Elimination Diet - Protein & Energy

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How to Get Enough Protein and Stay Energetic on an Elimination Diet

By Jonathan Moore

Elimination diets can be challenging. According to the Food Pyramid that we all grew up with, meat, dairy, and bread constitute a giant portion of our daily food intake.

If you suffer from severe allergies, however, your doctor may have suggested that you go two or more weeks without eating any of these things.

If you’re in the middle of your first elimination diet, you’re probably searching for new recipes to try or, in a worst-case scenario, you’re just trying not to starve.

What you’re probably feeling is the need for high-protein foods that will leave you feeling full and energetic the way meat, cheese, and bread does.

Good news: they’re out there. And they taste great.

Here’s a short list of some staple foods for you that are protein-packed and great for energy.

1.)    Chickpeas—also known as Garbanzo beans. Not only are chickpeas high in protein (17.5 g per can), they also contain tryptophan, which can benefit sleep. Hummus is also essentially chickpea paste, and there lots of quick and easy snacks that incorporate it. I also recommend searching out spinach chickpea salad recipes as well as chana masala, a delicious Indian dish.

2.)    Lentil Sprouts—an extremely health dish eaten around the world. Sprouted lentils are high in protein, and they are also considered a “live food,” which carries with it a host of health benefits. They work as a great to-go snack well.

 3.)    Protein Shakes—are many and varied. Depending on the restrictions in your elimination diet, there are different options as to what kind of protein shake will work for you. I currently use Soy powder and Lactose-free milk, but you can also try rice milk or other substitutes. Protein can be distilled from a number of sources, and your local health food store will have more options.

Let me offer one more practical suggestion. If you’re desperately looking for ways to fill your empty stomach, don’t just try health food stores, also try foreign supermarkets and talking to people from other countries. In India, for instance, the diet is much more plant-based, and in many ways they are already on the elimination diet. Mix it up, talk to people, and take suggestions. Also search out recipes with these key ingredients, you will find all sorts of variety.


Here are some links to recipes that I mentioned in the article:

Chana Masala

Spinach Chickpea Salad - (you can skip or substitute the yogurt)