You might be wondering what foods to eat on an elimination diet, especially if you're suffering with IBS or other digestive issues. In this blog post, I'm going to share with you a specific elimination diet meal plan created for a family member who took an MRT food sensitivity test.
The test results were super surprising. As a personal chef, I have a lot of experience with creating customized meal plans for people on special diets. Since everyone will have different results with food sensitivity tests, this meal plan is just an example of how creative you can get with a somewhat limited list of ingredients to choose from.
Elimination Diet Meal Plan, Days 1 to 7
The eating plan is the most restricted in the first seven to ten days. But there are lots of different food categories to choose from, so we can easily create a nice menu.
Fortunately, an elimination diet will actually help you to ultimately eat a broader variety of food. So the goal is not to eat in a restricted way or eat a limited number of foods. Based on the food sensitivity test result, we were able to make delicious dishes like salmon with scallions and lime juice, quinoa rice pasta tossed with a little olive oil and sea salt, and some broccoli.
What is an Elimination Diet?
An elimination diet finds the foods that are causing you inflammation and discomfort and you temporarily avoid them and then gradually reintroduce foods a little at a time.
What Food Sensitivity Test Company I Used
As a certified health coach, I qualified to be able to sign up as a practitioner through Oxford Biomedical Technologies. And my first client was a family member. When we got back the test results it also included a comprehensive guidebook with a personalized plan known as a LEAP protocol.
LEAP stands for lifestyle eating and performance. I couldn't believe some of these results. Some things you'd expect, like a sensitivity to food colorings such as red food dye and green food dye. That was understandable, but...maple syrup??? What? That was a shocker.
The results also showed a sensitivity to pears, which was a surprise. Corn was another understandable sensitivity. A lot of people react to corn, wheat and dairy. Those were all not surprising, but I had not expected a sensitivity to maple syrup, pears, black beans, chickpeas and cod fish.
In the test results, you can see the reaction level of your immune system to 176 different food, chemicals and foods. Another nice thing is that they provide you with a handy little card which you can carry it around in your pocket and take to restaurants, to make sure that you're avoiding the foods that are marked in the red or the yellow. The foods or food chemicals in those categories are major food sensitivities.
Reintroducing Foods after an Elimination Diet
After the elimination phase, foods are systematically reintroduced one at a time to observe any reactions. This process helps identify specific triggers and determine which foods can be safely included in the diet.
Can an elimination diet be challenging to follow?
Elimination diets can be challenging due to restrictions on certain foods, meal planning requirements, and potential social limitations. Working with a healthcare provider or a dietitian can provide support and guidance throughout the process.
Risks Associated with an Elimination Diet
Elimination diets, if not properly planned, can lead to nutrient deficiencies. It's important to ensure that the diet is balanced and that essential nutrients are still being consumed through alternative sources.
How can I ensure I am getting all the necessary nutrients while on an elimination diet?
Consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting an elimination diet is crucial. They can help create a well-rounded meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding trigger foods.
Are there alternatives to elimination diets for identifying food sensitivities?
There are alternative tests, such as blood tests or skin prick tests, that can help identify food sensitivities. However, these tests may not always be as accurate as an elimination diet in pinpointing specific triggers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why would someone go on an elimination diet?
People may go on an elimination diet to identify specific foods that may be causing symptoms such as digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, or fatigue. It can help pinpoint food intolerances or sensitivities.
How long does an elimination diet typically last?
Elimination diets typically last for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual and their specific goals. The initial elimination phase is followed by a reintroduction phase to test for reactions.
What foods are commonly eliminated on an elimination diet?
Commonly eliminated foods include dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts, shellfish, and certain additives or preservatives. The specific foods to eliminate can vary based on individual health concerns and suspected sensitivities.
What are some common symptoms that an elimination diet can help with?
An elimination diet can help identify and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, skin rashes, joint pain, headaches, and fatigue that may be related to food sensitivities.
I hope you found this article helpful, and if you did, leave a comment!
If you're interested in learning more about MRT Testing and LEAP, read more HERE.
Apply for MRT/LEAP Testing & Consultation HERE.
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