FODMAP Diet Week 4 – Travel . . . .

Week 4 of my FODMAP diet was out of my control because I was on vacation. Beforehand, I knew it would be a challenge and it was, but not bad.

Travel day was difficult, having a flight departing at 5:15 am is not a pleasant experience, but at least we had a layover where I could eat breakfast in order to take my meds. I thought buying a plain bagel, banana, and a bottle of water from Yogiberry would be safe. But right after eating, I went to the bathroom several times and had stomach pains that I have not had in months. I requested a plain bagel with butter and they provided me with the butter packets, so I assumed it was safe but maybe my symptoms were more UC related than my diet. Either way, it was the best option in the airport.

Once we arrived at the hotel it was lunch time and I was starving. Thankfully my vacation was in San Diego and seafood is everywhere. For lunch I ordered Cioppiono Seafood Stew, absolutely delicious! Cioppiono is a tomato broth stew with shrimp, white fish, mussels, squid, and any other type of seafood. I did not have visible onions in my stew but I’m pretty sure onion and garlic seasoning was used, and honestly I didn’t care in the moment lol  The only negative was that it was served with garlic toast which smelled wonderful!! but I did not touch, just pushed it to the side. I had no tummywoes from this meal.

For dinner I had chicken fajitas with corn tortillas, refried beans, and rice, I avoided the beans.

Our hotel provided a complimentary hot breakfast every morning and since there were not many options, I had the same meal everyday. Whatever cooked meat (ham was my preference), scrambled eggs that had no seasoning, and a bowl of regular instant oatmeal with a glass of water. I purposely ate this meal at least two hours before we were out for the day just in case I would have any stomach issues. Surprisingly I did not, and it was a good meal to start a very active day.

In regards to snacks I bought plain almonds, blue corn tortilla chips, organic granola chocolate chip bars, and drink lots of water.

One of my biggest fears was visiting tourist attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and figuring out what can I eat that will not bother my stomach when I will only have access to public restrooms. Sea World was significantly better  in providing healthy and allergy free  food options.  At Sea World we ate at the Shipwreck Reef Cafe, there were many signs stating how items were gluten, nut, and soy free. So I ate happily by ordering lemon thyme rotisserie chicken with baked potato chips and a cup of fresh strawberries for desert. I had no tummy issues all day, it was great!

In regards to my meals for the remainder of my vacation, if fish was an option I ordered it.  Also, it was great to see almost every restaurant had a gluten-free menu, like the gluten-free pork ribs I ordered below 😉 lol

Overall, my vacation wasn’t bad in the eating department.  I felt like I always had options and I allowed myself to cheat if needed. The one thing I learned is that eating in an airport is difficult because options are so limited, I highly recommend eating a meal before going to the airport.

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