Christmas is less than a week away and you may be scrambling for ideas on what to cook as your contribution for the Christmas family feast. Last week I wrote a article about tips for coping with a low Fodmap Christmas so do check them out, but today I will give you some specific recipes that include all the food groups just in case you can't eat anything else on offer. Tofu and Potato Salad for the vegetarians Greek Mousaka Spicy Potato Pie Chicken Prawn Salad Banana Cake Peanut Butter, Banana tarts … [Read more...] about Low Fodmap Christmas Recipes
5 Tips for Coping with a Low Fodmap Christmas Day
Christmas day can be fraught with difficulties or it can be enjoyable and fun. Those with IBS and who have found the miracle of the low Fodmap diet have more to prepare for than most. But there is no reason this can't be a special day for you too. Check out my five top tips for coping with a low Fodmap Christmas Day. It is in your best interest not to make a fuss about what you can and can’t eat or there could be some backlash with you ending up feeling bitter and twisted because your needs are not being taken into account by family members and friends. If your family are supportive, then let them know your main triggers like onion and garlic perhaps and then take the chance that the rest will be fine. Overwhelming them with dietary demands will usually end badly no matter how hard they try. This diet is the most complex one on earth so you can’t expect others to understand it in a five minute conversation. If yours is like our family, then you will be contributing something … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Coping with a Low Fodmap Christmas Day
Why do those with IBS keep going back to health practitioners?
Those of us with IBS have spent an inordinate amount of time in the office of a variety of health practitioners from specialists to general doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, naturopaths, and even hypnotists, chiropractors and acupuncturists. And we keep going back again and again and following the same advice over and over again with no perceptible change in our symptoms. Crazy to expect a different result? Yes, it is. But I did it too – for decades. Now I go nowhere near them for my irritable bowel syndrome. For other things, sure. But not for IBS. However, having said that, over the years that I have been coaching the low Fodmap diet for IBS sufferers, I have seen a slow but distinct shift. A certain percentage (though nowhere near high enough) will now mention the low Fodmap diet to their patients. They know little to nothing about it except that they have perhaps seen it recently in a medical journal. But they are at least saying the words – Low Fodmap. And that is a … [Read more...] about Why do those with IBS keep going back to health practitioners?
10 IBS & low Fodmap questions I get asked all the time
1) How do I know I really have IBS? IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. When all tests have come back negative, but you still have symptoms, then your digestive issues are called IBS. IBS symptoms are similar to those of inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis, Cohn’s etc. so it is important to exclude them. 2) How long should I stay on the elimination diet? You should not stay on it any longer than six weeks according to the Monash University because the elimination stage of the diet excludes many prebiotics which regulate the gut bacteria. So, it is really important to get the help you need to implement an accurate elimination diet so you can move on rapidly to the next stage. 3) How do I know when it is the right time to move onto the reintroduction stage of the diet? The only way to do a clean reintroduction stage with no confusion is to be completely symptom-free or you won’t have any idea if a food is a trigger or not and so the whole exercise will be a waste of time and … [Read more...] about 10 IBS & low Fodmap questions I get asked all the time
Interview with Dr Miechelle O’Brien, Gastroenterologist
Today I have an exciting surprise for you - an interview with a practicing New York gastroenterologist, Dr Miechelle O'Brien M.D, Ph.D, who has a special interest in functional gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is such an informative talk from someone who uses the low Fodmap diet in her treatment of her clients with IBS. She even shares the exactly process that she leads her clients through on their journey to a life predominantly free of IBS symptoms. And if that is not enough, Miechelle recently started a food company to make low Fodmap foods for her patients with IBS when they occasionally need something quick to eat without having to cook or bake. As I mentioned last week, Miechelle was kind enough to send me a box of her snack bars and I can assure you they are not only delicious but more importantly that I had no gut issues whatsoever after eating them. Anyway, let's dive straight into the interview so you can hear from this delightful lady … [Read more...] about Interview with Dr Miechelle O’Brien, Gastroenterologist
Three announcements
I have three announcements to make today - all exciting in their own way. The first is about me and the second two are for you. 1) I have revamped my website and I am very pleased with the new fresh look following a photo shoot I had with a very talented photographer here in New Zealand. I would love to know what you think and suggestions are always welcome: www.strandsofmylife.com 2) I have listened to what you need through countless emails and comments on posts and I have created a new service for you - personalized low Fodmap meal plans. It is still in progress and will include a questionnaire you fill out to make sure the 7-day meal plan will be customized to suit your likes and dislikes, other allergies, health issues and lifestyle. This will be accompanied by other documents to make sure you implement the plan correctly and record your progress. This service will open in a few weeks but for now I would love you to check out this page HERE (www.ibsmealplans.com) to find … [Read more...] about Three announcements
