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Does Portion Size Matter on the Low FODMAP Diet?

Last updated on May 11th, 2017 Authored by Alana Scott     Reviewed by Kate Watson (RD)
Strawberries in measuring cup showing low FODMAP portion control

Why is portion control so important on the Low FODMAP diet?

Portion sizes are crucial to getting good symptom control while on the low FODMAP diet. Just because a food is classed as low FODMAP it doesn’t mean you can eat unlimited quantities. Also some high FODMAP foods are safe in small portion sizes. The goal of the low FODMAP diet is to reduce the overall level of FODMAPs to help you gain good symptom control, and it is not a FODMAP free diet (1).

 

Where do you find information on low FODMAP portion sizes?

The Monash University Low FODMAP app or Monash University Low FODMAP booklet, both contain up-to-date lists of low FODMAP foods, and recommended safe serving sizes.

The recommended serving sizes are a great place to start. Just remember that every person has a different tolerance levels to FODMAPs, which may mean you can tolerate a little bit more or less than the recommended serving size (1 2). You will need to find your own tolerance levels.

 

How do you use the traffic light system in the Monash University app?

The Monash University app organises foods by a traffic light system, based on the FODMAP levels for a typical serving size of that food per meal (1). Green is low FODMAP, orange is moderate FODMAP, and red is high FODMAP (1). You need to click on each food in the app to find out what the recommended serving size is. Make sure you read the notes under the suggested serving size, as some low FODMAP foods become high FODMAP if you go over the recommended portion (1). It is also important to explore red rated foods as some of them do have a smaller low FODMAP serving size (1).

For example:

Sweet potatoes are high FODMAP if you have 3/4 cup (112g). However a smaller serving of ½ cup or ( 75g) is considered low FODMAP (3).

Quick oats are only low FODMAP at a ¼ cup portion (dry measurement before cooking). If you consume a ½ cup portion (dry measurement before cooking) then you will consume moderate levels of FODMAPs (3).

Broccoli is considered low FODMAP at  ½ cup to 1 cup serves depending on which part of the broccoli you are eating. However notes in the app tell us that larger serves can become high FODMAP (3).

While in the low FODMAP phase of the diet, it is recommended that you avoid red rated serving sizes of foods, limit orange rated serves, and focus on eating mainly green rated serving sizes and foods (1).

 

How many different low FODMAP foods can you have in each meal?

The low FODMAP recommended serving sizes have been developed based on typical serving sizes of that particular food per meal (1). This means you can eat a number of different green rated foods per meal, just make sure you stick to the recommended serving sizes (1). So if you are feeling hungry, add another green rated vegetable to your meal. I recommend weighing your low FODMAP vegetables and fruit before cooking, to make sure you are staying within the recommended serving sizes.

If you want to eat more than the recommended serving size for a low FODMAP food then you need to check the additional information provided with each food listing. Some low FODMAP foods will become high FODMAP at larger serving sizes, while others will remain safe to eat in bigger serves (1 2).

For example, registered dietitian Kate Scarlata recommends adding a few more bites of rice or white potatoes if you are feeling hungry as these foods are very low FODMAP (2).

 

Can you eat the same food multiple times in a day?

Providing you stick to the recommended low FODMAP serving size and leave a few hours between each serve, you should be okay to eat the same food a couple of times a day (2).

Are you ready to take control of your gut symptoms?

YES I WANT TOO!

No thanks, my gut is perfect.

Do meats and other sources of protein contain FODMAPs?

Chicken, fish, red meat, and eggs are protein based foods that are FODMAP free (2 3). This means if you are feeling especially hungry you can eat slightly larger portions of these naturally FODMAP free foods (2).

 

What are the portion control rules around fruit?

According to Dr. Sue Shepherd (the creator of the low FODMAP diet), you should not eat more than one serve of ‘suitable’ fruits per meal or sitting (4). One serve normally equals about one metric cup of cut up fruit, or one whole piece of fruit, such as one medium banana or medium orange (3 4). You can enjoy several serves of fruit per day as you like – but leave two to three hours between each serve (4).

 

Final Thoughts

The Monash University Low FODMAP app is a great resource for low FODMAP serving sizes. Make sure you explore each food to find the recommended serving. You can eat multiple green rated foods for each meal and you can repeat the same foods through out the day. If you are repeating foods leave a few hours in between each serve. When it comes to fruit, remember to have one serve at a time and leave 2 to 3 hours between each serve. If you need guidance make sure you consult a FODMAP trained dietitian to help you find your tolerance levels. For more helpful tips you can follow us on Facebook or sign up to our weekly newsletter. Happy Eating!

Author: Alana Scott

In 2013, Alana was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She also suffers from coeliac disease, is allergic to nuts and is intolerant to dairy products. This means she understands how difficult it can be to cook with multiple food intolerances. Her exp... Read More

Professional Reviewer: Kate Watson (RD)

Kate Watson is a FODMAP trained registered dietitian in the USA. She is the former co-founder and president of Nicer Foods, the first company in the US dedicated to making pre-made FODMAP friendly foods. Kate struggled with IBS for two decades until sh... Read More

SHOW REFERENCES

1. Muir, J. Talking About the Traffic Light System. Monash University Low FODMAP Blog. 2015-02-05. Retrieved from:http://fodmapmonash.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/talking-about-traffic-light-system.html. Retrieved on: 2015-07-12. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6ZxV3MI5f)

2. Scarlata, K. Portion Size Matters on the Low FODMAP Diet. Well Balanced. 2015-04-28. Retrieved from:http://blog.katescarlata.com/2015/04/28/portion-size-matters-on-the-low-fodmap-diet/. Retrieved on: 2015-07-12. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6ZxUrZqqR)

3. Monash University App. Food Guide. The Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App. 2017: Version 2.0.3 (326). Date retrieved: 2017-05-11. Retrieved from :http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/iphone-app.html. Accessed: 2017-05-11.

4. Shepherd, S. Food, FODMAPs and IBS: What to eat and what to avoid. Healthy Food Guide Magazine. 2011-11-09. Retrieved from:http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/articles/2011/november/food-fodmaps-and-ibs-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid#h2-7. Retrieved on: 2015-03-10. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6WvtQsYse)

Photo Credit: ‘Strawberries in Measuring Cup‘ by Svitlana Pimenov licensed under Shutterstock Standard License

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End of summer veggies are the best and these roasted eggplants are call my name right now.

These are super simple too - roast the eggplant in oil, salt and pepper until golden and tender. Smother in golden sunshine tahini sauce and sprinkle with toasted seeds.

If you are low FODMAP the 1 small-medium eggplant = 4 servings.

Sunshine tahini dressing:
1 tsp garlic infused oil
1.5 tsp gluten free soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp water
3 tbsp tahini
1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Place in a jar and shake until well combined.

This recipe is part of our premium FODMAP recipe club (along with 700+ other low FODMAP recipes).

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Feb 22

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I'm stuck at the office and I'm staving! Definitely didn't pack enough snacks today... if I could I'd be drinking this right now.

Give me a ❤️ if you want to be drinking this too. Say hello to my low FODMAP strawberry and rhubarb smoothie.

Strawberries and rhubarb make the best smoothie buddies. It might sound like an odd combo but the tanginess of the rhubarb pairs super well with the sweetness from the strawberries to create a refreshing and vibrant drink.

1 serve 👇

🍓140 g (1 cup)fresh or frozen strawberries
🍓60 g (1/4 cup)stewed rhubarb
🍓250 ml (1 cup) low FODMAP milk 
🍓2 tsp pure maple syrup (add to taste) 
🍓1/2 tsp vanilla essence
🍓6 ice cubes (use if you are using fresh strawberries)

METHOD
Slice the strawberries in half, be super careful doing this if they are frozen. Place all the ingredients in the blender. Add the ice cubes if your strawberries aren’t frozen.

Blend until smooth. Taste and add a little bit more sweetener if it’s too tangy. The tanginess will depend on your stewed rhubarb (ours wasn’t sweetened).

Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy! 

FYI this recipe is also in our premium recipe club.

#lowfodmap #vegan #strawberries #rhubarb #strawberrysmoothie #fodmap #dairyfree #foodintolerances #ibsdiet #bloatfree #happytummy #nutrition #goodfood #fodmapfriendly #foodphotography #lowfodmapdiet #coeliac #glutenfreelife #foodblogger

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Feb 13

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It’s brunch time! It’s also Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d treat my man to a cooked breakfast. Say hello to my Greek scrambled eggs.
 
Serves 2:

1 medium-sized ripe tomato (diced or grated)
1 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
2 tsp garlic infused oil
2 tsp olive oil 
3 eggs (beaten)
Salt and pepper

Fry the diced tomato in the garlic infused oil for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid reduces. Then add the olive oil, chives and parsley to the pan along with the beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Move the egg mixture gently around the pan for 1 to 2 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Serve on toast of your choice (we used gluten free bread). Enjoy!

Do you have a favourite brunch meal? Tell me below 👇

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Jan 29

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Who loves eating the rainbow for dinner? 🙌 I do! 

It's hot here at the moment which means rice paper rolls make a refreshing low FODMAP dinner option.

I love that you can prep all of the ingredients in advance so you don't have to slave over a hot stove in the evenings.

What's your go-to summer meal?

P.S. You can get the recipe on alittlebityummy.com or follow my profile link.
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Jan 28

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I have exciting news! I’m incredibly honoured to announce that I’ve been nominated as a semi-finalist for the 2021 Young New Zealander Of The Year award.

It’s a privilege supporting people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gut issues and I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.

I also want to say thanks to the team behind the New Zealander of the Year Awards for making these awards possible.

@nzeroftheyear @kiwibanknz 
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#newzealanderoftheyear #nzeroftheyear #lowfodmap #coeliac #irritablebowelsyndrome #digitalhealth #telehealth #healthcare #fodmap #nutrition #guthealth

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Jan 18

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You know what I miss? Berry Bliss Muesli. It's crunchy and delicious with little pops of strawberry... I'm making a coeliac friendly version of this very soon.

In the meantime give me a ❤️ if you want to try this gorgeous low FODMAP version. I make this for my mum and she absolutely adores it!

Recipe on alittlebityummy.com or follow my profile link.

I'd also love to know what your favourite breakfast is so let me know in the comments 👇
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Comments

  1. Alycia says

    September 2, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    I was just wondering if the lowfodmap serving of sweet potato (1/2 a cup) is the dry weight or the weight after cooking?

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      September 5, 2018 at 7:06 am

      Hi Alycia,

      The low FODMAP serving of sweet potato is 75g (1/2 cup). This is the raw weight so weigh it before you cook it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Brittney says

    October 8, 2018 at 4:16 am

    Can I have the 1/2 cup of sweet potatoes twice a day if I space out the meals three hours or so or does it mean 1/2 cup a day? I get confused with this part of it and portion sizes. Thanks !

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      October 8, 2018 at 10:19 pm

      Hi Brittney,

      We know portion sizes can be confusing! In theory, leaving three hours between each serve is enough time to reduce FODMAP overload for many people. However, if you are feeling concerned then we would recommend having the first serve in the morning (eg fried sweet potato with your breakfast) and then again at dinner time. If you tolerate that well then you can start bringing the serves closer together. Does that help?

      Reply
  3. Isabelle says

    August 2, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Hello Alana,
    This explanation is of great help because portion and serving sizes always get me confused too and most often the more I think about it, the less I can figure it out!

    However, as I’m a newbie there’s a point that’s still not quite clear to me…
    Let’s take rice flakes for example; 1/2 serve is low in FODMAPs and so is 1 serve, does that mean there is no specific limit and rice flakes will remain low in FODMAPs regardless of the quantity?
    (Or am I thinking too much?)

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      August 4, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Isabelle,

      That is a great question. If there is no warning in the Monash Low FODMAP App in the notes area under the food, then it is generally considered safe to increase your serving size. As you increase your serve just monitor your symptoms to see if anything changes.

      Reply
  4. Katarina Kovacevic says

    September 25, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    How big should our meal sizes be? So is it better to consume smaller meals rather than really large ones on the FODMAP diet?

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      September 25, 2019 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Katarina,

      Thanks for leaving a comment. Sometimes FODMAPs can build up over the course of a meal so we would recommend avoiding excessively large meals. If you are sticking to healthy eating guidelines in terms of meal size and focusing on low FODMAP foods then you will be just fine.

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    November 14, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    I’m struggling knowing how to adjust flour to keep them my IBS symptoms in control. One piece of bread for breakfast seems to be fine, but 2 pieces definitely causes symptoms as the app says. But how does that adjust as far as if I chose a mini muffin instead, being that all other ingredients are in the green zone? Or if we have a birthday celebration, and I haven’t had any other flour, would a piece of cake irritate my symptoms and how would I know how much I would be able to tolerate? Is it just trial and error? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      November 18, 2019 at 7:07 am

      Hi Sharon,

      Unfortunately figuring out what you tolerate when it comes to wheat flour is a bit of trial and error. It is possible that a small muffin or piece of cake might be within low FODMAP limits for wheat but we won’t know unless they are laboratory tested.

      So our suggestion is once your symptoms are settled to test your tolerance level to the sweet treats and go from there. I hope that helps a little bit! If you have more questions, just let me know.

      Reply
  6. Chloe says

    April 20, 2020 at 3:58 am

    Hi Alana,
    Thanks for the info above! Just a quick question that I hope makes sense and I think an example would be best to try to get my point across.. today I wanted to make a sort of potato salad but I wasn’t sure if you can have the Monash recommended amount of potato (75g) and sweet potato (75g) at the same time and then for the sauce the recommended mayo amount (2 TBSP) and sour cream amount (2TBSP) at the same time? Hope this makes sense.
    Thanks Chloe

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      April 20, 2020 at 8:03 am

      Hi Chloe,

      Thanks for the great question. Yes you can combine those ingredients. Both sweet potato and sour cream become high FODMAP at larger serves, but if you look at the notes they contain different FODMAP groups. Sour cream has lactose and sweet potato has mannitol. This means if you combine the low FODMAP serving sizes of those foods in the same meal you won’t go over the FODMAP threshold for either of those FODMAP groups.

      Just avoid combining two serves that contain mannitol or two serves that contain lactose (eg a low FODMAP serve of cream + a low FODMAP serve of sour cream) in the same meal as that would add up to a high FODMAP serve. Does that make sense?

      Reply
      • dhwani says

        December 8, 2020 at 6:10 am

        So you mean to say, even if we take the recommended low FODMAP serving size of cream and sour cream in one meal, because of the quantity that is increased now the lactose will be increased?

        Reply
        • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

          December 8, 2020 at 6:53 pm

          Hi Dhwani,

          Thanks for commenting. That is correct – if you are using regular cream and sour cream (instead of lactose free versions) then the lactose from those two products will stack. Depending on how much of these products you eat in one meal you might end up with a moderate or high amount of lactose.

          Reply
  7. Georgina says

    May 16, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Is there a safe low fodmap portion size for dates, and apple? Being allowed a nibble would keep me happy!

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      May 23, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      Hi Georgina,

      That is a great question. Both have super small low FODMAP serving sizes. For dates it’s 8g (1/3 of a date) and for apple it’s 20g (about 2 small slices). We would highly recommend you get the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app so you have up to date information on portion sizes.

      Reply
  8. dhwani says

    December 8, 2020 at 5:59 am

    THANKYOU for this amazing explanation! please tell if one can have orange+guava( both according to their serving sizes) together in one meal? can i combine other 2 or 3 fruits too? Of course in their recommended serving sizes.

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      December 8, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Dhwani,

      During the first phase of the low FODMAP diet we recommend that you limit your fruit intake to one portion/serve per meal and then leave 3 to 4 hours between each serve. If you want to combine two different fruits in a meal then try having a 1/2 serve of each so this would be 1 medium ripe guava and 1/2 an orange.

      Reply
      • dhwani says

        December 9, 2020 at 3:02 pm

        okay. Thanks 🙂

        Reply

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