Chicken and Zucchini Meatballs in Coconut Cream (Low FODMAP)

10 Minutes prep • 20 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Makes 12 - 16 • Serves 4
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with these chicken meatballs in a savory coconut cream. This recipe brings together the deliciousness of chicken and the freshness of zucchini, all immersed in a creamy coconut sauce. It's a mouthwatering fusion that's sure to please everyone. These meatballs are wonderful on their own or you can serve them over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 small)

2 green onions, green part only, chopped, plus more for serving

1 leek, green part only, finely chopped

2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon minced or grated, ginger

1 teaspoon Smoke N Sanity Essence of Garlic Salt (used code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/ 2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons gluten-free soy sauce

3 tablespoons garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 tablespoons salted butter

1 can (14-ounce) coconut milk

3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

1/2 cup peanuts, chopped, optional for serving

Directions

(1) Prepare: Combine chicken, zucchini, leek and green onion greens, 2 teaspoons ginger, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Essence of Garlic salt, and 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Coat your palms with a little olive oil, and roll the meat mixture into tablespoon-size balls (will make 12-16 meatballs). 

(2) Cook the meatballs: Heat a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil and, when hot, add the meatballs. Sear until browned and crisp, about 4-5 minutes, turning them 2-3 times so they brown on all sides. Set aside on a plate.

(3) Make the sauce: To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of garlic-infused olive oil, 1 tablespoon of minced or grated ginger, sliced bell peppers, and butter. Cook until the peppers are starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and 3 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce. Slide the meatballs into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until the meatballs are cooked through, 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro

(4) Plate and serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice with a squeeze of fresh lime, some fresh cilantro (or basil if you prefer), and green onion greens. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ main course recipes

Chicken and Pancakes: A Gluten-Free Twist on a Classic Craving (Low FODMAP)

10 Minutes prep • 20 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Keto-friendly • Serves 4

Looking for a great way to use leftover chicken? This is it! Who can resist the savory combination of chicken and pancakes? The only hitch is the gluten-loaded nature of traditional pancakes. But fear not, because this recipe is your gateway to scrumptious gluten-free pancakes. Fill them with your favorite ingredients or stack them high with butter and syrup for a taste sensation like no other!

Ingredients: Pancakes

1/2 cup almond flour

4 ounces of lactose-free cream cheese, softened

4 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

Butter for frying

Ingredients: Filling

2 cups cooked chicken

3/4 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Green onion greens, optional, for serving

Low-fodmap hot sauce, optional, for serving

Red pepper flakes, optional, for serving

Directions

(1) Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Chop the cooked chicken. Grate the cheese. Put parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

(2) Make pancake batter: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, softened cream cheese, eggs, and salt. Use a hand-held mixer or whisk and blend until smooth.

(3) Cook the pancakes: Heat a medium-size nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let melt. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the batter and cook until golden brown on the bottom (about 2 minutes). Flip and cook ther other side for about 2 minutes. Then remove to a plate. Repeat these steps with the remaining batter.

(4) Bake: Lay the pancakes out on the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Put chopped chicken down the middle of each pancake. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Put the tray in the oven and back for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is heated through.

(5) Plate and serve: Serve hot with chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, and low-FODMAP hot sauce. I like to roll them up to eat them so you’re sure to get a little of everything in each bite!

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ main course recipes

Halloween Candy Guide (What’s Low FODMAP and What’s Not)

This time of year Halloween candy is everywhere you look. At work, at parties, at the checkout counter in your favorite store, even at the bank! And it’s tempting to enjoy snacking on a piece or two every place you go.

And let’s face it, at some point, you’re going to want to eat some Halloween candy!

If you are following a low FODMAP diet and Halloween is here. What do you do?

Instead of diving in and eating all of it with wild abandon, how about you do a little learning and planning so you don’t end up feeling terrible?!

Here are three rules to live by:

1. Don’t eat the candy at all those places I mentioned. You’ll just be stuffing it in your mouth because it’s there. Save your candy-eating for a time you can eat something you particularly like and you can take time to enjoy it.

2. Read the list below and stick to the low(er) FODMAP candies in the serving sizes recommended.

3. When you’re finished handing out candy to all the little neighborhood ghouls and goblins, toss it out or donate it. Don’t keep it around the house to “munch on” for days or weeks to come.

Keep it special. Keep it planned. And keep it to a minimum!

This list is excerpted from this post by FODMAP Every Day

Low(er) and High FODMAP Halloween Candy List

For the purposes of this list we are dealing with sweet candies and we feel fairly confident that no natural flavors were derived from onion or garlic, so a few of the candies listed below in the approved columns do contain natural flavors.

If you go rogue and start eating garlic jelly beans (yes, those are a thing), then all bets are off! Don’t do it.

Any candies that clearly list high FODMAP ingredients are on the high FODMAP list.

If you have a history with a particular ingredient, pay attention to your well-earned self-knowledge and stay away.

Serving Size Recommendations

Serving size recommendations are made by Vanessa Cobarrubia RDN as a guide and are based on the Monash University low FODMAP Diet App recommendations for serving sizes for individual ingredients.

As is always the case – we are not offering medical advice and you should always confer with your medical and healthcare team to ensure that you are following guidelines appropriate for your individual body’s needs.

Candy lists are below for your reference. See each list by clicking on the “+” sign to the right.

• Low(er) FODMAP Halloween Candies

  These are the candies we recommend (in alphabetical order by candy name) – in moderation, of course.

  Atomic Fireballs: Practice moderation. Maybe 3 per serving.

  Boston Baked Beans: Maximum 20 to 25 per serving.

  Butterfingers: #7 on many favorite lists. These have some FODMAPs, but they are listed as less than 1% on the label. Start off with half a full-size bar or 1 to 2 fun size bars, or the equivalent of 3 to 4 bites.

  Circus Peanuts: Practice moderation. Maybe 4 pieces max. Some say these are the most hated candy – but someone is eating them!

  Conversation Hearts: Maybe 6 to 8 pieces max.

  Dove Promises Silky Smooth Dark: Limit to 3 pieces (24 g total).

  Dum Dums (lollipops): Limit to 4 to 5.

  Haribo Gummi Bears: Limit to 15 gummi bears.

  Haribo Sour Goldbears: Limit to 15 gummi bears.

  Jolly Ranchers: Limit to 3 to 4.

  Junior Mints: Limit to 12 mini mints.

  Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Limit to 1 peanut butter cup (20 g) and increase to 2 peanut butter cups (if desired) based on personal tolerance.

  Justin’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: There are no additional milk solids, milk, or lactose added in ingredients outside of the milk chocolate. Limiting to 1 peanut butter cup should keep milk chocolate in safe range.

  Laffy Taffy: Limit to 3 mini pieces.

  Lifesavers Peppermint and Wint-O-Green: Limit to 6

  Marshmallows: Exclude any with high fructose corn syrup, inulin or other high FODMAP ingredients:  For standard size limit to 4 to 5.

  Mounds: Limit to ½ of a full size bar or 1 to 2 snack size bars.

  Mr. Goodbar: Limit to ¼ of a full size bar or 1 fun size.

  NECCO Wafers: Limit to 10 to 15 wafers.

  Nerds: #6 on many lists. Limit to about 1 ½ tablespoons.

  Peeps: These are marshmallows; see above. Limit to 3 to 4 peeps.

  Reese’s Pieces: Limit to 20 to 25 pieces.

  Skittles: #9 on many favorite lists.  Limit to 15 to 20 skittles.

  Smarties: Limit to 2 rolls.

  Sno-Caps: Limit to 1 to 2 tablespoons.

  Sour Patch Kids: #8 on many favorite lists.  Limit to 6 to 8 pieces.

  Swedish Fish: Limit to 2 to 3 pieces.

  Sweet Tarts: Limit to 6 to 8 pieces.

• High FODMAP Halloween Candies

  We recommend that you do not eat these candies. Or, at least know what you are getting into.

  Kit Kat: #4 on many favorite lists. Contain wheat flour, lactose, and dairy

  Milk Duds: These are milk chocolate based, which is allowed in .5 ounce/15 g amounts, but also contain multiple milk products

  Milky Way: These are milk chocolate based, which is allowed in .5 ounce/15 g amounts, but also contain additional milk products, lactose, and malted barley which is untested by Monash

  Starbursts: Contain fruit juice concentrates, including apple.

  Tootsie Rolls: Contain condensed skim milk and additional whey.

  Twix: #3 on many favorite lists. Contain wheat flour, lactose, and dairy

• Candies To Try If You Are Feeling Daring

  For this category, Vanessa recommends trying a small piece to assess your own tolerances. Note that many of these come in “minis”, which might be a great place to start.

  Almond Joy: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Dove Promises Silky Smooth Milk: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Heath Bar: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Hershey Bar: #10 on many favorite lists.  These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  M & M’s: #5 on many favorite lists.  We cannot be sure of lactose content. Try a few.

  Mars Bar: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose; also lists barley malt.

  Nestlés Crunch: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose; also lists barley malt.

  Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: #1 on many favorite lists.  These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Skor: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Snickers Bar: #2 on many favorite lists.  These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Three Musketeers: These list milk products multiple times and we cannot be sure of the amount of lactose.

  Twizzlers: Contain wheat flour

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ tips & tools

S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting (low FODMAP)

20 Minutes prep • 20 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Lactose-free • Makes 12 - 24 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-4

There’s something about cupcakes that is just fun! Add to that the pleasure of s’mores and these cupcakes take the fun (and deliciousness) to a whole new level! It’s the combination of everything you love about s’mores (chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers) but without the sand or the sticky fingers. These are best served soon after they come out of the oven so you can make the cupcakes ahead, but save the frosting and the finishing for the last hour before serving. Make them for a party or you might be tempted to eat them all yourself! I used a good gluten-free chocolate cake mix for the cupcakes in this recipe to keep it simple — since the frosting is a little more elaborate. Of course, you can make the cake from scratch if you prefer!

Ingredients: Chocolate Cupcakes

1 King Arthur Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Mix

2/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 1/3 cups water

4 large eggs

Ingredients: Swiss Meringue Frosting

3 large egg whites

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup (not high-fructose corn syrup)

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ingredients: Topping

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1/2 cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (for topping)

Directions: Cupcakes

(1) Prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put cupcake liners (I like these parchment tulip liners) into two cupcake pans that make 12 cupcakes each (for a total of 24).

(2) Melt the coconut oil: In the microwave, melt the coconut oil until it’s pourable but not hot.

(3) Blend the batter: Beat the eggs together with the melted coconut oil and water. Stir in the cake mix and keep stirring until well blended.

(4) Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cupcake pans. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Directions: Frosting and Finishing

(5) Prepare the meringue for the frosting: Add the egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar, salt, and water to the bowl of a stand mixer and place the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water over medium heat. Do not allow the bottom of the mixing bowl to touch the water.

(6) Heat and blend the mixture: Continuously, but gently, stir the mixture until the egg whites are very warm to the touch and the sugar has dissolved, about 4 minutes. Test this by dipping a finger into the mixture and rubbing it between your fingers—the mixture should no longer have any grains of sugar in it and should be very warm to the touch. Remove the bowl from the heat and place the bowl on the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

(7) Beat the egg white mixture: Beat the meringue on medium-low speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually increase the speed and beat until you achieve a stiff peak in the mixture that droops only slightly when you lift up the whisk, and the bottom and sides of the bowl no longer feel warm to the touch, about 4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat for a few seconds to mix it in.

(8) Frost the cupcakes: Use a spoon, spatula, or broad knife to generously frost each cupcake. Make one big swirl or many little “points” in the meringue with your knife as you frost.

(9) Brown the frosting: Lightly brown the frosting using a kitchen torch or by placing the frosted cupcakes under the broiler briefly, until browned. Watch them carefully (just like roasting a marshmallow) so they don’t burn!

(10) Finish: Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in the microwave. Crumble the graham crackers into crumbs. Remove the cupcakes from the oven, drizzle with the melted chocolate, and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs (so they cling to the melted chocolate).

(11) Plate and serve: The frosted cupcakes are best served within a few hours, as the frosting will start to lose its structure over time, but any leftovers will keep on the counter lightly covered for up to 1 day.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ dessert recipes

IBS Game Changer Celebrates Three Years of Cooking, Coaching, and Community-Building

This week, I'm thrilled to celebrate the third anniversary of IBS Game Changer! It has been an incredibly rewarding three years that has included lots of hard work and great rewards. There is just nothing quite so gratifying as hearing a program graduate say:

“For the first time in a long time, I can now leave the house without worry. It has truly been life-changing.”

The hard work has also resulted in an incredible collection of over 500 low-FODMAP recipes to support your IBS journey. In the recipe club, you get easy access to multiple collections including appetizers, salads, soups, main courses, desserts, vegetarian, low-carb/keto, and more. Membership is still only $5 per month so, if you haven’t already joined, come on over!. 🎉🥳

And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your likes, comments, shares, and support. I truly couldn't do it without you!

See some of my Deliciously Low FODMAP™ recipes

Green Salad with Asian Vinaigrette (Low FODMAP)

15 Minutes prep • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Lactose-free • Vegetarian • Vegan • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-2

As Autumn sets in with its hearty feasts, it's a refreshing change of pace to balance the table with a simple, delightful salad. Elevate your salad experience by experimenting with diverse dressings. This uncomplicated dressing has the power to transform an ordinary green salad into something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients: Salad

3 cups lettuce (I combined red leaf and romaine)

3 Persian cucumbers, sliced

1 tomato (I use “on the vine” for the freshest taste)

1/2 avocado

2 ribs celery

2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped (optional for serving)

1 green onion, green part only, chopped for serving

Ingredients: Asian Vinaigrette

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

1-2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

(1) Prepare the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a pint jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk to combine. Set aside.

(2) Prepare the lettuce: Wash, tear it into bite-size pieces, and spin dry the lettuce. If you’re not putting your salad together right away, put the clean lettuce in a plastic bag with a paper towel. Squeeze the air out of the bag and twist it to seal and keep the air out. Put the sealed bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your salad. This will give you the most crisp and delicious lettuce possible! And it keeps for a couple of days so you can wash a bunch and store it this way and just use a little a time.

(3) Prepare the rest of the vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers (peeling them is optional), and wash and chop celery and tomatoes. Chop the peanuts and the green onion greens.

(4) Finish: Add lettuce to your salad bowl with the cucumber and tomato slices. Toss to combine. Chop or slice and add the avocado. Drizzle with the dressing. Toss once more just to combine. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and green onions. And serve right away.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ salad recipes

Triple Chocolate Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies (low FODMAP)

20 Minutes prep • 2 Hours chill • 10 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Makes 24 - 36 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-4

There are times when you crave the best of everything: Triple Chocolate. Brown Butter. A delicate sprinkle of flaky salt. If you're going to treat yourself to something sweet, these cookies are the ultimate choice. They're so delicious that you won't even realize they're gluten-free. These cookies offer a sumptuous, chewy texture that remains impeccable at room temperature so you don't need to devour them fresh out of the oven. The brown butter and touch of salt work magic, enhancing the flavor, making them essential ingredients you won't want to skip.

This is an exclusive recipe just for recipe club members.

In addition to the two free recipes I create each week I am creating and delivering one very special recipe just for my recipe club members. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join! Membership in the club includes access to the complete archive of recipes with filters so it can become your virtual low FODMAP cookbook plus, I am creating and delivering one special NEW recipe every week ONLY for recipe club members.

Your membership in the club helps me continue creating new, delicious, easy-to-make, low FODMAP recipes just for you.

As always, all recipes will emphasize simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious low FODMAP results. Recipes will be for everything from main courses, salads, soups, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, sauces, breakfast and lunch, and even mocktails and cocktails. Everything you need to prepare fantastic low FODMAP meals everyone will love.

Join the club. Let’s keep making delicious Low FODMAP meals together.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ dessert recipes

Exploring Metabolic Health: A Special Feature for Metabolic Health Day

Metabolic health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often remains overlooked. In recognition of Metabolic Health Day (October 10), in partnership with my sister, Sarah Aitken, RN, MS, WHNP/FNP, NBC-HWC, I’m delving into this crucial topic and addressing some of the most common questions:

• What exactly is metabolic health?

• Why is it so significant for our overall health?

• Can you take steps to improve your metabolic health?

• How is blood sugar interconnected with metabolic well-being?

• Is it possible to gain insights into your metabolic health by utilizing continuous glucose monitoring?

• And perhaps most importantly, can you reverse the consequences of years of neglecting your metabolic health?

Read on to discover the answers to these questions and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of metabolic health in our lives.

Curious about metabolic health? Wondering why it's essential? Ready to take charge of your well-being? You're not alone. Clients often ask these very questions, and the answers can pave the way to better health.

Understanding Metabolic Health

Metabolism fuels your body by converting the food you eat into energy for your cells. Optimal metabolic health ensures that these processes run smoothly. Metabolic health can be assessed through five key markers:

1. Blood sugar

2. Triglycerides

3. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

4. Blood pressure

5. Waist circumference

If you're medication-free for these issues and these markers fall within the recommended ranges, your metabolic health is in excellent shape. But there's a sixth marker that's just as important – how you feel. When your metabolic health is on point, you feel good.

The Significance of Metabolic Health

Is metabolic health crucial? Absolutely! If you have three or more "worrisome" markers, you're at risk for diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. In fact, these markers can be used to predict or signify heart disease and likely prediabetes or diabetes.

A surplus of glucose in your bloodstream triggers oxidative stress and glycation. Poor metabolic health can lead to:

• Low energy or energy fluctuations

• Mental fog

• Body pain

• Fluid retention

• Poor exercise stamina

• Weight challenges

• Widely varying moods

• Skin issues

• Fertility problems

• Low libido or sexual issues

• Susceptibility to infections

Improving Your Metabolic Health

Can you improve your metabolic health? Yes, you can! In the past, metabolic health was more of a given due to lifestyle and dietary choices. But as processed foods and snacking have become the norm, metabolic health has declined. In 2019, 88% of North Americans were deemed metabolically unhealthy. That means only 12% of us are metabolically healthy!

You can improve your metabolic health, often called metabolic fitness, by making daily choices that support your metabolic processes. Your diet, meal timing, sleep, stress management, physical activity, and more all play roles in this dynamic state of well-being. It's not an on/off switch; it's a daily continuum determined by your choices.

The Connection Between Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health

Glucose from your food is your cells' fuel. Insulin helps cells use glucose, but when cells aren't hungry for fuel due to frequent eating or highly processed foods, they become insulin resistant. This protective response keeps glucose out of cells, preventing them from overloading. When your blood sugar rises, it's a signal your cells are resisting insulin.

Can you tell something about your metabolic health by wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?

Absolutely! The glucose pattern of someone in poor metabolic health looks erratic, a roller coaster of variability.

They will likely see higher glucose peaks after eating high-starch foods. Their glucose may remain elevated for two or three hours after a meal or go up and down for several hours after eating. Morning glucose may be high, and/or the average glucose can be high.

Reversing the Damage of Poor Metabolic Health

Can you reverse the damage done by years of poor metabolic health? The answer is yes and no. Your organs and systems adapt to defend against glucose toxicity. This defensive mode can lead to various issues.

You can halt and even reverse some of this damage by:

• Reducing the pressure on your liver, cardiovascular system, and pancreas

• Lowering inflammation

• Allowing for cellular cleanout

There's hope for a healthier future, and you have the power to optimize your metabolic health through daily choices.

Armed with this knowledge, you may feel you need help to make some changes to address your Metabolic Health. That’s where health coaching comes into play. If you have IBS and Metabolic Health concerns, learn about my program and set up a free consult with me and we can talk about how to tackle your issues! If you do not have IBS but you have pre-diabetes, weight management issues, or other metabolic health imbalances, then head on over to my sister site, Diabetes Game Changer. It might be just what you need to prepare yourself to have the best new year ever.

Here's to your best health and a thriving, resilient body.

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ tips and tools

Understanding Constipation: A Must for IBS Sufferers

What is it? What are some common myths about it? What can you do about it? And why are you looking at a picture of coffee?

For those of us with IBS, constipation is an important symptom to understand. If you're experiencing new or worsening constipation, seeking a gastroenterologist's evaluation, including a colonoscopy, is essential to rule out any underlying causes other than IBS. In this article written by my sister, Sarah Aitken, RN, MS, WHNP/FNP, NBC-HWC, for her Diabetes Game Changer Program, you'll find answers to most of the questions you might have about constipation.

Here’s the “Bottom” Line:

Whether you have IBS-C, IBS-D, or a combination of the two, IBS can manifest as constipation intermittently or all the time. I encourage you to read the full article for all the details.

• Constipation has little to do with how often you poop and everything to do with how easy and comfortable your GI tract feels

• Suffering from constipation does not mean you have an unhealthy diet

• Hydration matters a lot

• Moving your body matters, especially after meals

• A regular and predictable eating routine helps

• Medications could be the cause, so check them out with your provider

• Increasing your intake of soluble fiber and avoiding processed foods might be all you need to do to fix the problem!

  Still having issues and need customized and personalized support? Sign up for my IBS Game Changer Program and we can work together to get your gut on track.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ tips and tools

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Low FODMAP)

5 Minutes prep • 5 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Serves 2

Indulge in Autumn's warm embrace with a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. With this simple recipe, you can experience a classic fall flavor without going to your local coffee shop and without consuming loads of sugary FODMAPs. This delicious creamy latte features the perfect blend of real pumpkin and classic pumpkin spice flavors, making it the perfect autumn treat. A dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg make it simple perfection.

Ingredients: Latte

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (I always use Libbys)

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*

1 1/2 tablespoon superfine sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups lactose-free whole milk, warmed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 - 1/2 cup strong decaf coffee or espresso (I use Starbucks Decaf Via Italian Roast)

Ingredients: Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon powdered sugar (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: Latte

(1) Heat the milk: Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat (or in the microwave) and remove from the heat before it boils.

(2) Blend: To the blender add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, superfine sugar, vanilla extract, and heated milk. Blend on high until smooth and consistent. Then pour the hot coffee into the blender and blend again – about 2 minutes altogether.

(3) Serve: Pour the hot latte mixture into mugs. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Directions: Whipped Cream

(1) Prepare: Keep cream well-chilled until ready to whip and don’t prepare this too far ahead of time as it’s best when freshly whipped (a few hours is OK and then keep it in the fridge).

(2) Whip: Pour cream into a medium to large metal or glass mixing bowl or the largest bowl of your stand mixer and, using your largest whisk (or the whisk attachment on your mixer, or a hand mixer), beat until soft peaks form.

(3) Finish: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and whip until the cream holds its shape nicely. Taste and adjust sugar as needed.

Drink and enjoy every sip because you can!

*Make your own Pumpkin Spice

Combine in a small bowl or jar, and stir well the following spices:

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ drink recipes

Discover Effortless Low FODMAP Recipe Access in my Recipe Club

Unleash the power of streamlined recipe discovery in my Recipe Club. Simply head to the Collections tab, click on your preferred collection, and prepare to be inspired! You'll find curated sets of delicious, low-FODMAP recipes tailored to your interests.

Haven't joined the Recipe Club yet? For the cost of a simple latte, you can become a member today and unlock a world of easy-to-make, low-FODMAP appetizers, main courses, side dishes, salads, soups, desserts, and more. It’s now easier than ever to gain access to hundreds of my easy, mouthwatering, low-FODMAP recipes created with you in mind.

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Vietnamese Pho (Low FODMAP)

15 Minutes prep • 30 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Lactose-free • Serves 4-6 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-4

If you love Vietnamese Pho you’ll really love this easy low FODMAP Pho. This soup is an amazing fusion of Asian spices and vegetables, rice noodles, and rich clear broth. I added a few “extra” veggies to this recipe because I always think there’s room for a few more plants! The wonderful flavors will delight your palate and your tummy. This soup is healthy, delicious, and easy to make so if you haven’t tried making your own Pho, this is the perfect time to do it.

Ingredients: Chicken

2 tablespoons garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds

2 green onions, green part only, chopped

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients: Soup

6 cups low FODMAP chicken broth (I use Whole Foods Organic 365 chicken broth or Gourmend low FODMAP Organic Chicken Broth - use code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

1/4 cup low sodium gluten-free soy sauce

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more for serving

2 teaspoons maple syrup

4 green onions (green part only) chopped

6 slices fresh ginger

1-3 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)

1 zucchini, cubed

1 summer squash, cubed

2 cups chopped kale, bok choy, baby spinach, or a combination

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving

8 ounces rice noodles

Mung bean sprouts, fresh basil, chopped avocado, and lime wedges, for serving

Directions

(1) Prepare: Cut the chicken breasts in half or thirds, depending on how big they are, and chop the vegetables.

(2) Cook the chicken: In a Dutch oven or large heavy soup pot, add 2 tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped green onion greens and the chicken, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side until it starts to brown. Add 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a low boil. Turn the heat down and gently boil until the chicken is just cooked through (165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer). Remove the chicken to a cutting board, thinly slice, or use two forks to shred it, and set aside.

(3) Prepare the soup: Add 4 more cups of chicken broth to the soup pot so you have about 6 cups of liquid total. Then add the gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, green onion greens, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and jalapeno pepper (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chopped zucchini and summer squash and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until ready to serve. Just before serving, stir in the chopped greens and 1/2 cup chopped basil. Taste, and add more soy sauce if needed for flavor, or add some hot water (if the broth tastes too salty).

(4) Cook the noodles: Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

(5) Plate and serve: To serve, divide the noodles between bowls. Add the shredded chicken, then ladle the hot broth over the top. Add bean sprouts, chopped basil, chopped avocado (an unusual addition to Pho but absolutely delicious!), and a generous squeeze of lime juice. If you spot the ginger slices, you can remove them along with the star anise before serving.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ soup recipes

Olive Oil, Which One Should I Use?

The wide world of olive oil can be confusing! But essentially there are three main kinds of olive oil, and they all have their pros and cons based on their ingredients and the methods used to extract the oil. My top pick? Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) whenever possible. It’s healthy and delicious, and using it liberally can help keep you in tip-top health while delivering highly satisfying flavor in your recipes. You will notice I use a LOT of olive oil in my recipes. I don’t always label it EVOO, but I should!

Thanks to my amazing sister, Sarah Aitken, RN, MS, WHNP/FNP, NBC-HWC, I’m sharing this article she recently published for her Diabetes Game Changer newsletter. Sign up here to get Sarah’s Monday Motivation email newsletter, it’s great!

What do you know about Olive Oil? It’s really interesting!

Olive oil is packed with a variety of polyphenols, which have powerful antioxidant properties.

Diets high in olive oil are associated with reduced inflammation, improved heart, brain, and gut health, and more. In addition, olive oil contains phytosterols, which are bioactive compounds associated with reduced cholesterol and even a reduction in the incidence of some types of cancer.

Olive oil differs from other oils, such as canola, vegetable and soybean oil in a few very key ways. The seed oils are extracted and refined using very high heat and chemicals, resulting in less flavor and a destruction of the health benefits that may be included in unrefined oils. The base foods in these oils afford few, if any, health benefits and may even have negative health consequences (more on the topic of seed oils to come!)

Olive oil is one of our oldest foods - anthropologists have found evidence that humans made olive oil thousands of years ago using stone mills.

Read the full article to know which oil to choose for your recipes.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ tips and tools recipes

Classic Blueberry Cobbler (Low FODMAP)

15 Minutes prep • 35 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Serves 4

Blueberry cobbler is an amazing combination of flavors, textures, and even temperatures when you serve warm cobbler with cold ice cream on top. Make this cobbler with basic pantry ingredients and frozen blueberries and you’ve got a masterpiece dessert in no time. It’s an extra-special treat with fresh berries in season (especially when you pick them yourself) but just as good with frozen berries when they’re not in season.

This is an exclusive recipe just for recipe club members.

In addition to the two free recipes I create each week I am creating and delivering one very special recipe just for my recipe club members. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join! Membership in the club includes access to the complete archive of recipes with filters so it can become your virtual low FODMAP cookbook plus, I am creating and delivering one special NEW recipe every week ONLY for recipe club members.

Your membership in the club helps me continue creating new, delicious, easy-to-make, low FODMAP recipes just for you.

As always, all recipes will emphasize simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious low FODMAP results. Recipes will be for everything from main courses, salads, soups, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, sauces, breakfast and lunch, and even mocktails and cocktails. Everything you need to prepare fantastic low FODMAP meals everyone will love.

Join the club. Let’s keep making delicious Low FODMAP meals together.

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ dessert recipes

Easy Sweet Potato Wedge Fries (Low FODMAP)

10 Minutes prep • 40 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Dairy-free • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Step 1

Many thanks to my sister Sarah for sharing this great and simple recipe. Crisp on the outside and creamy smooth on the inside, these sweet potato fries are a delicious addition to just about any meal! They are easy to make and use only four ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. They are delicious plain or you can dip them in low-FODMAP ketchup or BBQ Sauce. Add a sweet potato to your shopping list and enjoy these delicious wedge fries tonight! (Keep in mind the low FODMAP serving of sweet potato is about 1/2 cup so, even though these are delicious, don’t eat the whole potato yourself!)

Ingredients

1 sweet potato, cut into wedges

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

(1) Prepare: Wash and cut sweet potato into wedges. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

(2) Combine: Put the potato wedges in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss well to coat. Spread out on parchment lined rimmed cookie sheet, slab side down, and with skin facing the same direction so you can keep track when flipping them over. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

(3) Bake: Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F. Flip the potato wedges over and bake another 20 minutes, being careful not to burn.

(4) Plate and serve: Serve plain or with your favorite low-FODMAP ketchup or BBQ Sauce.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ side dish recipes

It’s Pumpkin Spice Season! (Low FODMAP)

As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, there's one thing that symbolizes the arrival of autumn like no other – the beloved pumpkin spice season. It's a time when cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fill the air. But for those of us following a low FODMAP diet, the traditional pumpkin spice season can be a bit daunting. Fear not! I’m here to show you how to fully embrace the flavors of fall while keeping your digestive system happy.

Pumpkin Spice: A Low FODMAP Delight

The good news is that many components of the classic pumpkin spice blend are low in FODMAPs. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—the heart and soul of pumpkin spice—are safe for most people following a low FODMAP diet. This means you can enjoy that warm, comforting flavor without the worry of digestive distress. (Watch out for the super sweet syrups that often get added to pumpkin spice delights and avoid those with high fructose corn syrup.)

Low FODMAP Pumpkin Spice Recipes

Here are a few of my low FODMAP Pumpkin Spice recipes. Want to see even more? Find them in the Recipe Club filtered for pumpkin right here.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake

This is a wonderful pumpkin recipe that uses my Pumpkin Butter as a key ingredient! This classic coffee cake has been made that much better with brown butter and pumpkin spice. The cake is light and pumpkiny and the streusel topping has a nice spiced crumble to it. It's quick to make and it's perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread

It’s that time of year again—pumpkin everything! I love a good pumpkin bread and this one is made extra special with pecans and maple syrup. It’s super moist so the crunchy cinnamon sugar topping makes a nice contrast to the cake-like bread. Enjoy it fresh or keep it wrapped up for a day or two. It’s the perfect fall flavor.

Pumpkin, Bacon, Cheddar Risotto

I don't know about you, but I love the fall when the air (finally) gets cold and crisp and we see pumpkin sneaking into lots of delicious recipes! Tis’ the season to roll out the comfort food, and this one’s a winner! The flavor is kind of like that yummy potato skin appetizer with the bacon and the cheese but the pumpkin and the risotto bring a whole new level of creamy deliciousness. 

This is one of those recipes your family will ask for again and again and you will be free to enjoy it with them because, like all my recipes, it's low FODMAP! 

I like to serve it with some crisp buttered sourdough toast for a bit of crunch to balance the creamy risotto. A nice green salad would round this out into a perfect weeknight, or any night, dinner.

Better than classic Pumpkin Pie

This version of the classic pumpkin pie is rich and flavorful and low FODMAP too. Baked in my perfect buttery pate brisee pie crust and filled with just the right combination of pumpkin, eggs, cream, and spices to deliver a wonderful flavor every time. Serve with freshly whipped cream for the best combination of flavor, color, and tradition. Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out my post on Navigating a Holiday Feast while on a low FODMAP diet.

Simple Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Make your own pumpkin spice cocktails, ice cream bars, or latte with this delicious pumpkin spice syrup. It’s simple to make and it keeps well in the fridge. So make up a batch and keep some on hand to spice up your holidays!

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Crispy Sage

Another pumpkin recipe to “spice” up your fall. I think adding pumpkin to anything just makes it better—and mac and cheese is no exception! This oh-so-creamy mac and cheese is made all in one pot and you can whip it up in 30 minutes.  And, while it takes on a sophisticated taste with the addition of crispy sage and fresh thyme, don’t be fooled, your kids will love this cheesy, creamy, bowl of goodness. And so will you!

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Bars

Still a little warm where you live? This is a great way to get that pumpkin spice vibe in a cool package. I was born right on top of Thanksgiving and I’ve always attributed that happy connection to my love of all things pumpkin! Particularly pumpkin ice cream! This recipe captures all the scrumptious flavor of pumpkin spice set in the creamiest package you can imagine. If you’re a pumpkin fan, get ready to discover your new favorite pumpkin ice cream treat.

Great Pumpkin Cocktail

I love fall with the crisp air and the smell of fabulous things cooking in the kitchen. This is a wonderful fall cocktail with the flavors of pumpkin spice, maple syrup, and cinnamon. It uses my pumpkin spice butter as a base so make that ahead of time for the best version of this cocktail! (Don’t worry, it’s quick to make.)

Embracing the low FODMAP pumpkin spice season is not only possible but also deliciously enjoyable. With a little creativity and an understanding of your dietary needs, you can savor the flavors of fall without compromising your digestive comfort. So go ahead, indulge in the Pumpkin Streusel Coffee cake, bake my Better Than Classic Pumpkin Pie, or whip up my Great Pumpkin Cocktail – your taste buds and your tummy will thank you for it. Happy autumn!

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ dessert recipes

Chili Lime Chicken Thighs (Low FODMAP)

20 Minutes prep • 15 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Step 1

Tender, tangy, and flavorful, these quick chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite. The lime and the chili blend together for just the right amount of piquant flavor. The buttery pan sauce is delicious—especially if you serve it with some crusty sourdough bread to sop it up! You can easily double or triple this recipe for a crowd. Just be sure the chicken cooks in one layer in the frying pan (which may require multiple batches).

This is an exclusive recipe just for recipe club members.

In addition to the two free recipes I create each week I am creating and delivering one very special recipe just for my recipe club members. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join! Membership in the club includes access to the complete archive of recipes with filters so it can become your virtual low FODMAP cookbook plus, I am creating and delivering one special NEW recipe every week ONLY for recipe club members.

Your membership in the club helps me continue creating new, delicious, easy-to-make, low FODMAP recipes just for you.

As always, all recipes will emphasize simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious low FODMAP results. Recipes will be for everything from main courses, salads, soups, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, sauces, breakfast and lunch, and even mocktails and cocktails. Everything you need to prepare fantastic low FODMAP meals everyone will love.

Join the club. Let’s keep making delicious Low FODMAP meals together.

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ main course recipes

Broccoli Pasta with Crisp Prosciutto and Chicken (Low FODMAP)

20 Minutes prep • 25 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-2

This self-saucing pasta is very creamy and delicious and makes the perfect bed for crispy fried prosciutto and parmesan-crusted chicken. It might sound complicated but it’s really quite easy to make. The prosciutto crisps right up in the frying pan, and then the chicken gets cooked in the same pan, picking up some of the excellent flavor from the prosciutto. This is a perfect one-bowl meal that has a little something for everyone in it: pasta, crunchy chicken, crispy prosciutto, broccoli, and that delicious creamy sauce.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally into 6 pieces

1 cup gluten-free panko or pork panko for low carb version

2 cups grated parmesan

1/2 teaspoon Smoke N Sanity Essence of Onion Salt (Use code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

1/2 teaspoon Smoke N Sanity Essence of Garlic Salt (Use code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

3 tablespoons garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons salted butter

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

12 ounces short-cut gluten-free pasta (I used Delallo Gluten-Free Penne Rigate )

2 cups broccoli tops only, chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh basil, chopped

3/4 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk

2 ounces lactose-free cream cheese, at room temperature

Directions

(1) Prepare: Combine the panko, 3/4 cup parmesan, and the onion and garlic salt in a shallow bowl. Stir with a fork to blend well. Dredge the chicken pieces on both sides through the crumb mixture, pressing to make the panko stick. Set the chicken aside on a plate.

(2) Cook the prosciutto: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto pieces and cook them until they’re crispy, turning after about 2 minutes, and cooking until crisp all over. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Once cooled, break into smaller pieces if the pieces are quite large.

(3) Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chicken. Sear on both sides until golden and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the heat when the chicken is just cooked through.

(4) Make the pasta: In a large pot set over medium heat, melt the butter. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt, the pasta, and the broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes (depending on the pasta you use). Do not drain the water. Stir in the cream, and cream cheese and cook until the cream cheese has melted and the pasta is al dente, about 4-5 minutes more.

(5) Finish: Add the parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the basil and season with salt and pepper.

(6) Plate and serve:  Divide the pasta between plates and top with chicken, prosciutto, and the remaining chopped basil.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ main course recipes

Creamy One-Pan Chicken Tikka Masala with Summer Veggies (Low FODMAP)

10 Minutes prep • 20 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Dairy-free • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Step 1

One pan, 30 minutes and dinner is ready! And, it’s not only quick to make, it’s delicious to eat. Creamy coconut milk is the base for this dairy-free, one-pan, oh-so-delicious Tikka Masala dish. Adding fresh summer veggies at the end of cooking keeps them bright, and flavorful, balancing the rich sauce beautifully. Serve over steamed basmati rice for a complete one-bowl meal the whole family will love. Leftovers heat up nicely so don’t hesitate to make a little more than you need for dinner!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 large leek, green part only, chopped

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

2 tablespoons Smoke N Sanity Tikka Masala Seasoning (use code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups of any combination of cubed: zucchini, bell pepper, summer squash

1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger

2 cups canned coconut milk

1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

3 - 4 cups of steamed rice, divided into 4 bowls, for serving

Directions

(1) Prepare: Cut the chicken into cubes and put in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of garlic-infused olive oil and 1 tablespoon Smoke N Sanity Tikka Masala seasoning. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces with the oil and seasoning mixture. Set aside until ready to cook. If it’s going to be more than 20 minutes, keep it in the refrigerator.

(2) Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the leek greens, and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the cubed chicken, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Tikka Masala seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

(3) Add the vegetables: Add the cubed vegetables and the ginger to the pan and cook another 5 minutes, then pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce. Cook 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.

(4) Plate and serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. If you like, you can serve it with warmed gluten-free naan on the side as well.

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

Recipe note: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt in all my recipes because it has a wonderful flat and crisp flake that tastes delicious. It is also the least salty salt available so you can use it more liberally as a seasoning than you can table salt or sea salt. If you use another type of salt, you may need to reduce the amount so it is not over-salted. 

Have a question you’d like to have answered? Email me at hello@ibsgamechanger.com

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ one-pan recipes

Tips for Navigating the Grocery Store Low FODMAP Style

Figuring out how to navigate a low-FODMAP diet can be challenging on its own. When you add the task of navigating the grocery store to find low-FODMAP foods and ingredients for enjoyable family meals, it can feel overwhelming and discouraging even before you’ve set foot in the store! To simplify this process, I've created a step-by-step guide to assist you in getting through the grocery store and coming out with all the low-FODMAP foods and ingredients you need.

Low FODMAP Grocery Shopping Made Easy

1. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the list of high and low FODMAP foods. You can use the Monash app or the Spoonful app for packaged foods, and you can use my food and shopping lists for easy/quick planning and buying.

2. Plan Your Meals: Before you go shopping, plan your meals and make a shopping list based on my low FODMAP recipes and meal plans. This will help you stay focused and avoid purchasing non-compliant foods.

3. Read Food Labels: When shopping, carefully read food labels for ingredients that are high in FODMAPs. Look out for ingredients like wheat, garlic, onion, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. Avoid foods that contain these ingredients. Use the Spoonful app to scan barcodes and help you quickly assess FODMAP ingredients to watch for.

4. Stick to Whole Foods: The safest way to ensure you're getting low FODMAP ingredients is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, lactose-free dairy, rice, quinoa, and some gluten-free grains like oats are generally safe options.

5. Check for Certified Low FODMAP Products: Some brands now offer certified low FODMAP products. Look for the "Certified Low FODMAP" logo on the packaging, as this indicates that the product has been tested and approved as suitable for a low FODMAP diet. Some examples include Smoke N Sanity seasonings, salsas, and sauces; Fody Foods products, Green Valley and Good lactose-free dairy products, and others.

6. Avoid Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic are common high FODMAP ingredients used in many processed foods and condiments. Instead, look for garlic-infused oils (the oil contains the flavor but not the FODMAPs) or use onion and garlic substitutes like garlic-infused oil or just the green parts of green onions, leeks, and spring onions.

7. Shop the Perimeter: In many grocery stores, the outside aisles of the store are where you'll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other whole foods. These are generally safer choices for a low FODMAP diet than all the processed foods on the inside aisles.

8. Beware of Hidden FODMAPs: Some foods that seem healthy may contain hidden FODMAPs. For example, certain fruits and vegetables in dried or canned forms, some gluten-free products, and certain sauces or marinades can contain high FODMAP ingredients.

9. Experiment and Keep a Food Diary: Everyone's tolerance to FODMAPs is different. After shopping for low FODMAP ingredients, be prepared to experiment with portion sizes and combinations of foods to determine what works best for your individual needs. Keeping a food diary can be helpful for tracking your symptoms and identifying trigger foods. The shopping lists linked in this article are excerpted from the journal I provide my coaching clients to track not only food and drink, but also exercise, stress level, bowel movements, and more.

Remember that while a low FODMAP diet can be beneficial for managing IBS symptoms, there’s more to it than that. Working with a healthcare professional who specializes in gastrointestinal health can be a real game changer. That’s why I created my 8-week program to provide just the right amount of guidance, education, and support to go from unpredictable and uncomfortable to predictable, comfortable, and in the driver’s seat! Take a look at the program here and read some of the success stories from program graduates.

Link note: This post may contain affiliate links for you to easily purchase items that are linked. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases but none of this costs you a thing so feel free to use the links! In addition, for some items, I have provided a special discount code for IBS Game Changers so be sure to use the code when you purchase an item to get the discount that has been arranged just for you.

More Deliciously Low FODMAP™ Tips and Tools