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About

FriFran - Julia Shannahan

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.

Check out FriFran Recipes.

Check out FriFran Articles.

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 over 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

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I look forward to meeting you!
Julia

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