Our youngest daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 4. At that time, she was already super picky with foods and even more so when she was in a Crohn’s flare up. Which was often back then. She was immediately put on medicines to help control her disease. However, we didn’t seem to find the right combination of meds until she was 6. She suffered a lot over those 2 years.
Ever since we got her diagnosis, we had tons of opinions on how we should be treating her Crohn’s. Mostly the idea that we should change her diet. Not that all of the advice, etc wasn’t appreciated but at that point, I knew we needed Faith’s buy in if we were ever going to try to change her diet. That would be a complete lifestyle change for not only her but the rest of the family.
Faith is now 9 and is at the age where she can help make decisions that concern her health. We all sat down as a family and talked about different diets that we could do to control her Crohn’s. This, again, would be a huge lifestyle change and we would all need to make the change as a family. The other kids were really supportive and all said they’d give it a try.
Transitioning to Paleo and SCD
In my research, there are two great options for us. Paleo and SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). My husband and I have already been trying Paleo but I had never heard of SCD. I bought the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle and started reading up. I also stumbled upon Against All Grain. Danielle has some great recipes for both Paleo and SCD. I bought her book as well – Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great. This book has been so encouraging to me.
I know Paleo can be great for weight loss but my kids are all skinny as rails. They don’t need to lose weight. So that was a concern – how can I switch the family to Paleo and still make sure my kids are growing. Danielle addresses that concern in her book. She’s really put me at ease and given me the confidence that I can do this. That we as a family can do this.
So now we are beginning our transition to Paleo and SCD. I am not making us “quit cold turkey.” I’m slowly transitioning our foods over to completely Paleo with a side of SCD. When we ran out of bread, I didn’t buy more. I’m not cooking noodles anymore, nor rice or buying cereal, etc. In the mean time, I’m gathering up a ton of great Paleo and SCD recipes and introducing them to the family.
Our oldest son has had the toughest time. He’s a huge carb eater. He misses cereal and bread and is not a big veggie eater. So I think out of the 6 of us, he’ll be my biggest challenge.
Today, I did make a SCD Sandwich bread that he liked. I had to stop him from eating everything I had just made. 😉 I have a feeling I’ll be making this bread daily but that’s OK because it’s super easy. Here’s a link to the recipe – SCD Sandwich Bread.
If you have any form of IBD, I encourage you to read the above mentioned books. I’m really feeling great about our new journey. I know it’s not going to necessarily be easy but if we can get Faith off of all her medications and eat healthier as a family, then it’s a journey that I’m willing to make!
I love what you’re doing for your daughter’s health. Our diets can play a huge role in our lives and how we live them.
They sure can. Thanks for your comment!
I was doing Paleo but I only lost 3 lbs in 3 weeks w/o cheating! I got frustrated! I so need to go back on it, I felt better and had more energy on it.
I’ve been able to lose some weight but anytime I go off of it, the weight comes back. So it’s definitely going to have to be a permanent lifestyle change for me. And you’re right..so much more energy!
I have a friend with Chron’s and the SCD worked well for her. I think you will like it.
My daughter is ready to be off of her meds so I’m hoping it works for her as well. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
These are some great tips, my son has bad food allergies, so I am always looking for new diet advice.
I have been on again off again on Paleo and that helps with my eczema and I’ve read about a lot of other health concerns it helps with as well. Crazy what foods can do.
We switched to Paleo last year after dealing with food allergies with the baby. I had never heard of SCD I will have to get that book. Thanks so much for sharing.
My family and I have been trying to do Meatless meals and it’s been a tough transition. Good luck. Hopefully you will find the best foods for your family.
I am going to check out that book for sure! I’ve always been interested in Paleo! Thanks for the info!
It can be a bit overwhelming at first but once you start replacing things one at a time with a Paleo option, it becomes easier and easier. It took about a week for me to stop craving sugar. Now I just need to stay away from it..no cheats, so I don’t fall back into habits. 🙂
I’ve never heard of SCD but I will get it. My mother-in-law is fighting Crohn’s disease as well. It is managed, but she does have very bad bouts.
Yes, definitely look into SCD and Paleo..I’ve heard of so many great healing stories from those that have used one or both.
That has got to be hard, but it’s really great there are still options for your new dietary needs. Good luck with the transition!! It’s gotta be tough.
Thanks, Stefanie. I’m encouraged that this is going to work. 🙂
Paleo is great, we’ve also been making more of it for the kids because my son is allergic to dairy. I’m always looking for new ideas, so thanks!!
Sarah
http://www.shineonmom.com