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Some help with cravings

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/13/2008 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Since my flare started up, I've been experimenting with all sorts of things, dietary restrictions, upping dosage of VSL#3, start prednisone.  One of the major changes has been to restrict my diet down to bland food.  I generally wake up take meds, wait 4 to 6 hours before eating something bland, Rice Krispies, scrambeld eggs, banana bread.  Then it is another few hours before my next snack of tortilla chips or a bowl of cereal, maybe have another snack when home from work. 

I'm going crazy cutting out the foods that I previously eaeten regularly.  The worst is my previous addiction to sugary and high carb foods.  The consequences of eating those foods is a miserable next day, so I know it is my best interest to avoid them.  But I get these cravings, and after staving them off for a few days, I have one day that I give in (mildly) and eat a regular meal that I know will be causing some major disruptions in the following 24 hours. 

How do you deal with the cravings?  Whether it be a need for pizza, a milk shake, some cookies, oreven just having a donut or two when someone at work brings them in.  I will say that my appetite has gone to the birds, but these cravings have always been my down fall when trying to improve my diet.  Please give me some tips on fighting these destructive impulses...

Posted 9/13/2008 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear that so many things bother you, Brandon. I've always been lucky, the only thing that really upsets my system is if I eat too much fatty food. You might try a food diary to narrow down what foods really do cause you problems if you haven't already done that.
Posted 9/13/2008 6:35 AM (GMT 0)

Here's a couple of links that may help you...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/07/earlyshow/health/main678481.shtml


http://food.families.com/blog/understanding-and-fighting-food-cravings

:)

Posted 9/13/2008 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I find getting on this message board, or web surfing in general, is a good distraction!!
Posted 9/13/2008 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
To keep myself from having major cravings (and breakdowns), I eat a tiny portion of the foods I crave every day. I know chocolate is an issue for me, but if I didn't eat it for a week I'd want to scarf down a whole cake. Instead, I eat a small portion of high quality dark chocolate every day. I eat it SLOW and savor it. The tiny amount doesn't bother me and keeps my cravings under control. I hope that's helpful!
Posted 9/14/2008 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Are there any foods that you can eat that maybe you could substitute for the sugary stuff, like a piece of fruit or a piece of toast with honey on it when you feel like eating a donut. You're still getting something sweet, but it might sit better with you than a donut or soda or whatever. I just bought some raw honey the other day...it's really good, so I've been eating a bit of that when I get a craving for something sweet. It doesn't seem to bother me like other sugary things.
Posted 9/14/2008 9:06 PM (GMT 0)

I would try eating breakfast earlier, or at least a small snack.  Waiting 4 to 6 hours after getting up in the morning to eat may be setting you up for those cravings later in the day.  Eggs are good with wheat toast or sauted veggies.  Or try whole wheat pancakes with fruit.  Combining protein with healthy carbs will keep you fuller for longer streches and help eliminate the sugar/junky carbs cravings.   

I used to get those same cravings - mostly at night.  I was eating ice cream or cookies nearly every night.  But once I commited to eating better balanced meals through the day the night cravings started to disappear.  And once you stop eating so much sugar and processed foods they dont taste good anymore then you will stop craving them and start cravings fruits and veggies.

Posted 9/14/2008 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Sore-guts,

I ate breakfast first thing in the morning for years until, and only recently changed that. I put off eating for so long in the mornings to avoid spending the first half of my work day in the restroom. Once I start eating, I'm in and out of the restroom the rest of the afternoon. This flare has really had an impact on my eating habits.

Maybe craving wasn't the right word. Although I know that sugary stuff will make my guts angry the next day, I still have a yen for sweet stuff. For the most part, my appetite is shot anyway, but since I've restricted my diet, sugary foods sure sound good. I'm going to try out the suggestion of having a small portion, hoping that will cure the yen. Thanks for all the tips!
Posted 9/15/2008 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Isn't this disease funny as to how it affects each of us so differently. I suppose it may be my meds, but so far I don't have cravings - I mean my cravings aren't an on again off again all day thing. I know I need to eat and I do - had a great weekend w/ food - but for the most part it's a turn off. I'm not really hungry for the most part - perhaps it's the asacol who knows w/ this crazy disease. It's also fear - fear of how much pain food will bring to me. I have been eating a bland diet since I was diagnosised. I haven't eaten red meat until this past weekend. I had a bit of meatloaf Saturday evening and about 3/4 th's of a homemade hamburger yesterday for lunch. Am a bit uncomfortable this a.m. but not bad.

Gigi1227
Posted 9/15/2008 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
My doctor says to eat what I want without conditions.
Posted 9/15/2008 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Try to eat as balanced a diet as possible, starting with breakfast. What about hot cereal, cooked farina or (smooth) oatmeal? You can stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup, which will help control your sugar cravings. Put a small amount of jam (w/o seeds) on your toast. Bananas and yams can also help reduce your cravings for junk snacks. I get your drift about breakfast causing too many bms through the morning, but you really need to eat at regular intervals to improve your health & strength overall. Try eating some natural graham crackers instead of chips because they have more nutritional value; Health Valley or Hain are good brands. Good luck & take care. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)

Posted 9/16/2008 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Old Hat, Gigi, and London Red,

Yes this disease is so weirdly personalized. I'm slowly making my back to eating earlier, having a little homemade banana bread for breakfast, waiting a while before my cereal or oegg breakfast. My doctor hasn't given me any food restriction either, but through trial and error I've found that right now, bland is better, and small quantities is even better. I'm trying to get some nutrition in by drinking homemade fruit/veggie juice. I have a strong aversion to eating fruits and veggies, so I decided that drinking 'em was better than not getting 'em at all. I'll try some of the tips about beating the sugar fiending. Sugar is my biggest downfall, and one of the causes of my greatest pain. Thanks for the help!
Posted 9/16/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
If you don't like water. Try Ice tea, with it watered down and one packet of suger. Tea makes my world go round. Or if it is hot tea try honey. =q

Trust me the ice and honey don't mix...I tried. *stupid stupid course the honey will stick on the bottem.*
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