SCD Diet: All You Need to Know in 2023

What is the SCD Diet?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a strict diet that eliminates most carbohydrates, including grains, dairy products, processed foods, and starchy vegetables. It was created by Dr. Sidney Haas in the early 20th century to treat children with severe digestive issues such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. The SCD Diet has since become popular among people with digestive issues, as well as those who are looking for a healthier lifestyle.

What are the Benefits of the SCD Diet?

The SCD Diet has been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and helping to regulate blood sugar. It has also been found to be beneficial in weight loss, improving energy levels, and increasing nutrient absorption. Additionally, the diet can reduce the symptoms of digestive issues such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease.

What Foods Can You Eat on the SCD Diet?

The SCD Diet focuses on eating foods that are unprocessed, low in carbohydrates, and free from added sugars and preservatives. This includes lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, the diet allows for some dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir, as well as some grains, such as quinoa and buckwheat.

What Foods Should You Avoid on the SCD Diet?

The SCD Diet eliminates most carbohydrates, including grains, dairy products, processed foods, and starchy vegetables. Additionally, the diet eliminates added sugars and preservatives, as well as artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose.

How Do You Follow the SCD Diet?

The SCD Diet requires an individual to plan and prepare meals that include only the approved foods. It is also important to limit snacking and to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, the diet recommends supplementing with probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to help digest foods and to reduce inflammation.

Sample SCD Diet Recipes

SCD Diet Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the greens, bell peppers, cucumber, celery, almonds, and tomatoes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

SCD Diet Stir Fry

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced chicken
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the chicken and cook until it is cooked through.
Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Serve hot.

SCD Diet Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Conclusion

The SCD Diet is a strict diet that eliminates most carbohydrates, including grains, dairy products, processed foods, and starchy vegetables. It has been found to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and helping to regulate blood sugar. Additionally, the diet can reduce the symptoms of digestive issues such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. It is important to plan and prepare meals that include only the approved foods, and to supplement with probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes.