Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: What do you eat if you are a vegetarian????

Okay-- I had a similar problem. I actually became a vegetarian again (5 yrs. in college) about 6 months ago because I just didn't seem to handle meat. Now I know that it was because of IBS, but my alternative was worse! I thought I was being healthy...but now I realized all of the insoluble fiber in a typical vegetarian diet was what was causing my discomfort--mostly bloating, D, and TERRIBLE gas.

What I have done is try to reduce my intake of insoluble fiber--espcially from raw salads, whole wheats, beans, broccoli, etc. I still eat these things, but I have less, make sure they are cooked or have white varieties. I used to eat a ton of beans, and now I still eat them, but not as much. I try to get more of my protein from tofu. The other key is having beans along with soluble fiber. I have switched from whole wheat to white everything (much to my original dismay), but I feel so much better now!!! A typical day, I might eat this:

breakfast: plain bagels only
lunch: zita w/ marinara (a frozen meal with no preservatives, etc.)
1 yogurt (typically my only dairy)
a clementine (can handle more than a large orange)

For snacks, I might do:
carrots/hummus
pita chips/hummus
small amounts of peanuts
apples (I can do the skins)

Dinner-- I stick with pasta and add some sort of veggie--especially zuchinni. I make all sorts of stews with veggies. I might also do meals with flour tortillas. I still do eggs, but very small amounts and egg beaters only. This insures that I get the nutrients that I might be missing. I make quite a few frittatas. I also make creative meals with potatoes. My husband often makes me stir fry with tofu. Overall, if you reduce the insoluble fiber, you can return to it in smaller quantities once you feel stable.

Tonight, I cooked up some packaged gnocchi (the earlier conversation inspired me) and just put some jarred marinara that I had jazzed up with diced, sauteed zuchinni.

I noticed that you had a lot of nuts and beans listed...you may want to have that much insoluble fiber. Also be very careful with the fruits/veggies. I was probably eating way too much of this good thing as well--and choose them wisely. Bananas are usually a way to go, although I don't like them unless they are mixed with other fruits.

I have some great recipes that even my husband will eat! If you want some more details, let me know.

I hope this helps and that you feel better.

--------------------

*Janice*

"Where there is love there is life."

-Mahatma Gandhi

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator