Elimination Diet Recipe Examples
For an elimination diet, start with a two-food elimination approach removing dairy and wheat, which allows the broadest range of meal options while targeting the most common triggers. 1
Critical Context Before Recipe Planning
All elimination diets must be supervised by an experienced dietitian to prevent nutritional deficiencies, growth impairment in children, and ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. 2 The most common food trigger is cow's milk/dairy (42% of cases), followed by egg (21.5%) and wheat (10.9%). 2, 1
Breakfast Recipe Examples
Rice-Based Breakfast Bowl
- Base: Cooked white or brown rice 1
- Protein: Scrambled eggs (if egg not eliminated) OR grilled chicken strips 1
- Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, red peppers 1
- Fat: Drizzle with olive oil 1
- Fruit side: Sliced strawberries or melon 1
Potato Hash
- Base: Diced and roasted potatoes 1
- Protein: Ground turkey or pork sausage (dairy-free, wheat-free) 1
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots 1
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, fresh herbs 1
- Fruit side: Banana or apple slices 1
Rice Porridge (Congee)
- Base: Rice cooked with extra water until soft 1
- Protein: Shredded chicken 1
- Flavor: Ginger, garlic, green onions 1
- Garnish: Cucumber slices 1
Lunch Recipe Examples
Grilled Chicken Salad
- Protein: Grilled chicken breast 1
- Greens: Lettuce, spinach, cucumber 1
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, red peppers, carrots 1
- Dressing: Olive oil and lemon juice 1
- Side: Rice cakes or plain rice 1
Turkey and Rice Bowl
- Protein: Ground turkey cooked with onions and garlic 1
- Base: White or brown rice 1
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted carrots, red peppers 1
- Fat: Canola oil for cooking 1
- Fruit: Sliced avocado (if tolerated) 1
Beef and Potato Plate
- Protein: Grilled or pan-seared beef 1
- Starch: Baked or mashed potatoes (using olive oil instead of butter) 1
- Vegetables: Steamed spinach, roasted tomatoes 1
- Seasoning: Fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil 1
Dinner Recipe Examples
Baked Fish with Rice
- Protein: Baked salmon, cod, or other fish (if fish not eliminated) 1
- Starch: Rice pilaf made with rice, olive oil, onions, garlic 1
- Vegetables: Roasted red peppers, steamed spinach 1
- Garnish: Fresh lemon, herbs 1
Pork Stir-Fry
- Protein: Sliced pork loin 1
- Vegetables: Red peppers, onions, carrots, spinach 1
- Base: Served over white rice 1
- Sauce: Olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt 1
- Cooking fat: Canola oil 1
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- Protein: Chicken breast or thighs 1
- Broth: Homemade chicken stock (no dairy) 1
- Vegetables: Carrots, onions, garlic, spinach, tomatoes 1
- Starch: Rice or potatoes added to soup 1
- Seasoning: Fresh herbs, salt, pepper 1
Lamb with Roasted Vegetables
- Protein: Grilled or roasted lamb 1
- Vegetables: Roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions 1
- Starch: Roasted potatoes 1
- Fat: Olive oil for roasting 1
Critical Implementation Points
If the two-food elimination (dairy and wheat) fails after 8-12 weeks, step up to four-food elimination by also removing egg and soy. 1 This requires modifying the above recipes by eliminating eggs and soy-based products. 2
All meats must be prepared without dairy-based marinades, wheat-based coatings, or soy sauce. 1 Read all ingredient labels carefully, as dairy and wheat appear in many processed foods. 2
Rice becomes the primary grain source during elimination, replacing all wheat-based products like bread, pasta, and flour. 1 Potatoes serve as an alternative starch option. 1
Histological assessment via endoscopy at 8-12 weeks is required to determine treatment response, not symptom improvement alone. 2 The target is <15 eosinophils/mm² on biopsy. 2
After achieving remission, reintroduce one food at a time for 8-12 weeks with repeat endoscopy to identify specific triggers. 1 This systematic approach identifies the specific culprit foods in 69% of patients with a single trigger, 24% with two triggers. 3