My low fodmap life
In my case, talking about food, recipes and health, leaving out the low fodmap diet is not an option.
For many years I struggled with pain, bloating and it was progressing to a point attending social events, especially in the evening, was a problem. Even the thought of having to somewhere in the evening would be very stressful. Needless to say that was not a lot of fun and I'm sure this story sounds familiar to mmany people suffering from this. |
How do the low fodmap guidelines influence the recipes I use?Processed sugar:
What I don't like about many of the recipes that follow the low fodmap guidelines is in many of them of a lot of sugar is added. For some reason, using sugars compatible with low fodmap seems to make it ok to use lots of it. Now I have to say we are not sugary foodies to begin with but why add so much sugar to your food? (This is also the connection for us to the information about Robert Lustig's "sugar, the bitter truth.) Whether you use Maple syrup, cane sugar, palm sugar...it is what it is....added sugar! The sweetness in my bakes come from fruits, coconut, also sugar but left in it's original"form. Fruit & Vegetables: The vegetables and fruits I use are from the "green"or the "low"list, of course this is not a 100% fail proof system because the list is only a guideline. Please always make sure you can handle the veggies and fruits and if not replace them with produce you are ok with. The same goes for amounts of products , these are sooo different for each and every one of us, don't get carried away, you'll regret it later! Lactose: Lactose is not a problem for me if we're talking low fodmap, I am not lactose intolerant. Many cooking and baking products are now available made from soy, rice and oat. In my recipes only dairy products are used when I cannot find a replacement from another source. The amount of dairy in my recipes are limited due to the influence of the China study....(read on!) Gluten, a big problem for many people, is not something I must avoid. Using different flours can add to the taste of the bake;
As with all information about following a diet, food restrictions, etc. don't just take anybody's word for it, do the research yourself. I have found it ( and still do) so interesting to read about different ideas, facts and figures, slowly forming your own ideas about what's good for YOU! A few interesting articles, sites , books and documentaries can be found on the following pages. Happy hunting (for information!) |