt, cracker, etc.   Packing your lunch would also be a good idea, soups that you could just zip in the microwave, pb&J low fiber bread.  

I've was diagnosed with UC about 18 months ago.  I've spent the past 6 months in flare-up.  I work 10+hours/day, at least 60 hours/week.  Trying to get the food that will sustain my high energy demands without hurting myself has been a real challenge, but I have managed to find things that work well.  For me, dairy, fat, and fiber have been a huge problem, so that has left me with lean meats and simple carbs.

Mashed potatoes.  If you're sensitive to dairy, leave it out, but it tastes so much better with sour cream and milk when you mash it.  Mash it well and no skins.
White bread or toast, lightly buttered or plain.
Pasta, cooked well.  Acid in tomatoes hasn't bothered me, but if it does, use less sauce.
Dry cereal- chex or cheerios, (try easy to handle finger food-not rice crispies, they are too messy)
Avocado sandwich, (mash it with a little salt and a touch of italian dressing, put between bread)
ramen soup, dont use the spice packet. 
90/10 ground beef. make a burger, and chew it well

Hope this helps 

 Reply posted for bh151.

I know you just posted about food...but when I'm on the go, I like to keep an emergency pack with me (extra pair of underwear, pants, and baby wipes) in case of accidents.  It is embarassing, but it has happened.  Some people also bring a roll of toilet paper in case they get stuck in a stall without it (but you can also get flushable baby wipes).  Never thought of bringing toilet paper with me before, but seems like a smart idea.  Also, it's going to be super important to wash your hands before eating, before cooking, etc..  Last year I got a C. Diff infection.  This type of bacteria is part of the like 0.01% NOT killed by hand sanitizers and foams and it's the same infection that UC people are like 7x more likely to get than the average healthy person. 

 Reply posted for bh151.

Also on low-residue diet.  Below are a couple links with some good information and the first has sample meals.
http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org/vault/editor/docs/Low-FiberNutritionTherapy.pdf
http://www.healthpartners.com/ucm/groups/public/@hp/@public/documents/documents/dev_005116.pdf
Try avoiding really sugary or greasy foods.  They can make diarrhea worse.  V8 fusion juice (not the tomato stuff) is great.  It has 0 g fiber and 1 serving each of fruits and vegetables.  I still water it down 50/50 because of the sugar factor.   If you're on the go, individual apple sauces or crackers could be a good snack.  When I have trouble getting my calories just from food, I turn to ensure (ask your doctor if this would be good for you and how much).  I also water ensure down 50/50 to help make the consistency more drinkable (it's pretty thick).
If you will be cooking for yourself, I could send you some recipes via email (or on the forum).  I like to start the day with a high calorie bagel sandwich.  The bagel has about 3 times the calories as bread.  Then I load it with some cream cheese, turkey lunch meat, and cheddar cheese (if you can eat dairy).  You can also find fiberless bread (walmart store brand, round top white bread) and then load that with meats and cheeses for a 0 g fiber sandwich!  Cream of mushroom soup also has 0 g fiber, so I Iike to use that in casseroles or just for soup.  Pastas are good too (but they do have some fiber) and I like to avoid tomato pastas because of the acidity.  Chicken alfredo is a favorite.  Good luck with school!