The BRAT diet

Sorry this is not a diet to change the attitude of a misbehaving child. Although I wish there was such a diet. No, this diet is for those that suffer from Crohn's, Colitis, IBD, and other digestive type problems. This is the first diet that I was informed about when I was first diagnosed with Crohn's.

Remember this: BRAT = Bananas Rice Apples Toast

It is basically that simple. When people with digestive problems start having symptoms and flare ups and cannot eat a whole lot of foods they should stick to these four basic foods. These foods are not only easier to digest but also carry very essential calories and vitamins that are often laking when you are suffering from a digestive disorder.

These four foods (Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast) should be used with hardly any other ingredients included if you are trying to follow the diet correctly. To get the best results of more manageable symptoms try sticking to this diet for at least three days. This will give your inside a chance to heal from any ulcers or overactive acid activity that may have been the cause of any discomfort.

Now I know to the common observer that these four ingredients do not seem very appetizing. But trust me, when everything you eat causes immense pain and discomfort getting some sort of nutrients in your body with as little pain as possible sound AMAZING!

So here are some of my suggestions for how to eat the BRAT diet without starving your taste buds in the process.

Bananas: I am not a huge fan of bananas but when I am feeling really sick a banana is an amazing food. Bananas are full of vitamins and calories that are so necessary for a healthy body. I suggest eating at least two a day when on the BRAT diet. Eat them by themselves or spice up your applesauce or toast with slices of banana, whatever you do just try and get some of this fruit in your system to help your body stay strong.

Rice: rice is my go to food when I feel sick. I constantly have white minute rice in my cupboard for those days when I just cannot stomach anything else. When on the BRAT diet eat plain white rice, none of this doctored up rice with spices and veggies in it, that will not help your digestive system heal. I usually add a little salt or butter to my white rice just to give it some flavor but really not much else other than plan rice. Rice may not have much by way of vitamins but it does offer calories which is so essential particularly when everything you eat shoots through your system and your body is loosing weight.

Applesauce: This one I feel is fairly self explanatory but for those that are not aware. You can buy applesauce or make it yourself. If you do not have time to make it try to find some in the store with the least amount of fiber or other ingredients such as sugar added to it. Sugars and fiber will not help a hurting digestive system at all.

To make your own applesauce you will need:

• 6 cups of apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

You can add some white sugar if you really want it but I suggest not adding too much. Add all these ingredients into a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be done in less than half an hour.

Toast: I love a good slice of toast with some butter and cinnamon sugar on it but when I am really feeling sick and sticking to the BRAT diet I eat my toast naked, just toast no butter no jam, nothing. Try to stick to really basic breads like potato and white. Whole wheat's and grains are harder to digest and should be avoided.

I always think that educating yourself is the best way to overcome any problem whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological. There are tons of books out there that cater specifically to people with digestive health problems. Below are a few of my favorites. They offer amazing tips and recipes for everyone in the family not only the person struggling with the disease itself. I do not claim to know it all and I never will but I have lived with Crohn's for most of my life and am so willing to talk with anyone scarred or curious about this disease whether you know someone or are dealing with it yourself. The only stupid question is the question not asked.