Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diet – Our Meal Plan

*Download Meal Plan and Recipes PDF

What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)?

 My husband has Eosinophilic Esophagitis, EOE for short. Basically, he has white blood cells in his esophagus (they’re not supposed to be there), and his esophagus is swollen. He has trouble swallowing, and has had two food impactions which landed him in the ER. After his second food impaction, he went to the gastroenterologist for a scope and was diagnosed with EOE. He tried 3 months on a Proton Pump Inhibitor and was rescoped. He had no signs of improvement, so his EOE is food related. The gastroenterologist told us to look online for help and start with cutting out milk.

Our Current Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment Plan

Recently, my husband went to a Functional Medicine doctor. After a food allergy test and a GI map, we found out he is allergic to eggs and also has H. Pylori. Step one of his treatment protocol is taking supplements to kill off the H. Pylori and eliminating gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, fish, and peanuts. Those of you who are familiar with EOE know these are the top allergens associated with this disease.

The Top Allergens We Are Avoiding for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Now my challenge is to come up with a meal plan with dinners that are gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy free. Not eating fish is easy because my husband hates fish anyways. It is quite difficult to come up with different meals with all the food restrictions, but I am determined to be creative.

Using Leftover Turkey to Make Nourishing Bone Broth

This week, my sons and I were sick, so I made a lot of soup. It’s the week after Thanksgiving, so I used the leftover turkey carcass to make a huge stock pot of turkey broth. I’ve never made stock on the stovetop before. My turkey carcass was frozen, so I couldn’t cut in pieces. It stuck out of the water a little, but the broth still turned out great! Here are the steps:

• Put the turkey carcasss in a stock pot and cover all the way with water
• Add in veggie scraps
• Add seasonings: 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 bay leaf.
• Put the lid and bring to boil
• Turn the heat to low and simmer for at least 4 hours

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chicken and Rice Soup

The first soup I made was Chicken and Rice. I always use my mom’s recipe when I make this soup. The steps are simple. Start with some good bone broth or stock. I usually make chicken bone broth in my instant pot, but I used the turkey stock this time. Chop up onions and carrots. The recipe calls for celery too, but I didn’t have any on hand. Sauté the veggies and add them to your bone broth or stock. Add the seasonings.  Rinse white rice and add it the stock. Bring to a boil and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. Add cooked chicken and serve.

Dairy-Free Zuppa Toscana with Simple Swaps

The second soup I made this week is Zuppa Toscana. Start by browning Italian Sausage with onion. Chop 6 potatoes and add to chicken broth. Add seasonings, bring to a boil, and let simmer. When potatoes are done, add chopped kale and the sausage/onion mixture. You can add a can of coconut milk to this if you like. My husband prefers it without. So I leave this soup plain. The family members who eat dairy add whole milk to their individual bowls of soup.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Without Soy

The third dinner I made this week was Teriyaki chicken inspired from Wholesome Yum. If you are soy free, coconut aminos is your friend. You can substitute it for soy sauce in any Asian-inspired recipe. First, make stovetop white rice. Then cut up chicken thighs and sauté them in olive oil. While the chicken cooks, mix coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Add the sauce to the cooked chicken and let simmer for 7 minutes. If desired, thicken sauce with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water whisked together. Serve with white rice and broccoli.

Quick and Customizable Taco Bowls for the Whole Family

The fourth and final dinner I made this week was taco bowls. This is my favorite meal to make when I don’t feel like cooking since it takes hardly any effort at all but tastes so good. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef with onions. Drain the grease off and add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Add cooked or canned black beans to the taco meat.  I prefer to make my own black beans in the Instant Pot.  Make stovetop rice and set out the toppings your family enjoys. We use avocado, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce.

Encouragement for Families Navigating EOE and Food Allergies

Navigating food allergies and elimination diets with EOE can feel overwhelming at first, but I’m learning that with a little creativity and intention, it truly is possible to keep nourishing, comforting meals on the table. These dinners reminded me that simple ingredients can still create flavorful, satisfying food even with multiple restrictions. If you’re walking a similar path with EOE or food sensitivities in your family, I hope this week of meals encourages you to keep experimenting and not give up. One meal at a time, we can support healing, nourish our families, and still enjoy the process along the way. Click the link below to download this week’s meal plan and recipes!

*Download Meal Plan and Recipes PDF