Basic clean eating suggestions?

ccpowers
ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
edited November 16 in Food and Nutrition
I have been dealing with stomach issues for a few months and the doctors can not find anything. I am going to cut out everything and see if that helps so I am going to no gluten, no dairy... What foods or meals would you suggest?
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Replies

  • karrysalexi
    karrysalexi Posts: 62 Member
    What do you mean? There's no such thing as clean eating because it varies from person to person. Stay within your calorie limit and meet your macronutrients. I just eat whatever I want but sometimes I have to splurge on junk food to meet my calorie intake but only after meeting my macros.
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    I would google "elimination diet" for tips. If you're doing this for medical reasons, it would be good to have an actual plan.

    Good luck.
  • have you tried looking into Paleo meals? it is what helped me when I had to figure out what I could and couldn't eat. mainly meat, lots of vegtables, quinoa, sweet potatoes and such.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    "Cut out everything"? That makes zero sense.

    Think about it: if your problem stems from. say, dairy, and you suddenly feel better after quitting dairy and everything else, how are you going to know whether to continue eliminating dairy, or wheat, or gluten, or sugar, or eggs, etc.? Or are you planning on maintaining that over-restrictive and miserable diet for the rest of your life?
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I would google "elimination diet" for tips. If you're doing this for medical reasons, it would be good to have an actual plan.

    Good luck.

    ^This would be my advice too. A structured elimination diet would help to control the variables and give you better information than just blindly cutting out everything.

  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    I would google "elimination diet" for tips. If you're doing this for medical reasons, it would be good to have an actual plan.

    Good luck.

    ^This would be my advice too. A structured elimination diet would help to control the variables and give you better information than just blindly cutting out everything.

    I would go further and say find a dietician who may have a better idea what is wrong with you and help you with what you need to do.

    Who says it's food that is the problem?
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Yes, I think referral to a dietician is a good idea.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    I would google "elimination diet" for tips. If you're doing this for medical reasons, it would be good to have an actual plan.

    Good luck.

    ^This would be my advice too. A structured elimination diet would help to control the variables and give you better information than just blindly cutting out everything.

    Yep. A friend of mine was having bad digestive problems, and they did a supervised elimination diet with their doctor. It involved cutting out dairy and grains for 2 weeks each, at separate times. It's best to do that under the supervision of a doctor.
  • aprilbertin18
    aprilbertin18 Posts: 5 Member
    I felt the same way, went to the doc and all. And nothing. I slowly cut out most caffeine, dairy, and gluten. I feel better. I use to be bloated and tired all the time. Had lots of stomach issues, but most are gone. I also cut back on fried foods. All for health reasons. I have clearer skin from minimum dairy, and less fried food. And more energy from less caffeine and more water followed by more veggies. Good luck
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    The problem at this point is the doctors can find no cause for my stomach issues. I get severe pains similar to gall bladder attacks, yet my gall bladder was removed 6 years ago. And yes according to Xray, ultrasounds, ugi testing it is for sure gone. I am waiting for a specialist appt for more testing and have been given a *kitten* load of meds to take for the symptoms. There does not seem to be any trigger food or otherwise so they are not rushing to the nutritionist route. I figure if I can cut out gluten, processed foods, dairy most extra sugars and who knows what else at least until I find out if it makes a difference, I won't have to depend on pharmaceuticals to get me through. I will google thanks.
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    Maybe if the random pains stop I can start adding foods back in. . If they don't, then it must be something non food or reactive related. It is one step I can take while waiting for more tests.
  • chelseymorash
    chelseymorash Posts: 1 Member
    Have you thought about seeing a natural path and doing an allergy or sensitivity test?
  • barbecuesauce
    barbecuesauce Posts: 1,771 Member
    Have you thought about seeing a natural path and doing an allergy or sensitivity test?

    You could waste a lot of time and worsen your health going to a naturopath. Your symptoms aren't going to be helped by acupuncture and herbs. But +1 to the supervised elimination diet, which is a form of allergy test.

    Good luck, OP. And I second the suggestion of getting a referral to a registered dietititan who can help you figure this out.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    ccpowers wrote: »
    The problem at this point is the doctors can find no cause for my stomach issues. I get severe pains similar to gall bladder attacks, yet my gall bladder was removed 6 years ago. And yes according to Xray, ultrasounds, ugi testing it is for sure gone. I am waiting for a specialist appt for more testing and have been given a *kitten* load of meds to take for the symptoms. There does not seem to be any trigger food or otherwise so they are not rushing to the nutritionist route. I figure if I can cut out gluten, processed foods, dairy most extra sugars and who knows what else at least until I find out if it makes a difference, I won't have to depend on pharmaceuticals to get me through. I will google thanks.

    You will still want to do it with doctor supervision. You don't have the training to be able to interpret your symptoms, or what the lack of symptoms means. I would bring it up with your doctor, and let them know you want to try out an elimination diet with their guidance and supervision.
  • alilujah
    alilujah Posts: 1
    Since you've already seen a traditional doctor, you might want to see a chiropractor. I see a Chiropractor who uses The Gonstead Technique. She's amazing. There are a lot of techniques out there and I highly recommend finding a chiropractor that uses the Gonstead. There can be a lot of digestive issues if you're nerves going into your digestive organs are pinched/blocked. My digestive issues are virtually nonexistent after seeing her. I use to be on a lot of meds for them before. I do also regularly take a refrigerated probiotic to keep my gut healthy.
    Blessings on your journey towards health.
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    Thanks everyone. I have been to a natualpath as well. He has worked well for a bit. Also dealing with the symptoms.... I would have never thought of chiro so I will check into that. I have also done massage and acupuncture to no avail in healing. It is a gong show, and really all I want is for someone to figure out what is causing the issues and then I will know what I am dealing with as all tests come back normal, yet this is very NOT normal. The allergy testing is next as well as gastroenterologist.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    ccpowers wrote: »
    I have been dealing with stomach issues for a few months and the doctors can not find anything. I am going to cut out everything and see if that helps so I am going to no gluten, no dairy... What foods or meals would you suggest?

    This is a bit different than definitions of clean eating I've seen/heard and quite frankly sounds a little odd without direction from a physician/dietician, but here are some suggestions:

    Baked salmon, cooked kale, quinoa and bean salad
    Roast chicken, cauliflower and brussel sprouts
    Cajun red beans and rice, side salad
    Pan seered orange roughy, sauteed sweet potatoes and onion
    Shrimp and broccoli stir fry
    Pork loin stewed with butternut squash, turnips, carrots and parsnips
    Chili
    Filet mignon, grilled corn, salad
  • alannahmott
    alannahmott Posts: 1 Member
    Hey!
    I have severe GI issues so i understand what you're going through. I had to eliminate a lot of foods in my diet to find the foods that irritated my entire gut. For 2-3 weeks I only ate raw organic fruits and veggies alongside chickpeas, quinoa, ground flax seed, and chia seeds. Within those weeks i felt so much better and had no GI pain, bleeding or swelling like i normally used too. Slowly I introduced in foods that I eliminated one by one to see how my body would react. Surprisingly I found I had food reactions to gluten, corn (fresh and corn additives), grapes, pesticides found on non organic fruits and veggies (dirty dozen), red meat and processed meat, rice, processed foods with lots of additives (cereals, granola bars), sugary foods, and dairy products.
    I have been through many tests at the hospital to find the source of my GI problems and have consulted with many gastroenterologists and I can say that doing the elimination diet helped me tremendously with finding what foods made my issues worse. So definitely give it a try! also there's a book that I really found helpful called 'Meals that Heal Inflammation' by Julie Daniluk.
    I hope your symptoms get better, I know personally how hard it is not having answers, especially when you're in pain. If you have any questions let me know, everyone is here to support and help!!!
  • kampshoff
    kampshoff Posts: 133 Member
    ccpowers wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. I have been to a natualpath as well. He has worked well for a bit. Also dealing with the symptoms.... I would have never thought of chiro so I will check into that. I have also done massage and acupuncture to no avail in healing. It is a gong show, and really all I want is for someone to figure out what is causing the issues and then I will know what I am dealing with as all tests come back normal, yet this is very NOT normal. The allergy testing is next as well as gastroenterologist.

    Chiropractic is quackery. Please stick to actual medicine.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    kampshoff wrote: »
    ccpowers wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. I have been to a natualpath as well. He has worked well for a bit. Also dealing with the symptoms.... I would have never thought of chiro so I will check into that. I have also done massage and acupuncture to no avail in healing. It is a gong show, and really all I want is for someone to figure out what is causing the issues and then I will know what I am dealing with as all tests come back normal, yet this is very NOT normal. The allergy testing is next as well as gastroenterologist.

    Chiropractic is quackery. Please stick to actual medicine.

    There are chiropractors who are licensed MDs.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    OP, have you tried probiotics?
  • kampshoff
    kampshoff Posts: 133 Member
    kampshoff wrote: »
    ccpowers wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. I have been to a natualpath as well. He has worked well for a bit. Also dealing with the symptoms.... I would have never thought of chiro so I will check into that. I have also done massage and acupuncture to no avail in healing. It is a gong show, and really all I want is for someone to figure out what is causing the issues and then I will know what I am dealing with as all tests come back normal, yet this is very NOT normal. The allergy testing is next as well as gastroenterologist.

    Chiropractic is quackery. Please stick to actual medicine.

    There are chiropractors who are licensed MDs.

    Any MD who believes he can solve gastrointestinal problems via spinal manipulation should have his license revoked.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I have another friend that has had gastro issues that the doctors can't figure out. She had some success with a low FODMAP diet, although she still has low energy and occasional intestinal issues.

    Here's some info on the diet:
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/for-patients-component/programs-services/clinical-nutrition-services/docs/pdf-lowfodmapdiet.pdf
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited April 2015
    May I give you a little bit of advice? Forget naturopaths, chiropractors and their elk and save your money. There are cheaper ways to placebo yourself into feeling better.

    I had gastro issues in the past. You could google elimination diets, but to do it supervised would be best. My doctor put me on a customized systematic elimination diet and for the first week pretty much all I could eat were certain vegetables (no nightshades, no fruits..etc). Depending on your problem merely going dairy and gluten free may not be enough.
  • Sarasmaintaining
    Sarasmaintaining Posts: 1,027 Member
    I would google "elimination diet" for tips. If you're doing this for medical reasons, it would be good to have an actual plan.

    Good luck.

    This.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    edited April 2015
    I have a bar of soap if you want so you can clean the food before eating. Just basic Ivory, no Irish Spring or Dove or anything.
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    joejccva71 wrote: »
    I have a bar of soap if you want so you can clean the food before eating. Just basic Ivory, no Irish Spring or Dove or anything.
    Lol
  • sjohnson__1
    sjohnson__1 Posts: 405 Member
    joejccva71 wrote: »
    I have a bar of soap if you want so you can clean the food before eating. Just basic Ivory, no Irish Spring or Dove or anything.

    You sir, win EVERYTHING in the battle against "clean eating". Can we be friends?
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    Hey!
    I have severe GI issues so i understand what you're going through. I had to eliminate a lot of foods in my diet to find the foods that irritated my entire gut. For 2-3 weeks I only ate raw organic fruits and veggies alongside chickpeas, quinoa, ground flax seed, and chia seeds. Within those weeks i felt so much better and had no GI pain, bleeding or swelling like i normally used too. Slowly I introduced in foods that I eliminated one by one to see how my body would react. Surprisingly I found I had food reactions to gluten, corn (fresh and corn additives), grapes, pesticides found on non organic fruits and veggies (dirty dozen), red meat and processed meat, rice, processed foods with lots of additives (cereals, granola bars), sugary foods, and dairy products.
    I have been through many tests at the hospital to find the source of my GI problems and have consulted with many gastroenterologists and I can say that doing the elimination diet helped me tremendously with finding what foods made my issues worse. So definitely give it a try! also there's a book that I really found helpful called 'Meals that Heal Inflammation' by Julie Daniluk.
    I hope your symptoms get better, I know personally how hard it is not having answers, especially when you're in pain. If you have any questions let me know, everyone is here to support and help!!!


    Thank you so much. This is what I was hoping for, and someone who has gone through something similar really helps. I am starting with basics so sounds like I am on the right track. And will be looking into the elimination diet and the book. Yay!
  • ccpowers
    ccpowers Posts: 203 Member
    ccpowers wrote: »
    I have been dealing with stomach issues for a few months and the doctors can not find anything. I am going to cut out everything and see if that helps so I am going to no gluten, no dairy... What foods or meals would you suggest?

    This is a bit different than definitions of clean eating I've seen/heard and quite frankly sounds a little odd without direction from a physician/dietician, but here are some suggestions:



    Baked salmon, cooked kale, quinoa and bean salad
    Roast chicken, cauliflower and brussel sprouts
    Cajun red beans and rice, side salad
    Pan seered orange roughy, sauteed sweet potatoes and onion
    Shrimp and broccoli stir fry
    Pork loin stewed with butternut squash, turnips, carrots and parsnips
    Chili
    Filet mignon, grilled corn, salad


    Thank you frothed suggestions
This discussion has been closed.