Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Going to try it...NSD

I'm getting pretty desperate for pain relief and since I had gallbladder surgery in June, I've gained 20 pounds. I'm assuming because my metabolism/digestion went through a tough time. Maybe I can kill 2 birds with one stone and lose weight too. Anyway. I figure I have nothing to lose and everything to gain so I'm going to go low/no starch for one month. My one issue is that I'm a bread addict. Are there any alternative bread recipes or store bought ones? I can cook so not afraid of making it. I would really appreciate if someone wants to volunteer to stay by my cyber side and walk me through this on this thread as I go. I need the accountability. Anyone game? I would like a once a week treat as well, is ice cream starch free? Any tips? I've been reading the reading the diet section but I figure more see this section of the forum.

According to the starch content of foods list available on this site, certain ice creams have almost no starch. Check out the list to see which ones.

I use coconut flour to replace wheat flour. Search online for recipes. Try using some of the recipes online at first, and then you can start experimenting to fit your taste. I use a "pancake" like recipe. They are really easy to make and I use the pancakes as bread to make healthy starch free turkey breast sandwiches. My version of peanut butter and jelly is two pieces coconut pancakes with almond butter and natural honey. It won't be the same as the wheat flour breads, but it can give you something to munch on when you get those cravings.

I forgot to mention. If you really get a craving for something sweet, store bought coconut macaroons are low starch, usually gluten free and maybe can satisfy your craving. I have been playing with a macaroon recipe that uses honey instead of sugar. I am still tweaking it to my taste.

I drastically had to change my diet 12 years ago to change to NSD.

If you want to see results quickly may need to be very strict and cut dairy as well. But this is not a test and you can tackle it any way you want.

Some can handle dairy.. I had to cut it out for a small time period, but now I handle organic yogurt, some cheese and yes all natural ice cream well.

In the States look for all natural ice creams.. will have to read the labels. Only one I can recommend from afar is Breyers French Vanilla... even some of the other flavors had some things added.

Here in Argentina luckily ice cream is not processed and nothing added quite a bit... I can enjoy it much more here.

Tim

I'm on day 5 of the diet. Lost 5 pounds already. I like that part just fine! Pain level still up and down. Yesterday was rough but today it rained and I'm always in bad shape the day before it rains. I'm limiting dairy. I haven't cut it all together yet. I eat hard cheese. I don't drink milk ever. Don't like it. I have a hard time with lactose anyway, always have. I got some almond flour and coconut flour and have made pancakes with. Sprinkled a little brown sugar on top. I have been eating apples and very ripe bananas but not a ton. I thought I would hate this diet but I'm shocked by my own feelings of excitement that I'm experimenting and that I may not need to be on 10 different meds. I'm ok with being on one and the diet.
Thanks to you all for helping me along. I hope to be the next success story on here. I'm sure my husband would love to have his wife back as well. I'm being pretty strict. Basically, I'm eating meats with only light seasoning, leafy greens, apples (we have two apple trees that are loaded right now) lots of cauliflower, mashed, riced, etc and grapes. Eating a little dark chocolate every day and experimenting a bit with almond flour. That stuff is $$$. I got organic almond flour, fresh ground for $5.99 a pound in the bulk section of my local Winco. It's hard cooking for a family and then eating something else but I just keep chanting "no pain, no pain, working toward no pain" to keep myself on the right track.

Hello Amanda,

Cauliflower is a huge no for me... so if not experiencing any improvement may want to cut it out.

Some have issues with apples out of season, not me however. Dairy many cut out at times to when they state they are being "strict".

Best to you, keep posting if have questions.

Tim

You're right, I was shocked when I purchased my first pound of coconut flour. It does go a long way though. I make enough pancakes almost every day for breakfast with a couple extra to use as bread for my lunch sandwich. 1 pound lasts about 3 weeks for me. I even have my Dad eating them because he had IBS type symptoms and had been told to eliminate gluten by his dr. My Dad is always in a much better mood now and he really enjoys the pancake bread. He'll toast it and put almond butter on it for snacks, make sandwiches, and just about everything else he used to do with wheat flour breads.

You should try adding a little more coconut or almond milk to the batter to make larger-thinner pancakes and roll them around your favorite berries (blueberries are healthiest) or sliced fruit for some delicious crepes.

I had been very strict on what I ate for the last 25 years (even years before I was dx with AS), so I haven't noticed any dramatic changes since I have been even more strict on the starches, but I haven't been doing this for long. I

Be careful with bananas as they can be very starchy. For treats I love to make my own ice cream. Check out Betty Rawkers site for great recipes. My husband got me an icecream maker last Christmas and I love it. I will throw in some almond milk, vanilla, maple syrup and some 85% dark chocolate,yum! For sugars I use honey or maple syrup only.

For a quick treat try making a muffin in a mug. There are tons of recipes online just make sure it is starch free. I am eating one right now. Just 2 tbs of almond flour, one egg, tsp of vanilla,2tbs of almond milk and a splash of maple syrup. Mix and pop in the microwave for 1-2 min. You can add in blueberries, raspberries,healthy chocolate etc.

As far as breads go there are some online. If you google paleo breads you will find some just need to make sure it is starch free.

I lost close to 30pounds eating this way

I haven't been eating cauliflower and cut out most dairy and I'm still in awful pain. I'm going to keep it up but I admit after reading all the success stories of folks feeling better by day two, I'm a bit disappointed that I'm still in just as much pain as I was a week ago. I'm eating mostly salads and almond flour pancakes and some eggs but still no improvement. Weather is changing so I'm really hurting. Was awake half the night unable to sleep from my back, hips, knees, shoulders, neck and ribs hurting. I can't sleep on my side or I lose feeling in my hand and foot on that side. Have to stay on my back.

Hi Amanda. Sorry you're in so much pain. I share your disappointment that the NSD hasn't seemed to work so far, when some people have such fantastic success- and so quickly! But I would encourage you to give it a lot more time- especially as you find food combinations you actually like. Some people report months or even over a year to get their diet tweaked right. Myself I have been NSD for about 5 months with no improvement. But two months ago I had labs that showed a definite dysbiosis with too little helpful bacteria and an overgrowth of Klebsiella. This was odd given that I've been NSD for awhile and was also taking probiotics. But it confirms that the changes that need to be made in my gut have yet to be made. Our guts have thousands of different organisms that go into a very complex brew, and everyone is a little different. So what works well for one person may not work so well for you- but that only means finding YOUR combination. Don't give up; your combination is out there.

Did you know that you can get pre-made coconut and almond bread in loaves? I don't know where you live, but check out Whole Foods, and there may be other sources too.

Best wishes.