Low FODMAP Diet: Rice, Beef & Spinach

Low FODMAP Diet: Rice, Beef & Spinach Recipe for IBS

The Tummy Clinic | October 6th, 2021

4 servings / 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice
  • 1lb Extra Lean Ground Beef
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach (packed)
  • 1 tbsp Tamari

Directions:

  1. Cook the rice according to the directions on the package.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess drippings from the pan.
  3. Add the spinach to the beef and stir until the spinach has wilted. Add in the tamari and stir to combine.
  4. Divide the rice between plates and top with the beef mixture. Enjoy! Keep leftovers in the fridge.

Notes:

  • Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • More Flavor: Add fresh garlic or ginger to the beef with the spinach.
  • Additional Toppings: Hot sauce, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and/or cilantro.
  • No Tamari: Use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead.
  • No Beef: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead.
  • No JasmineRice: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead.

Nutrition

Amount per serving

Calories 369
Fat 11g
Saturated 4g
Trans 1g
Polyunsaturated 0g
Monounsaturated 5g
Carbs 39g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 0g
Protein 27g
Cholesterol 74mg
Sodium 350mg
Potassium 541mg
Vitamin A 2829IU
Vitamin C 8mg
Calcium 44mg
Iron 3mg
Vitamin D 3IU
Vitamin E 1mg
Vitamin K 146µg
Thiamine 0.1mg
Riboflavin 0.2mg
Niacin 6mg
Vitamin B6 0.5mg
Folate 66µg
Vitamin B12 2.5µg
Phosphorous 229mg
Magnesium 48mg
Zinc 6mg
Selenium 19µg

Frequently Asked Questions

Managing IBS with diarrhea can be challenging, but making the right food choices can help. Here’s what works for many people with IBS:

  • Low FODMAP diet: This dietary approach helps reduce symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. It involves removing certain foods and gradually reintroducing them to see which ones trigger your symptoms.
  • Easy-to-digest foods: Stick with foods like plain rice, cooked carrots, zucchini, and lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish) to ease digestion.
  • Avoiding triggers: Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or fried foods, as well as dairy and caffeine. These can worsen symptoms for many people with IBS.

If you’re unsure which foods work for you, consulting with a healthcare provider can help you create a personalized meal plan.

Bloating, gas, and stomach pain are common in IBS. These symptoms often result from:

  • Gas buildup: Undigested food or fermentation in the intestines can cause gas and bloating.
  • Gut motility issues: In IBS, food may move too quickly or slowly through the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
  • Food sensitivities: Certain foods like high FODMAP foods can cause bloating or pain.

Managing these symptoms typically involves diet modifications, stress management, and finding the foods that work best for your body.

IBS constipation can be tough, but there are ways to improve bowel movements:

  • Increase soluble fiber: Foods like oats, bananas, and carrots can help soften stool.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep things moving.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate digestion.

If these strategies don’t work, gentle laxatives or stool softeners might be considered, but always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Certain foods can make IBS symptoms worse, including:

  • High FODMAP foods: These include foods like onions, garlic, certain fruits (e.g., apples, watermelon), and dairy.
  • Fatty foods: Rich, greasy foods often cause discomfort for those with IBS.
  • Caffeine and alcohol: These can irritate the digestive system and increase symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.

By tracking your food intake and symptoms, you can start to identify which foods are causing flare-ups and work toward a personalized plan.

Constant constipation in IBS can be caused by:

  • Low fiber intake
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make stool hard and difficult to pass.
  • Stress: Emotional stress often affects digestion and can contribute to constipation.

If constipation persists despite lifestyle changes, consider speaking with a healthcare provider for further assessment and potential treatment options.

Severe bloating can occur when:

  • Gas is trapped in the intestines due to difficulty digesting certain foods or fermentation.
  • Slow motility: In IBS, the digestive system may move food too slowly, leading to bloating.

To manage bloating, consider reducing high FODMAP foods and incorporating more digestive-friendly meals. Stress management techniques like yoga or mindfulness can also help reduce bloating by calming the nervous system.