April is IBS Awareness Month – and if you’re reading this, chances are IBS has touched your life in some way. Maybe it’s your diagnosis, your child’s symptoms, or the confusing world of digestive issues that never seem to add up.
The impact of having a family member with a diagnosis of IBS is huge it means that as a family we have had to adapt the way we eat, plan, and even think about food. Today, I want to share a little of our story — and 5 things I wish I’d known at the beginning.
Our Story….
In the summer of 2017, my husband was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Alongside his medication, he was advised to follow a Low FODMAP diet — but we were sent home with nothing more than a one-page fact sheet.
We were completely confused.
I was juggling the normal madness of family life, work, poorly husband, school, clubs, shopping, cleaning, making dinners, the list goes on… and now I had to figure out how to cook meals that worked for everyone — without spending hours in the kitchen making separate dishes.
That’s when it hit me: this was really hard — and there were very few resources out there for families trying to make Low FODMAP work in real life.
So I started experimenting. Testing recipes. Learning from mistakes. And slowly, our kitchen became a place of confidence and calm again — even with IBS and IBD in the mix.
The good news: it is possible to live well with IBS. You just need a little help (and a freezer full of ready to go meals).
5 Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner
1. IBS is real – and common
You are not imagining it. IBS affects around 1 in 10 people, and women are more likely to experience it. It’s not “just in your head” – and you deserve support.
2. Food isn’t the enemy – it’s the clue
IBS symptoms can feel unpredictable, but tracking your meals and symptoms is so helpful. Our free Food & Symptom Tracker made a massive difference. https://fodmapfamilykitchen.myflodesk.com/o1fo7xcgql
3. The Low FODMAP diet is a tool, not a forever plan
You don’t have to stay in elimination mode forever. FODMAP is meant to help you identify your triggers – and then slowly build confidence and flexibility.
4. Your whole family doesn’t need to eat bland food
I used to make separate meals. Not anymore! Now we eat flavourful, family-friendly FODMAP meals everyone enjoys (without onion or garlic!). Check out some recipe ideas Recipe Search
5. You are not alone
If you’re in that early “what do I even cook?!” phase, I promise — it gets easier. You don’t have to do it alone. That’s why I started this blog.
IBS might shape how you eat — but it doesn’t have to rule your kitchen. This month, I’ll be sharing more tools, recipes, and encouragement to help your family feel good around food again.
