Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores -- or ulcers -- in the lining of the colon and rectum. The disease can cause excretory problems such as diarrhea, as well as stomach pain and digestion upsets. You can lose weight with ulcerative colitis by following a healthy food plan that takes your condition into consideration.
Ulcerative colitis can affect your eating habits and metabolism. Inflammation in the colon can cause it to empty often, in the form of diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis can also cause stomach pain, loss of appetite and weight loss. As a result, the disease can put you at a higher risk of becoming malnourished or not absorbing enough nutrients when you eat. When you're following a weight-loss plan, it is especially important to eat a variety foods from all of the food groups, including grains, vegetables, fruit, dairy and protein foods.
Nutrition for Weight Loss
The basic formula for weight loss is consuming fewer calories than you burn, but for people with ulcerative colitis, daily calorie requirements may be increased. Flareups of the disease and failure to absorb everything you consume can increase your caloric needs. Ask your doctor how many calories you need to stay healthy while you're losing weight. Focus on high-nutrient foods and avoid those with little to no nutrients and excess calories, such as fried foods, junk foods and baked desserts.
Food Plans
Aim to include foods from at least three of the food groups in each of your meals, keeping your saturated fat intake low and eliminating trans fats from your diet. Eat four small meals a day. A healthy breakfast could include orange juice and an omelet with vegetables. For brunch or a mid-morning snack, try whole-wheat toast with low-fat margarine and jam. For lunch, have a low-fat sandwich with a lean meat or other protein on whole-wheat bread with low-fat cheese, tomato and spinach. For dinner, cook whole-wheat pasta with chicken and vegetables. Have fresh fruit for dessert.
Considerations
It is easier to digest small meals, which can help prevent bouts of diarrhea and an upset stomach. Consider having four small meals and snacks every day, instead of three larger meals. This will facilitate good digestion and help to keep you satiated all day. Healthy snack options include whole-grain snack bars, fruit smoothies with low-fat yogurt or soy milk, fruit, nuts, low-fat yogurt and salads with fat-free dressing. Some ulcerative colitis patients have food sensitivities. Many are sensitive to fiber, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Be aware of any food sensitivities you have and try to reduce or eliminate these foods from your diet.
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