The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) has been a game-changer for my health, especially when dealing with digestive issues and overall well-being. In this post, I’ll share our family’s experience with the SCD diet, including rec ipes, tips for managing meals, and the positive impact it’s had on our lives.
Starting the SCD Diet
This isn't my first time on the SCD diet. I've used it before to combat constipation and depression. With a big family, I never embark on a diet alone; I incorporate aspects of it into our family meals. While I might stick to my 24-hour yogurt, the rest of the family enjoys regular Greek yogurt. For lunches, the kids might have crackers with their tuna, while I opt for tuna with cucumbers. Bone broth is a staple for all of us, whether it's sipped throughout the day or used to flavor evening meals. The SCD diet isn't just a temporary diet; it’s a way of life to allow the gut to heal by avoiding sugars and carbohydrates that feed harmful bacteria. If you have constipation, Crohn’s disease, or any digestive disorder, this diet can make you feel better.
The Power of Bone Broth and Yogurt
Bone broth and homemade yogurt are cornerstones of the SCD diet. I maintain a continuous supply of bone broth in my Instant Pot. I use another instant pot to make yogurt daily. The bone broth supports gut healing, and the yogurt provides beneficial probiotics. I use three Instant Pots: one for broth, one for yogurt, and one for cooking meats or vegetables. This setup is especially helpful in summer, keeping the kitchen cool while providing nutritious meals. Making bone broth is simple: I add beef bones that I roasted in the oven, water, apple cider vinegar, and some veggies like carrots, onion, celery, and parsley, then let it cook for at least 6 hours until it's rich and flavorful. The yogurt is made from whole milk fermented for 24 hours to ensure it's free of lactose, making it easier to digest and beneficial for gut health.
Managing Postpartum Challenges
After my tenth child, I faced severe hip pain, later diagnosed as SI joint issues. Chiropractic care, a supportive hip band, and antibiotics for a hospital-acquired staph infection helped, but the recovery was slow and painful. The antibiotics impacted my gut health, causing constipation and emotional swings. Remembering the gut-brain connection, I turned to the SCD diet for healing. Despite the challenges, the diet’s simplicity and focus on healing foods brought much-needed stability and peace. It’s incredible how grains and carbs can impact your mood, especially when they feed bad bacteria. Before starting the intro diet, I felt depressed and stressed. Just two days on the intro diet brought me such peace.
SCD Recipes and Meal Prep
SCD diet involves a lot of preparation. I make large batches of Jell-O, yogurt, and dry curd cheesecake. For protein, I prepare turkey patties in bulk. Cooking and peeling carrots for broth and making applesauce in the pressure cooker are routine tasks. My children love Jell-O, which is a protein-rich snack or dessert. The cheesecake, made with farmer's cheese, yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla, and lemon rind, is a delightful treat. For baked goods almond flour, eggs, and butter make a beautiful base for muffins, I like banana muffins or blueberry muffins. These recipes can be found in “Breaking the Vicious Cycle” by Elaine Gottschall and on the website pecanbread.com, which are excellent resources for anyone starting the SCD diet.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits
The SCD diet isn’t just about physical health; it profoundly impacts mental and emotional well-being. By limiting foods and adding probiotics, I’ve experienced less depression and stress, allowing me to be more present and engaged with my children. The diet simplifies meal decisions, making it easier to manage our busy household. Understanding the gut-brain connection has been crucial, especially with my background in researching autism for my younger brother. The SCD diet has given me freedom and peace, proving that dietary choices significantly affect overall health.
Creative SCD Cooking
Cooking on the SCD diet can be creative and satisfying. For example, my dry curd cheesecake is a fantastic treat. It’s made with farmer's cheese, 24-hour yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla, and lemon rind, with a crust of almonds, honey, and coconut oil. For a family snack, I make large batches of Jell-O using fruit juice and gelatin, which the kids love. These recipes not only adhere to the SCD guidelines but also provide delicious and nutritious options for the whole family. By planning and preparing meals in advance, I ensure that I stick to the diet, making it a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Tips for SCD Success.
Starting the SCD diet can be overwhelming, but here are a few tips to make the ' transition smoother. First, educate yourself with resourceIs like “Breaking the Vicious Cycle”, scdlifestyle.com by Jordan Reasoner and Steve Wright (I like listening to their podcast as needed) and pecanbread.com. Second, invest in good kitchen equipment, like Instant Pots and a good blender (I can’t live without my vitamix)). Third, prepare meals in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Finally, keep a food journal to track your progress, documenting how your body reacts to different foods. This not only helps in managing the diet but also provides motivation as you see improvements in your s health and well-being.
The SCD diet has transformed my health and family life, providing physical healing and emotional stability. By focusing on gut health, making simple yet nutritious meals, and understanding the gut-brain connection, we’ve found a sustainable way to improve our well-being. If you’re struggling with digestive issues or emotional ups and downs, I encourage you to try the SCD diet. It could be the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Let me know how your journey goes, and I’ll continue sharing our experiences and tips.
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