Craving Food Freedom Blog Post After Going Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP ... Now What

After going gluten-free, Low FODMAP … Now What

After years of being gluten-free for health purposes or having followed a low-FODMAP diet, what is the middle ground between using food as medicine and living a fulfilling life? How does one not feel restricted while striving for ultimate health?

From an intuitive eating standpoint, all food is good food. When all foods are allowed, then no food has power or control. Once all foods stand neutral in one’s mind, then feelings of guilt and shame dissipate. That is a lovely place to be with food.

From a functional nutrition standpoint, we know that food can be used as a functional tool to heal. For example, we know that those with autoimmune conditions (i.e. celiac, crohn’s, hashimoto’s, grave’s, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, etc) would benefit from reducing gluten, grains/beans, sugar, dairy to reduce internal inflammation and reactivity.

The issue is when we develop a fear towards these foods. Sure, to achieve ultimate health and wellness, it would be wise for all of us to focus on nutrient-dense foods most of the time. But when an underlying condition is involved, especially those without discrete physical reactions to certain foods, the approach to food becomes more unclear.

As a dietitian & health coach, I see people who struggle with emotional eating AND have an underlying condition where food can be used as a tool. Do I ask people to stop wine, cheese, and bread? No and yes. Life remains all the more enriching when we can share good (sometimes gluten- and sugar-containing) foods with friends and family. When there is an autoimmune or chronic health condition on the line, we can only make informed decisions for ourselves based on the available science and using our own bodies as a gauge.

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