Happy Holidays from CCFA! Please join us in sharing your tips for managing IBD during the holiday season by replying to this post. We know your input will make a huge difference for others living with IBD!
Our Top Tips for Managing IBD During the Holidays:
I find I need to stay away from alcohol and fatty foods. If we are going to a party with snacks and appetizers, versus a sit down meal, I eat my own meal before we leave so I am not tempted to eat the 'bad' food.
I looked at my last post and way to many typos, sorry about that, because this really is a great topic. This is more about social advice here then eating and food consumption advice because everyone is different and only that person really knows what to do. I have had Crohn's for 24 years and about 10 operations and all the maintenance that goes with like anyone. I actually have huge advantage now that keeps me from dashing from the dinner table or social situation to the bathroom. I needed to get a partial colectomy with a permanent ostomy, so, I can just let it go and not miss a bite of food or talking with people, so that's the poop on that. I vividly remember the times before though, especially when the Crohn's was not diagnosed and I was a mess, and all the years of post operations and living on Imodium. I was a police officer for awhile there to, so, Imodium was beyond vital to get through my shift safely.
If someone is offering all these ideas and advice when they have no clue what they are talking about. I have found that being respectfully polite and very direct at the same time will make you feel better and the other person will be more understanding. Remember not to compromise yourself, stay wtith your game plan Its so easy to get caught up in the moment when you have not been around some family in a long time, but if you always remind yourself that you are battling a IBD, it will keep you more disciplined. These are things I have learned from my own experience that worked for me. Then there is the lack of energy factor, let people know that the IBD robs you of nutrition and and they will understand. It avoids the crazy comments of, stop being lazy or, oh come on, you gotta go for a walk with everyone!, that kind of stuff. I have found that people being informed will be much more understanding and have much more respect for you. And in turn you will have a better time and enjoy the company allot more by staying at your own pace.
Though people with IBD pretty much present with the same symptoms, it still affects us all differently. While others without IBD can afford to splurge on something rich and fatty, it's not that easy for people like us. You just have to listen to your body. Whereas I can't eat fried foods or animal fats, some people have no problems with it. I can't eat and don't like hot dogs and packaged meals. They always make me sick. Others might be able to enjoy them regularly.
1. Avoid stress. Holidays do tend to bring it out in people.
2. Don't inhale your food. This isn't good for 'normies' either. Eat small meals. Your bowels will thank you.
3. Don't smoke. I quit over 6 years ago and never felt better.
4. If you don't drink, don't start. But if you do, moderation is crucial. Red wine is a good choice. I'd stay away from liquor and super sweet mixers.
5. Get exercise even if it's just a ten minute walk. It'll help with the stress.
6. Keep hydrated. Especially if you plan to imbibe the bubbly a bit.
7. Rest. Rest. Relax.
8. The more you worry about if your symptoms are going to flare up, the more they will. Worry is harmful. Stress=symptoms.
9. Enjoy your family. If they truly understand, you can have a good time. When you relax, your guests will, too. I used to think they would be weird but my family thinks nothing of it if I need to excuse myself a little more. Everyone does it. It shouldn't be an issue.
have had Crohn's for 4 years and about 10 operations. I do remember early on that those holiday meals with friends and family can so great but also very stressful. While everybody is eating food at will, you have to show great will power! If I were to recommend one thing and that is the peer pressure aspects of eating. For example when even at the dinner table and someone offers you food that you know will either cause you pain for send you straight the bathroom. I know its easy say, ok thank you, just to be polite. Or a thank you but no thank you and there response is are you sure?, and its easy to say ok, why not. I have decided that being Crohn's and IBD is a hidden disease, allot of people just don't get. The dinner table is obviously the last place anyone wants to put there food down, but DO IT!! You may feel a bit guilty at first but don't, you have to stand up for yourself and be your own advocate. Just think of your own way of saying it and with politeness and respect at the same time and you will feel much better, you will also gain respect! It tough at first, but you are doing yourself and huge favor by treating your body with respect and the aggravating the disease. And, you will have a better time around everybody due to you stuck to you game plan!
WATER WATER WATER. Drinking lots of water. Water in between meals, water first thing the morning, water before bedtime. I find it helps in digestion, and meds, etc.
Also CHICKEN BROTH CHICKEN BROTH CHICKEN BROTH !!! When it doubt, have some chicken broth !!!
I have Ulcerative Colitis & gluten intolerance so I bring snack and dishes that are gluten free and will not aggravate my UC. It is a great way to share what I can eat and others will also enjoy. Another great tip dont be afraid to ask how something is prepared and what ingredients are used this way you will know what is safe for you to eat and things that you know will aggravate your symptoms.
Make and take your favorite recipe that you can eat. This doesn't have to be a typical Thanksgiving/Christmas item... if it's something you enjoy AND can eat, then it's the perfect dish to bring. That way there's at least one item amongst the array of holiday foods to share with others that you know you can eat and enjoy.
Happy Holiday Eating!
Don't be afraid to ask your relatives what exact ingredients they included and/or cooking methods they used in whipping up the dishes they bring to share. Even seemingly simple dishes may contain an extra "special ingredient" you didn't anticipate, and your belly can't take. I've made the mistake of keeping polite, er...quiet, and unknowingly eating cream, nuts, and chopped celery (some of my worst Thanksgiving landmines).
Added bonus of speaking up: your great Aunt Sylvie might remember to cook you a Crohn's-friendly meal the next time holiday season rolls around...mine did!
One of the unexpected benefits of having Crohn's Disease has been that it has led me to become much more open with expressing my needs. For example, I have found it very helpful to call the holiday host ahead of time and share that I'm symptomatic, and that I will be bringing soup or yogart. In doing so, the host isn't surprised that I'm not eatng the meal they prepared, but quite understanding- and glad I came!
Know your body and listen to it! Don't worry about putting other people out or thinking about what other people will say. Don't be afraid to ask the ingredients in a food.
Sometimes it is not the food but rather an ingredient in the food. So sometimes you have to look beyond the food.
Eat small amounts and enjoy it! Try not to wait until you are so hungry that you over eat. Even if this means you have to eat when others are not. If you were diabetic, people wouldn't think anything about you doing what you have to do. No difference for Crohn's, IBD etc
Think about what you drink too. Sometimes the sulfites in wine can cause pain. Different types of milk affect people differently.
Try to focus on enjoying the time with friends and family and not your insides! If you spend more time in the bathroom, that's ok too! It's time to be thankful and joyful!
Wish everyone well!
I try to stick to cooked vegetables and turkey, no nuts, cheeses or caffeine. Starting with very small portions to see if they affect me, sometimes I can go back for more.
