Hello! And welcome to FriFran.
My name is Julia and I am FriFran. FriFran is totally Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allium-Free, Coconut-Free and More!
FriFran is all about sharing healthy, quick, easy, delicious, no-nonsense, gluten-free, vegan recipes and lifestyle tips for busy people.
The main aim is to make your gluten-free, vegan life easy and fabulous.
If you’re new to gluten-free or vegan or just want some inspiration I can help.
Easy recipes and articles galore are ready and waiting for you.
FriFran?
My name is Julia, I live in London and love to cook, run, swim and make things.
I have been working in complex programme and project delivery for over 25 years and have a PhD in engineering materials (concrete!).
I have been vegan for almost 30 years (for ethical, moral and environmental reasons) and gluten-free for over 10 years (for medical reasons). I also avoid alliums (e.g. onions, garlic) and coconut (for medical reasons).
Over the past 30 years I have tried, tested and understood many specialist diets (under medical supervision) to relieve many symptoms – with variable success. These diets include, low-FODMAP, low-histamine, exclusion diets and of course gluten-free. I have a mast cell disorder, severe endometriosis and hypermobility spectrum disorder – I live with fatigue, gut issues and constant pain. I am interested in how diet, lifestyle and genetics affect your health (particularly your gut) and wellbeing.
I have acquired a great deal of knowledge, enthusiasm and understanding of delicious Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allium-Free, Coconut-Free and More! recipes and a sustainable, seasonal, (gut) healthy, lifestyle.
I enjoy making and eating easy, no-nonsense, high quality, sustainable, healthy food that anyone would enjoy. I am also careful to use ingredients that can be easily bought in local shops or stores.
My FriFran journey has been long (and sometimes arduous). I have persevered and learned so much along the way that I want to share and make life easier for anyone with dietary restrictions.
What Does FriFran Mean?
Now, the name! Fri Fran is Swedish for free from (and rhymes with free-from!) and no, I am not Swedish. However, my dad lived in Sweden for a while when he was young and often talked about much he loved his time there.
Sweden is a country that fascinates me for many reasons. One reason is that modern crime fiction started in Sweden with the Martin Beck series of police procedurals: 10 fabulous novels written by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo. Amazing books for so many reasons (please do look them up).
Coming back to FriFran, I like the way Fri Fran sounds: short, sweet and snappy and the meaning is easy to understand (I hope!).
No Snake Oil Please!
As a scientist and engineer and with a rational and logical approach to life I am interested in credible, peer-reviewed, scientific and medical research in relation to nutrition, digestive, genetic and immune disorders – although the breadth and depth of this in relation to digestive, genetic and immune disorders is (sadly) narrow and shallow.
That means no snake oil, no pseudo-science, no fad diets, no bad science, no nonsense! Just high-quality data and evidence based approaches.
Caveat
***This is super important!***
I am not a dietitian or medically trained.
I strongly advise anyone thinking of making a significant change to their diet or lifestyle to seek appropriate medical advice.
Tell Me Your Story
I would love to hear your story. Share your story, insights, knowledge, information, ups and downs in the comments sections or email me direct at hello@FriFran.com.
Follow me on social media @hellofrifran
I look forward to meeting you!
Julia