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Rapid weight loss on SCD?

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Posted 10/20/2011 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I've started the SCD a little over two weeks ago, right after my colonoscopy and getting thrown on prednisone/lialda. I had lost a ton of weight prior to starting the diet because of the severity of my flare, but I'm a little concerned because I still seem to be losing weight despite eating more - And being on pred! I really didn't have any weight to spare as it is and if anything I'd like to put some on. Right now I probably weigh about 105-110, which is down from my previous weight of 127 before the flare hit. I would like to be around 115-120 again but it just seems like no matter how much or what I eat (which is mostly fruits and veggies with full-fat sources of protein and homemade yogurt), I'm losing on this diet! Is this common? Should I be concerned?
Posted 10/20/2011 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
WingZero,

You're losing weight because you've taken most of the carbs out of your diet.

If you're eating healthy, including lots of proteins, veggies, etc... and good fats - which are so important, then I really wouldn't worry about it.

Just make sure you eat enough and then some. The most important thing is to nourish your body. Are you doing that?

I lost alot of weight too on the SCD, but I feel healthy.

Posted 10/20/2011 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
You shouldn't be losing weight on prednisone. What are your UC symptoms like right now?

If you are sticking to the SCD diet, try eating more nuts and less fruits and vegetables. They are higher in calories. It might just be that you are not getting enough calories? I didn't lose weight on the SCD but I didn't gain weight either.

Sue
Posted 10/20/2011 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
InSoFla - I had read that some people lose weight initially because of the decrease in carb intake, I just didn't think it would be so drastic when I was already so small to begin with! My days are typically like this as far as what I eat:

Breakfast - A banana or apple, yogurt with berries, and two hard-boiled eggs.
Snack - Slices of cheese
Lunch - Leftover dinner, usually either chicken thigh or salmon, occasionally beef.
Snack - Avocado slices or more cheese. Or a few spoonfuls of almond or peanut butter.
Dinner - Chicken thigh, Salmon, or beef with vegetables (usually carrots or green beans)

I use olive oil or ghee to cook my meats/vegetables in.

Suebear, it could be that I am not getting enough calories... It's hard to gauge how many I'm getting and how many I really need right now. I would like to start eating nuts at some point but at the moment I'm taking everything very slowly and carefully. I don't want to introduce nuts (aside from nut butters) for a few more weeks... Same with beans/lentils.

My symptoms are improving but I don't know if it's because of the medication or the diet. My BMs are down from >10xday to once or twice a day and they are soft with a bit of mucus. No cramping or pain, and very little gas since I started the diet (although I made the mistake of eating onions last night >_<).

I *feel* like I'm eating healthier, it's just that the weight loss is a bit discouraging. I don't want to do my body any harm.
Posted 10/20/2011 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
WingZero,

I understand what you're saying. But it isn't uncommon for rapid weight loss when you get off carbs.

What is puzzling is that you are losing weight while on prednisone, although I did too. Maybe because of SCD diet, we're just the unusual pattern of not gaining weight with prednisone.

However, from what I see that you are eating, you're not taking in enough food and enough calories.

Olive oil and Ghee are great.

IMO, you need to increase your food intake/quantity so you can get enough calories.

Posted 10/20/2011 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
I lost 10lbs too! I hate it, especially for a guy... its not a good thing when I was only 145 to begin with... :( But I eat A TON, i have not lost my willpower to eat, i strengthen myself through yoga instead of my usual weightlifting. My mom thinks I've always had a wicked fast metabolism, and my doctor thinks i'm not absorbing nutrients right now.
Posted 10/20/2011 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
yes. it happend to me too.
i do not consider it a big problem, but it depends from where you're starting probably.

the wheight stabilised after 6-8 months. after 1 year and a half on scd i am starting regaining it.
Posted 10/20/2011 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Haha, I think the biggest problem is that nothing fits me anymore and I can't afford to buy new clothes. xD
Posted 10/20/2011 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Oh it puts such a damper on my plans to take control of my senior year and really gain muscle (now that my personal-trainer sister lives with me)... I just dont want to end up like this guy I read about who for years had UC and got down to 70lbs :(.
Posted 10/20/2011 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
I think you'll be ok as long as you don't overdo it with the weight training and make sure you get enough protein. Who's this guy you're talking about? Was he a weight trainer/athlete?
Posted 10/20/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
You have some good choices in there, but I'm guessing you need to eat MORE. High cal foods like nut butters and avacadoes are good. Cheese and yogurt are good, so long as you don't have issues with dairy. Try to increase your portions.

A couple of suggestions: try adding some healthy oils like olive, flax or Udo's. You can make dressings, dips for your almond bread, or just take a tablespoonful like a dose of medicine. Sounds kinda icky, I know, but the omega-3s help reduce inflammation and the increased healthy fat intake helps make up for the decreased carb intake.

If you're not adamant about 100% legal SCD, I'd suggest adding an egg white protein shake. Again, you have to increase your protein and fat intake to compensate for the lower carb intake. And since we're talking a liquid protein supplement, you can get some extra calories in, even when you're not hungry. I use Jay Robb's vanilla egg white protein powder that's sweetened with stevia. Egg whites are SCD legal, so your only cheat is on the stevia and possibly the vanilla flavoring. You can also get pure liquid egg whites that are SCD legal and can add different flavored stevia syrups. Also a bit of a cheat, but may be worthwhile if weight loss is a major concern and/or if you're weight training. These are also great for making omelettes.
Posted 10/20/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
I had to add rice to my diet.

Two years ago, I tried SCD for 2 months and I lost so much dam weight and I was severely fatigued everyday.

Eating a crap loads of banana or fruits didn't help me.

Plus, I bodybuild somewhat intensely and do a decent amount of cardio on daily basis so I really need to replenish my glycogen stores in my liver and muscles after workout, or basically you won't make as much gain as you intended to.

It's a must for protein synthesis to occur and have at least 30-40g of protein with some high glycemic carbs like white rice during your golden period(within 40minutes - 1 hour after working out)
Posted 10/21/2011 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
WingZero,

Princesa has given you some good ideas.

Yes, you need to increase your food intake.

How about egg yolks? They are so nutritious, and so good for you!

Sometimes I'll eat a couple of egg yolks (cooked of course).

Posted 10/21/2011 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I forgot to mention healthy oils can be stirred into SCD veggie soups. Stir in about a tablespoon, after the soup is heated. Most of these oils break down in the high heat of cooking.
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