Welcome! I'm a cookbook author, writer, and self-trained chef. I have an undergraduate degree in chemistry and worked in the medical research field for a few years before entering the wilds of the tech world.
I started sharing recipes on Comfy Belly in late 2008 while working full time and caring for my boys. My older son was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and I began exploring how food could improve his health. You can read a bit about it in this timeline.
I taught myself how to cook and bake with alternative ingredients at a time when awareness of being "gluten-free" and identifying food intolerances wasn't a thing. In 2012 I was approached to write and photograph cookbooks. I wrote and photographed recipes on evenings and weekends. I was determined to get my son healthy and I found out there were many others on the same journey.
My recipes and cookbooks help people get and stay healthy while eating well. If you're just starting out, have no fear, just dive in. As Julia Child said, "Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!"
Comfy Belly has both free and member recipes, and some of my cookbook recipes are featured here as well. To get all the recipes, become a member.
Contact me
Thanks for your interest! For social media and articles, you are welcome to reference a recipe with a text link back to Comfy Belly. Please do not reprint any part of a post, photos, or recipes without permission.
Question? Drop me a note at erica@comfybelly.com, reply to my newsletter, or DM me on social media. I love hearing from you!
About your health: I hope you find my recipes and anecdotes from my personal experience helpful. If you are considering a dietary or other lifestyle change, it's a good idea to check in with a health professional for support.
Comfy Belly is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile with special thanks to August Elements. All recipes, photos, and words are copyright protected. Thank you for helping to protect creative copyright.
Etsuko Haring says
Hi Erica! After all these years of gluten free baking and cooking, I still come back to your recipes as my core favorites. They really are consistently the best tasting alternative recipes. As a former sugar addict and avid baker, Comfy Belly has allowed me to continue to enjoy my love of desserts and 'breads' in a much healthier guilt free way. Great to see that you've continued to grow the site and publish books (I have them all). I'm a fan!
Etch
Aw Etch, thanks so much. Always good to hear! Best wishes, Erica
Christina Burbano-Jeffrey says
Hello. I'm confused by the label "free recipe" since several I have clicked on have said that the recipe is a subscriber recipe when I arrive at the actual recipe.
Erica says
Hi Christina. Which recipe or where do you see this? Is this in the newsletter? I think you might be using last week's newsletter. I just noticed that I inadvertently labeled some member recipes as free.
Meghan Murphy says
Hi Erica! I have recently been diagnosed as insulin resistant. There is conflicting research about best diet practices. I found your website and cookbooks when my children were young and had used your recipes quite regularly. However, I had stepped away from them for a bit. Do you know if the SCD would be beneficial for insulin resistance?
Meg
Erica says
Hi Meg, thanks for using my recipes and cookbooks! Many folks use my recipes for insulin resistance, diabetes, and reducing carbs in their diet, so I think you certainly can benefit from it. I would avoid the heavily sweet recipes that are SCD or replace them with low carb sweeteners. Beyond that, I don't have direct experience with insulin resistance and SCD.
Sarah says
Hi Erika, we've enjoyed a number of your recipes! I was talking to my son about your son's journey to show him no 2 paths are alike. However his timeline seems to have been removed from the site (I first found it on your dumplings recipe, and a later post has a link to the recipe, where it is no longer - those are the only places I could find it...) I'm not on FB so would have a hard time on that site, if it is there...
Erica says
Hi Sarah, I did remove the timeline, because I hadn't updated it in a while. I added it back into the dumplings recipe post, on request. Best wishes!
Judi says
Hi Erica:
I have a grown son who has had Ulcerative Colitis for nearly 13 years. I didn't discover SCD until he had a terrible flare caused by stress in 2019, and being an adult, it needs to be his idea to do the diet 100%. He does love all your recipes that I can bake, fix and send to him. I just got your coconut flour book and can't wait to try it out! I do have a question: Did you go away from SCD a bit on this one? I know it has maple syrup listed and Elain's SCD list says that is a no-no. Thanks so much!
Erica says
Hi Judi! The Coconut Flour cookbook is not specifically an SCD cookbook however you can substitute honey for maple syrup, and it's basically a 1:1 ratio. Correct that maple syrup is not a part of SCD. Best wishes!
Judi says
Hi Erica:
Thanks for maintaining this comment section, it's been very helpful in SCD cooking! I was wondering, can I substitute SCD yogurt for Dry curd cottage cheese? Would I need to drip it a bit to make it the same consistency?
Thanks so much,
Judi
Erica says
You're welcome, Judi! Yes you can sub very well dripped yogurt for DCCC. See my post on dripped yogurt and yogurt (How to make yogurt)
Pamela says
Hello. I was recently diagnosed with early state breast cancer. Now following a lumpectomy, I am trying to make the difficult decision as to whether I should go the medical route with radiation and drug therapy or choose the unusual and challenging route of using my diet and lifestyle to stop cancer from reoccurring. I have read a few books on the topic and will hopefully reach the best decision. I am so grateful to you and others who are putting so much effort and outreach into instructing people about the overarching benefits of a healthy, whole foods diet. I look forward to learning what I can from your website to help me make meals that not only I can eat but also what will appeal to my family members., but there is much information out there on the topic.
Erica says
Thank you! Which ever path you choose, you can't go wrong eating healthy, whole food. Sorry you face this decision, I wish you the best of health. Sending good vibes.
Adrienne says
I have your SCD recipe book but thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting more recipes and advice on this site. You take “we are all in this together” seriously. Thank you. I hope your son is doing well
Erica says
Thank you so much! He's doing well. Best wishes 🙂
Charlotte Helba says
I'm just beginning to learn the SCD diet. I have ulcerative colitis and am looking forward to some relief. My question I take a lot of vitamin supplements & saw that rice flour is illegal, most of the supplements contain rice flour. Can I still take my vitamins without harm?
Erica says
If you're following SCD then you can't have any rice flour. You can find SCD approved vitamins here: https://freedahealth.com/collections/scd-products
Kris Vanacore says
Hello Erica, I'd like to thank you for your wonderful recipes. The 11yr old boy I nanny for was diagnosed with Crohns a year ago. After 6 weeks on steroids he decided to be part of a Stanford food study and went on the SCD. Every 8 weeks he would go from a strict SCD to a modified SCD that allowed, in moderation, rice, oats, maple syrup and sweet potatoes. He has not had any flair-ups since he started the program. He is just finishing with the food study and his inflammation levels are down to almost normal. This without any drugs! Your recipes, especially the baked goods, have made it easier to say no to the foods the other kids eat at school and he really loves the Cinnamon Bun muffins (I added blueberries). Thank you so much for what you do! Goes to show that diet can be the key to combating IBD!!
Erica says
Thank you so much, Kris! Fantastic news. So happy to hear that all is working well. Cheers 🙂
Laura vazquez says
Our son was recently diagnosed with Crohns, he's 7 and we are trying to make the yogurt started with the Luvele yogurt maker with the GI Pro heath yogurt started but we can't figure out the correct amount to use for the yogurt started. Each book gives a different amount.
Erica says
Each yogurt starter should tell you how much starter to add to a specific amount of liquid/milk. It's usually about 1 tablespoons of starter per 1 to 2 cups of milk.
Linda hull says
Hi Erica,
Thanks for all your work on this. I have your scd cookbook and it calls for canned tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. I thought canned was illegal? Can you help me out here as I would love to use canned tomatoes again. Please advise.
Thank you,
Linda
Erica says
There are approved canned tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, however the list changes depending on the latest info from the manufacturer. When I last checked about a year ago, approved product brands included Cento, Utopia, Pomi, Pasatta imported from Italy, products from https://www.wellbees.com, Bionatura, and Trader Joe's sauce and paste. For a product to be technically legal on SCD you need a physical letter from the company verifying the ingredients. Hope that helps!
Linda hull says
Thanks you very much. Do you know if sundried tomatoes are legal? I have a jar and don’t see anything illegal in the ingredients. I also can’t find it on the list anywhere so wasn’t sure. Lots about tomatoes but not sundried ones. I really appreciate the help navigating this.
Linda
Erica says
As long as there aren't any additives, they are tomatoes, which are approved. I recently added a link to the menu that takes you to the SCD approved list of foods. Hope that helps. Sorry I missed this comment earlier!
Sara Solomon says
Dear Erica,
I am a huge fan of your recipes. I have a child with ulcerative colitis and have found them so helpful. I am a writer and coach and am putting a piece together about cooking without sugar for Jewish holidays (one is coming up). I wondered if I could include your recipe for chocolate muffins with credit and praise in my article? It is for the Jewish Food Experience part of the Federation in DC.
Jean says
Hi! Am seriously considering buying one or both of your cookbooks to get a better start on going completely grain-free due to celiac disease with dermatitis herpetiformis. I'm almost there except for certain certified gluten-free products and white rice, but even those aren't working for me, it seems.
Question 1: I had bought some "Almond Meal/Flour" from a well-known gluten-free flour mill company -- enough to freeze some -- and then I read that almond meal doesn't do as well as the finer flour for baking. Is there anything other than breadings that almond meal is good for? Alternatively, could I use a little less almond meal and a tad more coconut flour in a baking recipe if coconut flour draws moisture out? Or does it not work that way in a recipe?
Question 2: So many grain-free recipes on the web call for a food processor. At 56, I'm a little hesitant to invest in an expensive and often space-hogging appliance, although if I knew I would use it a lot, it might be worth it. Any recommendations on size of processor, brands (if you can), and best quality for the price? Our budget is limited, but I buy for life when I can. As far as size, when I cook or bake for 2 or 4 people, I prefer to make a larger quantity so I can spend less time in the kitchen overall, so the very smallest size processors would not be worth the trouble to me.
Thank you in advance for your time and care in answering! Jean
Erica says
Hi Jean.
Q1: Take a look at my post on how to bake with almond flour where I go over the difference between flour and meal. And also, read the post on baking with coconut flour. They are different in many ways and baking is a both an art and a science, so follow the recipe when you first start.
Q2: You don't need a food processor to bake with either of these grains. You can use a hand mixer, a whisk, a spoon, or even a blender on a low speed. Unless a recipe specifically calls for a food processor.
Hope that helps! Best wishes!
amanda says
hi! I'm at a really hard time. In this disease I was diagnosed with severe Crohn's and colitis and have been on a sCD now for 3 months. I'm only taking one mild steroid and the doctor is happy with my progress. I just need to reach out in see how other people's experiences are cuz I'm back to bleeding and inflammation and even though I've gotten back to the Intro a number of times it doesn't last. Any thoughts?
Erica says
First, sorry I'm so late to reply here. Eating well for your body is important, and while SCD works for many it may not work for you. Everyone is different from what I can tell and have experienced, based on anecdotes. I would continue working with your doctor as well as listen to your body. Best wishes.
Dianne Fincham says
Hi, I am very new to going 'grain free' and I have recently purchased your book 'The healthy coconut flour cookbook'. I have had great results with the few items that I have tried. However, I seem to have a problem with some of the ingredient quantities? i.e. Chocolate Chip cookies page 107. It states 2 tablespoons (13g) coconut flour, I found that 1 tablespoon weighed 13g ? Like wise, I had a problem with the weight of the Almond flour, so I went by the cup measurement instead. I have managed to guess more or less the right quantities, and my results, although not perfect, are perfectly edible, and we have really enjoyed them! I really love the book, fantastic recipes that have replaced all the items I was concerned about losing. It has certainly made life a lot easier. Any help would be great! Many thanks Dianne
Anne says
Hi Erica,
I have I swear 100's of recipes from family,newspapers,coupon flyers and magazines. How can I turn for example Beef and Broccoli into a Paleo meal and have it still taste good.
thanks Anne
Heidi Masters says
Just found your website and am so pleased with the gold mine of awesome recipes you have shared. Our family is trying to eliminate wheat and although I've been using coconut flour and nut flours we haven't been able to figure out portable breakfast items and bread for lunches. I am looking forward to purchasing your cookbooks that you have teased us with- thank you again!
Erica says
Thanks, Heidi! 🙂
Martha Milam says
Hi Erica,
I am a chemistry teacher and was diagnosed with Crohn's as a teenager during the 1980's. I have had a fairly mild case but have had a rough year going on and off Prednisone. I am currently taking 6MP and have started SCD. I'm enjoying your recipes and am anxious to try the marinara sauce, but I see that it calls for canned tomatoes. What is your reasoning for the cans, which I see are not allowed according to BTVC? Thanks for your help and for all you offer to us on the internet!
Erica says
Hi Martha, it's not clear at this point whether cans are not allowed—my impression was that this is based on older production and food processing methods. Regardless, you can use tomato sauce in a glass jar (I believe), or just make your own. The biggest issue is to have no additives in your sauce that could compromise the effectiveness of the diet (hidden ingredients). Some manufacturers add thickeners, sweeteners, and other additives to canned and other processed food. While there is a small % of these additives that supposedly don't have to be declared on the label, I can't confirm if this is still the case. The diet is in some ways dependent on old information, so it's hard to tell if this is the case for canned food. Better safe than sorry though if you're concerned.
Martha Milam says
Erica,
Thanks for your response. I agree that it is hard to figure out some of the details of the SCD diet since food production methods have changed. I will follow your common sense approach of knowing what hidden ingredients might be present and using good judgement as the right way to think through these nuances!
Martha
Martha Milam says
Hi Erica,
I am a chemistry teacher with Crohn's (I was diagnosed as a teenager in the 80's), so I was excited to see that you are a chemist and an educator as well! I have just discovered SCD and am excited about my new options and am enjoying your recipes. I am eager to try your new marinara sauce, but I see that it calls for canned tomatoes. According to BTVC I see that canned tomatoes are not allowed. Of course canned tomatoes would make the recipe easier for me, but I don't want to break the rule. What is your reasoning for using the cans? Thank you!
Mary Dodge says
I have had Crohn's since I was 16 and am now 38. I have never heard of the SCD diet before today. Can you give me some info of links of where to go? I have been on prednisone for the last 6 years and went from 140 lbs to 260. I have had a small bowel resection and other procedures. I am desperate not to hurry and to get off prednisone. I also need to get this weight off. Please advise.
Erica says
Hi Mary, please search on "what is SCD" in the search box on this site, or click on the SCD category. Best wishes.
a fiala says
Hi,
I just found out my son has Crohn's. I was devestated. I am hoping the diet helps. How is your son? Is he only on the diet or does he also have to take medication? How do you handle choosing food in restaurants? This is all new to us.
Thank you,
Alena
Erica says
So sorry to hear, Alena. My son is doing well, but there's no easy answer. Of course I recommend trying the diet. He recently went off medication to control it with diet, fingers crossed. I'll be posting some more info soon, but do search on Specific Carbohydrate Diet on this site and others and take some books out of the library to get a feel for it. Best wishes!
Kathleen Czinner says
Hello Erica,
My email address changed a few months ago so I've missed some of your lovely posts. I do so enjoy receiving them. I just realised that I hadn't sent the new address to you.
Please note my new address: kczinner@hotmail.com
With thanks,
Kathleen
Erica says
Kahthleen, to update your email address, type your email address next to the join button on the right in the sidebar. Click join and you'll be able to update your preferences. Best wishes!
My Natural Family says
Erica,
We recently made our GAPS Recipes board be a group board on Pinterest. We would like to get as many of us fellow GAPS websites to collaborate and make an awesome board with tons of followers so we can all gain more exposure. We hand picked you to join our board. If you are interested, all you need to do is follow the board then reply to this email and let us know you would like added to the board and we'll add you. If you have any blogger friends that also do GAPS recipes, please also invite them to join. You can read the rules for the board at the link below.
Here's the board:
http://www.pinterest.com/mynaturalfamily/gaps-diet-recipes-group-board/
Not sure if you want to join a group board? Here's an article that says why you may want to: http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/03/04/how-to-use-pinterests-group-boards-to-get-more-exposure-for-your-business/
Thanks,
My Natural Family
Melissa @ Fit 'n' Well Mommy says
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I love all of your recipes and will definitely be pinning some to make soon!
I am also an advocate of eating whole foods made simply. I strive to buy and make recipes using as few processed ingredients as possible. I look forward to following your blog!
Nenna says
A simple thank you for sharing good, healthy food ideas!
Erica says
Aw, thanks so much!
Deliciously Organic says
Sorry to leave a comment here, but I've tried emailing you several times over the last 2 weeks and they keep bouncing back. Can you email me so we can try and connect? Thanks!
Erica says
HI - I've tried to reach you as well. Not sure why the email is bouncing. Sorry!
Brandy Jousma says
Hi my name is Brandy Jousma, I have crohns disease and I have a really hard time finding things I can eat if you could give me any tips that would be great
Erica says
Hi Brandon. I'd suggest reading the "interviews" section and checking out the books that I like in my Amazon shop (click shop at the top). Many follow special diets to help, the most popular being SCD. Search for SCD as well (in the search box on the top right). Best wishes.
jennifer wood says
I love your cookbook! I have been on SCD for 12 years now and buy every scd cookbook that comes out. Yours has topped the charts! I have been mostly reading it, and absorbing the ideas. I am steeped in SCD cooking and am familiar with all the techniques but your recipes really capture the essentials. I really need to just make everything in there. I like the comments strewn about the book, especially the one about limiting scd sweets. It seems like the hardest thing maybe about the scd, but actually I think everyone has the struggle of limiting sweets, so all the yummy scd sweets just level the playing field for us! Thank you for being able to create and organize all this wonderful information - you are wonderful! Best regards, Jennifer p.s. here is link to pics of my wedding cake - coconut flour butter cake with honey buttercream frosting https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1298832914001.44149.1325738607&type=3
Erica says
Thanks Jennifer! That's so kind of you to leave a wonderful review for me :). Best wishes.
Jennifer says
Hello! I'm so excited to find your blog, yummy food to heal my tummy! I've struggled with tummy issues all of my life and I'm so excited to find delicious looking recipes to help heal me. Thanks so much! Do you have any experience with cooking with low FODMAP foods?
Erica says
Hi and thanks. no experience with Fodmaps, other than it makes sense to me.
Tali Guday says
It was good meeting you today. I hope we can continue the conversation 🙂
Erica says
Yes! Let's stay connected. Feel free to contact me any time at erica@comfybelly.com. I had some great conversations today - I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or not.
Rachel says
Hi...I had some questions about SCD yogurt. Can I e-mail you or do you have any helpful links. I am very new to this, but have UC and need to make dietary changes. Thank you! Your blog is terrific!!!
Erica says
yes, I have a post about yogurt (search for it or look at the tips on the menu); search on "how to make yogurt"
N. says
It's the first time I've visited your website and I think it's fantastic!
I've spent about 2 hours here and must turn the computer off because I already have enough baking ideas to fill a month of Sundays - yay!
Descriptors of the site in the order that they come to mind: Simple, effective, high-quality, no-fuss, lovely photography, pared-down classic essential recipes, healthy, grammatical, modest, earnest, responsive, communicative and friendly but not excessively-so, appropriately private, talented, organized, calming, inspiring the reader to want to begin cooking something immediately.
In your photo, you look like an adorable, down-to-earth, thoughtful, caring person.
All the best!
Erica says
oh my {blushing} thanks!
Olivia says
I am looking forward to your book! I recently came upon your website and think you may be saving my life. I started the SCD diet a few months ago after going GF and not finding relief from my symptoms. I am not a good cook and am having to learn. Your site is really helping me with this process and allowing me to eat healthy and happy. Thank you for sharing.
Erica says
Thanks Olivia! You'll become a great cook and baker over time. It just takes practice.
Cyndi says
Hi Erica, I just came across your blog and have to say I am very excited! I was diagnosed with UC this past year and I am trying to go gluten free and do the SCDiet as well. You give me hope that I can do it and maybe still enjoy some of my yummy foods. Thank you!!! 🙂 I am also doing a blog too.
Natalie Watson says
please can you give the weight in grams or ozs.??? I understand that 'cups' of different ingredients are not the same weight. As I have found to my horror.!!!!! Thanks
Erica says
Hi Natalie. Thanks. I am starting to list weight in grams/ounces when I think it makes a difference, but I'll pay more attention to that. It should really affect any of my recipes thus far though. Is there a particular recipe that you had a problem with?
Gretchen says
Erica, I think I love you!!! I have been on the "Wheat Belly" plan for over a month, and have had no wheat, grain or sugar! I have lost 5 lbs and feel amazing...your recipes are just the BEST!! They are better than the recipes in the book, especially the baked goods. Thank you for such innovative, scrumptious and healthy recipes. Your Cinnamon Bun Muffins with coconut flour are wonderful!! It can be challenging to eliminate so much from one's diet...thank you for making it pleasurable. Beautiful site!!!
Wilma B says
Hi,
Thank you for your Cashew Bread. My husband and I started taking wheat out of our diet about a month ago, I found your Cashew Bread recipe, made it and my husband loved it. I have been researching almond flour bread recipes and found one that used psyllium husks, I wondered what your thoughts were and if you have used psyllium husks?
Erica says
Thanks Wilma. I haven't tried pyllium yet, sorry.
Todd Varriano says
Wow! I was on the SCD eight years ago for one and half years. It worked wonders, but unfortunately the colon was too damaged, too much dysplasia and I lost it. I am on it again because of complications and am so thankful for the resources out there now. Especially this site. These are wonderful recipes. I used to cater, and can handle the day to day cooking with ease, but creating baked recipes were never my specialty. Thanks you for freely posting these. You could publish a recipe book, but instead you don't. (I would buy it!) What a nice gift.
Erica says
Thanks Todd! Actually, I am finishing up an SCD cookbook that will be available in May of this year 🙂
Marsha says
Thanks so much for all the recipes. They look so good and appreciate all your work. I do have a question or some advice. Your apple pie crust looks awesome. I tried to follow it exactly but I am not sure what I did but mine did not turn out. I followed the recipe but I did notice after I refrigerate for an hour or two and start to roll out (used wax paper on top on bottom) because dough is so sticky. Anyway within minutes it seems to warm up quickly and sticks so much but I finally got the top crust on top of the apples. My problem is it just seems too oily after baking. The crust is not moist and flaky but not sure how to describe it but oily (too much oily taste) and doesn't look appealing. Lets face it taste is everything but so is presentation if I have company over. What do you think I am doing? Please give advice. I also had the same problem with my cut out cookies for Christmas. Pretty much the same dough recipe. Anyone can give advice Thanks Marsha Email is SHABELL2@msn.com
Erica says
I've never had the greasy problem with either recipe. Can you list your ingredients here?
Erica says
Hi Marsha. Sorry I'm late to this comment. the dough could require more flour, or freeze it a bit more. Hope that helps.
Anna says
Your site is so awesome! I recently started the SCD eating style and I have been experimenting with different recipes and of course some have been complete failures! I am a busy college student and so many of your recipes are simple and easy. I love that you post pictures also! Thank you so much for creating this site!
Anna
Erica says
You're welcome! It is quite challenging when you're in school. Power to you! Best wishes, Erica
Vicky R. says
Thank you so much for this website! I was diagnosed with Crohn's in January this year, but I have had it for years. Suffering without any answers. Doctor after doctor missing it. This time when I had a flare up, it was really bad, so I ended up in Urgent Care, and then the hospital fora week and a half.
During that week and a half, one of my older sisters found this website for me. I started making what I could, when I could. Now I am able to adjust recipes I see on regular websites to my needs. This website was my starting point for knowing what to replace, and how I could do it. Thank you! My journey this year has been hard, but this website, and others like it, have made it a little bit easier. Thank you so much! Hopefully your son is doing well. As well as can be expected with this darned disease, anyway.
Erica says
Thanks! Best wishes for your health and recovery, Erica
Fran Fainman says
Hi Erica,
What are to wonderful gift you have, being able to write and share recipes the way you do. Thank you for being the change!
I would love to share some of your recipes if I may.
Ease and gratitude
Fran
Barb says
Hi!
Great site! I just made (and then promptly posted) your banana bread recipe on my facebook fan page. As a holistic Nutritionist, this is right in line with what we are all about. Thanks for sharing!
Barb Thomas, RHN
http://www.love2eat.ca
http://www.gogoddess.blogspot.com
Nicola says
I'm looking for a recipe that I thought I saw on here. It's for the white 'chocolate'. I've searched the recipes, but can't find it. The picture was of heart shaped white 'chocolate' candies.
Erica says
You might be thinking of the vanilla coating on the frozen banana pops.
Matti says
A friend of mine told me about your website. Thank you for generously sharing your experiences and ideas with everyone.
Have your son tried the elemental diet? Unlike in the US where steroids are used as the first choice treatment for Crohn's, in Japan the first choice is elemental diet. It was once experimented here in the US as well, but I guess with the development of the pharmaceutical industry, the focus shifted to medication, the same way in which people shifted to drugs in treating pediatric seizures from treatment using diet. I just had a Crohn's flare up for the first time two months ago, and after some research I decided not to take the steroids that my doctor prescribed, and went on an elemental diet instead. It worked magic -- the effects are immediate, and a month later all my symptoms are gone. Thinking about the logic behind it, it makes sense: the GI system has ulcers, and needs to rest and not to be irritated constantly so that it can heal.
The elemental diet was a bit challenging in the beginning, but I got used to it. I mixed a package of tolerex with a can of Pediasure and a few spoons of honey, and added some water, and drink it through the day. I don't feel low in energy, all my joint pains are gone, and I have no more stomach problems. All the other problems in my eyes and ulcers elsewhere have all cleared up, and I have been sleeping through the night. I occasionally ate a banana or some papaya, drank some coconut water, and these seem to be fine.
My challenge now is to figure out what I can do now. The Japanese doctors allow the patients to take two elemental diet shakes a day, and eat one solid meal of rice, fish, and some soup when they get off the elemental diet, but I will be more cautious than that and won't just going back to normal eating -- I'll still drink the shakes for breakfast and lunch, and eat a very limited amount of foods such as beets, yam, and broccoli boiled in water.
Sandy says
Truly enjoyed your blog! I have struggled with food allergies and intolerances since I was two years old. Being almost 50 yrs old means that there has not been resources to be found and I've had to stumble in the dark as I find foods that are tolerable and make me have a 'comfybelly'. Do you have any recipes that are 'all-inclusive' as in dairy, gluten and egg free?
Thanks for all your work and for sharing it with us!
Erica says
thanks. there are some, but you'll need to search by categories individually and do a bit of figuring out for your needs. I don't group them in that way.
Megan says
I was wondering at what age your son was diagnosed with Crohn's? I am new to your blog and was diagnosed myself in 2005. It's always interesting to hear other's stories of their experiences with the disease, especially family members of those affected. I am excited to look more into your blog and some of the wonderful recipes I can already see worth trying!
With love,
Megan
Erica says
Ah, you want to read this post to find out more: https://comfybelly.wpengine.com/2011/11/vegetarian-and-chicken-dumplings-and-our-crohns-timeline/
Rachel Wheelwright says
Thank you so much for this!! This has been a blessing to me and so many other people!!! 🙂
C says
Thanks so much for sharing these recipes! As a teenage girl with self-diagnosed IBS and Gluten Intolerance I can spend forever searching for recipes online and I am so glad to have found your website. My diet is so strict- Low fat, no grains, I can't have starch or starchy foods (i.e. potatoes), sugar and artificial sugars bother me (I use honey typically or sweeten by using certain fruits and stuff), soy, and eating insoluble fibers without a lot of soluble fiber all bothers me. I try to avoid lactose as much as I can since it's technically almost just as bad as starches. It's really inspirational how people like you and your son can turn a bad thing good. I can really relate, but since I'm not an adult it's hard to get support from others, my dad even told me it's all in my head once (which it DEFINITELY isn't). I've gained that "aquired" taste for natural un-processed foods and everything I make is natural and from scratch, I've felt so much better lately, just feeling normal is the best feeling in the world. My parents don't want to spend a lot of money on my food/recipes and I haven't gotten quite skilled enough with cooking au-natural to whip up my own creative recipes, so ideas for food from others is always great. Hope your son is doing good and happy holidays.
Erica says
What a great note - thanks! So good to hear things are working for you 🙂
Edwina says
I really relate to you. My son has around 40 food intolerances/ allergies, mainly eggs, gluten and dairy. He and I also both have candida. I believe that candida is the new illness of the 21st century brought on by an overuse of anti-biotics. The candida compromises your health enormously and is the cause of intolerances. In an effort to heal both of us through food, my blog is also more and more about eating for our health and how we heal ourselves with food. Thank you for your amazing recipes which will go a long way to helping.
Erica says
Thanks! Yes, yeast overgrowth is a huge issue.
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
Just stumbled onto your blog from Frugal Granola and just LOVE it! Although we're not 100% GF, I enjoy GF baking, particularly my favorites are almond flour and coconut flour recipes! I hope we can be friends! I will definitely be point my GF friends to you. Blessings, Kelly @ The Nourishing Home
Tamsen says
Hi
I am just starting out on a starch free diet after being diagnosed with AS recently, and want to see if i can avoid medication. Having a slight panic at the moment, as my cupboard contains nothing but rice, pasta, potatoes and beans. Breakfast and Dinner is not too hard, but quick and tasty food that can be taken to work for lunch is my current challenge - I am already bored with boiled eggs and salad, and struggling to feel full (or maybe just missing my comfort food).
I am going shopping for coconut flour today, and really looking forward to trying some of these recipes!
Love this website!
Erica says
Thanks - hope it helps!
Regan says
Love your recipes and the website. My household is complex -- we're a motley crew of dietary needs between the three of us [seriously, how can just 3 people be that complicated!?] representing the dietary restrictions of dairy allergies, gluten-intolerance, IBS, diabetes, and my husband's rare metabolic disorder that requires a paleo-type diet. Let's say that making three meals a day, never mind a dessert or two, requires some serious thinking. I also wanted to say that I love the community spirit here; it helps to know that there are other folks who are living with complex needs and who choose to come at the complexity with grace and creativity. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Hone says
Hi Erica,
I just found your website, and I'm so glad. I just recently started eating the primal diet and finding good substitutes for some stuff is hard. I like breads and cereals for breakfast, that's been the biggest change. Eggs everyday gets boring. So being able to bake with my almond flour or ground flax is a plus.
Thanks for taking the time to write all these great recipes.
Erica says
Thanks - btw, I love your website. Roxy is quite cute!
Bec says
I am loving this Blog!!!! I have been trying to change my lifestyle to be healthier. I thank you for providing recipes for my guilty food that are better for me! I can't wait to try some of your recipes!!!
Erica says
Thanks!
Dana says
Hi Erica! I was introduced to ComfyBelly by a co-worker after she brought in your Orange Cranberry Muffins, which were absolutely delicious! They were definitely a special treat for me, having been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. After feeling totally overwhelmed by the need to overhaul my diet and lifestyle (and quite disturbed by how many gluten-free recipes included foods smoothered in cheese), I am so relieved to see your HEALTHY and SIMPLE recipes! They are so great for people who don't have tons of time to cook but are health-conscious. Thank you so very much for making my life easier, healthier and happier!
Erica says
Thanks Dana! It is overwhelming at first. And then it gets easier. Best wishes, Erica.
Linda says
I am so excited to have found your site! I am diabetic and trying to eat better in order to avoid the crazy spikes. Anything with white flour is out for me. So I've been trying to use almond flour which works wonderfully, but have had so many flops with the conversions I was about to give it up in frustration. I can't use the honey because it causes spikes, but plan to try some of your receipes and substitute the honey with Erythritol. If you (or your readers) have any suggestions or experiences on doing that, please let me know.
Erica says
Hi Linda! I haven't used Erythritol, but hopefully others can chime in.
Linda says
Thanks Erica! The same substitution outcome would probably apply to other dry sugar substitutes, this is just the one that seems to work the best for me with my blood sugar levels (without unwanted side effects). I do hope to hear from anyone who has tried any of them. I tried Agave syrup, but just couldn't get past the taste of it.
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes says
hi there! just stumbled across your site via a link, and I have to say...I'm enamored! We share many of the same food philosophies and I love cooking with natural "real" foods...(Although, at this time of the year, there is a bit of excess sugar goin' on at my place:) bur most generally, we like to keep it pretty clean) Look forward to seeing more!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Erica says
Hi Cathy - thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth says
hi i have crohns and im on the scd diet im younger than thirteen and i love makeing gingerbread houses do you have any recipes?
Erica says
Hi Elizabeth! thanks for your comments. I'm hoping to post a gingerbread cookie recipe soon, but you could probably get an idea of what it would be like, because it will be based on this recipe: https://comfybelly.wpengine.com/2010/11/cut-out-cookies-using-almond-flour/
Adam says
thank you for providing such a great resource to the growing number of us who have to look to changing our past diets to deal with current and future health issues. I hope others don't have to wait for months or years to know that alternatives really are out there! thank you for providing such valuable insights to everyone
Erica says
Thanks Adam. Wow - nice site you have there!
Erica says
Hi Ann. Yes, I do have a cut-outs cookie dough recipe. I'll have to dig it out of my holiday recipes and try to post it. It may be a bit though.
Ann says
We love your recipes and use them quite a bit. Do you have a good sugar cookie recipe for cut out cookies.
Erica says
Hi Astrid - yes, you can use baking powder. I haven't tried it with the Orange Cake, but it works with the pancakes and waffles.
Astrid says
For a Gluten intolerant person this blog is AMAZING! I am going to the supermarket tomorrow to buy almond flour and then there's no way back.
I live in the UK - and never use baking soda - is it possible to use baking powder instead? FOr example for the Valencia Orange cake?
Cheers!
Erica says
Hi Ashley. I haven't tried cookies with coconut flour yet, but I do plan on experimenting more with coconut four. I haven't read this book yet (on my to-do list), but it might have more ideas for you: http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Coconut-Flour-Gluten-Free-Alternative/dp/0941599639/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1279990213&sr=1-1-fkmr2.
I'm sure there are readers using Splenda with the coconut flour recipes. You might want to leave a comment on one of those posts asking if someone has and how much they used.
Ashley Hamilton says
Hello Erica,
I jsut discovered your site not too long ago while looking for recipes to make with coconut flour or almond flour. The coconut flour waffles and pancakes look great. I am wondering if you have more recomendations for coconut flour. My son has epilepsy and is on a high fat low carb diet (Modified Atkins for Seizures)with medication to control his seizures. I have to be really really creative to make him the things that he likes. We have tried the pancakes and I was able to modify those for his diet (adding heavy whipping cream) also it appears that most of these are pretty low carb however have you had anyone that has use Splenda or some other sweetener on any of these as my son is unable to have sugar on this diet (I do use Maple flavored Agave syrup for pancakes)Thanks so much for this site. The next thing to try will be the "twinkies" I am always looking for little treats that he can have to make this diet easier for him! Also do you have cookie recipes that use coconut flour?
Taylre says
🙂 I dont have celiac disease, but I have sub-clinical gluten intolerance, and your website is so full of lovely gluten free recipes! thankyou!
Megan says
Great blog! I really like your recipes and plan to try a few out. I am gluten and dairy free and finding other blogs with awesome recipes makes me excited to get in the kitchen and try out what others have tried. It makes me a better gluten/dairy free cook as well.
Erica says
Hi Raj! Wow, I love your blog as well. The Mint Ginger Lemonade looks fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing your link. Have a good weekend!
Raj says
Hi Erica,
I've been reading your blog for a few months now and wanted to let you know that you've inspired me to find joy while cooking SCD. So much so that I decided to share my recipes on my own website: http://www.flipcookbook.com.
I would love to hear what you think. Great work and I look forward to the next post!!
Erica says
Hi Ann. Thanks! I gave up trying to link to every blog I read and like. If you check out the Comfy Belly Facebook page, it has links to some favorite blogs, and some are SCD, or have recipes that you can convert to be SCD legal. Maybe others can add their faves.
Ann says
Hi, I absolutely love your recipes, they are delicious and healthy! I wish there were more people like you! Do you happen to know of any other websites like yours? I know a lot of websites that follow the SCD diet, but truthfully the recipes don't taste that great in my opinion. If you happen to know a website like yours with just healthy, yummy recipes, sugar free i guess, that would be great! thanks! i don't know what i would do without your recipes!
Jessica says
Hi there, I loved stumbling upon your blog this morning - I'm reading from Melbourne in Australia. Thank you for your inspirational creations and photos - my daughters and I all have fructose malabsorbtion (which has been blamed as the source of my Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia). I can easily adapt what you have here to suit us. I discovered your blog trying to work out how to make Lactose-free yoghurt. Happy cooking!
betts says
Our youngest daughter was diagnosed with chronic aggressive Crohn's almost four years ago...in few words, it has changed the way we live and eat, play and work and pushes us to keep up the search for the information that, bit by bit,helps to make her life and ours a little less crazy and more wonderful again.
She was first also diagnosed with Celiac's ...(just days before the discovery of the Chrohn's) we immediately became a gluten free home. It has made a world of difference for all of us. Healthy way to eat no matter who you are...just found a new bread that we can enjoy...Udi's, really good, good product.
I am so excited to have found your site and enjoy the wonderful recipes you share with your readers. Thank you so much.
Erica says
Denise, thanks for sharing your experience!
Denise says
If anyone is interested, here is my SCD blog:
http://www.freetofeast.wordpress.com
I just started, so please spread the word! Link me to your blogs or subscribe!
Denise says
I have been on the SCD for over three years and have never felt better. It's been hard, but I'd rather be pain-free and on this diet than eating all that junk food I used to eat and feeling awful.
@Cheryl Golding: I don't know if anyone ever answered your question about the SCD, but it is supposed to "heal," not necessarily in the sense of being rid of the problem for good. It is meant to control symptoms and get you to a point where you can live symptom-free. Some doctors, after being on the diet for a while, may say that the disease seems to have disappeared, and that's great! But you must always be careful with what you eat. You could still have a flare-up.
Erica says
Hi Ann - a lot of the recipes I have already posted will work for Passover, but I'm never really sure what I'm going to post, sorry to say. Considering my current life schedule, I'm pretty happy that I post at least once a week! But thanks for the requests. Let me know if there's something specific that you're hoping to make.
Ann says
I don't know if your jewish or not, but i know that everyone out there that's getting ready to start passover cooking would love to see some passover recipes. Do you think you will be cooking/posting any?
Erica says
Hi Melissa! It would be great to be featured on Foodista. Thanks for the recognition!
BTW, you can find my email in the "contact me" link in this post.
Melissa Peterman says
Hi Erica!
We've selected you as our Foodista Food Blog of the Day for Thursday, March 25th! Your blog for Hardy French Green Lentil Soup will be featured on the Foodista homepage for 24 hours. This is a new feature that we recently launched and are thrilled to post your blog.
Since you are now a part of the Foodista Featured Blogger of The Day Community, we've created a special badge for you to display proudly on your blog sidebar.
I couldn't find your email on your blog to send you the access code for the special badge, but I want to make sure you get it if you are interested. Please send me an email and I'll send it right away.
We are really enjoying your blog and look forward to seeing your recipes, tips and techniques on Foodista! If you would not like to be recognized on Foodista please let me know and I will remove your blog from our queue.
Cheers,
Melissa
Erica says
Hi Sarah. It's great that you found SCD so quickly. It took me 2 years to find out about it. Just be a bit creative and experimental. Hope you feel better soon!
Sarah Jonutz says
Thank you for this wonderful website. I was just diagnosed with Crohn's about a month and half ago and have been trying the SCD diet. I am so used to eating whatever I liked that it's been a difficult transition for me and just seeing these amazing recipes has brought excitement to my life. I love food and can't wait to try these recipes. Thank you for your time in trying these and for your heart for sharing them with others like me who have no idea how to cook. It helps me to feel like I am not alone and can make it through this diagnosis.
cheryl golding says
Hi-I started the scd diet about a month ago- I have ulcerated colitis. I have had it for almost 30 years. I came out of a long remission 2 years ago. This diet definitely helps but I cant get a straight answer from the forum-it seems most people go on the diet but give up. Does it really cure or only keep it under control How long has your son been on this diet? Do you know anyone who has been cured? Thank-you for sharing your hard work to perfect these recipes. I just found the site today and am anxious to try your recipes.
Erica says
Cheryl - I just noticed that I never responded to you (I'm in the process of cleaning up all the posts up since my blog re-design).
My son felt better on SCD, but it wasn't a complete success, and he lapsed out of frustration (plus a few emergency trips to the ER). It's been a very long journey for us (but obviously not as long as yours!). I don't know of anyone personally who has been "cured", with or without a diet, however after watching my son, I've learned that you have to listen to your body. If the diet is not working, change it up. It's not a guarantee - just one option. That's my 2 cents, of course.
I adhere to the custom plan - do what works for you at that time. I bet you already know that though.
Best wishes,
Erica
Tami Rainmom says
many with Chron's find recovery using a combination of SCD diet and Low Dose Natrexone -
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
you might want to look into it. many local pharmacies compound the LDN. There's quite a few research papers on it now.
Erica says
Thanks Ari. Ok, this is total conjecture, but you might be able to dry the marshmallow filling in a dehydrator or the oven at a low temperature. Not sure about other techniques. Interesting idea though!
Ari-Food Intolerances Cook says
I love your site and recipes! I tried to post this on your marshmallow frosting recipe but it wouldn't let me. Could you make the marshmallow filling into a marshmallow candy or filling like in a 3 musketeers bar? Perhaps by cooking or mixing longer? I really want to make a 3 musketeers but without the sugar and this looks like a good start. Any suggestions? Do you think it is even feasible?
Sarah says
Erica,
Thank you so much for a wonderful website! As my family and I transition to a gluten- and sugar-free lifestyle, your recipes and comments (and photos!) have helped tremendously. Knowing we can still eat such yummy food has been a huge relief.
I was wondering whether it would be possible to ask you a few questions privately? I have Crohn's disease, and there were just a few things I was curious about. I clicked on the "contact me" link above, and honestly I can't figure out how to set up our e-mail account! So this is my "aol" account, and if you are able to write me with your address, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time, and for setting up & maintaining this great blog!
Sarah (avonlea15@aol.com)
jessica says
Hi Erica,
I love your blog. Last night I made a version of your apple upside down cake. It was great. I'm the editor of the website, ASweetLife http://www.asweetlife.org, the source for the healthy diabetic. Would it be possible to talk to you privately? If so, please reply to apple.jess@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jessica
Michelle says
Your website is amazing! Thanks so much for all the great recipes and beautiful pictures! I'm on a grain and dairy free diet.
Erica says
Karen, I guess you could use any kind of sugar-substitute, but I can't say that I've tried it. Let us know if you do try it.
Karen Smith says
I would like to know if your recipes are low carb? Scones - could I substitute sugar free maple syrup for honey
Bryan says
Hi Erica,
You left a comment on our blog. Since we're in the same part of the world - I'd be interested in chatting with you about your experiences. I've included my email address... please respond off-blog for privacy. Thanks!
Bryan
Scd4squirts.com
Michele says
Erica, your site is wonderful. Thanks for sharing all your recipes and tips.
Erica says
Hi Pattie. Not all the recipes are SCD-friendly, but almost all of them can be modified for SCD. To see the SCD recipes, go to the Archives and click on SCD Recipes, or click on SCD Recipes in the category cloud on the left column of this page.
Pattie says
Hey there,
I came across your site and saw you do a lot of SCD recipes. My daughter has autism (hence lots of gut issues) and we are looking to transition to SCD. Are all of your recipes SCD friendly?
Btw, fantastic site. I love your pics too. Well done!
Erica says
Janet, thanks so much for sharing your techniques!
I'm a bit lazy with this dough sometimes because it does take a bit of work to roll it into a thin sheet. Another option is to not even roll it, and instead place little balls of dough on a cookie sheet and flatten them out into the shape of crackers.
Janet says
>From the moment I saw the almond thyme cracker recipe, it became a mission to make it. The almond flour arrived from Honeyville yesterday p.m. and the next day (even right now) the crackers are cooling in a warm oven. Yummmm!
My husband bought some bulk grated oregano recently instead of a block of it, so this is what I used. They are still tasty. The rolling out part is what seemed to be a challenge. I placed the ball of dough in a plastic storage bag and it rolled out perfectly to fill the bag. Then I cut the bag all the way around with scissors and flipped it onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper. It cracked in a couple of places and I just pressed them together again. The crackers look beautiful and will be a great addition to my homemade soup. I will be making this one again, and again.
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Janet