I get asked a lot by my clients, who I work with on a Low FODMAP diet for managing symptoms of IBS and SIBO, about what snacks they can eat. Being on a restrictive diet can seem daunting and also very limiting, but I assure you that your taste buds can be happy campers and your health will thrive on the low FODMAP diet.
So you might also be asking, what the heck is a FODMAP?! FODMAPS is an acronym for: Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Monosaccharides And Polyols. Still confused? The common thread are short-chain carbohydrates that attract water and don't absorb well in your small intestine, instead heading to your colon, where bacteria have a field day quickly fermenting them. Symptoms of FODMAP intolerance include burping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence: very similar to what occurs with IBS. A research team at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, created the low-FODMAP diet, which eliminates frequent food offenders that contribute to or exacerbate IBS and other gut problems.
What the FODMAP diet does contain are processed sugars and flours, which if you are committed to eating only whole and natural ingredients can pose a challenge. Which is why I am here to help! You can snack and eat your way through the FODMAP diet knowing you are getting the most nutrition dense foods for proper energy and satiation.
Alright, let's get down to the goods. Here are some scrumptious snacks to satisfy your hunger between meals. Links provided for brands that I like and are low FODMAP friendly.
- Celery sticks with sunflower seed butter (TJs has an excellent unsweetened one and I also like Sunbutter)
- Peeled and sliced cucumbers or these crackers dipped in kite hill chive cream cheese
- Cooked sweet potato peeled + sliced into rounds, topped or dipped in smooshed avocado (1/8 avocado is recommended for low FODMAP, but can increased based on reintroduction testing)
- Blanched asparagus or melon (after testing) wrapped in prosciutto, I like this brand
- A hard boiled egg or two, the easiest snack!
- A smoothie! I recommend a mix of almond milk, frozen berries (not blackberries), spinach, zucchini, avocado and hemp/flax/chia seeds. I also like this one which is fruit free!
- Brown rice cakes with nut or seed butter and 1/2 banana or sliced strawberries
- Lactose free yogurt with berries - I like kite hill yogurt and green valley lactose free yogurt
- GoMacro Peanut Butter Bar (Protein Replenishment in blue packaging).
I work with clients who have IBS and offer a 30-day program to help eliminate, reintroduce and maintain. These snacks are safe for the Maintenance part of a lowFODMAP diet. If you would like to work with me to help manage and eliminate IBS contact me by clicking HERE.
REMEMBER: Each person's triggers are unique, so we work together to assess your tolerance to certain ingredients or products. We also work together on timing for how long to stick with the Low FODMAP diet. Each individual is different, and being on a restrictive diet isn’t only difficult for a long period of time, but can also alter your micro biome and gut bacteria. The timing of reintroductions to come off of the Low FODMAP diet is such as important as the elimination.
Curious how to make more healthy food swaps? Check out My Healthy Food Swap Guide, and get a worksheet to determine your own once you start to make reintroductions into your diet.