wendyjcs

Oh you poor thing. I know how you feel. I've had so many medical problems and received so much dietary advice from, doctors and nutritionists and allergists and gastroenterologists over the years that there isn't ONE FOOD LEFT that I wasn't told not to eat, by SOMEONE. (Except maybe Pomegranate. I don't think anybody's mentioned Pomegranate. Or manioc.) I stand in front of the refrigerator/cupboards and stare, with all the various lists going through my mind...

One thought, before I get into the foods question... if your main problem is reflux, there is a new school of thought on the best reflux diet. It advocates... low-carb. Believe it or not. It doesn't even have to be strict Adkins low-carb; you can cheat. (Even eat a cookie now and then.) The theory is that Heartburn can be Cured (as you probably know, even if you don't have heartburn, you may have reflux) by avoiding high-carb foods. These foods encourage the overgrowth of certain microbes in the digestive tract, and their over-activity produces gas and other pressures that force the lower esophageal sphincter to open when it isn't supposed to. A low-carb diet reduces their population. Traditional thought has been that fats are the main trigger; that may not be true. I'm trying lo-carb right now because I have reflux-related cough, and it HAS helped that problem. <removed>

First thoughts on foods include dried fruits such as mango and papaya. (Although these ARE high in sugar, so I wouldn't include them if you try low-carb!) Perhaps tinned fruits (e.g. fruit cocktail) might be OK, since they've usually been cooked or "processed" to some extent? (Again, though, there's a potential sugar problem.)

I'm not sure what the "bread" restriction is all about. (Do you have a gluten sensitivity problem?) Depending on why "bread" is a no-no, you might experiment with alternative grains, such as millet, quinoa, kamut and spelt. And buckwheat, which isn't a wheat, but has a grain-like texture.

Are you allowed to stir-fry vegetables and fish in "good" oils such as sunflower or olive oil? If so, choose oils that are cold-pressed and heat resistant. Get yourself a wok. And stop by an Asian foods store.

I don't see nuts on the list; they are a good and filling food. An alternative to milk might be Almond Milk and possibly Soy or Rice Milk. I've learned to love them. (Rice and almond cheese, however, I haven't been able to develop a taste for.) Judging by your restrictions on raw foods (I've been there also, the allergist gave me THAT restriction), sounds like vegetable/rice/barley soups might be good.

Since you have to avoid onion and "spicy" foods, can you use dried spices such as cilantro, basil, thyme, dill, etc? They might help perk up a boring meal; I sprinkle them on fish and chicken. A sprinkle of tumeric or cumin might add flavor without being too spicy for your limitations.

Try carob products, honey, and molasses for your sweet tooth, as alternatives to chocolate.

A good thing to do would be to go to a decent health food store (some of the smaller family-run places really care about their customers), explain your dilemma and see what ideas they have. They should also have, for example, canned/cooked fruits and vegies without added sugar.

And if your doctor gave you this "avoids" list without offering any "alternatives" list, shame on him or her.