Need food ideas for crazy dietary restrictions...

1. 65

   Maddie Ruudposted 14 years ago

   I never thought I would ever have to ask anyone for recipe ideas.  I'm the queen of experimentation in the kitchen.  Unfortunately, I find myself in a predicament.  I've been dealing with medical mystery for almost 5 weeks now.  I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say it started with plague-like spots (which have left me some nice new scars) and has persisted with a severe, constant headache.
   
   The neurologist I saw yesterday is trying me on a new medication (I've been functioning with the help of a lot of codeine), starting today, but also put me on some dietary restrictions to rule out allergies:
   
   -No wheat/gluten
   -No dairy
   -No eggs
   -No soy products
   -No fish
   -No nuts
   -No tomatoes
   -No caffeine
   -No chocolate
   
   This leaves me almost at a loss.  It's just temporary; as soon as the headache goes away I can start to add these things back in one at a time, but I'm already getting bored after only one day.  I went to the store yesterday and got rice noodles, rice cakes, chicken, veggies, fruit, corn tortillas.  I want to go back and get some nice sorbet and/or coconut milk ice cream today for a treat.  I'm hoping the Hubbers can help me come up with some other ideas.  All suggestions welcome.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That really sucks.  Sorry to hear about this and I hope they figure out what is going on with you soon.  As far as recipes to try. 
      
      Try curry. 
      
      Chicken and red curry:
      
      chicken
      diced stewed tomatoes
      onion
      garlic
      basil
      salt
      pepper
      tumaric
      
      Put it all in a pan bring to boil then let it simmer for a while. Go easy on the tumaric, and be careful because it stains.
      
      Also, since you picked up some rice noodle, try googling Vietnamese rice noodle dishes or something like that.
      
      You can also try phoa.  I don't know if you eat beef, I am thinking you don't but if you do.
      
      Boil some beef broth, seasoned with salt and pepper
      cut up super thin slices of beef to toss in the broth when you are ready to eat it.
      Put some fresh bean sprouts in it and fresh jalapeños if you like them.
      
      It's really yummy too.  Okay that is all I have for now. Oh you can look up recipes for panset and other Filipino dishes.

      replyreport
      1. 65

         Maddie Ruudposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Shoot.  I forgot to add tomatoes to the list.  They're another no-no.  Re-editing original post now.
         
         
         
         I actually have some Filipino recipes up here on HubPages.  I spent 4 years with a Filipino fella, and I love Filipino food, but most of it has lots of shoyu (soy sauce), which is no-go.
         
         Curry and pho are great ideas, though.  Will definitely put them on my list.
         
         Keep 'em coming, guys!

         replyreport
         1. 84

            Jayne Lancerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You say no tomatoes. Does this mean all solanaceae, including potatoes and aubergines?

            replyreport
            1. 65

               Maddie Ruudposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Nope, just tomatoes.  Potatoes sound delicious right now.  Maybe roasted with some olive oil and rosemary.... mmmmmmmmmm.

               replyreport
               1. 84

                  Jayne Lancerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  There, you see. Something else you can eat!

                  replyreport
         2. 59

            Betty Reidposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You could probably substitue chicken broth and sesame oil for the tomatos.

            replyreport
   2. 53

      greywriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I just posted a recipe for sorgum flour chocolate chip cookies. Amaranth also works but has a distinctive flavour.Leave out the choc chips, add raisins and asome oatmeal, and you have oatmeal cookies.
      
      Roasted everything; you don't have to use starch.
      
      For gluten free, go with pamela's brownie mix, you can even make chocolate cake from it. (My whole family has celiac.)
      
      Potato starch is wonderful stuff and can thicken gravies.  It's breads that you'll miss most, so pick up some chebe brand bread mix and make breadsticks. I'm not advertising- those are the brands i like, i won't link so it's not adverts. It's cassava starch, so be sure it's cooked all the way before you eat it.
      
      You can make angel food cake with 10 egg whites, half cup of sugar, a cup of cornstarch and half cup of potato starch and another half cup sugar, some vanilla... beat egg whites with half cup sugar, fold in the rest of dry ingredients, bake. It makes better angel food cake than with flour.

      replyreport
   3. 60

      hautemomikaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I just put up a gluten free dairy free hub and am about to put up another with all my favorite recipes

      replyreport
2. 61

   Ohmaposted 14 years ago

   Sounds like steak and potatoes for you Maddie. Sorry I do not have a better answer.

   replyreport
3. 84

   Jayne Lancerposted 14 years ago

   You poor thing!
   I'm always one for great ideas, but having seen your list ... I'm at quite a loss, too.
   If I think of anything that might help, I'll come back.
   You have my fullest sympathy, Maddie.

   replyreport
4. 0

   girly_girl09posted 14 years ago

   There are some brown rice crackers that I sometimes get at the health food store; I can't remember the brand but they are good with dip. For dip, check out my vegan spinach artichoke dip hub. It uses cannellini beans for a creamy texture; really good!!
   
   (On my bbery so I don't have the link readily available)
   
   
   Good luck!!!

   replyreport
5. 67

   Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

   I think the only thing left is oxygen

   replyreport
6. 84

   Jayne Lancerposted 14 years ago

   You could try some stir fried rice.
   Just fry the chicken, or whatever meat you like, with vegetables and some spices and add the boiled rice. It's quick to do, and can be very tasty.

   replyreport
7. 75

   IzzyMposted 14 years ago

   Plague like spots...over a duration of only 5 weeks? They have ruled out impetigo, I hope?

   replyreport
   1. 84

      Jayne Lancerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      'A contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, that is characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules and the formation of thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face.'
      
      Yes, I remember my brother having this.

      replyreport
   2. 65

      Maddie Ruudposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The spots only lasted a few days and then scabbed over and left me some nice new scars.  The headache is the main cause of concern, as it's been constant for the last 5 weeks.
      
      Most things were ruled out pretty quickly, including meningitis, impetigo, and lupus.  I also did a course of super-strong antibiotics, which did nothing but screw up my digestive tract.

      replyreport
      1. 75

         IzzyMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Right, they were itchy spots I take it...that is why you are left with scars?
         The headaches....now I see why your specialist is thinking long these lines and advising you to cut out foodstuffs. If the headaches clear up, he will then expect you to add each foodstuff one by one back into your diet until your headaches return, at which point they will know what you are allergic to.
         
         Stick to steak and chips, with plenty fresh veg or salad as a side dish. In fact, any meat, red or white, salad, fruit, veg, check that gluten free bread doesn't contain soya flour (got a feeling about that)if it is, no bread - great for the figure so don't worry about it - emmm, after that I don't have a lot of suggestions.
         
         Could be a hormonal imbalance in your body, but then again I am not convinced that most hormonal imbalances are not diet related.

         replyreport
8. 74

   money-manposted 14 years ago

   A recipe with water as the primary ingredient. Other than that, I'm at a loss too.
   
   Sorry to hear this about you, Maddie. Best wishes to you!

   replyreport
9. 70

   myownworldposted 14 years ago

   omg, I knew all this moderation would sooner or later get to you....! Forget the diet; you just need a break from all of us, that's all!

   replyreport
10. 67

    Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

    -No wheat/gluten
    -No dairy
    -No eggs
    -No soy products
    -No fish
    -No nuts
    -No caffeine
    -No chocolate
    
    
    = chicken, pork, steak, fruit (yech), veggies (stir fry), and LOTS of non-wheat-based alcohol

    replyreport
11. 84

    Jayne Lancerposted 14 years ago

    Maddie, are you allowed to eat gluten free bread? There is such a thing, and it would enable you to eat sandwiches or toast.

    replyreport
    1. 65

       Maddie Ruudposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       As long it doesn't contain anything else on the list.  I will look for it at Trader Joe's this afternoon.  Good suggestion.  I looked for a corn muffin mix yesterday at Lucky's, but they all had wheat flour in them.

       replyreport
12. 61

    archdawposted 14 years ago

    I just had a great spinach salad sprinkled with cranberry's.

    replyreport
13. 84

    Jayne Lancerposted 14 years ago

    A lot of Asian recipes would fall within the restrictions of the diet, but I'm wondering if spices could make the headache worse.

    replyreport
14. 52

    clamtowneposted 14 years ago

    Raw fruits and vegetables, salads? If it grows, eat it. If it comes in a box, a bottle, a can...any kind of proccessed food, avoid it...or you could try Marshmallows. Just kidding, doesn't sound like fun, hope its temporary and goes away. Have you had your water tested?

    replyreport
15. 84

    Jayne Lancerposted 14 years ago

    You could try baked chicken, potatoes and peppers, flavoured with a lot of pepper and using olive oil - it's delicious.

    replyreport
16. 98

    Sally's Troveposted 14 years ago

    Have you been to an allergy specialist for testing to rule out specific allergens? If not, your neurologist's advice, in the absence of allergen testing, is leaving you shooting at shadows.

    replyreport
17. 77

    AEvansposted 14 years ago

    mmm....
    
    Try eating fresh fruits and vegetables I see he didn't eliminate those with the exception of tomatoes which is very acidity. Fresh Carrots, Celery, Lettuce make a nice salad.
    
    If you enjoy Veggie burgers those are pretty good and you could add your condiments, lettuce, onion, cucumber
    
    I don't care for the Sante Fe Veggie burgers at all but there are many different ones that may be flavorful to your palette.
    
    Trader Joe's has so much you can eat that does not contain anything on the list including Pasta that is egg and gluten free.
    
    I hope you feel better soon!

    replyreport
18. 63

    Amber Allenposted 14 years ago

    If you are used to a lot of caffeine you may find your headache gets worse for a few days.  Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant

    replyreport
19. 0

    wordscribe41posted 14 years ago

    Wow, Maddie...  What a bummer, that's a restrictive list, definitely.
    
    I am making a red curry tonight with ingredients I got at an Asian market:  red curry paste, lite coconut milk, carrots, potatoes, onions, and you could put chicken in it.  I use tofu but I know that's off your list.  Anyway, it's very easy to make, the curry paste has directions on it in terms of how much to add to the coconut milk (not much, it's usually like a tablespoon per can).  Then just stir fry the veggies and chicken, add to red curry, enjoy!
    
    Keep us posted on how you are.  I'm sorry you're going through a mystery illness, I went through something similar a while back.  Hang in there.

    replyreport
20. 68

    2uesdayposted 14 years ago

    There is a HubPage writer who has recipes that are gluten (wheat free) - I have read some of the recipes here. I will try to find the name for you. In the UK you can buy gluten free products because people who have coeliac (spell?) disease have to have a wheat free dietso we have a specialsection in supermarkets for them. I will post again if I find something of use to you.
    
    
    Update -  the hubber I was thinking of is called Cassidy S and they have hubs on gluten free (therefore wheat free) and dairy free recipe ideas.

    replyreport
21. 61

    ediggityposted 14 years ago

    I could eat barbecue every day, so your predicament is easy for me.  Light up the grill!

    replyreport
22. 98

    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    Wow that is a restrictive diet-- (and I assume you don't eat red meat, anyway). this takes away most protien foods.. and you need something in that genre.
    
    Can you take probiotic capsules (like I-Flora) for your stomach? My husband  always has trouble with antibiotics because they mess of the digestion of everything, and this is pretty common, because obviously the antibiotics kill the natural digestive good bacteria. (ask your Dr.)
    
    Potatoes might be your best friend right now.
    Popcorn is good fiber and gives you something to crunch that is filling.

    replyreport
23. 88

    rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

    chicken or beef stir fry.
    gluten-free couscous, basmati rice, red or black rice,  black beans.
    
    possibly some vegan recipes might help also as long you replaced any gluten with any of the above, or potatoes, boil in a bag rice.
    
    do you like squash? eggplant?  hummus and veggies, or hummus on a baked potato.
    
    this is making me hungry. hope you feel better soon Maddie!

    replyreport
24. 59

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Shingles???  Symptoms sound like what my daughter had.  Have you had chicken pox?
    
    No dairy - does that mean no cow dairy or can you use goat cheese?
    
    Smoothies with Almond Milk.  The almond milk is more expensive, but darn good! 
    
    Grilled chicken, grilled veggies, grilled meat.
    
    Grilled portabella mushrooms with green & red peppers:  Mix together mushrooms, sliced peppers & a bit of red onion.  Marinate with a light olive oil & herbs/spices of your choice.  Place on alum. foil & grill until tender.
    
    There is a wheat free pasta that you could use and make a basil pesto sauce with garlic & olive oil.
    
    Loaded baked potatoes w/veggies - you can use a non-dairy butter substitute.
    
    I can't eat dairy & am allergic to soy, so I'll keep thinking.

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Good thinking Jane!
       Shingles is the adult version of chickenpox. They SAY you get pain at the nerve endings because that is what it affects..but..could be a itchy rash followed by headaches too.
       Hey doctors don't know everything. If they did, they'd be called Gods.

       replyreport
       1. 59

          Jane@CMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Actually, most people who get shingles have already had chicken pox, that is why I asked the question.

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             I never said they didn't.
             Chickenpox is such a mild disease in children, that a lot of children's symptoms go unrecognised and so when they get shingles as adults they don't make the connection.

             replyreport
25. 59

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    One more thought, I find a lot of recipes at the Mayo Clinic website.

    replyreport
26. 68

    travelespressoposted 14 years ago

    Aah Maddie I know just how this feels although my food restrictions aren't quite as extensive.  I'm Ok with gluten and eggs so I can't comment on that.
    It can be daunting BUT if you find what's causing the issue then it WILL be worth it.
    Some practical advice - rice milk is an absolute wonder and a great substitute for dairy.
    Find a really good health food store in your neighbourhood selling organic and natural products.  There is a big chain in America but I can't remember the name.  The people in these stores are usually very knowledgeable (at least they are in NZ and Australia) and they will become your very best friends.
    Read ALL the labels on food products.  Its really time consuming and laborious at first but soon you get to know exactly what foods are OK for you and which ones must stay on the shelf!
    Are all nuts off the list?  They come from different families - for example brazil nuts are usually fine for people with peanut allergies.
    I have many more tips but this is a starter.  Feel free to email me.
    Good luck.  The diet changes helped me enormously and I hope they do for you too.

    replyreport
27. 63

    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    Since I didn't see salt on the list, what about soups?  Or what about dumping soup (like sauce) onto rice or mashed potato; and adding something like lima beans and carrots?
    
    These are the healthiest suggestions (but it's temporary)..
    
    Potato (baked, mashed, and with vegetables stirred in)?
    
    Corn products?
    
    Popcorn or potato chips?   
    
    What about making (or improvising) a glaze/sauce with things like jellies/jams, Marsala wine, or different spices/salts (celery salt?).
    
    Fresh fruits - maybe apples with honey on them?  Apples with caramel sauce?  Apples heated or baked with cinnamon?  (I just discovered that Stouffers makes a frozen meal that's cut up apples with cinnamon (I'm not sure what else is in that particular package - but they're really good; so you could always recreate it if it has anything "bad" in it.)
    
    Bean-related items (refried beans or plain beans)?
    
    Salads (maybe with something beans added)?
    
    Or rice salad?
    
    Olive oil (plain, basil, garlic, or "dipping") (on whatever you can add it to)?
    
    Olives (black, green), pickles?
    
    Vegetable bouillion, chicken bouillion, or mushroom gravy (on whatever you can dump them on)?
    
    Doesn't the health-foods aisle/store have gluten-free/wheat-free crackers?  (I think they have them in my grocery store, which isn't an awfully fancy one.)
    
    Can you improvise a fried-rice kind of thing?
    
    Have you looked in the frozen section for something like the vegetable-mixes in "steam-in-bags" or "steam-in-containers" to see what's in any of them (they're all different, but some of the vegetables mixes have a nice sauce on them (mostly sugar-based, I think).
    
    things like dried fruits, raisins, Craisons?
    
    This recipe for baked, stuffed, mushrooms is for gluten-free and wheat-free (but there's cheese in it).  What about making them but leaving the cheese out?  (Or making some other version of them, since they're really filling.)

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Home Girlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       It really sounds like a chicken pox! In that case you just need lots of fresh vegetables, some good grains like plain oatmeal,millet if you can stand that. Just a good plain diet and patience. it will go away in about 2 months (not sure about timing), but my friend had it last year. Very annoying, embarrassing, irritating thing - but not lethal anyway. But doctor has to confirm that, otherways you 'll be spreading it around like something else, it's very contageous! Very. Unfortunately, when doctors don't know what to say, they say it's an allergy, but may be it's just me. I just "love" doctors!

       replyreport
       1. 63

          Lisa HWposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I had a similar thought - Shingles.  I've read that the blisters can look different in some cases, and in some cases there isn't a rash at all.  I'm guessing the doctor ruled that out - I wonder?

          replyreport
28. 60

    deutza1_dposted 14 years ago

    Hey,
    As I see it, this is a perfect opportunity to change your life completely. What I suggets is go raw. Try all sorts of salads and your body will change in no time. Whatever you do, don`t panic as the moment the doctor tells you need to make a change, is the moment that will change your life. Have fun experimenting in salad world. You won`t regret it ~

    replyreport
29. 60

    theirishobserver.posted 14 years ago

    that rules out most of what I eat - good luck with your diet and I hope you find the answer to your problem

    replyreport
30. 84

    Amanda Severnposted 14 years ago

    I got to this thread 5 weeks behind everyone else so you're probably all sorted by now, but it did occur to me that not all allergies are caused by food and drink. I once had a major allergic re-action to roof space insulation. The company I worked at were replacing ceiling tiles, and the dust from the roof space was blowing around the offices. The resultant rash was very unsightly, and very itchy. I hope you're all good by now though!

    replyreport