Low FODMAP meals: what they are and who they are for
For those who live with digestive problems, finding practical low FODMAP meals can be a real relief. In fact, the low FODMAP diet is today one of the most studied approaches for irritable bowel syndrome. However, there is a lot of confusion around it: what it is, who it is for and how to do it correctly. That is why, in this guide, we explain the essentials clearly — and, above all, with the most important caveat: you should follow the low FODMAP diet with professional support, never on your own.
What is the low FODMAP diet?
Firstly, the low FODMAP diet is a dietary approach that temporarily reduces FODMAPs — that is, a group of short-chain carbohydrates that the intestine absorbs poorly and that ferment, causing gas, bloating and discomfort. In fact, this approach was born at Monash University, in Australia, and today it is an international reference for the management of IBS symptoms.
In addition, it is important to clarify one point: it is not a permanent elimination diet. On the contrary, it is a substitution diet, in which you replace foods rich in FODMAPs with low-FODMAP alternatives. That is, the ultimate goal is for you to eat as varied as possible, restricting only what actually makes you feel unwell.
Who is the low FODMAP diet for?
First of all, the low FODMAP diet is intended mainly for those who have diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms sensitive to these carbohydrates. In fact, IBS affects about 1 in 7 people. However, not everyone with IBS improves with this approach: therefore, some cases do not respond and need other strategies.
Thus, this is not a diet to try out of curiosity or to "eat healthier" in general. Therefore, before starting it, you should have a diagnosis and, ideally, the support of a nutritionist trained in the field.
The three phases of the low FODMAP diet
- Restriction. First, you reduce high-FODMAP foods for 2 to 6 weeks.
- Reintroduction. Then, you reintroduce the foods methodically, one group at a time.
- Personalization. Finally, you keep a diet that is as unrestricted as possible.
That is, the restriction phase is temporary, not permanent.
What changes on the plate?
| Instead of (high FODMAP) | Choose (low FODMAP) |
|---|---|
| Onion and garlic | Chives or the green part of leek |
| Apple | Orange |
| Wheat bread | Slow-fermented spelt bread |
Eat Fit Low FODMAP meals
Following a low FODMAP diet takes work: it requires reading labels, checking ingredients and cooking almost everything from scratch. That is precisely where the Eat Fit Low FODMAP range helps. Nutritionist Ana Bravo develops the meals and we cook them without high-FODMAP ingredients. However, these meals are a practical support for those who already follow the diet, not a substitute for clinical support.
How you receive it at home
Delivery is made within 24 business hours throughout Mainland Portugal. The meals travel frozen in an isothermal box.
Frequently asked questions
What is the low FODMAP diet?
It is a dietary approach that temporarily reduces FODMAPs, short-chain carbohydrates that ferment in the intestine.
Who is the low FODMAP diet indicated for?
Mainly for those who have diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms sensitive to these carbohydrates.
Is the low FODMAP diet forever?
No. The restriction phase is temporary and should be followed by reintroduction and personalization.
Can I start the low FODMAP diet on my own?
This is not recommended. You should follow the diet with the support of a nutritionist trained in the field.
Do Low FODMAP meals replace the support of a nutritionist?
No. They are a practical support for those who already follow the diet.
Don't know where to start?
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Written by the Eat Fit team. Reviewed by nutritionist Ana Bravo.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical or nutritional advice.
