What Is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a strict grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free dietary protocol. Developed by biochemist Elaine Gottschall, this diet eliminates most carbohydrates and processed foods, focusing instead on nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods. It was designed to reduce digestive symptoms and improve overall health for those suffering from a wide range of ailments, including IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, and food intolerances.

What Are the Benefits of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The SCD diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve digestion, reduce symptoms of IBS, reduce food cravings and improve overall health. For those with autoimmune conditions, it can help reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being. Additionally, it can help those with chronic digestive disorders such as IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Celiac Disease by improving digestion and reducing symptoms.

What Foods Can You Eat on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The SCD diet allows for a wide variety of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, poultry, and limited amounts of dairy. It eliminates common allergens such as gluten, grains, lactose, and refined sugar. This diet focuses on nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods, with an emphasis on avoiding processed foods.

How Do You Follow the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The SCD diet can be tailored to an individual's needs, but typically requires eliminating grains, refined sugar, and processed foods. Additionally, it requires adding nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, and poultry. It is important to follow the diet strictly in order to reap the full benefits of the diet.

Sample Recipes for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Paleo Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add carrots, celery, and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, add chicken breasts, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return to soup, stir, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve warm.

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
1 avocado, pitted and peeled
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine avocado, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine zucchini noodles and avocado pesto and toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Paleo Banana Bread

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
3 eggs
½ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, coconut oil, almond butter, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt and mix until combined.
Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and pour batter into the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before slicing and serving.

The SCD diet is an excellent way to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. By focusing on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods, this diet can be tailored to an individual's needs and can help those with chronic digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, and food intolerances. By following the diet strictly and adding nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods, you can reap the full benefits of the SCD diet.