Can someone please explain the science behind why 'grazing' is recommended vs. the traditional 3 meal model?
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I don't believe this method is the one you have to follow. It seems like a lot of pouchers follow this style of eating but it doesn't mean its for you. I think some may think this helps them avoid blockages because you onlybhavebto worry about emptying a little at a time which seems to me like you would be taking more bathroom trips. They may wanna avoid the longer sessions in the bathroom because there is more to empty because of your bigger meals. Me personally I eat my 3 solid meals a day with my last meal before 6 or 7 the latest so I can get through most of my bathroom trips before bed. I do graze but its in between my bigger meals because I still have a decent amount of weight to gain back. There is no standard on how to eat its based on what works for you. I also added a tbsp of Citucel to my diet 3 times a day with a little water to keep things moving and a little more formed.
There are a lot of tricks and tips you'll learn from people on this site but there is no such thing as a "standard". All our bodies are different so its a matter of trial and error and eventually you'll find what works for you.
There are a lot of tricks and tips you'll learn from people on this site but there is no such thing as a "standard". All our bodies are different so its a matter of trial and error and eventually you'll find what works for you.
I still have my 3 meals a day and snacks in between but my meals are significantly smaller than they used to be for sure. Which isn't a bad thing.
There actually is science behind the recommendations for frequent, small meals, oppsed to eating three large meals. This is particularly true early in the adaptation period or if you continue to have issues with a rapid gut transit time.
First of all, the bigger the meal, the more time it takes to digest. Early in the adaptation period for mostly everyone, and indefinitely for some, the gut transit time is too fast to digest food well enough. If you find you are not able to gain or maintain your weight, this can be the primary problem. Better digestion also means better absorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Even for weight loss this type of eating is recommended, because you don't get hungry, which is a temptation to overeat.
Second, when the gut is healing, having a nearly constant stream of food in it is beneficial because the food gives something for the bacteria to work on, other than your intestinal walls. So you are less likely to suffer with IBS type symptoms of increased cramping and such. The presence of protein and fat also slows the gut, and you are more likely to have a more consistent function, instead of periods of diarrhea and cramping followed by a quiet gut.
This is highly individual and you have to experiment with what works for you. There is no one right way. Some people get by fine eating one meal a day. But, as said before, early in the adaptation period or if you are having functional problems or are unable to keep weight on, small frequent meals are recommended.
Jan
First of all, the bigger the meal, the more time it takes to digest. Early in the adaptation period for mostly everyone, and indefinitely for some, the gut transit time is too fast to digest food well enough. If you find you are not able to gain or maintain your weight, this can be the primary problem. Better digestion also means better absorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Even for weight loss this type of eating is recommended, because you don't get hungry, which is a temptation to overeat.
Second, when the gut is healing, having a nearly constant stream of food in it is beneficial because the food gives something for the bacteria to work on, other than your intestinal walls. So you are less likely to suffer with IBS type symptoms of increased cramping and such. The presence of protein and fat also slows the gut, and you are more likely to have a more consistent function, instead of periods of diarrhea and cramping followed by a quiet gut.
This is highly individual and you have to experiment with what works for you. There is no one right way. Some people get by fine eating one meal a day. But, as said before, early in the adaptation period or if you are having functional problems or are unable to keep weight on, small frequent meals are recommended.
Jan
Jan -
Thanks for such a thorough, scientific explanation. This makes perfect sense.
I've had my pouch for 9 years now, and have always eaten 3 large meals. In terms of functionality, things have been pretty good. However, I have major problems maintaining my weight and am also always extremely hungry (and tired) despite eating a lot and eating a balanced, nutritional diet.
I'm going to try out the grazing to see if this helps me.
Thanks for such a thorough, scientific explanation. This makes perfect sense.
I've had my pouch for 9 years now, and have always eaten 3 large meals. In terms of functionality, things have been pretty good. However, I have major problems maintaining my weight and am also always extremely hungry (and tired) despite eating a lot and eating a balanced, nutritional diet.
I'm going to try out the grazing to see if this helps me.