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Posted 1/20/2015 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Alright. Kind of embarrassing. But, my family really struggles. I wont go into great detail. As you all know, the diet of UC is pretty expensive, healthy foods are expensive. Making the adjustments cost a little more. But we cant really afford those expenses. When we go to the grocery store, we have to get the cheaper, greasy, unhealthy food as the less healthy foods seem to be cheaper. I know this isn't good for my condition. is there any suggestions or tips or advice anyone could give? It would be much appreciated. Thanks so much.
Posted 1/20/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
The real trick if figuring what foods give YOU problems. Everyone is different. There is no specific diet that works for everyone with UC. Things that are healthy for normal people like fresh fruits and veggies, high fibers ect don't usually set well for those with UC or Crohns. Maybe there are cheaper foods you can tolerate. Only way to figure it out is keep a food diary and see what foods bother your condition.  Just my 2 cents
Posted 1/20/2015 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Frankly I have a hard time believing that you can't afford to eat healthy, cassidy.

As a 14 year old you are not the one in charge of buying groceries or preparing meals, but I will tell you as the person who does this for my family - preparing your own food is much healthier than buying processed food. The "cost" of preparing your own food is in the time it takes to make a meal. The raw ingredients are not expensive.

Sit down with your mom and go over the meal plan for the week. Please bring back some examples for this discussion of an unhealthy food that is less expensive than a healthy alternative.

Now, if you are talking about choices like the cut of meat (lean vs. fatty or tough) then we can have a conversation about cooking methods for less expensive meats. But I don't think that's what you're talking about.
Posted 1/20/2015 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Whole chickens are one example of a very inexpensive food that's "healthy" - in my area, a whole chicken runs just under $1/lb - so I can get a nice-sized chicken for $7 or $8. For my family of four (two young kids), that's enough meat for one meal where we eat roast chicken and veggie/potato sides, plus two more meals where I use the leftovers in something like burritos or a casserole. So essentially, 12 servings of meat for just $8. That's cheap.
Posted 1/20/2015 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is definitely easy to not be able to afford to eat healthy. Some people are poor and often times yes working multiple jobs and such does not allow one to spend a lot of time cooking. That figures into the equation. It's not like a lot of people can afford to have a stay at home mom who has time to plan meals. For all you know her mom works 3 jobs day and night and does not have time for what you suggest. Also how about you give her and example of healthy food that are cheaper than an unhealthy one. That would actually be a help her. 

  By the way Fruitgirl your reply was excellent

Posted 1/20/2015 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Eating healthy is not necessarily more expensive. I can get a bag of long grain brown rice, a huge bag of stir-fry frozen vegetables, and chicken to cook in it and eat A LOT of healthy meals from that alone. The rice would last countless meals for less than $20. The HUGE bag of stir-fry would go for probably five or more dishes that each would feed a family a couple times over. Chicken is subjective depending on how much you want in there and how natural you want it. Even if you just eat normal store brand it's better than most processed foods I think (my opinion, not fact-checked).

Breakfasts can consist of eggs and cut up fresh produce. Mix in some cheese sometimes. Also, when you get sick of that you can make home-fry type potatoes and throw in some things like celery, onions, whatever in that. Both of those are CHEAP meals.

Salads are cheap, too. Lettuce, some cut up veggies (you cut them up), and dressing. Add some sunflower seeds or other protein if desired.

Processed foods are less healthy and more expensive generally. These are just a few ideas that I do to eat better for not a ton of money. In general I've found it is actually cheaper to eat healthy, it just involves more time in the kitchen.

I know you're just 14 and most of us are older on here, but stick with us! It's good to hear from you and that you're trying to help yourself. There is SO much to learn on here from others who have gone through so many things. Please feel at home and don't take anything too personally if it comes off that way. Everyone will have their own opinions on things, but we really care about each other here. :-)
Posted 1/20/2015 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, scum1.

Also, if you google search, there are a TON of sites with inexpensive meal ideas, and a lot of these give tips on how to make things less expensive. I know you're just 14, but do you know how to cook? If not, now's a great time to learn!
Posted 1/20/2015 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
The thing is that cheap and healthy for most people does not work for a lot of people with UC. Lettuce, fresh veggies, celery, onions ect! Many of us can not eat that at all. That's not saying she can't eat these things but definitely not a given. She will have to figure it out.
Posted 1/20/2015 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Find ethnic grocery stores in your neighborhood and buy in bulk. For e.g. Mung beans (http://indiaphile.info/guide-indian-lentils/) are very healthy and actually anti-inflammatory, cost fortune in regular supermarket, but if you go to Indian or Chinese grocery store, you will get them for almost $/lb. Learn how to prep them from YouTube or something similar.
Other thing you can look into is, Idly. This is also Indian (fermented) dish. Fermentation = probiotics. /www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYzSHGUDGo I wouldn't call it 'most' nutritious but lot more nutritious than many 'healthy' foods in the supermarket.

Same goes with few other beans. I was looking at some kind of beans at Costco and noted the price. Went to local Mexican grocery store and half the price.

As scum1 said, if your mom works 3 jobs a day, you do this homework and give your mom pointers, so all she is left with is, go to the store and pick the stuff you researched. Once the stuff is in pantry, you go preparing it or show your mom recipes so that she will make it.
(not judging you, yet) I was cooking almost full meal, by the time I was 14. My mom was going through pancolitis when I was 14 or so and she couldn't stand a minute before running to the bathroom. Our <bleep> PCP thought that she has heartburn and kept her on PPIs for 3 years until he learned that its something different.

Let us know your location and may be locals can point you to some of the stuff. That will save your time researching this.

Offnote, learn to make Sauerkraut, natural source of probiotics. Cabbage is VERY cheap (I get it for $0.49/lb) Don't pay for them, make them yourself, not only tasty and healthy, but filling too.

Let us know if this thread doesn't help or you have any specific questions. We are here to help.

Off the topic,
how are you getting meds? If your insurance coverage is craptastic, take a look at GoodRx or community Health centers and ask about 340B (or similar) plans.
Posted 1/20/2015 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Not that it is any consolation but I spent loads to eat healthy and it didn't provide one iota of benefit to my UC inflammation. Of course, it's not good to eat processed, greasy junk food all day regardless.
Posted 1/20/2015 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I found some of your responses helpful, thank you so much for the ones that went about this politely. But I feel as if posting this was a mistake.. Actually hurt my feelings, as to how some of you decided to go about it, not fully understanding my struggle and my family's financial issues. But I do not blame you, you have no way of knowing as I did not tell you. And do not plan on it. Anyways, found a few helpful ideas, I suppose. thank you..
Posted 1/20/2015 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
cassidy, you're not alone. I grew up the same way. We had generic everything. We watered down generic :( I am sorry.
Posted 1/20/2015 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
scum1, I found your answer the most easing, I want to thank you personally for actually taking into account my feelings and the actual situation, rather than putting it down or trying to suggest that I'm misinterpreting my own situation., etc etc.
Posted 1/20/2015 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so very much, notsosicklygirl, you're response was also very comforting, to know I'm not alone. I totally feel for you, and hope things are better now. Just takes time, until I can start to work and help out. :/
Posted 1/20/2015 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Plenty of help here. So I hope you feel welcome and stick around
Posted 1/20/2015 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Cassidy, most gastroenterologists say that diet doesn't effect uc. So, you do not have to feel it is essential to change your diet now because you have uc.

But you are absolutely right that it costs more and sometimes a lot more to eat healthier (e.g., my grocery bill doubled when trying it myself). Some here have had success and swear by diet modifications and various supplements that it helped their uc. Others, like me, have tried a lot of the suggested diet changes and noticed no change in their uc symptoms at all so I eat whatever I want without restrictions now. It's hit-or-miss and trial-and-error. So spend twice as much for groceries with no guarantee in result, is the reality. Important lesson, uc is a highly individual disease, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all with uc.

You've mentioned before you've had trouble with dairy, even before uc. A simple thing is to avoid all dairy for 3-4 weeks and see if it helps with your uc symptoms. Many people who have bowel issues also have lactose intolerance. If you see no change in uc symptoms, then reintroduce dairy.
Posted 1/20/2015 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Eating bad is not generally good for your overall health but as some others have said, eating healthy is not a guarantee that it will help with your UC. It is even possible that eating healthy could make your UC worse. Everyone is different. It's certainly worth a try though if you follow some of the advice that some posters have given. You are in a difficult situation and I wish you the best.
Posted 1/20/2015 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Cassidy,

Some places even in the US it is hard to find healthy food; they are called Food Deserts. Plenty of Fast Food places and bodegas but no Supermarkets with vegetables and other healthy foods. Many of these places the residences do not have transportation to travel to super markets in other towns/cities....so they are stuck with the unhealthy cheap local foods.

I agree with iPoop, the whole "healthy food thing" is overrated when it comes to UC. It won't help your disease but if you are allergic to a certain type of food like Diary or Gluten then you might want to eliminate it or cut it back. It's more of symptom thing and not a disease thing....so your symptoms might be worse (more bms) but it won't make your UC any better or worse because of the foods that you eat.

Don't feel ashamed of your economic status, you are not alone. More then half of the students in America are in Low Income families. www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/majority-of-us-public-school-students-are-in-poverty/2015/01/15/df7171d0-9ce9-11e4-a7ee-526210d665b4_story.html
Posted 1/20/2015 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Cassidy,

Have you spoken with the school nurse? I see that you are newly diagnosed. They should give you unlimited bathroom passes and maybe they can help you with "healthier/better" lunches and breakfast foods while you are in school. See if the school can help.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
First of all, there is no such thing as a "UC diet." Any doctor will tell you that diet has nothing to do with UC. And that's because it's different for everyone.

Second, healthy foods are not expensive. I shop at Kroger usually and frozen veggies are pretty much always $1. You get just as much out of frozen veggies as fresh ones studies have shown and with UC, sometimes it's better to cook the veggies than eat them raw. Chicken is often less than $2 a pound which is pretty cheap. You just have to look for what's on sale. Like right now bananas are kinda expensive around here (55 cents a pound) so I don't buy them.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Cassidy,

Back to the economics. UC medications are very expensive, even the copays with good insurance are expensive and can add up quickly.

I'd suggest asking your doctors for any help that they can, like free samples or maybe some programs that can help you with the costs. If you skip or don't take medicine then your UC will get worse, diet doesn't cause your UC to get worse but not taking medications can do that.

Really crazy suggestion here but if you find yourself not being able to afford the medications and there is no help available to you then maybe you should switch to the expensive Biological medications like Remicade or Humira....they have great Patient assistance programs were it costs $30 or less per month for the patient and they have to cover you per the US government agreement.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:12 PM (GMT 0)

mcfarl73 said...

Second, healthy foods are not expensive. I shop at Kroger usually and frozen veggies are pretty much always $1. You get just as much out of frozen veggies as fresh ones studies have shown and with UC, sometimes it's better to cook the veggies than eat them raw. Chicken is often less than $2 a pound which is pretty cheap. You just have to look for what's on sale. Like right now bananas are kinda expensive around here (55 cents a pound) so I don't buy them.

So what about if there isn't a supermarket where you live? Only Fastfood restaurants and corner stores like 711? And you don't have transportation to go super market in another town or city?
Posted 1/20/2015 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto on no need to apologise or be ashamed of your financial upbringing. Many post on here about worries of uc related costs.

Just be more cautious on what you take for uc medications, ask about cost before you get a prescription, and well verse yourself in the patient assistance programs available for uc (many of which are in the resources thread at the top of this thread). And go generic on medications where you can, like your Sulfasalazine.
Posted 1/20/2015 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
ks1905- Some places have public transportation or friends or family to drive you to get groceries. It requires more planning, but it is possible. You plan out meals for 1-2 weeks and when you go to the store you buy for those meals. If that sort of transportation isn't available, there are church groups that can provide transportation. Or food pantries or meals on wheels if you can't afford groceries. There are lots of options, just takes a little research. People are out there to help, you just have to find them.

I don't know her situation, but I know there are programs out there. I live in Michigan and I know there are a lot of people having financial hardships in Detroit. So we have Forgotten Harvest that provides good food for people who need it. There is also a produce truck that drives around neighborhoods in Detroit (like an ice cream truck) and provides fresh produce for people who can't drive to a store. Those are just a couple of the programs I know about near me, but I'm sure other states and communities have similar things.
Posted 1/20/2015 10:18 PM (GMT 0)

mcfarl73 said...
ks1905- Some places have public transportation or friends or family to drive you to get groceries. It requires more planning, but it is possible. You plan out meals for 1-2 weeks and when you go to the store you buy for those meals. If that sort of transportation isn't available, there are church groups that can provide transportation. Or food pantries or meals on wheels if you can't afford groceries. There are lots of options, just takes a little research. People are out there to help, you just have to find them.

I don't know her situation, but I know there are programs out there. I live in Michigan and I know there are a lot of people having financial hardships in Detroit. So we have Forgotten Harvest that provides good food for people who need it. There is also a produce truck that drives around neighborhoods in Detroit (like an ice cream truck) and provides fresh produce for people who can't drive to a store. Those are just a couple of the programs I know about near me, but I'm sure other states and communities have similar things.

Detroit is one of the Cities that has been leading the way in this with trying to get healthy foods into their poorer neighborhoods. A few years ago I had never heard of Food Deserts or that there were no healthy food options in poorer neighborhoods....it was something that was easy to overlook and not realize that this was an issue.

I don't know if someone of limited economic means can afford to buy 2 weeks of groceries at a time. Or for someone to take a bus and spend half the day waiting for the bus, riding the bus and then shopping for food. I know that all of this is do-able but it is difficult and they probably have other things to worry about besides the healthiness of their food.... like their heat, water, rent, work, school, etc.

I just can't say to someone there is no excuse for not eating healthy when I think there are plenty of reasons why they buy and eat the food that they do.... it's unfortunate but it is a reality in America.
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