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Interesting foods for restricted diets
I have had trouble with my digestive system and was recently advised by my dietician to radically change my eating habits. I have a new eating regimen that precludes all dairy, wheat and yeast products. I have been following this programme for four weeks and can feel the benefits however I find the lack of variety in my diet very dull. Can you suggest any good books or anything else that will liven it up?
Most of us who embark on healthy elimination diets run into this problem sooner or later. Unfortunately, for many, this is the time when the temptation to return to old patterns of eating proves too much and they seek refuge in those foods which are not helpful when trying to restore optimum digestion.
Too often, the practitioners who prescribe these strict elimination eating regimens are at fault since they fail to provide a stimulating list of alternatives to those trying to avoid wheat, dairy and citrus fruits which are the most common offenders causing hidden food intolerances and disorders such as IBS. In my book, it is not good enough for a practitioner who is charging upwards of £90 for an initial consultation to tell clients they need to switch to soya products and avoid bread. Anyone holding themselves out as a nutritional therapist should be able to produce their own list of sensible and stimulating alternatives and even show you how to cook some of the foods you may not be familiar with.
Dr Shamim Daya is a medical doctor who specialises in nutritional medicine and digestive health. Where she differs from many practitioners, is that she recognises patient compliance is a problem, and so has developed something called The Food Therapy programme to help.
This includes courses that introduce not only alternatives but, more importantly, interesting foods. She has also made a video outlining the same information for those unable to attend her one-day workshops in London.
*For more details call The Food Therapy Helpline on 07000-388 388.