Weight Gain - Limited Diet

Goodness that does not sound fun!

I don't have this issue, but if I were you I'd try to find more calorie-dense foods that fit into your limited diet. Add coconut oil to smoothies, down an avocado, and eat more potatoes.

My baby niece is actually allergic to soy, dairy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, and shellfish. Among other things too- poor munchkin. I'm allergic to wheat, lactose intolerant, onion intolerant, and possibly have fructose malabsorption. Only a few years ago, due to gall stones I also had to go egg free, dairy free, oil free, red meat free, and nut free. You're so not alone- specialness happens. My two cents- it's okay to cry and when it gets too much just take a big, deep breath. You can get through this.

Some of my first information came from pages like: eatingwell.com. There is a lot out there, just google. Some of my favourite recipes are from Lexie's Kitchen lexieskitchen.com/recipe-box/, helpful ones for my niece have been: http://naturalandfree.blogspot.com.au and http://realfoodallergyfree.com/

I will say that when that just by looking at your list - when in doubt of the food go for things that say gluten free vegan. I've learned that if it's not ticked gluten free, it still could have wheat in it and I can still get very sick. When I had to go without eggs I found out that it's in a ridiculous amount of things from dijon mustard to gf bread. Again, look for that tick to say vegan if you're have trouble with egg even as emulsifiers. Also be careful of soy free cheeses, I've seen some that still have casein in it, diary protein so if it's the protein itself, look for that vegan tick on your cheese. I'm not saying all your recipes need to be this way, but it will make it easier to shop if you look for those two ticks.

Now as far as gaining weight, I may not be as helpful as others since I've always been obese.

• But there are protein powders out there that are vegan, nut free, and gluten free (like mine). Since I'm in Australia, that's probably not much help to you, but if you're having issue with getting your protein macro ask your local health food store for guidance. Besides that chicken is amazing. I love it.
• Fats- coconut milk is seriously amazing. I use it to make my own ice cream and it's just my favourite thing ever. Since you're in the states, look for Earth Balance- I'm not sure if it's soy free but seriously it's the best vegan butter out there for baking. Otherwise, just go for straight oils. Most of the time they work just as well. Avocados are also just lovely and you can do so many things with them.
• For carbs, ignore barley, oats and rye unless they're labeled "wheat free". That leaves potatoes, rice (white, black, red, wild; long, short, jasmine, etc.), pumpkins, squash, etc. I eat a low carb paleo-esque diet so I limit most of them, but squash, rice, and wheat free oats are my big carbs.

And in a reversal, because I gained a lot of weight drinking calories, I really suggest you look into various smoothie recipes. It's much easier getting the calories you need in what feels like less when you drink it. If that makes sense. Coconut milk/ rice milk/almond milk (homemade?)/ juice mixed with avocado, nut/seed butters you can eat (almond butter or maybe tahini paste), veggies, and fruit. It's simple, variable and tasty. If you want you can also get a df, gf, cocoa powder. I love adding some to my smoothies.

Also be careful of alcohol dear. Look for gluten free ciders, wines, etc. Potato vodka only, no whiskey, no gin. Some say they're okay because they're so distilled but I'm too sensitive to wheat to want to chance it.

I have GERD as well but honestly I don't care. I shouldn't eat or drink most of what I eat but I am not giving up stuff that helps get me calories fast.