Hey there!
I’m Stephanie – born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, I am a marketer by trade and a food lover and blogger by heart. This is my blog, Friendly Little Kitchen (or FLK), a special place to share the love and joys of food, where I hope you may be inspired.
At the end of 2011 I was diagnosed with fructose malabsorption and lactose intolerance. I committed to cut gluten, lactose and excess fructose from my diet to get my health back on track, which included following the ‘low FODMAP‘ diet. At the time it felt like my world was completely turned upside down. I didn’t know what to do, where to start, and was forced back to basics in the kitchen – think white rice, carrot sticks and shake’n’bake desserts – the horror! It was overwhelming to say the least.
With food being at the centre of everything I do in life, I was really uncertain to how this restricted diet would pan out. It was definitely a challenge to begin with, but with the support of those around me – Robbie, my family and friends – I was able to stick with it. It took time but after feeling the amazingly positive effects of this new approach to eating, I have been able to live a healthier life.
It has now been quite a few years that I have been following somewhat of a low FODMAP diet, and I have since been able to reintroduce a few FODMAPs back into my diet (insert happy dance)!! One day, I’ll hopefully be able to eat them all ;)
This was all really the catalyst to create FLK back in 2012, and to start blogging and sharing my story. Friendly Little Kitchen is a place you’ll find food, recipes and the odd rant about living with intolerances. I hope to inspire you with simple cooking ideas, with gluten free, dairy free, healthy and FODMAP friendly alternatives, great Melbourne restaurant finds and my love of all of the above.
I like cooking simple, rustic and balanced meals, experimenting with natural and organic ingredients, and I especially love baking sweet treats. I hope you enjoy exploring FLK as much I enjoy creating it.
Much love,
Steph
I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact me with comments and questions at friendlylittlekitchen@gmail.com. You can also find me here on social media Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin.
I was recently diagnosed with fructose intolerance, I tried to follow the fodmap diet! I’m really having trouble figuring out what agrees with me and doesn’t. I appreciate any help you would be willing to give me. I’ve also taken gluten and most dairy out of my diet as well.
Thanks
Jamie
Thanks for stopping by Jamie. It’s not an easy one that’s for sure and it does take a lot of time to figure out – so you’re not alone. Often a strict FODMAP diet is recommended for 6 weeks, followed by slow reintroductions of certain foods. The best people I would say to help you with that (and healing your gut, depending on what’s causing your intolerance) are nutritionists, dietitians or naturopaths. There are also some great support groups on facebook that I find are really helpful for information and asking questions :) here is one to start https://www.facebook.com/groups/FMSGVIC/
Happy to help more if you have any questions!
Steph