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IBS is hard! Throw that together with tackling a low FODMAP diet whilst eating mainly plants and it's enough to give anyone the stress squirts! In these few pages, I've crammed in as much detail and resources as I can to help give you the best possible start on your own IBS journey. Ready when you are, off we go…

Jump to:
  • Diagnosing IBS
  • I Have IBS... What Next?
  • Low FODMAP Diet Basics
  • Low FODMAP Elimination Phase
  • Low FODMAP Reintroduction Phase
  • Low FODMAP Personalised Phase
  • Starting the Low FODMAP Diet
  • IBS Tips
  • Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
  • Browse the Latest Recipes
  • Eat...
  • Sleep...
  • Poop...
  • Repeat!

Diagnosing IBS

Here's a collection of our most popular posts on diagnosing IBS. Follow the arrow below to see everything we think you need to know about getting diagnosed...

  • I think I have IBS clickable link.
    I think I have IBS
  • What is Rome criteria clickable link.
    What is the Rome IV criteria?
  • What IBS tests will I need clickable link.
    What IBS tests will I need?
  • Different types of IBS clickable image.
    The different types of IBS

Learn more about diagnosing IBS →


I Have IBS... What Next?

Your doctor says it's IBS but you're not sure what to do next, we've got you covered...

  • It's only IBS clickable image.
    "It's only IBS!"
  • Identify your IBS triggers clickable image.
    Identify your IBS triggers
  • Things to try before a fodmap diet clickable image.
    Things to try before a FODMAP diet
  • Keeping a symptom diary clickable image.
    Keeping a symptom diary

Low FODMAP Diet Basics

Understanding the low FODMAP diet can seem confusing and overwhelming but it could hold the key to helping you to feel more in control of your IBS symptoms. Here are all the questions you didn't know to ask...

  • How are fodmaps tested clickable image.
    How are FODMAPs measured and tested?
  • What are fodmaps clickable image.
    What are FODMAPs?
  • What happens when we eat fodmaps clickable image.
    What happens when we eat FODMAPs?
  • Which foods contain fodmaps clickable image.
    Which foods contain FODMAPs?

Explore low FODMAP diet basics →


Low FODMAP Elimination Phase

The low FODMAP elimination phase is the most restrictive part of the whole diet. We know all too well how juggling FODMAPs and daily life can feel like a rollercoaster at times. Our guides help to break it down for you step by step. Let's get started...

  • A graph of interconnecting meals, drinks and snacks. Text reads, fodmap stacking.
    How to avoid FODMAP stacking
  • Elimination phase explained clickable image.
    Elimination phase explained
  • Are you sensitive to fodmaps clickable image.
    Are you sensitive to FODMAPs
  • Managing low fodmap expectations clickable image.
    Managing low FODMAP expectations

Learn more about low FODMAP elimination phase →


Low FODMAP Reintroduction Phase

Low FODMAP reintroduction is also known as the challenge phase. From personal experience, I can tell you that the challenge phase of a low FODMAP diet definitely lives up to its name! Let us help you navigate the ups and downs as you rise to the challenge...

  • Reintroduction phase explained clickable link.
    Reintroduction phase explained
  • fodmap challenge foods clickable image.
    Which food should I use for my FODMAP challenges?
  • fodmap challenge portion basics clickable image.
    FODMAP challenge portions basics
  • How to space your fodmap challenges clickable link.
    How to space your FODMAP challenges

Learn more about low FODMAP reintroduction phase →


Low FODMAP Personalised Phase

During the low FODMAP personalised phase, YOUR version of the personalised phase will look entirely different from mine, and that's a good thing. Discover why...

  • Personalised phase explained clickable image.
    Personalised phase explained
  • Do I need to do personalised phase clickable image.
    Do I need to do the personalised phase?
  • How long does personalised phase last clickable image.
    How long does the personalised phase last?
  • Is the low fodmap diet for life clickable image.
    Is the low FODMAP diet for life?

Learn more about low FODMAP personalised phase →


Starting the Low FODMAP Diet

Here's everything I wish I'd known about starting the low FODMAP diet when I began my journey. From 2017 - today, here's what I learned the hard way...

  • Do I need the Monash fodmap app clickable image.
    Do I need the Monash App?
  • Understanding the Monash fodmap app clickable image.
    Understanding the Monash FODMAP App
  • How to avoid restrictive mindset clickable image.
    How to avoid a restrictive mindset
  • Stocking a low fodmap kitchen clickable image.
    Stocking a low FODMAP kitchen

Everything you need to know when starting the low FODMAP diet →


IBS Tips

Sharing is caring. Here's a selection of my top tips and ways I've found helpful for living and coping with IBS...

  • An open sachet of fodzyme bearing the words sprinkle to make food painless in front of a stacked vegan chicken BLT sandwich.
    Freedom from FODMAPs: FODZYME Review 2023
  • Slices of tropical fruit on a pink background. Text reads 5 things I wish I'd had in 2015.
    5 Low FODMAP Resources for Veganuary
  • A tablescape of fruit salads with yoghurt and muesli on a blue background. text reads, 12 a day keeps the doctor away.
    The IBS Daily Dozen
  • A vibrant pecan nut salad on a stack of green plates. Text reads, eat plants without pooping your pants.
    Veganuary for IBS Sufferers

More IBS tips coming soon→


Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

Do you want to tackle the symptoms of your IBS but dread the idea of a restrictive diet? Gut-directed hypnotherapy might just be the answer...

  • Close up of rainbow of light falling diagonally across iris of an open eye.
    Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS
  • Side by side of the irritable vegan (she/her) listening to Nerva app and scrolling through fodmap app with gut and brain symbol in centre
    Nerva App or Low FODMAP Diet Review
  • Wood apothecary table filled with antique glass bottles, jars and tins of herbs, spices and medicines.
    Week 1 Review of Nerva Hypnotherapy App
  • The irritable vegan (she/her) peeking through centre of watermelon print rubber ring.
    Full Review of Nerva App for IBS

My experience & full 6 week reviews of gut-directed hypnotherapy →


Browse the Latest Recipes

These gut-friendly recipes come with detailed FODMAP tips and servings. Every recipe is vegan and most have gluten-free options. Each one is perfect for getting you to eat more plants and poop right. Enjoy!

  • Close up of glistening chocolate chips on buttered french toast.
    Chocolate Chip French Toast (Egg & Dairy Free)
  • A red ceramic dish filled to the top with hearty, smoked tempeh chilli and topped with a generous dollop of melted dark chocolate.
    Vegan Chocolate Chilli - Low FODMAP
  • Close up of a white, ceramic, pumpkin shaped mug full of golden coloured pumpkin fondue sauce.
    Vegan Pumpkin Fondue for a Party
  • White ceramic bowl of low fodmap pickle soup garnished with fresh herbs, yoghurt swirls and pickle slices.
    Low FODMAP Pickle Soup Recipe
  • Marinated tempeh rib being lifted from a thick, sticky bowl of barbeque sauce as the sauce drips back into the bowl.
    Homemade Low FODMAP BBQ Sauce
  • Close-up view of a vibrant, sliced red radish and green olive salad on a white rectangular plate. The salad is garnished with optional pea shoots, adding a touch of green freshness to the dish.
    Simple Radish and Olive Summer Salad
  • Creamy potato salad topped with chopped bacon and a baked soft pretzel.
    Creamy Low FODMAP Potato Salad
  • Corn and tempeh bbq ribs plated with potato slaw on a bed of rocket with a squeezed lime on the side.
    Viral corn ribs but make it low FODMAP

Browse more recipes →

Digital mock-up of the journals front cover displayed on a digital tablet.

Eat...

Sleep...

Poop...

Repeat!

Sound familiar? If this is how your gut makes you feel then this 6-week IBS journal is for you.

The irritable vegan, she/her, standing in from of a wood pallet wall, making eye contact with the camera and smiling over the top of a pumpkin shaped mug of mocha hot chocolate.

Hi, I'm Michelle, The Irritable Vegan.

After a lifetime of suffering from IBS-D, I know exactly how it feels to want to thrive, instead of merely survive!

Stick with me and we'll take it one step, one day, one meal at a time.

About me →

SUBSCRIBE

Digital mock-up of the journals front cover displayed on a digital tablet.

FODZYME discount code

Clickable link showing a plate of food, seperated down the centre with plain white rice on the right and a balanced, appetising meal on the left besides a sachet of fodzyme. Text reads minimum impact on taste, maximum impact on life.
Use code THEIRRITABLEVEGAN for 15% off your 1st order or subscription of FODZYME
(Affiliate link)

Nerva discount code

IBS? Take control with nerva in 30 mins a day. Photo grid showing the irritable vegan interacting with the Nerva app.
Get 10% off your gut-directed hypnotherapy program with Nerva
(Affiliate link)

Field Doctor discount code

Clickable affiliate link to purchase field doctor, low fodmap, ready made meals.
Use code theirritablevegan for 20% off your 1st two orders or a subscription of Monash-certified, low FODMAP, ready meals & meal plans
(Affiliate link)

Breath Testing Kit

Clickable discount link to purchase a FoodMarble intolerance breath testing device.
Food Intolerances? IBS? SIBO?
Take the guesswork out of eating.
Use code IRRIVG for 15% off your purchase of a digestive tracker.
(Affiliate link)

Clickable affiliate link to fodmarket low fodmap online supermarket.
UK Low FODMAP shoppers
Use code IRRIVEGAN10 for 10% off your 1st order of specialist low FODMAP food & brands
(Affiliate link)

Clickable link to fodcorner online shop shows the fodcorner logo white text within a brush stroke circle on a blue background.
Low FODMAP shoppers in Europe
Use code THEIRRITABLEVEGAN
for 10% off your 1st order
(Affiliate link)

Clickable link to fodshop online store. Fodshop logo text reads tummy friendly foods online.
Australian Low FODMAP shoppers
(Affiliate link)

Clickable affiliate link to the wild gut project online course.
Ultimate low FODMAP online course to guide you through each phase of the diet. The only one of its kind for vegans, vegetarians and plant-based eaters.
(Affiliate link)

A pair of black, Wuka brand period pants being stretched by 3 pairs of hands in 3 directions to demonstrate the fabrics stretch technology.
WUKA Seamless Stretch period/postpartum/incontinence wear in sizes XXS-6XL
(Affiliate Link)

Clickable affiliate link showing pastel coloured infographic listing benefits of hosting your blog with Lyrical Host.
Clickable affiliate link for 10% off any hosting plan with Lyrical Host.
10% off any plan with the hosts with the most.
Use code irritable10 at checkout
(Affiliate link)

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Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

We use affiliate links for brands and services we know, like and trust. Qualifying purchases through these links will generate a financial commission for The Irritable Vegan. The price you pay remains the same, and your statutory rights are unaffected. We thank you for supporting our hard work in this small but effective way. Your contribution helps to keep the bulk of our content forever free for those who need it.

Please be aware that these resources are for your information only. They do not replace the experience of a qualified dietitian. The Irritable Vegan is not a medical professional. As a fellow IBS sufferer, she presents biased opinions based on her experiences. We aim to simplify freely available research and information as a starting point for your unique journey. You should seek a clinical diagnosis of IBS and consult your healthcare team for personalised advice specific to your condition. Please do this before changing your diet, lifestyle or medication. The low FODMAP diet is not intended for weight loss or calorie restriction. It is a clinically approved diet for the treatment of IBS in medically diagnosed sufferers, where other first-line treatments have proved ineffective. You are not advised to undertake a low FODMAP diet without direct supervision from a FODMAP-trained dietitian. The restrictive phase of the low FODMAP diet should generally only be followed for a maximum of 6 weeks. Your personal timeframe for completing the diet will need to be tailored to meet your medical and nutritional needs. A FODMAP-trained dietitian should assess and monitor this to avoid the risk of nutritional deficiencies and disordered eating. The Irritable Vegan accepts no liabilities for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this website or information contained herein. Access to and use of this website and its information is at the risk of the user.