Welcome !

Hello and welcome to my first post!

A little while ago, I started my journey into the FODMAP diet.

I was introduced by my best friend and it was the first time we'd ever discussed each other having IBS. On reflection, I imagine it's because even though I was diagnosed at 17  (I am now 22), I still felt as though talking about my IBS, yes, my irritable bowels, was embarrassing and taboo. What changed?
She'd found a solution, or at least, she had been led to one.
 I was excited, jealous and admittedly a little dubious.  She'd told me the general ins and outs, and to me, (I was 16st 3 at the time), the thought of cutting out the foods I love so much wasn't something I was prepared to do.
Looking back now, I realise I was putting junk food and convenience in the way of feeling normal, and so it was another five months before my journey really began.

I had it all planned out.  I was away at a course with work for four nights, all expenses covered and was due to be paid on the Thursday,  the final night before I was due to leave the hotel itself and set home the next day. I downloaded an App created by the Monash University, which I felt would be enough for me to start learning about what I needed to do in order to follow the FODMAP diet, and that night for dinner I was contented by choosing steak from the menu, with potatoes, and a salad all paid for, and cooked for me. This is easy, I thought as I supped my refreshing cranberry juice, and that night I went to bed, not even remotely aware of how hard it was going to get.
Then the morning came...

My breakfast that day was simple, I avoided the pastries and toast... and fruit... and yogurts... I settled for bacon and eggs, which has remained my treat breakfast when I eat out, or feel naughty on a Sunday. I love eggs and bacon,  but for some reason the choice, or lack of, really bothered me. Things only got worse by the time I was due to catch the train. All of a sudden, over priced sandwiches and not-so-good for you burgers were all I craved and as I drank my bottle of water I reminded myself why I was doing it, happy tum, Sabina. Happy. Tum.

Since then, I've cried in restaurants, skipped meals, lived off crisps and caught a stonking Christmas cold (which I'm convinced is due to a lack of vitamins and minerals because I was cooking two meals and it was easier to skip veg than potatoes or god forbid meat!) But with some support from the app, a good community of groups, and the help of my aforementioned best friend, things are getting better. Having trained as a chef for two years has helped and having a passion for food is pole vaulting me forwards into sharing what I want to do, with all of you - make happy meals, for happy stomachs, stools and smiles

Guys, I am not a FODMAP specialist, I am not an expert, and I by no means should be used as a reference. ALWAYS do what is right for your tummy, consult dietitians and nutritionists, and if you have comments, or suggestions send them my way.
Over and out,

Sabina. x