Beginnings

I have been exchanging emails with someone recently about starting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). Replying to her questions brings me back to those early days 14 years ago when I was trying to figure it all out myself. Those were big days...big questions, big changes, big learning curves, big fears, and big victories!

Making a life change like starting a new diet, on top of being very sick, was overwhelming! Not only did I face the new reality that I had a chronic disease, but I was on a steep learning curve figuring out what I could and couldn't eat.

Added to that was the daunting task of cooking almost everything that went into my mouth - a skill I hadn't yet honed very well! (Thankfully I had my Mom to help, but not everyone is so lucky.) 

Other factors were the fears and questions I had - would I have to go back to the hospital for another nightmare  stay? What side effects was the medication having on my body? Was I losing too much weight? How would I be able to keep up with college classes and other responsibilities while also keeping up with my diet?

All of this has gone through my mind in the past few days, and I began to think about things I learned that helped me early on. Other people's experiences have also filled in on issues I didn't personally experience, as I remember the hundreds of emails I've exchanged with people starting the SCD.

There are common threads that tie all of us together as we search for answers. If I could untangle the common issues and questions beginners have, and answer the most common issues encountered, this is what I would tell them. This is what I would have loved to have heard when I was first starting out. 

I'm going to write more posts on this topic and go into more detail, but for now - let's take a look at the list. 

Remember this is about YOUR body.
No one can do this diet for you.
You care more than you doctor does about your own health.
Don't be a victim. Be proactive.
Do you want a dread disease or an inconvenient diet?
Stick to the diet 100%.
Give yourself grace as you learn.
Don't be afraid to eat. 
Eat plenty of calories.
Ask lots of questions.
Keep a food & symptoms journal.
Keep going, even when others don't understand. 
Get connected. You need others around you who do understand to encourage you and cheer you on. 

You can do this diet! Yes, it's a steep learning curve at first. It's going to be a whole new way of eating as well as a new lifestyle, in many ways. But think of all you're gaining! Good health, the ability to go anywhere you want any time, less doctor's bills, saying good bye to strong medication and surgeries, healthy and delicious whole food... It's worth it. Hang in there!  

If you're just starting out on the SCD, take a look at our Starting the Diet page for tips and ideas!

Take care,

​Erin

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