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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/20/2011 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have been struggling in finding the right balance between diet/exercise and Crohns. I am flaring so I'm not exercising and I'm not dieting on purpose. I'm just trying to get back into a normal weight range and lose the baby weight/flab. I don't eat much at all, even when I had my 2 month remission I still wasn't eating 3 meals a day, and now I'm good if I just get one meal in (with a little bit of crackers during the day) so I'm not even close to the recommended calorie intake most of the time. How are we supposed to eat healthier when all the healthier food makes us sick and the unhealthy food doesn't help. And how are we supposed to exercise when it makes us feel worse? I had been trying some yoga, but had to stop when I started to flare because it was making things hurt more. I have been trying to walk around our cul-de-sac once a day with my daughter (she is 17 months and LOVES the outside and hates being couped up inside) The only way I've seemed to be able to lose weight is when I have constant D and that's not good for me!
Posted 3/20/2011 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
It is possible to eat healthy when you have crohn's. Just stay away from raw fruits and veggies. Instead, cook them, skin them, deseed them, and puree them. You could even run them through a foodmill if necessary. I used to do that with butternut squash (and still do with cranberries). What's left after being run through the foodmill is a soft/baby food consistency. You could also juice some fruits and veggies for some good nutrients.

Other healthy foods you might consider are plain yogurt, cheese, and almond butter (easier to digest then peanut butter). I've found the easiest to digest meat is fish, followed by chicken and turkey. Pork and beef, on the other hand, can be more difficult.

Exercise wise, I'd stay very simple while you are flaring. Walking and stretching would be my recommendations. If you have access to a swimming pool, that would be good too. No need to overstress your body when it's already sick!

Feel better!
Posted 3/20/2011 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
I was going to suggest maybe trying yoga, but you have already tried that!! LOL I think I would have to agree with spookyh in doing walking and gentle stretching. But I wouldn't get too crazy on the exercise stuff right now, as it could only increase your weight loss. Her diet suggestions sound pretty right on too. Thats kinda what I follow right now, and this works well for me (and I am in remission). I do eat more red meat now, but stay away from pork. Hugs and I hope you get feeling better soon.
Posted 3/20/2011 3:28 PM (GMT 0)

walk, walk , and walk some more. It helps.It also helps with arthritis. I mean don't walk if your crampy, we all walk bent over. I walk 10-15 miles a week.

AG

Posted 3/21/2011 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
If you have access to an elliptical machine, that's a great way to get in some aerobic exercise. It's easy on the joints and you can add resistance as you feel better and build up stamina. I agree that walking is great exercise but an elliptical machine just steps it up a notch or two or three....
Posted 3/21/2011 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't gotten a good diet down yet myself but I like to jog with a friend of mine for exercise... I had an episode earlier today and though I wouldn't be able to go but he helps push me and I took a shot of pepto and was able to put in 3 miles...


If I'm not up to jogging I've got a lab/st bernard that loves a long or short walk or just a little playing in the backyard
Posted 3/21/2011 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
I exercise, even when my flare gets worse which by the way since exercising my flare is better. Exercise and a very healthy diet does wonders for CD (and everything else of course) it is especially beneficial for the mind/brain too! Just slowly work up to a good work out based on how you're feeling....doing something is always better than nothing at all, so walking is a good start. Feel better soon!
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