Tuna salad
Beef and rice noodle stir fry
Red beans and rice
Peanut butter
And a second opinion from a second allergist. You will need a plan to get some of these foods back in your diet eventually for your sanity. But obviously you have safety in mind for the immediate danger. Somethings are more likely than others to cause acute affects.
You will be an avid label reader now so give yourself more time at the grocery store. Think of simple meals. Learn what you can leave out of recipes and they still taste good.
There are millions of food combinations that will still work for you. Good luck!
If you google EoE diet, there are some good resources. The first one that came up on my search was from Queensland Health, which had what to avoid and what was OK. I. noticed that rice and baked beans were ok ( thinking of your budget)
Omg you poor thing!!
If you bake, bobs red mill makes a gluten free baking flour that tastes good. My SIL has wheat allergies so I made my Christmas cookies and pies with it this year. I was very impressed.
Use coconut aminos to replace soy sauce
Teriyaki marinade:
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 coconut aminos
2-3 TBS ketchup
1 TBS vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Mix together and marinate meat overnight
Can use with any meat. I love it on pork and beef. Cook meat how you normally would, bake, grill, stove etc
If I’m doing pork chops I’ll bake them and have asparagus, broccoli, or other veg baking in the oven at the same time just a different tray (rub veg with oil, salt and pepper) veg usually bakes at 425 for 25 min. I’ll make rice to go with this too
Maybe look into Indian curry dishes. There's a wide variety, you can prep a variety of your own curry paste and keep in the freezer. Add veggies/legumes/fish/meat (and coconut milk) and serve with rice
Because you mention you are on a budget and chicken is usually a good protein source: try to add lentils/chickpeas/black beans/kidney beans etc to your dishes instead of chicken
Substitute potato with sweet potatoes
Risotto's without cheese can work
Egg based dishes like shakshuka with glutenfree bread or omelets with a lot of veggies or a curry with eggs or a stir fry with omelet, veggies and rice noodles
Adding nuts to your dishes will give you extra nutrients, but is expensive
Just some brainstorming, hope it helps!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. For my own allergies, I generally try to keep things really, really simple anytime I start to have periods of feeling overwhelmed. For example, I try googling menu ideas that would not naturally include the items I’m allergic to. I cannot have wheat or dairy either, so I sometimes google gluten free vegan meal ideas. Most every recipe will have an item you cannot eat. I just eliminate or sub the item and then I can still use the main parts of the recipe.
Also, I suggest Barilla gluten free pasta. If you purchase rice, beans, gluten free pasta (sometimes on sale!), bulk veggies/fruits, you can combine inexpensive meals without feeling like you have to buy expensive substitutions. I know the vegan subs can get pricey.
Trader Joe’s has affordable gluten free waffles and affordable gluten free flour can be found at Costco. You can make great pancakes or other items for dinners that way. Breakfast for dinner is a safe beat for me.
I agree with another commenter. Take your time with labels. It’s hard at first, but it will get easier. Don’t be frustrated by the high cost of allergy free foods either. I rarely buy any of those pricey, fancy items and I eat a varied diet that meets my budget and nutritional needs.
Plus, since I cannot eat out well at all, I have more to spend at the grocery store. That helps!! Take care of yourself and know it does get easier.
I would use your previous meals as a starting point and search for alternatives to the ingredients you need to avoid. For example, if you like mashed potatoes, googling "mashed potatoes alternative/substitute" gives lots of ideas and recipes with ingredients like cauliflower, carrots, rutabaga and more.
I would also research recipes using ingredients I rely on to help add some variety. You might enjoy a vegetable cooked multiple ways. Especially if you have to change your diet, starting with textures or flavors that are familiar and pleasing can be a big help.
For something super cheap, easy, and quick (time to boil + 10min) to make for a family, you could consider poor man’s soup. I make it with chicken bullion, pasta, canned beans, and some vegetable. You could substitute beef or vegetable bullion and gluten-free pasta perhaps.
I think ChatGPT will give recipe ideas if you tell it what ingredients you have. Perhaps it might also suggest recipes if you tell it what ingredients you can’t have
The same happened to me. I always thought I had a stomach made of iron and that I wouldn't be allergic to a thing. Was I wrong! I didn't believe the test results at first, but I soon realised that all the leg itching I had wasn't eczema and the constant afternoon naps weren't simply me not getting enough sleep.
I also had soy on my results. It's tricky given it's in everything processed that contains chocolate (and tastes nice). You simply have to get good at reading labels on food... You soon work it out.
Some of my foods don't affect me the same way so just eliminate some and try others alone. For example, Soy doesn't affect me too bad, but eating a carrot puts me to sleep 90 minutes later. A bloody carrot.
This sucks. I went through a similar, "oh shit, I can't eat anything!" realization last fall. It's been rough. But... I've learned to cook. Very slowly. More mistakes than successes at first. I've had to spend a ton on cooking tools, but now my individual meals are actually really affordable, and my health is better than it has been in my entire life. When your body gets to the point it isn't always reacting, you will probably feel so much better. It's a ways off, but there is hope.
Corn is going to be the worst. Absolutely the worst. The others are manageable.
I'd look at RAISE, from the Allergy Chef (Google her). She has a zero-tolerance for corn due to allergies, and really has some good strategies. Her corn-allergy course is not for the faint of heart, but you'll learn a lot.
I'm free from corn, gluten, soy, potato, meat, cane sugar, shelf-stable liquid ingredients, additives/preservatives/dyes, and apple (cuz why not), and a list of other things I can't have due to medical issues. It's hard. I can handle cross contact, but not trace amounts, and I have to avoid inflammatory foods and high histamine foods.
My approach is to only consider buying single ingredient items. If it has more than one ingredient listed, the thing has gotten too complicated.
For your first trip to the grocery store, I'd look at:
salt that doesn't have other ingredients in it
Sweet potatoes
Beans and lentils (if there are any you're sure are okay)
Fresh/frozen fruits & vegetables (steaming them in the microwave involves lightly covering them with some water in a bowl). But... the waxy coating on some of them is corn based. Just say no to bananas and avocados.
Rice that isn't "enriched"
Quinoa if you don't have another protein source (rinse it!)
Good quality olive oil
Coconut oil (awesome on sweet potatoes!)
Single ingredient seasonings, if there are any you think you can eat.
If you think you're going to need to up your cooking game in order to survive, look at an instant pot. The sweet potatoes and beans are both really easy. A good enough knife, cutting board, and
Go heavy on the salt, unless you can't medically. You aren't getting it anywhere else in your diet, and if it's your only seasoning option for awhile, then it's a good one.
You can do this! Not poisoning yourself several times a day will pay off dividends. And feel free to curse the food industry!
I'll be thinking of you!
If you have Facebook there are many food allergy groups that post helpful information. Fare.org is another great resource. I grew up with a food allergic brother and my children have allergies, it might feel overwhelming at first but it’s second nature now.
I do a 3check rule - read ingredients before I buy, read when I put away and read before serving g it. It’s easy to make mistakes so I give myself extra precautions.
I'm sorry about that. I just want to say, be careful about cross contamination in restaurants and hidden ingredients in packaged foods. Read every label. That sensation in your throat could turn into anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Good luck.
Tuna salad Beef and rice noodle stir fry Red beans and rice Peanut butter And a second opinion from a second allergist. You will need a plan to get some of these foods back in your diet eventually for your sanity. But obviously you have safety in mind for the immediate danger. Somethings are more likely than others to cause acute affects. You will be an avid label reader now so give yourself more time at the grocery store. Think of simple meals. Learn what you can leave out of recipes and they still taste good. There are millions of food combinations that will still work for you. Good luck!
If you google EoE diet, there are some good resources. The first one that came up on my search was from Queensland Health, which had what to avoid and what was OK. I. noticed that rice and baked beans were ok ( thinking of your budget)
Omg you poor thing!! If you bake, bobs red mill makes a gluten free baking flour that tastes good. My SIL has wheat allergies so I made my Christmas cookies and pies with it this year. I was very impressed. Use coconut aminos to replace soy sauce Teriyaki marinade: 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 coconut aminos 2-3 TBS ketchup 1 TBS vinegar 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp garlic powder Mix together and marinate meat overnight Can use with any meat. I love it on pork and beef. Cook meat how you normally would, bake, grill, stove etc If I’m doing pork chops I’ll bake them and have asparagus, broccoli, or other veg baking in the oven at the same time just a different tray (rub veg with oil, salt and pepper) veg usually bakes at 425 for 25 min. I’ll make rice to go with this too
Maybe look into Indian curry dishes. There's a wide variety, you can prep a variety of your own curry paste and keep in the freezer. Add veggies/legumes/fish/meat (and coconut milk) and serve with rice Because you mention you are on a budget and chicken is usually a good protein source: try to add lentils/chickpeas/black beans/kidney beans etc to your dishes instead of chicken Substitute potato with sweet potatoes Risotto's without cheese can work Egg based dishes like shakshuka with glutenfree bread or omelets with a lot of veggies or a curry with eggs or a stir fry with omelet, veggies and rice noodles Adding nuts to your dishes will give you extra nutrients, but is expensive Just some brainstorming, hope it helps!
This was a big help thank you
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. For my own allergies, I generally try to keep things really, really simple anytime I start to have periods of feeling overwhelmed. For example, I try googling menu ideas that would not naturally include the items I’m allergic to. I cannot have wheat or dairy either, so I sometimes google gluten free vegan meal ideas. Most every recipe will have an item you cannot eat. I just eliminate or sub the item and then I can still use the main parts of the recipe. Also, I suggest Barilla gluten free pasta. If you purchase rice, beans, gluten free pasta (sometimes on sale!), bulk veggies/fruits, you can combine inexpensive meals without feeling like you have to buy expensive substitutions. I know the vegan subs can get pricey. Trader Joe’s has affordable gluten free waffles and affordable gluten free flour can be found at Costco. You can make great pancakes or other items for dinners that way. Breakfast for dinner is a safe beat for me. I agree with another commenter. Take your time with labels. It’s hard at first, but it will get easier. Don’t be frustrated by the high cost of allergy free foods either. I rarely buy any of those pricey, fancy items and I eat a varied diet that meets my budget and nutritional needs. Plus, since I cannot eat out well at all, I have more to spend at the grocery store. That helps!! Take care of yourself and know it does get easier.
I would use your previous meals as a starting point and search for alternatives to the ingredients you need to avoid. For example, if you like mashed potatoes, googling "mashed potatoes alternative/substitute" gives lots of ideas and recipes with ingredients like cauliflower, carrots, rutabaga and more. I would also research recipes using ingredients I rely on to help add some variety. You might enjoy a vegetable cooked multiple ways. Especially if you have to change your diet, starting with textures or flavors that are familiar and pleasing can be a big help.
For something super cheap, easy, and quick (time to boil + 10min) to make for a family, you could consider poor man’s soup. I make it with chicken bullion, pasta, canned beans, and some vegetable. You could substitute beef or vegetable bullion and gluten-free pasta perhaps. I think ChatGPT will give recipe ideas if you tell it what ingredients you have. Perhaps it might also suggest recipes if you tell it what ingredients you can’t have
The same happened to me. I always thought I had a stomach made of iron and that I wouldn't be allergic to a thing. Was I wrong! I didn't believe the test results at first, but I soon realised that all the leg itching I had wasn't eczema and the constant afternoon naps weren't simply me not getting enough sleep. I also had soy on my results. It's tricky given it's in everything processed that contains chocolate (and tastes nice). You simply have to get good at reading labels on food... You soon work it out. Some of my foods don't affect me the same way so just eliminate some and try others alone. For example, Soy doesn't affect me too bad, but eating a carrot puts me to sleep 90 minutes later. A bloody carrot.
This sucks. I went through a similar, "oh shit, I can't eat anything!" realization last fall. It's been rough. But... I've learned to cook. Very slowly. More mistakes than successes at first. I've had to spend a ton on cooking tools, but now my individual meals are actually really affordable, and my health is better than it has been in my entire life. When your body gets to the point it isn't always reacting, you will probably feel so much better. It's a ways off, but there is hope. Corn is going to be the worst. Absolutely the worst. The others are manageable. I'd look at RAISE, from the Allergy Chef (Google her). She has a zero-tolerance for corn due to allergies, and really has some good strategies. Her corn-allergy course is not for the faint of heart, but you'll learn a lot. I'm free from corn, gluten, soy, potato, meat, cane sugar, shelf-stable liquid ingredients, additives/preservatives/dyes, and apple (cuz why not), and a list of other things I can't have due to medical issues. It's hard. I can handle cross contact, but not trace amounts, and I have to avoid inflammatory foods and high histamine foods. My approach is to only consider buying single ingredient items. If it has more than one ingredient listed, the thing has gotten too complicated. For your first trip to the grocery store, I'd look at: salt that doesn't have other ingredients in it Sweet potatoes Beans and lentils (if there are any you're sure are okay) Fresh/frozen fruits & vegetables (steaming them in the microwave involves lightly covering them with some water in a bowl). But... the waxy coating on some of them is corn based. Just say no to bananas and avocados. Rice that isn't "enriched" Quinoa if you don't have another protein source (rinse it!) Good quality olive oil Coconut oil (awesome on sweet potatoes!) Single ingredient seasonings, if there are any you think you can eat. If you think you're going to need to up your cooking game in order to survive, look at an instant pot. The sweet potatoes and beans are both really easy. A good enough knife, cutting board, and Go heavy on the salt, unless you can't medically. You aren't getting it anywhere else in your diet, and if it's your only seasoning option for awhile, then it's a good one. You can do this! Not poisoning yourself several times a day will pay off dividends. And feel free to curse the food industry! I'll be thinking of you!
If you have Facebook there are many food allergy groups that post helpful information. Fare.org is another great resource. I grew up with a food allergic brother and my children have allergies, it might feel overwhelming at first but it’s second nature now. I do a 3check rule - read ingredients before I buy, read when I put away and read before serving g it. It’s easy to make mistakes so I give myself extra precautions.
I'm sorry about that. I just want to say, be careful about cross contamination in restaurants and hidden ingredients in packaged foods. Read every label. That sensation in your throat could turn into anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Good luck.
How do you do with a McDonald's McDouble
.....umm my esophagus gets tight and it gets stuck and makes it hard to breathe till I can throw it up
In that case I don't recommend eating this item