Lately there has been so much hype around the low FODMAP diet, that you may have noticed the increase in low FODMAP food products appearing in the health food isles. While Dr. Google may give the impression starting the low FODMAP process is effortless and thoughtless, success on the low FODMAP diet in reality, does take some effort and thought.
When starting any new diet without the proper information, it can be easy to over-restrict on nutrient rich foods, resulting in: a decrease in energy levels, fatigue, increased hunger and frustration. This is why it is important you start the low FODMAP diet knowing exactly what it is, and what lifestyle choices you may need to change for the brief period of time you are on the diet.
When commencing the low FODMAP diet, you will most likely be bombarded with information about what foods are high and low FODMAP. While food is extremely important in the FODMAP process, so are lifestyle considerations, which unfortunately are sometimes forgotten. As much as I would love to tell you that a little fairy is going to prepare all your meals so they are low FODMAP, so you don’t have to think about it, unfortunately, I cannot.
That is why it is important you consider factors like: your living situation, cooking skills, culture, upcoming events and eating out. All these factors will impact your ability to implement and adhere to the low FODMAP diet. For example, where will you find low FODMAP takeaway when you’re driving home after work late at night, because you had to stay back to meet a deadline?
Before you start the low FODMAP diet, here are three main considerations you may want to think about:
What is your living situation like?
Do you live by yourself?
Yes, move on to the next consideration
No, continue reading.
If you live with the parents or house mates, think about who is responsible for the cooking and shopping at home. Would they be happy or willing to alter recipes to make them low FODMAP? You may need to set time aside and talk to them about the low FODMAP diet and what foods are not suitable.
What are your cooking skills like?
They’re good, move on to the next consideration.
They’re not the best, continue reading.
If you’re cooking skills or the cooking skills of the person responsible for the cooking in your house are not the best, you could consider taking a few cooking lessons before you start the low FODMAP diet. Being confident to modify meals to make a recipe low FODMAP is an important skill to have. You could even talk through a few recipes with your dietitian, to gain confidence with making simple recipe swaps. This will help make your low FODMAP journey, effortless!
Eating out
Unfortunately, eating out is not easy on the low FODMAP diet. Chefs love onion and garlic! Talking through and looking at the menus of your to-go restaurants or any upcoming events involving food, with your dietitian can be extremely helpful!
If you’re reading through the list of considerations and now think, ‘well that’s all too hard, I’m not going to do it anymore’, stop! Book in to see your dietitian, who will be able to help you find solutions to any barriers you may see getting in the way of your FODMAP success.
Remember the low FODMAP diet can be tailored to you! Now that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to change or modify your lifestyle slightly (yes – that may mean not eating out as much, but think about all the $$ you will save!). What it does mean however, is that you will be supported through the process by your dietitian to make your journey as effortless and thoughtless as possible.
If you’re reading this and wondering ‘what the hell is FODMAP’s’, you can read the lowdown on the low FODMAP diet here. Alternatively, if you need support commencing the low FODMAP diet you can book in to talk to one of our dietitians here at The Healthy Eating Clinic.
