Nutritionist's Guidelines for Eating with IBS

So these are the foods I'm NOT allowed

1. red meat, poultry dark meat
2. dairy
3. egg yolks (puh-lease)

I'm also supposed to eliminate all fatty foods such as fried food, chocolate (c'mon), olives, nuts, etc.

I still have to keep my fat intake to 20% of my total calories. They are supposed to be monounsaturated and contain essential fatty acids - olive oil, canola oil, avocados, finely ground nuts, fish... However, never on any empty stomach. I must first always eat soluble fiber food sources.

Major No-No's:
1. coffee (how I still miss thee after giving it up over 5 years ago!)
2. caffeine (what's supposed to get me going all day??)
3. alcohol (danggitt)
4. carbonation
5. artificial sweeteners
6. artificial fats
7. MSG

"Eat with Care" foods -- Insoluble Fibers
I must eat these foods as much as safely possible. Not on an empty stomach and not without a larger portion of soluble fibers. Examples: whole wheat/grain anything, granola, seeds, nuts, popcorn, beans (mashed/pureed is safer), berries, grapes, cherries, pineapple, fruits with skin, melons, oranges, dates, greens, raw bell peppers, celery, onions, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

The basis of my diet should be soluble fibers, commonly thought of as "starches." Examples: rice, pasta, oatmeal, fresh white breads, rice cereals, corn or flour tortillas, soy, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, mushrooms, avocados, bananas, applesauce, mangoes, and papayas. I'm supposed to eat a lean protein source with my meals and snacks as well.

So basically, this is tough. She did give me some samples of Ensure, which provides protein, calories, and vitamins. It's tasty too. I'm supposed to eat 1800-2000 calories a day. I think I've had at most 600 calories today, and it's already 4! The good news is, I've sort of convinced myself and her a little too that I just need to maintain my current weight - instead of gaining the 10 or whatever everyone wanted me to.

Too Thin?

I had two appointments today. The first was with my psychiatrist, who told me I'm too skinny and to gain 16 pounds. Booo I say. I'm not anorexic. I love food.

The second was at the health clinic where I get my ibs meds refilled. I was again told that I was tiny. She decided to do some blood work after she looked back at my records. I've lost 11 pounds since January and 5 pounds were just since June. She's also going to book at appointment for me with a nutritionist.