Introduction – Elimination and Challenge

Without valid laboratory testing, systematic elimination diets are the best tool for helping clients decide if certain foods bother them. Unfortunately, elimination diets are often haphazard and the client:

Does not get a clear answer about problematic foods.
May follow several elimination diets (i.e., without a firm evaluation date, clients may stay on a diet indefinitely).
Feels confused and frustrated about what to eat.

Therefore, elimination diets need to be systematic.

Before embarking on an elimination diet, encourage the client to experiment with eating patterns (i.e. how they eat), which would include (but not be limited to):

Relaxing before and after meals.
Chewing foods slowly and thoroughly.
Eating in a pattern that works for them. Smaller, frequent meals seem to be the best tolerated.
Meal planning so food is not a source of stress.
Meeting basic nutrient needs.

Also, encourage general wellness strategies (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness) before elimination diets. We are often too quick to jump into restrictions.