Interview with Low FODMAP and Gluten-Free Food Blogger, Becky Saunders

We got in touch with one of our biggest fans, Becky Saunders aka fittiefodmapldn, to find out all about her love for booch, her struggles with IBS and the FODMAP diet. Becky tells us about how the FODMAP diet has helped her feel a lot better since being diagnosed with IBS and the benefits she’s felt from drinking a daily Kombucha too!

1. When did you first start food blogging and what inspired you to start?

I started food blogging in August 2017. I started my blog because I wanted to help other people on the FODMAP diet. When I started the FODMAP diet in the summer of 2014, I struggled for over a year, andI didn’t want anyone else to go through this. I hope that I help other people to eat out safely, and with confidence.

2. How long have you been gluten-free and what were/are your reasons for doing so?

I have been gluten-free since the summer of 2014. I took gluten out of my diet,

as part of the FODMAP diet (the elimination stage). I went through many tests with a specialist at the hospital before I was diagnosed with IBS and put on the FODMAP diet. Please do not start the FODMAP diet without any medical advice. After the elimination stage, I tried to add gluten back into my diet but my stomach couldn’t cope with it, and I have been gluten-free ever since.

3. Have you noticed any benefits in the way that you feel since starting the FODMAP diet? (energy, better digestion etc)

Before being diagnosed with IBS, I was feeling constantly sick, and would get really bad stomach pains, especially in the evening. So being on the FODMAP diet as a whole, made me feel a lot better, as I stopped feeling sick and was able to live a more ‘normal’ life.

4. What tips would you give someone looking to overhaul their diet or go gluten-free?

Obviously, I would say go check out my blog www.fittiefodmapldn.com and generally do your research online, there are some great gluten-free bloggers out there who can help you. Also, there are lots of good gluten-free bits outside of the Free From aisle in supermarkets, such as crisps and popcorn (which are usually gluten-free).

5. What do you like most about food blogging?

I love being able to help other people who are on a FODMAP diet (or gluten- free), and also searching out new products and restaurants to eat in.

6. What do you do to keep fit? What is your favourite type of exercise?

I workout 5 to 6 times a week and I love it! Up until April of this year (2019), I would have said hands down my favourite workout was weights but I have found a new love of running this year. I even completed a half marathon in October. So my two favourite workouts are weights and running.

7. When did you first come across Equinox Kombucha?

I first spotted Equinox Kombucha in Wholefoods, and then started following the brand on Instagram, and my love affair began there!

8. What do you like about it? Have you noticed any benefits?

I love all the flavours – they all have a great taste. I have noticed benefits from drinking kombucha daily – I do believe it helps with my IBS, and my digestive system.

9. What is your favourite flavour and why?

Pink Grapefruit and Guava – hands down!! I just love it!! It’s so refreshing and not too sweet.

10. What’s your favourite time of day to enjoy an Equinox Kombucha?

To be honest, any time of the day! Especially with meals, lunch and dinner, or snacks whilst watching a movie.