Being 100# was awful..and I’m sure my coworkers were horrified. I missed 2.5 months of work in 2017...
I felt like I needed all the fat I could get! So the meat fat was eaten! I really just did a lot of soups made with my meat , the bone broth, the cooked sweet potato cubed up and my over cooked/pressure cooked veggies. Frozen and eaten for 2 meals a day, some sort of chip as a bonus at work with above soup.. I also added coconut, olive and avocado oil to everything.
They make many alternative yogurts out there...turkey bacon, tapioca bagels...bananas for breakfast. Remember, I had no zero or 1s on Enterolab, everything was a 2 with rice a 3! Previous Enterolab had told me gluten was a no no. Eggs were ok and dairy/soy were like 10/11 so I cut them out for years. Really, not a lot of my meat was ground. I just grilled or cubed and pan seared most of it. I smothered my tapioca bagels in sunflower butter since it’s pretty high in magnesium and since I was avoiding other nut butters ..
Batch cooking and freezing this stuff took the stress off.
Laine
Newbie with questions on recovery diet
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hello Lorraine,
I am following your journey with Dr Fine's products. I purchased them as well after talking to him after my test results but I have been scared to start it.
I have had a very bad experiences with trying fiber (increased times of watery diarrhea.)
A naturopath had me try SunFiber (made of guar gum) as a healing tool as well as small amounts of pshyllium husk powder.
The reason being to thicken the stool, absorb the liquid and to feed the good bacteria.
Both trials had bad effects on me. So as Tex wrote in his book fiber is not our friend. I have tried various probiotics, even 2 specific strains which in studies proved
helpful with our type of colitis ( had to buy them from Canada as they are not available here.)
I do hope this protocol helps you. I may be encouraged to try it as well. I am very conflicted about it. Please keep us posted.
Thank you and good luck with speedy recovery. I have been in a flare up since February and nothing is helping not a diet and not Entocort 9 mg for almost two months.
I am following your journey with Dr Fine's products. I purchased them as well after talking to him after my test results but I have been scared to start it.
I have had a very bad experiences with trying fiber (increased times of watery diarrhea.)
A naturopath had me try SunFiber (made of guar gum) as a healing tool as well as small amounts of pshyllium husk powder.
The reason being to thicken the stool, absorb the liquid and to feed the good bacteria.
Both trials had bad effects on me. So as Tex wrote in his book fiber is not our friend. I have tried various probiotics, even 2 specific strains which in studies proved
helpful with our type of colitis ( had to buy them from Canada as they are not available here.)
I do hope this protocol helps you. I may be encouraged to try it as well. I am very conflicted about it. Please keep us posted.
Thank you and good luck with speedy recovery. I have been in a flare up since February and nothing is helping not a diet and not Entocort 9 mg for almost two months.
Hi folks,
It’s been a while since I posted. Just as I was about to do an update, I came down with an upper respiratory infection (not Covid) and I was miserable for almost two weeks. Back on my feet now and almost 100%. I’ve been plagued by this recurring infection for the past year. This was the fifth time.
I started Phase 1 eating plan on Sep 8, along with Dr Fine’s supplements. By Day 5, I was having solid stools and was thrilled. Then on Day 17, I started feeling out of sorts and had a fever. The dastardly infection was visiting me again and the watery diarrhea came back. On Day 21, still feeling terrible, but back to solid stools. On Days 25 to 28, a mixture of 6s and 7s. Day 29, infection is gone, I’m feeling almost 100%, and one solid stool that day (a #4). Today, Day 30, no BM.
My diet is turkey, lamb, pork, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, one banana/day, applesauce. All very bland, boring and unappetizing, I must say, I’m getting tired of it. But with no zero or 1s on Enterolab and with everything a 2 and chicken a 3, not much left to have. As it is, pork is a 2, but I seem to be tolerating it. Since I’m just back to solid stools for 3 days straight now, I won’t be trying anything new yet. But, when I do, I’m wondering what might be a safe veggie to try first?
MomLady – thanks for the lamb broth crockpot recipe. I’ll try that. It’s a challenge finding lamb sometimes because I only buy organic, pastured. I could use some fat in my diet as well, but I find lamb fat too oily/greasy. I’m able to get organic turkey burgers easily enough. I usually fry them up, but I’m going to try baking. Yeah, they are certainly bland. Wish I could flavour them up a bit, but nothing beyond salt at this point for me.
Brandy – Didn’t know there was such a thing as white and purple sweet potatoes. I doubt that I’ll be able to find organic ones though. But I’ll have a look. I’m getting quite sick of the orange ones.
HockeyMom – Dairy and eggs are a no-no for me. I really miss the eggs. If I could have them, then a breakfast of bacon and eggs would be wonderful. I would eat that every morning if I could. I’ve not heard of tapioca bagels.
Anna – I seem to be okay with Dr Fine’s products. I, too, was apprehensive about starting them, especially the fiber supplement since fiber is the enemy of MC. The only way you’re going to know if they will help is to try them. As mentioned above, I started them at the same time as I went on the recovery diet. On Day 5, I started having solid stools. And this after 6 months of explosive watery diarrhea, up to 10 times a day, every day. Since I’m doing two protocols at the same time, I don’t know which one is working, but all I care about right now is that I don’t have WD. I plan to continue with the supplements for the short term and once I’m in remission for a while, I’ll stop them and see what happens.
My biggest challenge, especially when I was incapacitated by the infection, is preparing meals. I was in no shape to cook for about 10 days, I didn’t have much already prepared, and hubby doesn’t cook. So there wasn’t much to eat for a while. Thus, my drop in weight to 116 (from 121). I know that I need to cook in batches so I have something in the fridge/freezer to last the week. It’s a lot of work though. Plus needing to cook more substantial and appetizing meals for hubby is added stress. I must admit I got quite discouraged at the peak of my sickness and was close to throwing in the towel.
But now that I’m feeling better, my spirits are up and I’m grateful that I’m back to solid stools. I’m taking one day at a time. Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” What he meant by this is that everything in life that seems daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time.
Question about making stews: how can I safely thicken the broth? Can’t use flour, white potato is on my 2 list so I imagine potato starch is out, and corn is on my 3 list so no cornstarch. What’s left to use as a thickener?
It’s been a while since I posted. Just as I was about to do an update, I came down with an upper respiratory infection (not Covid) and I was miserable for almost two weeks. Back on my feet now and almost 100%. I’ve been plagued by this recurring infection for the past year. This was the fifth time.
I started Phase 1 eating plan on Sep 8, along with Dr Fine’s supplements. By Day 5, I was having solid stools and was thrilled. Then on Day 17, I started feeling out of sorts and had a fever. The dastardly infection was visiting me again and the watery diarrhea came back. On Day 21, still feeling terrible, but back to solid stools. On Days 25 to 28, a mixture of 6s and 7s. Day 29, infection is gone, I’m feeling almost 100%, and one solid stool that day (a #4). Today, Day 30, no BM.
My diet is turkey, lamb, pork, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, one banana/day, applesauce. All very bland, boring and unappetizing, I must say, I’m getting tired of it. But with no zero or 1s on Enterolab and with everything a 2 and chicken a 3, not much left to have. As it is, pork is a 2, but I seem to be tolerating it. Since I’m just back to solid stools for 3 days straight now, I won’t be trying anything new yet. But, when I do, I’m wondering what might be a safe veggie to try first?
MomLady – thanks for the lamb broth crockpot recipe. I’ll try that. It’s a challenge finding lamb sometimes because I only buy organic, pastured. I could use some fat in my diet as well, but I find lamb fat too oily/greasy. I’m able to get organic turkey burgers easily enough. I usually fry them up, but I’m going to try baking. Yeah, they are certainly bland. Wish I could flavour them up a bit, but nothing beyond salt at this point for me.
Brandy – Didn’t know there was such a thing as white and purple sweet potatoes. I doubt that I’ll be able to find organic ones though. But I’ll have a look. I’m getting quite sick of the orange ones.
HockeyMom – Dairy and eggs are a no-no for me. I really miss the eggs. If I could have them, then a breakfast of bacon and eggs would be wonderful. I would eat that every morning if I could. I’ve not heard of tapioca bagels.
Anna – I seem to be okay with Dr Fine’s products. I, too, was apprehensive about starting them, especially the fiber supplement since fiber is the enemy of MC. The only way you’re going to know if they will help is to try them. As mentioned above, I started them at the same time as I went on the recovery diet. On Day 5, I started having solid stools. And this after 6 months of explosive watery diarrhea, up to 10 times a day, every day. Since I’m doing two protocols at the same time, I don’t know which one is working, but all I care about right now is that I don’t have WD. I plan to continue with the supplements for the short term and once I’m in remission for a while, I’ll stop them and see what happens.
My biggest challenge, especially when I was incapacitated by the infection, is preparing meals. I was in no shape to cook for about 10 days, I didn’t have much already prepared, and hubby doesn’t cook. So there wasn’t much to eat for a while. Thus, my drop in weight to 116 (from 121). I know that I need to cook in batches so I have something in the fridge/freezer to last the week. It’s a lot of work though. Plus needing to cook more substantial and appetizing meals for hubby is added stress. I must admit I got quite discouraged at the peak of my sickness and was close to throwing in the towel.
But now that I’m feeling better, my spirits are up and I’m grateful that I’m back to solid stools. I’m taking one day at a time. Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” What he meant by this is that everything in life that seems daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time.
Question about making stews: how can I safely thicken the broth? Can’t use flour, white potato is on my 2 list so I imagine potato starch is out, and corn is on my 3 list so no cornstarch. What’s left to use as a thickener?
Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied?
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama
New veggies to try: overcooked green beans, overcooked turnips and/or rutabagas. You can boil the turnips and rutabagas and mash them in a mix with the sweet potatoes. It disguises the turnip/rutabaga
taste and makes the sweets less sweet. Canned pumpkin (I warm in microwave and add a bit of
coconut milk) or you might tolerate a bit of cinnamon. Boiled beets.
Fall squashes: butternut, spaghetti squash acorn squash etc.
The problem with some veggies early on is:
broccoli, cauliflower: cause a lot of gas, generally problematic for us early on
spinach, kale, greens: too much fiber, problematic early on
Generally most of us are ok with overcooked green beans. Cook them until mushy. See how you do with green beans.
Alternative yogurts: almond milk, coconut milk, look for the ones with the least amount of chemical/ingredients.
You might be okay with avacado. It is low fiber.
Good update. It sounds like you are moving forward.
taste and makes the sweets less sweet. Canned pumpkin (I warm in microwave and add a bit of
coconut milk) or you might tolerate a bit of cinnamon. Boiled beets.
Fall squashes: butternut, spaghetti squash acorn squash etc.
The problem with some veggies early on is:
broccoli, cauliflower: cause a lot of gas, generally problematic for us early on
spinach, kale, greens: too much fiber, problematic early on
Generally most of us are ok with overcooked green beans. Cook them until mushy. See how you do with green beans.
Alternative yogurts: almond milk, coconut milk, look for the ones with the least amount of chemical/ingredients.
You might be okay with avacado. It is low fiber.
Good update. It sounds like you are moving forward.
Thanks for all the tips, Brandy and HockeyMom. Very much appreciated.
If I continue to have solid stools over the next 3-4 days, I'll then try one of the veggies suggested. I thought cauliflower would be a good one to start with, but you say not. So I'll start with green beans. Good tip about combining turnips with sweet potatoes. Wouldn't have thought of doing something like that. I'll also look into the alternative yogurts.
And happy to know that I can use arrowroot or tapioca starch to make gravy. I'm going to buy some and make a lamb stew this weekend. Of course, turkey is on the menu too because on Monday we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving.
If I continue to have solid stools over the next 3-4 days, I'll then try one of the veggies suggested. I thought cauliflower would be a good one to start with, but you say not. So I'll start with green beans. Good tip about combining turnips with sweet potatoes. Wouldn't have thought of doing something like that. I'll also look into the alternative yogurts.
And happy to know that I can use arrowroot or tapioca starch to make gravy. I'm going to buy some and make a lamb stew this weekend. Of course, turkey is on the menu too because on Monday we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving.
Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied?
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama
Re: Newbie with questions on recovery diet
Loraine, I’m newly diagnosed and tested much like you. I talked to Dr Fine but I haven’t found anyone in the forums here that had success with his protocol. Could you please update us with your results? I have a farm and have been eating organic and gluten and sugar free for years and now everything that I grow has now been placed on the no list! No beef, no eggs, no vegetables unless cooked to death. Ugh!!
Re: Newbie with questions on recovery diet
Owl…
My apologies for the late response to your post. Lots going on in my life these days. I don’t have time right now to give a detailed update but I will address your question on the success of Dr Fine’s protocol.
Prior to starting Fine’s protocol, I had been experiencing D multiple times a day, every day, for several years. I started the protocol in Sep 2020 in conjunction with the recovery diet. Within 2 weeks I was having Normans most of the time. This lasted until Jan 2021 when I stopped Fine’s protocol due to unavailability of his products. I live in Canada and there was a challenge with the shipping of an order through customs. This resulted in Dr Fine refusing to ship to Canada anymore.
For most of 2021 it was a roller coaster with D and Normans. Never knew what to expect from day to day. I did try introducing new foods from time to time for the first few months so that may have caused some of the D. By Sep 2021, I was back to full-blown D all the time. So, I regrouped and went back to being strict with my diet and even eliminated pork, which was a staple meat for me all along although it is a #2 on my list but the least reaction to.
For the remainder of 2021 and into January of this year, it was not happy times with the D. I was frustrated and discouraged. However, at the beginning of Feb I started having Normans interspersed with the Ds. And I’m happy to say that since Feb 15 I’ve only had Normans! Will it last? Time will tell.
Since I was only on Fine’s protocol for about 5 months, I can only say that it seemed to help while I was on it and that the D came back after I stopped it.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
My apologies for the late response to your post. Lots going on in my life these days. I don’t have time right now to give a detailed update but I will address your question on the success of Dr Fine’s protocol.
Prior to starting Fine’s protocol, I had been experiencing D multiple times a day, every day, for several years. I started the protocol in Sep 2020 in conjunction with the recovery diet. Within 2 weeks I was having Normans most of the time. This lasted until Jan 2021 when I stopped Fine’s protocol due to unavailability of his products. I live in Canada and there was a challenge with the shipping of an order through customs. This resulted in Dr Fine refusing to ship to Canada anymore.
For most of 2021 it was a roller coaster with D and Normans. Never knew what to expect from day to day. I did try introducing new foods from time to time for the first few months so that may have caused some of the D. By Sep 2021, I was back to full-blown D all the time. So, I regrouped and went back to being strict with my diet and even eliminated pork, which was a staple meat for me all along although it is a #2 on my list but the least reaction to.
For the remainder of 2021 and into January of this year, it was not happy times with the D. I was frustrated and discouraged. However, at the beginning of Feb I started having Normans interspersed with the Ds. And I’m happy to say that since Feb 15 I’ve only had Normans! Will it last? Time will tell.
Since I was only on Fine’s protocol for about 5 months, I can only say that it seemed to help while I was on it and that the D came back after I stopped it.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied?
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama
And what is the use of being unhappy if it cannot be remedied?
~Dalai Lama