What You Need to Know about Low FODMAPS

Have you heard about the low FODMAP diet yet? Low FODMAP has been found to be a somewhat effective way for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome to manage their symptoms. FODMAP stands for a group of carbs that are not well absorbed and which ferment in the body and can cause gas, bloating and other super unpleasant digestive symptoms. There is an extensive list of high versus low FODMAP foods and there is nothing intuitive about it. Healthy foods can be very high FODMAP foods. Since I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose my clients as needing this restrictive diet, but I do work alongside clients who have been advised by a doctor to adopt this lifestyle.

Here is a good beginner guide on low FODMAP and who may benefit from it.

Living with a Low FODMAP diet used to mean no processed foods at all since most products contained garlic or onions (two big no-nos!) and no restaurant food! I am happy to see that the market is beginning to accommodate people on a low FODMAP diet!

I recently found 2 brands that are low FODMAP friendly. I was especially interested in finding on- the- go snack bars, for clients to take to work or school and tested a bunch of the bars.

1. RACHEL PAULS HAPPY BARS: These bars came in a bunch of different flavors including "Peanut Maple Pleasure" and "Orange Chocolate Ecstasy" - there is 11-12 grams of sugar and 8 grams of protein in each bar which is really good! This brand is gluten free and non- GMO.

2. FODY Low FODMAP Food Company has created a whole line of products including snack bars, and jarred sauces for low FODMAP followers. The bars have about 6 grams of fiber and 7g sugar, which is good for a snack bar. The Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt flavor was so good that I had to double check that the bar wasn't dairy! I really wish the products were organic, or at least non- GMO as they do contain soy ingredients.

Are you someone currently on a low FODMAP plan? Reach out to me and I'll help connect you with low FODMAP brands!