Written by Lisa Kunstler: FodShop Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor

Are you feeling like your gut bloating wasn't well-controlled this year? Are you feeling stuck in a vicious circle of eat, bloat, eat, bloat?

The new year is a perfect time to revise our goals and work on controlling pesky gut symptoms which affect our quality of life.

Whether that means following your diet more closely or finding out more about the low FODMAP diet, FodShop is here to help with the following three steps to success this new year. 

Three Steps to Low FODMAP Success

1. See an Accredited Practising Dietitian or General Practitioner 

When was the last time you saw a health professional to address your gut issues?

Have there been any changes to your symptoms? If there's blood in your stools or you are passing stools more than three times a day after trigger foods are eaten, this could be a red flag for IBS, or a condition more sinister.

Getting in touch with your Accredited Practising Dietitian or GP is an essential step to take to start the journey to a healthier gut.

Even if your symptoms are well-controlled, it may be time to try something new. Dietitians are well equipped to get you on the right path to not only help you to minimise your gut symptoms, but to also help you maintain your body's nutritional status.

Find a dietitian near you HERE. 

2. Meal Prepping a Healthy Lunch for Work

Most of us live busy lifestyles, so it can be helpful to prepare meals in advance.

In order to reduce dependence on take away food, meal prepping is a great way to ensure you don't run out of low FODMAP options throughout the week and also saves you precious cooking time. 

Some great low FODMAP options to meal prepare include stir fry, curries, and pasta. There are a range of low FODMAP stir-in sauces available to take your cooking up a notch. Simply add the sauce to a container of your favourite cooked vegetables and noodles/rice and you've got your healthy lunch for the week!

If cooking isn't your thing, there's a range of low FODMAP ready-made, frozen meals available to try. Brands like Dineamic, Foddies, and We Feed You are available to buy from FodShop, as they are great options low FODMAP options to take to work and microwave on a tight schedule!

3. Safe Low FODMAP Options for Eating Out

When eating out, always check the menu before attending to look for low FODMAP options.

Don't be afraid to call the restaurant ahead of time and ask if they can prepare low FODMAP alternatives, namely without onion and garlic. Most restaurants are happy to provide options for individuals with food intolerance. 

It's also important to avoid FODMAP stacking throughout the day, which can make you more sensitive to your usual triggers. Take a look at the webinar recording with FodShop and the Diet vs Disease team for additional guidance on FODMAP stacking.

If you want to eat out without the hassle, try taking FODZYME with you.

The enzyme supplement helps to digest fructans, GOS, and lactose to make eating your favourite meals stress free. Simply sprinkle over your meal, mix in, and enjoy!

For more great ways to prepare your tummy for eating out, check out the blog HERE on the low FODMAP diet and eating out made easy!