I know weight gain is a struggle for many of us with CF. When I was in fourth grade I had a feeding tube placed. I ended up having it for around 10 years before I had it removed. At the time, I didn’t like it. It wasn’t towards the end of my time with that tube that I was able to get past my self-consciousness of having it. However, looking back I can now say I am so grateful I had it. I know that without it I would be much sicker. I wouldn’t have the health I do now without it. And if in the future I needed one again, I may not be stoked about it, but I would do it.
I’m thankful that since having it removed my weight hasn’t been a constant battle. However, there have been times where I’ve lost weight and had to work hard to gain it back. Right now is one of those times. One month ago I woke up with nonstop nausea and vomiting. My husband took me to the ER and even with all the anti-nausea meds they were giving me, nothing helped.
It was six days before I was released from the hospital. In those six days I lost 13 pounds. 13 pounds I couldn’t afford to lose. While I was in the hospital I couldn’t eat or drink anything. One sip of water and the vomiting, retching and dry heaving started all over again. It was absolutely miserable! They never were able to figure out what was wrong, all the numerous tests came back normal. I’m just thankful to report that today I am feeling MUCH better and am enjoying being able to eat again.
Since I was released from the hospital I have been working hard to gain those 13 pounds back. I have 5 more pounds to go to reach the weight I was at before being admitted and hope to gain a few more after that.
Here are a few tips and recipes that have been working for me. Even with that significant weight loss I have been working hard to make sure that majority of my diet is still based on whole nutrient dense foods. It’s more than just gaining weight for me, it’s ensuring my body has the needed nutrients to heal and function optimally. Besides when I eat better quality foods I have less digestive distress which means less stomach aches and bloating!
Banana Almond Butter Smoothie (estimated to be 515 calories)
Ingredients:
1 medium banana
1 cup almond milk
1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
2 dates (I use them as a sweetener, organic maple syrup is another great option)
1 Tbsp raw cacao (or cocoa powder)
1 scoop protein powder of your choice
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
1-2 Tbsp almond butter
Mix all ingredients with a bunch of ice until smooth and enjoy!
Deviled Eggs
Hard boil as many eggs as you like. Once cooled peel then slice them in half. Scoop out the yolks into a bowl and mix with mayo (Sir Kensington’s and Primal Foods are great options that aren’t full of crap) and any seasonings you like. I add a little garlic powder and paprika. Top with crumbled bacon and enjoy! Not a fan of mayo? Skip it and mix the yolks with avocado.
Trail Mix
I mix up a batch of this weekly to keep in my desk drawer at work.
Mix your choice of raw nuts with coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips!
Sweet potato and Almond Butter
I bake 2-4 sweet potatoes every Sunday to last me throughout the week. I eat them as a snack or add it to my lunch or dinner. They are a tasty and easy pre-workout snack choice too.
They are great warmed up and covered in ghee (clarified butter) or butter. To make a sweeter snack add almond butter and coconut flakes.
BUTTER!
Add t it to everything. Seriously. Butter is so good. Buy the REAL stuff. Real butter from grass fed cow is full of vitamins. Plus it just tastes better.
Spaghetti and meatballs?
Add butter to the noodles before your sauce.
PB&J?
Add butter to the bread first.
Scrambled eggs?
Cook them in butter or top them with butter.
Steak?
Top it with a bit of butter after it comes off the grill.
Catch my drift? I even blend butter in my coffee.
Same with avocado!
Add it to smoothies, sandwiches, salads, or just eat it on its own.
What else?
-Use olive oil to ‘finish’ your dish. Drizzle it over salads, veggies, meat, etc.
-Cook your foods in healthy fats like butter, avocado oil, and lard.
-Love guacamole? Great. Eat lots of it! I like dipping plantain chips in it or adding to my morning scrambled eggs or a burger.
-Adding white rice or a baked sweet potato to dinner every night has been helpful for me too (healthier source of carbs)
These are just a few ideas that have been working for me. Remember, everyone is different which means our needs are different.
Now I want to hear from you, CF community! Leave a comment below with some of your favorite healthy tricks and tips for weight gain/maintenance.
P.S. Don’t forget your enzymes!
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Aimee Lecointre is 30 years old and currently resides in Orange County, CA. She works full time as a substance abuse counselor while pursuing her Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certification. She is also an active board member for the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation. In her free time you can find her kayaking or paddle boarding in the ocean, at the pool, cooking, practicing yoga or hiking the many local trails! You can follow her on Instagram at @yogi_aims or contact her at aimee@innatelivingbyaimee.com
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