Inbox: Strict Adherance

Hi Erin,

I have had Crhon's for 13 plus years and have tried many antibotics, but things have just been ok not great.  My GF came across your website and passed it on to me along with the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle. I read that book and I will be honest - it seems too good to be true.  But I went on some other sites and that book was mentioned so much.  So, well, I am going to give the SCD diet a try but I have heard you have to give it 100% for it to work.  I was wondering - I understand that one is not to eat any flour but what about rice?  I love rice. Is that ok to have while on the SCD diet?  Also do you know of any cookbooks which have some quicker, simplier reciepes for say breakfasts or lunches so one can make something quick before work rather than a fine meal? 

Thanks, P

Hi P,

Thanks so much for your note! I am so glad to hear that you were told about the SCD by your GF, because it really does work! And it is totally worth the time and effort it takes (especially at the beginning) to learn the ropes!
 
You're right that it does require 100% adherance to really work. The reason for this is that the diet avoids all long-chain carbohydrates, which is the type of food that feeds the bad bacteria in your gut which in turn cause the symptoms of digestive illnesses. If you eat even a tiny amount of long-chain carbohydrates, you can get symptoms again. So it's really important to stick with it and give it time to really work.
 
Rice, unfortunately, is not legal since it is made up of long-chain carbs. The only types of flour that are legal are nut flours (almond and pecan flour are used the most) and coconut flour (but this should be avoided until all symptoms are gone before trying it).
 
You can find some good recipes on my website...I usually make a Breakfast Smoothie (see beverages section of website for recipe) which is nutritious and fast and can be taken in the car with you on the way to work. Or I'll eat a bowl of SCD yogurt with honey mixed in along with a glass or Tropicana OJ or decaf black tea with honey in it, and a banana. In the Breakfast section you'll find Jim's Fluffy Pancakes recipe which can be made ahead in a double batch and frozen, then defrosted in the microwave and drizzled with honey or homemade jam for a quick breakfast.
 
There is also a lunch chart on our website which could help you plan your lunches each day. Print and place on your refrigerator for some fresh ideas: (Also try the Easy Sandwich bread on the same page - can also be frozen and defrosted as needed.)

I hope this helps! 

Take care, 
Erin 
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For a sample letter you could use to write to a food manufacturer asking about ingredients, click here.