Chocolate is universally loved and the idea that we couldn’t ever again have any would be heart-breaking. Whether we can or can’t have chocolate if we have irritable bowel syndrome is not clear cut. Watch my video to see what I mean. Today we are going to talk about what chocolate is low FODMAP. The various different chocolates, dark, milk and white chocolate have varying amounts of lactose in them. 30 grams of the white or milk chocolate is moderate FODMAPS, but 30 grams of the dark chocolate is okay - it's low FODMAP. So even relatively small amounts of the milk and the white chocolate could trigger symptoms especially if you're at the end of the day and you're accumulating FODMAPs during the day. That's, of course, the accumulative effect that we've spoken about before. Do avoid all carob chocolate. Carob is high FODMAP so you don't want that. It's got fructans in it. I have had clients that have tried some dark chocolate and have had problems with it. So let's take … [Read more...] about Can I have chocolate on the low Fodmap diet?
How to Prep for a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies can be scary things but they are an essential part of the diagnosis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). In this video, I give you some tips for how to prepare for one while staying safe on the low Fodmap diet. … [Read more...] about How to Prep for a Colonoscopy
How a Xmas Card caused IBS Symptoms
Stress is deadly for irritable bowel symptoms. We all know that by now. But today I have a story of stress to tell you that illustrates the effect perfectly. The arrival of a Christmas card did it. Watch the video to learn how something supposedly as joyful as a Christmas card could cause that much stress. … [Read more...] about How a Xmas Card caused IBS Symptoms
An Indecent Proposal
I received an indecent proposal from my boss when I was working part-time as a cook in a catering firm during my university years. His wife was in the next room. I have been cooking forever, starting from my childhood imitating my mother and grandmother in their farmhouse kitchens when they boiled, steamed, roasted and baked to provide calories for the heavy work on the farm. So it was natural that when I looked for part-time work while studying that I turned to a kitchen and hence ending up with the indecent proposal. My sister, Janet has started up a blog called Women’s Lives, which focuses on sexism in the workplace. Every few weeks, she interviews a remarkable woman who speaks about their experiences with sexism. Her second interview was with me (though whether I am remarkable or not is debatable). You know me as having IBS and coaching the Low Fodmap diet for a living and a vocation. But there is much more to me than that. If you would like to listen to the interview … [Read more...] about An Indecent Proposal
Learning to Cook at 61 Years Old
Today I was speaking on the phone with a one-to-one client who is excited that she has actually learned to cook at 61 years old because of the low Fodmap diet and my program. Not only is she enjoying it, her husband is a happy man. I often get comments like that from clients who have always disliked cooking and now find pleasure in it. If the food we eat is delicious, we are much more likely to stick to the diet. And sticking to it can be the tough part, as you know. The cart for the IBS-Friendly Cooking School opens tomorrow so you can start to get excited too. After attending the school, you will know how to put together quick, tasty low Fodmap meals for yourself and your family. And you will be able to finally organize a dinner party for your friends without anxiety. Food is about to become interesting again. I have received some extra questions since the video I made a few days ago, which answered what came up in the survey. They are: What actually is included? I … [Read more...] about Learning to Cook at 61 Years Old
Cooking School Questions Answered
The Cooking School project is moving along nicely and I have already made and videoed a few recipes, so I am feeling pleased with myself. But I have changed its name. It is now called: IBS-Friendly Cooking School The cart will be open in just a few days - Friday 28th July to be precise, with a starting date of Monday 7th August. Anyway, as I mentioned in my last post, I had close to 200 entries in the survey I sent you and there was a common thread of questions you asked me, so I have made a video to answer them all. This is going to change your taste-buds forever! Let's impress your family and friends. :) But questions first... Cooking School Questions Answered Is this school really for me? If you know you need to be on an IBS-friendly diet for your gut issues but have no idea how to create a tasty, healthy meal out of the limited number of foods you know are safe, then this Cooking School will be perfect for you. Which countries can participate in this … [Read more...] about Cooking School Questions Answered
