Trying Something New

I’ve been on this FODMAP journey for a few years now, since the end of 2013.  I followed the Stanford University FODMAP plan, completing the full elimination diet before testing what could be added back in. Since that time, I have felt an incredible improvement in how I feel based on what I eat. There have been many days, though, where I would start the day feeling great and as the day went on my stomach would begin to expand and feel uncomfortable, despite not eating anything outside of my normal FODMAP diet.

So, I decided to make a few additional changes to my diet – a combination of some of the Blue Zone guidelines and avoiding inflammation that can be caused by meat.  I’ve completely removed dairy again as well – so we will see how I do without mozzarella for my pizza : (

I’d love to know how you all are doing with the FODMAP diet and what changes you have made as time has gone on with the diet.

This has nothing to do with my new food plans, but this guy is so adorable 🙂

Low-FODMAP Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients

1 medium Italian eggplant, stemmed, peeled, and sliced into 1/4 in. rounds

1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 in. thick strips

1 medium yellow summer squash, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 in. thick strips

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 tbsp. salt

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for baking pan

1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces

1 clove garlic

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Directions

Spread the eggplant slices, zucchini strips, and squash strips on paper towels on your work surface; sprinkle with half of the salt. Turn the vegetables and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then rinse the vegetables and pat dry with fresh paper towels.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the inside of a 9-inch square baking dish.

Warm the remaining olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper, cooking until soft and fragrant.  Remove the onion and garlic.

Stir in the tomatoes and  basil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, until the consistency of a thick sauce, about 15 minutes, stirring often.

Spread half the tomato sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with even layers of the eggplant rounds, zucchini strips, and summer squash in that order. Spread the remaining tomato sauce on top.

Bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Practicing for London

 

If you follow me on Instagram (@FODMom), you know how much we love the beach.  The beaches in Queens are pretty good, but what moves the Rockaways up a few notches in my book is Caracas Arepa Bar – on the beach, with delicious ciders and Jenga!

 

We are taking our first summer trip away from the sun and beach.  Usually this time of year we head to California or down the shore in Jersey to soak up some sun and make the most of summer.  This year we are taking a different approach and heading to London!  In preparation, I have been practicing some fish and chips recipes to get us in the mood.  We have a great line up of restaurants, so check in with us this week on Instagram.

Gluten free fish and chips is not that easy to come by, but I did come up with a great recipe at home to satisfy the craving for fried fish!

Gluten Free Parmesan Breaded Fish   

Gluten Free Parmesan Fried Fish

Ingredients

4 skinless fillets of firm white fish

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 lemon – zest and juice

2 tbsp Garlic infused olive oil 

1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs (made from scratch is best – use food processor to combine gluten free bread, basil, oregano and salt) 

1 cup gluten free flour 

1 egg 

Directions

Heat a skillet on medium heat and add garlic infused olive oil, heating well

Mix the gluten free breadcrumbs with the lemon zest and parmesan cheese

Whisk the egg in a bowl and place near the flour and breadcrumb mixtures

Dip each fillet into the flour, followed by egg, followed by breadcrumbs and place into the skillet

Heat the fish until cooked through, flipping over as needed as it cooks

Serve with lemon juice or lemon wedges as needed

 

I served this one with a side of kale, carrots and radishes, because having radishes is always better than not having radishes.

 

My Best Beach Bud – May 9, 2016

In case you have missed this about me, I will tell you – I love the beach.  Absolutely adore it.  Winter, spring, summer and fall – all you have to do is call.  No, but really…it has this strange power of me.  It is also the only place where I can truly relax.

 

And, lucky me, I got a little one who loves the beach as much as I do!! 🙂 Matt and I will take any opportunity to get close to the water.  A few weeks back we went to a picnic with some friends out at the beach in the Rockaways.  We had the best kite-flying weather I have ever seen, and a great day of sun, sand and friends!  I also made some yummy cookies (see recipe below) for the day.

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And now on to the fun snacks!

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Gluten-free Chocolate Chip and Coconut Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/4 cups gluten-free flour (I use Bob’s 1:1)
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups flaked coconut (unsweetened)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Place foil down on a cookie sheet or lightly coat with extra coconut oil to prevent sticking. 

In a large bowl, beat together the coconut oil, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs one at a time.  Stir in vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium-sized bowl.  Slowly stir into the liquid mixture.  Fold in the chocolate chips and coconut.

Spoon cookie dough onto the cookie sheet.  Bake for 7 – 9 minutes.  Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for several minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.

The recipe will make about 25 – 30 cookies depending on size.  Let me know how you like them!

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