Sharabelle bakes

I was diagnosed with IBS over 20 years ago.  I was in my early 20's I didn't realise at the time how much my life was going to change.  All I got was a leaflet from my Doctor and advice on keeping a food diary to find my triggers.  As Ive gotten older the symptoms have gotten worse, another bit of information they don't tell you in the beginning.  I've done a lot of research over the years and know how confusing it can be to work out why your symptoms have triggered.  So I've tried to come up with an easy guide to simplify the advice that I have found helpful.   1. EMERGENCY SUPPLIES Always have a bottle of water and an emergency snack with you.  So the next time there's a traffic Jam or you can't find any where to eat, your are already prepared.  I also carry Peppermint tea bags with me, a bit strange I know.  However not everyone has herbal tea bags, and I don't want my friends to feel bad if they don't have any. Healthy snacks -...

The way I eat has changed since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  I just don't have the energy to cook the same way that I used too.  I would make all my meals from scratch and cook one freeze one for another day.   My blog should really be changed too Sharabelle doesn't bake anymore.  Due to the chronic fatigue I've had to adapt my cooking habits, sometimes I get to the point when I don't want to eat.  My hands also occasionally shake, making chopping vegetables a nightmare.   Adapt So I've changed the type of food I buy and how I shop.  I buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh.   I still like to shop around for the best prices.  I also now shop every few days, instead of doing one large shop.  It's easier for me to carry, and gets me out every day for a short walk.  Which is great for both my mental and physical health.   Shopping List  Morrisons Nairns fine oatcakes - £1.00 Rice Dre...

WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU First thing to remember is that we are all individuals.  In personality as well as our bodies. No matter what well meaning advice you get from friends and family.  Or that you might learn from your own research, it doesn't work for everyone.  It's good to try it if you think it's appropriate or suggested by your Doctor.  Just don't be disheartened if it doesn't work for you. I was diagnosed over 20 years ago and I'm still learning, I thought it might be helpful to pass on some information that they don't always tell you in the Doctors office.   1. GAS Yeah the stuff we laugh about as kids.  Pumping too much or as I like to call it, releasing a gaseous substance.   (Just sounds more lady like) Is a sign that your IBS is about to flare up.  It's the reason certain vegetables are listed as ones to avoid.  If your keeping a food diary you'll soon figure out which ones they are. For me these are mo...

IBS - Food intolerances   Iv not blogged for a while, mainly because my IBS has not been that great.  I can't get my normal medication as there's a problem with the manufacturer.  The substitute they gave me isn't working.  I am limited in what I can take, since my form of IBS means I'm really intolerant too Dairy products.  I didn't discover till last year that most pills are bulked out with lactose.  I never imagined there would be enough to set of my IBS, unfortunately there was. Why keep a food diary? -   Iv had IBS for nearly 20 years now, I didn't know what was wrong.  All I could tell the Doctor was that something wasn't right.  Id never heard of IBS before, the only reason I know I'm intolerant to Dairy and dairy products was by keeping a food diary. Now 20 years on it's still the best method I know for working out which foods set of your IBS.  Ever one is different, sometimes its one food group ...

I had a slice of homemade Birthday cake yesterday, one that I didn't have to make myself.  I hadn't been able to do that in over a year.  Mum and I went round to my brothers, because the kids had arranged a little party for their dads birthday.  Homemade birthday sign, party food and birthday cake.  It also involved Gangnam Style from 3 year old nephew.    My niece has recently also had to give up dairy.  Her mum had baked a Dairy free birthday cake for her dad  so she would be able to eat it as well.   I know the trouble iv gone through living with a food intolerance, It must be ten times worse for a kid when there too young to understand.  All they will know is that there different.  Kids just want to be able to eat the same things as there family and friends.   I think it was a great idea of her mum.  I know I loved being able to eat the same as everyone else xx  

When ever people find out about my food intolerance's I'm always asked the same question.... What do you eat????? They think there's nothing left once you take Meat, poultry, dairy and yeast off the menu.  What's left?  Well alot.... My weekly grocery shop includes eggs, fish, veggies, fruit and non dairy alternatives. Along with this I make my own yeast free Soda bread, biscuits, muffins and scones.  Living with IBS doesn't mean that food has to be expensive or boring.   Dairy free alternatives do cost more compared too full dairy, but the cost of my weekly shop has still gone down.  As for boring, well I let you make up your own mind. Thursday Breakfast -Dairy free porridge, served with chopped peaches and a tablespoon of plain soya yogurt Morning break -Toasted Pumpkin soda Bread with honey Lunch -Homemade carrot and coriander soup -Small salad with potato and cuc...