Do you find yourself wishing you had a quick list of easy options on the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD)? If you are like most patients I see who follow the SCD, the time that it takes and lack of quick and easy options poses challenges. Life is busy, especially navigating a chronic illness. I have good news! I have created a few resources to simplify life for my patients and wanted to share these with you as well. Changing the way you eat is not an easy task. You can do it and you are not alone! 

What is the SCD?

The SCD is a nutritionally complete way of eating that has been shown to improve IBD symptoms and sometimes lead to remission. It features certain whole, unprocessed foods that are free of additives, while cutting out others that may harm the digestive system.

The SCD was first used in the early 1900s to treat Celiac Disease. In the 1990’s, some IBD patients adopted it and helped it gain popularity. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about the complex interaction between food and IBD, and researchers continue to fine-tune the diet based on their findings.

Essentials for starting the SCD

Before any change in diet or lifestyle, it is important to prepare. Here are 5 tips to help with food and lifestyle change. Anticipate some trial and error, especially if using ingredients and food you or your child are not used to. 

1. Transition over 2-4 weeks if able

A transition period allows you to finish up pantry staples and purchase new items over the course of a month. Use my Pantry Staples SCD Food List to get you started.

2. Meal Plan

This step is essential for budgeting, adhering to lifestyle change, and minimizing stress. Who does not feel overwhelmed when it’s 5 pm and you have not even thought about dinner for the family? Meal planning does not have to look one way and will evolve as you find what works for your family and lifestyle. In fact, it can look different each week! Some individuals love batch cooking on the weekend, others cook each day and some may do a combination of both. Here are a few ideas for you to chew on: 

• Weekly meal plan
• Monthly meal plan 
• Rotating monthly meal plans as you find favorite recipes you can set them each month.

Once you find your favorite recipes, a grocery shopping list will follow. Save these shopping lists for future use. 

Click here for a blank meal plan template to get you started

3. Share the load

A support system is key to the SCD. I encourage families to each take a task to leveload  – one member can make yogurt or baked goods to freeze while another can batch cook a couple of main meals for the week. 

4. Make enough for leftovers

Double or triple recipes such as soups, casseroles or SCD baked goods and then freeze with thawing and cooking instructions. You will have a meal or snack ready next time you think “what on earth am I going to make for dinner?” Trust me, you will thank yourself later.

5. Save quick meals

Make sure to have a running list of quick weeknight meals using ingredient staples you have on hand. Here is a quick sheet pan chicken recipe for an example. Swap out your protein and vegetables with what you have on hand!

Can I use prepackaged foods on the SCD?

Traditionally, prepackaged foods were not an option on the SCD. Thankfully, food manufacturers are now creating premade options without food additives. That being said, labels frequently change and food additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers and sweeteners make their way into favorite products. 

I caution my patients to use prepackaged foods sparingly (ex: When traveling on vacation or for sporting events) and focus on home cooked meals 95% of the time. Convenience foods have a time and place and can make life easier for everyone and provide normalcy for you or your child with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Download Favorite Brands SCD Food List

Costco SCD Food List

Costco is one of my favorite stores for shopping on the SCD as you can find certain items in larger quantities at bulk price. This is not true for every item, but many. I also appreciate rotating or new options to add to the toolkit each time I go. Here is my Costco guide that I have used for years highlighting SCD foods. I hope you also find this helpful! 

Download Costco SCD Food List

Do you need individualized guidance from an IBD nutrition expert that is specific to you and your IBD? Check out my services and book your free 20-minute consultation today.