Elimination diet day 1: prep and shopping

I'm finally doing it.
I've wanted to find out what's been bugging my tummy and making me itch for years. After an abortive attempt a year ago, I always planned to get back to my elimination diet. But life takes over.

When to do an elimination diet

You can't do an elimination diet if you're going to eat at someone else's house, or even sometimes if you're going to eat with someone else at your house. Eating out is hard - you'll need lots of menu research.
I plan to squeeze mine into a quiet four or so weeks of winter, right after getting a formal dinner and a night at a friend's house out of the way. I had to postpone another friend's birthday treat (high tea) and I'm going to struggle with a snow trip next weekend when a group of us will be eating out.

Why I'm going to enjoy my elimination diet

I'm feeling optimistic.
I can't wait to have the peace that comes from a peaceful gut.
I also love a good challenge in the kitchen. I like knowing how to prepare delicious meals for vegans and those who can't eat gluten.

Shopping for an elimination diet

My shopping has focused on raw ingredients for the most part.

• I've got lots of the brassicas and root veggies which are allowed, and fruit, fresh and dried. Fresh herbs and chilli are handy for adding flavour to dishes when I can't use onions, garlic or stock. 
• I've got a variety of rice types and other allowed grains: quinoa and its mini cousin kaniwa, amaranth, buckwheat, sorghum, and plenty of seeds: sunflower, sesame, chia, pumpkin.
• I've also picked up a few convenience foods and treats: rice cakes, sesame snaps, plain potato chips (no one said an elimination diet has to be healthy!), coconut yoghurt and ice cream. Rice milk and gluten free cereal is a handy snack. 
• I enjoy barley based hot drinks and nettle tea when I can't have coffee.