Cooking for people with FODMAP intolerance.. what not to do

I was asked over to a dinner party recently and in order to assist the preparations I sent through my FODMAP list.

When the evening finally arrived I was informed that we would be having something with apples in it. I could have 1 they told me, they had checked. I figured they would have checked my list and as I didn't have it on me I trusted their judgement. However 4 hours later when the pain started i started to wonder.

I checked my list the next day and apples were definitely on the list and there was no leeway. It got me to thinking where they must have found this. I was too embarrassed to ask them in case they realised they had make me sick (and i was for three days).

It dawned on me about the second day in that they must have searched the Internet and found something/someone with an alternate version of my Monash approved list and used it instead of mine.

So for those of you cooking for your friends with FODMAP or other allergies/intolerances ... if they say they cant have it, they cant have it. As much as you love your friends and want to show off your skills, remember you are playing with someones HEALTH and may cause them actual pain. They will resent you forever for dismissing their feelings and needs.

If you have food issues tell your friends not to deviate and stick to YOUR list.

They love you, but they cant really understand how playing with things could harm you. So spell it out and pray you dont get sick... funny isnt it... i get IBS symptoms just from the stress of eating somewhere new for fear they will make me sick and I will pay for it.

Sometimes you just cant win... but hey, aint it good when you do : )

ah Christmas

I love Christmas. I love the presents, the crooning songs that give you a brief insight into your 6 year old self sitting on the floor in front of your grandmothers Christmas tree and realising that you had in your possession a Barbie whose arms and legs could actually move at all the joints and most excitedly... her head could move up and down, the chats with family all over the country and of course the food.

The giant heaps of food that you simply cannot resist. And i am not talking FODMAP food that you cant eat but dont stop yourself, i mean the food that you can eat, and because of that you over indulge.

I must admit that i am a bit of a guts. I love food, and i eat is quickly and without savour. This of course leads to a resurgence in Fodmap problems (i have low stomach acid as well) and a rather unpleasant holiday experience. SO my advice... after spending two weeks blown up like a whale. Slow down, savour those incredible morsels and be careful with the wine. Fructose is in wine and if you are enjoying a glass with a berry filled dessert you may encounter problems.

Also prepare for people to 'forget' that you cant eat certain things. there is no shame in bringing your own sandwich in a little cold bag just in case. You dont have to starve!! (this happened to a family member of my partners who showed up at her sister in laws and was lucky enough to be able to eat some of the salad... the very small salad and starved for the rest of the 5 hours she was there!!)

I know this is all too little too late, but perhaps when your googling around for some advice in December 2013 this may help you prepare for the season to come : )