Two weeks ago I had the bright idea to eliminate FODMAPs from our diet. I’m not going to go into the science of FODMAPs here, but you can listen to the technical aspects of how they work in your system from Monash University. I also read the ridiculously titled, but amazingly helpful ebook, “IBS – Free at Last!: A Revolutionary New Step-by Step Method for Those Who Have Tried Everything to Control IBS Symptoms by Limiting FODMAPs Carbohydrates in Your Diet.” by Patsy Catsos. Monash University also has an app for the iPhone which I did purchase and do plan on using, but have not taken complete advantage of yet.
A typical FODMAP free day in our house is as follows:
Breakfast: 1 cup EnviroKidz Organic Gorilla Munch Cereal, 1 cup Blue Diamond almond milk, ½ ripe banana.
Snack: Small handfull of Blue Diamond almonds.
Lunch: 2 slices Udi’s bread, 3 ounces plain, oven baked, boneless skinless chicken breast, lettuce and fresh tomato, ½ cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup baby carrots.
Snack: 6 medium strawberries.
Dinner: 3 ounces plain, oven baked, boneless skinless chicken breast, medium baked potato, ½ cup slivered red bell pepper, ½ ripe banana.
Snack: ½ cup Larry and Luna’s Dark Chocolate Coconut Bliss.
Water all day long of course!
Yeah, being FODMAP free is fun! Essentially we are dairy, soy, and gluten free. Our house has always been preservative free, so eating healthy isn’t anything new. FODMAPs, however took away honey, soy, and dairy, which are in everything. Seriously, honey is the new whole wheat and soy is the new corn. I’ve never read so many disappointing food labels in my life.
There are perks to being FODMAP free though. I have a new understanding of my food and how it works in my body. Brown rice and 4 ounces of chicken with a vegetable seemed ridiculous at first, but after a week I wasn’t hungry for cheese, beans, or pasta. Eventually, we will move to eating a low FODMAP diet that includes a less restrictive more inclusive menu with things like couscous and peaches.
In the short term however, there are perks to eating a more balanced, conscientious diet. Mr. MVP has lost ten pounds and that is just in the first 9 days. There is a comfort to knowing exactly what we are going to eat every day at each and every meal. It’s quick and simple. I prepare everything on Sunday and all of our lunches and dinners are ready for the week. There is no guessing, no wondering and no eating out. FODMAP free eating has also made our bellies feel better. We are happier more aware eaters.
We will not be FODMAP free forever, but we will be low FODMAP for the rest of our lives. My best guess is we will be dairy and soy free and simply avoid gluten as best we can. As we’ve been preservative free for over 5 years our FODMAP transition was much simpler. We did not have caffeine or sugar addictions to kick or fast food habits to withdraw from, but we are human. So, if you will excuse me, it’s time for my snack of almond milk, which I’m going to pour in a gorgeous tea cup and pretend it is organic whole milk.
About The Author
Nicole
Member of Team VP, knitter and Mama to Blue and Franks. Life, is bloody good.
