A well-balanced introduction plan to support plant-based clients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

This program is based on the framework and Legal/Illegal List from Elaine Gottschall's book, "Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet". This diet allows carbohydrate foods consisting of monosaccharides only and uses recipes made with "legal" ingredients.

The plan is designed to help your clients maintain their daily recommended fiber intake and avoid common nutrient deficiencies in the Specific Carbohydrate Diet such as vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins, iron and potassium. The plan can be modified based on your client's unique response to foods.

This program was created with the following key considerations:

Fiber
As the diet is extremely specific about the types of carbohydrates allowed, it is important to choose higher fiber foods. Adequate dietary fiber intake is associated with several health benefits including better digestive health and reduced inflammation. This program is grain-free, gluten-free, and uses low glycemic foods. The plan provides up to 55 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, lentils, peas, and nuts.

Antioxidants
Vitamin A and vitamin C support various cellular functions of our immune system, reduce oxidative stress in cells, and are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. They are also commonly deficient in the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. This meal plan is packed with vitamin A sources like red peppers, pistachios, and squash, and incorporates vitamin C through citrus fruits and tomatoes.

Iron
Iron is an important mineral that helps produce red blood cells and transports oxygen throughout the body, and is a common nutrient deficiency in plant-based diets. This program incorporates iron-rich foods like lentils and spinach, and these iron sources are paired with foods that have vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.

B Vitamins
Research shows a decrease in B vitamins, such as folate, thiamine, and vitamin B6 in the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. These vitamins help enzymes release energy from carbohydrates and fat, break down amino acids, and transport oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body. This meal plan provides B vitamins from green leafy vegetables, lentils, and nuts.