This article is for those of you who are about to start the low FODMAP diet and need some guidance before you get started.
First things first don’t start it straight away. This may sound like a strange suggestion as you will probably feel quite motivated to make the changes in order to see an improvement in your symptoms as soon as possible. But you need to be prepared!
Try out these tips to make sure you are organised to ensure your success.
1. Dietitian
Before you even think about starting, make sure you are being guided by a health care professional with experience and expert knowledge of the low FODMAP diet.
2. Make Sure You Understand FODMAPs
It is so important that you understand your condition and the reasoning for the diet. Ask your dietitian for trustworthy links and resources on understanding how the low FODMAP diet works. This article from the blog will be a good place to start, click here to read on.
3. Decide When You Are Going To Start
Give yourself enough time to get organised so that once you start it you are organised and prepared.
4. Download the Kings low FODMAP app
It will be extremely useful for you as you plan to start the low FODMAP diet. The app also allows you to scan foods in the supermarket rather than taking long lists with you.
5. Write A Shopping List
Before You Go Shopping For your low FODMAP ingredients write a shopping list. It may be useful for you to plan all your meals out for the next week as you will need to be prepared.
6. Take a Low FODMAP Packed Lunch!
Especially initially while you are getting used to the foods that you can have, it may be tricky to find convenience foods in the canteen or local shop at work which means you might either have to have a meal high in FODMAPs or go hungry. Both of which are not good options. We have some great packed lunch recipes on the blog, click here for more information.
7. Experiment With Some Low FODMAP Recipes
You may find it useful to have a go at making some low FODMAP meals before you get properly started in order to get used to the ingredients you can and can’t have. For more recipe inspirations click here.
8. Think About Social Events
Being on the low FODMAP diet doesn’t mean that you can’t go out for dinner, it just means that you need to be organised and plan in advance. You can look up menus in advance or contact restaurants so that you feel comfortable and relaxed eating out.
9. Be Positive
Don’t just think about the foods that you can’t have, think about the foods that you can incorporate into your diet and think of meals based on these. For some easy swap ideas, click here.
10. Look at resources online
(As long as you make sure they are evidence based and trusted sources) – You may find it useful to read trusted blog posts of other people that have followed the low FODMAP diet or are sharing useful tips and recipes.
Resources that we love and trust are;
Article written by Associate Specialist Dietitian Bethany Florey.
Edited by Dietitian Kirsten Jackson.
Kirsten Jackson is a UK registered Consultant Gastroenterology Dietitian and founder of The Food Treatment Clinic. She has undergone many qualifications to get where she is today, including a UK BSc Honours Degree in Dietetics and Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Dietetics. In addition to this, she has FODMAP Training from Kings College London University. Kirsten set up The Food Treatment Clinic in 2015 after first experiencing digestive problems herself. She felt that the NHS was unable to provide the support individuals needed and went on to specialise in this area before opening a bespoke IBS service. Kirsten also participates in charity work as an Expert Advisor for the IBS Network. In addition, she can be seen in publications such as Cosmopolitan and The Telegraph discussing IBS as an Official Media Spokesperson to the IBS Network.
Last updated on November 16th, 2021 at 03:33 pm
I am so thankful for sharing your article and I will be back soon to check more of your post.
You are so welcome.
whoah this blog is magnificent i really like reading your
posts. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of
people are looking round for this info, you can aid
them greatly.
You are so welcome!!