Home > Meal plans

Complete meal plan for elimination diet

Navigate dietary challenges with our complete meal plan for an elimination diet. Carefully crafted to help you identify food sensitivities, this plan focuses on simple, clean eating. Enjoy a variety of safe, delicious meals while you work towards feeling your best.

Get grocery list
meal plan icon
complete meal plan
meal plan icon
FREE SHOPPING LIST
review icon
Article reviewed
people
Complete meal plan for elimination diet photo cover

Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Turkey breast
  • Salmon
  • Beef sirloin
  • Pork tenderloin
  • Eggs
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Oats
  • Spinach

  • Kale
  • Carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Green beans
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries

  • Avocados
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Rice cakes
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Butternut squash

Save this list
Share this list
fact-checked review
Article reviewed

Meal plan overview

The complete meal plan for elimination diet helps you identify food sensitivities by removing potential allergens from your diet. Initially, it focuses on simple, non-reactive foods like rice, vegetables, and certain meats, gradually reintroducing foods to pinpoint issues. Meals are straightforward and nutritious, featuring plenty of fresh produce and lean proteins.

This plan is perfect for those experiencing unexplained health issues, aiming to identify and eliminate problematic foods. It’s structured yet flexible, providing guidance and support throughout the process of discovering food sensitivities.

Foods to eat

  • Rice and Quinoa: These are usually safe grains that are easy to digest.
  • Lean Meats: Chicken and turkey, preferably organic, are generally well-tolerated.
  • Non-citrus Fruits: Apples, pears, and bananas are good options.
  • Vegetables: Stick to less allergenic ones like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
  • Herbal Teas: Chamomile and peppermint tea are soothing choices.
✅ Tip

When on an elimination diet, rotate the foods you eat every 3-4 days to help identify intolerances without causing new ones.

Foods not to eat

  • Dairy Products: Avoid milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
  • Gluten-containing Grains: Skip wheat, barley, and rye.
  • Soy Products: No tofu, soy milk, or soy sauce.
  • Citrus Fruits: Avoid oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Some elimination diets exclude all nuts and seeds initially.

Main benefits

A complete meal plan for an elimination diet helps identify food sensitivities while maintaining balanced nutrition. It starts with simple, hypoallergenic foods that are nutrient-dense. This plan gradually reintroduces foods to pinpoint triggers, ensuring no essential nutrients are missed. Additionally, it includes a variety of safe foods to keep meals interesting and nutritious.

graph image
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To maintain nutritional variety while following an elimination diet, consider these gentle food alternatives:

  • For a lean protein swap, cod fillet can replace chicken breast, offering a low-fat, easily digestible option.
  • To diversify your grains, sorghum can replace oats, providing a gluten-free and fiber-rich alternative.
  • For a vegetable alternative, turnips can replace potatoes, offering a lower-carb, nutrient-dense option.
  • To switch up your fruit intake, papayas can replace apples, providing a tropical and digestive-friendly option.
  • For a different fat source, grapeseed oil can replace olive oil, offering a light flavor and high smoke point.

How to budget on this meal plan

For the elimination diet, plan meals around affordable, hypoallergenic foods like rice, potatoes, and certain vegetables. Buy in bulk to save money and consider cooking in large batches to freeze portions for later. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods to avoid costly specialty items. Shop for produce at farmer’s markets where prices may be lower.

Download the grocery list for FREE

  • ✔️ Add and remove items
  • ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
  • ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Get grocery list
phone picture with a shopping list

Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy snack ideas for a complete meal plan for an elimination diet:

  • Sliced cucumber with a sprinkle of sea salt
  • Baked sweet potato fries
  • Blueberries and pear slices
  • Rice cakes with sunflower seed butter
  • Plain popcorn with a touch of olive oil
  • Carrot and celery sticks with olive oil dip
  • Unsweetened applesauce
What should I drink on this meal plan?

On an elimination diet, drink water as your main beverage. Herbal teas without caffeine or additives are also good options. If you tolerate them, you can include natural, unsweetened coconut water and fresh vegetable juices. Avoid any drinks that contain potential allergens or irritants you are eliminating. Homemade bone broth can be beneficial if tolerated.

How to get even more nutrients?

On an elimination diet, ensure protein intake with safe options like lean meats, fish, or plant-based proteins that are allowed. Incorporate high-fiber foods such as allowed fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free whole grains. Use healthy fats from permitted sources like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados. Monitor nutrient levels and reintroduce foods slowly to identify deficiencies and maintain balance.

Meal plan suggestions

Complete Meal Plan for Elimination Diet

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with Almond Milk, Blueberries, and Walnuts
  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa, Spinach, and Bell Peppers
  • Dinner: Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
  • Snack: Apple Slices with Almond Butter

Calories: 1600  Fat: 60g   Carbs: 170g   Protein: 100g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Strawberries, Banana, Spinach, and Coconut Milk
  • Lunch: Turkey Breast Salad with Kale, Carrots, and Avocado
  • Dinner: Beef Sirloin with Brown Rice, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
  • Snack: Rice Cakes with Almonds

Calories: 1650  Fat: 65g   Carbs: 180g   Protein: 110g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Zucchini and Bell Peppers
  • Lunch: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Quinoa, Kale, and Butternut Squash
  • Dinner: Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
  • Snack: Banana with Walnuts

Calories: 1700  Fat: 70g   Carbs: 175g   Protein: 120g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Quinoa Porridge with Almond Milk, Blueberries, and Almonds
  • Lunch: Chicken Breast with Brown Rice, Broccoli, and Carrots
  • Dinner: Baked Salmon with Kale and Butternut Squash
  • Snack: Apple with Almond Butter

Calories: 1600  Fat: 60g   Carbs: 165g   Protein: 110g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with Coconut Milk, Strawberries, and Almonds
  • Lunch: Turkey Breast with Quinoa, Spinach, and Bell Peppers
  • Dinner: Beef Sirloin with Sweet Potatoes and Cauliflower
  • Snack: Rice Cakes with Banana

Calories: 1650  Fat: 65g   Carbs: 170g   Protein: 115g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Kale and Zucchini
  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast with Brown Rice, Green Beans, and Carrots
  • Dinner: Pork Tenderloin with Quinoa, Broccoli, and Bell Peppers
  • Snack: Apple with Walnuts

Calories: 1700  Fat: 70g   Carbs: 175g   Protein: 120g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Banana, Blueberries, Spinach, and Coconut Milk
  • Lunch: Turkey Breast Salad with Kale, Avocado, and Carrots
  • Dinner: Baked Salmon with Brown Rice and Broccoli
  • Snack: Rice Cakes with Almonds

Calories: 1600  Fat: 60g   Carbs: 160g   Protein: 110g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan

Like this meal plan?

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

Want to learn more?

⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.