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When it comes to a migraine diet, there are so many choices out there. Finding the right migraine diet for you can make a huge improvement in your symptoms and decrease attack days. But a lot of the complaints I see are focused on how difficult a migraine diet can be after you see the list of foods not allowed.

Foods Allowed on the HYH Migraine Diet | The Dizzy Cook

Foods Allowed on a Migraine Diet

Because I know it’s very easy to get caught up in focusing on the foods to eliminate on a migraine diet like Johns Hopkins or Heal Your Headache, I spent a long time putting together this list of foods to embrace that you can eat freely during the elimination period. I began this diet because I wasn’t complacent with just feeling 60-80% on my meds and supplements. I knew there had to be more, but wanted to approach things from a more holistic standpoint. You could have probably told me to walk around on my two hands to feel better and I would have tried it!

Focus On What You Can Have vs. What You Can’t

Beginning a migraine diet can be completely overwhelming. I remember standing in the middle of the supermarket (which was already a challenge), looking at my book of things to eliminate and tearing up. It was like literally everything I picked off the shelves was on the “no” list. But I promise the shift gets a lot easier. This diet, although temporary, gives you the tools you need to make better decisions about food going forward. And even now that I’ve reintroduced foods, I try to cook more at home or check the ingredients on pre-made meals more often.

Because you now know foods to avoid temporarily, we will focus on the many things you can have. You might be surprised that you find new foods or spices that you actually enjoy more than you did before! Plus it can make you a better cook too. 

Is Coconut a Migraine Trigger?

Coconut is controversial. Although HYH says to eliminate it, I don’t see it affect people enough to that you should leave it in unless you don’t see an improvement in your migraines, but that call is up to you. Perhaps eliminate it if you’re not dairy free, but keep it in if your diet requires you to be dairy free. 

I created two lists of basics that you can print out or save to your phone and carry with you to the grocery store. Hopefully it makes your life a little easier. If I missed something, it might not be on the “no” list. I just wanted to give you an idea of how many things you can actually have!

Heal Your Headache & Johns Hopkins Migraine Diet Foods to Enjoy

Foods Allowed on the HYH Heal Your Headache Migraine Diet #migraineremedies #migrainerelief #migrainediet Foods Allowed on the HYH Heal Your Headache Migraine Diet #migraineremedies #migrainerelief #migrainediet

 

For pdf print outs:
Fruits Veggies and Spices Allowed on HYH

Meat, Cheese, Drinks, Beans, Grains, and Condiments Allowed on HYH

For more information on how to start a migraine elimination diet.

Pre-made Foods Allowed on a Migraine Diet

And for migraine diet pantry recommendations – check out these pre-made migraine-friendly foods and snacks.Don’t forget these tips for eating out on a migraine diet

 

Alicia

Alicia is a vestibular migraine advocate and the bestselling author of The Dizzy Cook: Managing Migraine with More Than 90 Comforting Recipes and Lifestyle Tips. Her articles and recipes have been featured by Healthline, Parade, mindbodygreen, Today, Good Morning Texas, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the American Migraine Foundation. Read More

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237 Comments

  1. K says:

    What about dragon fruit?

  2. Vickie says:

    Are allspice and nutmeg allowed spices during elimination? I didn’t see them listed and wondered if there was a reason for that?

    1. Alicia says:

      Yes, they’re fine! I think I just ran out of space for everything.

  3. Maria says:

    Does this work for IIH, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

  4. Chas says:

    Just came across your site. Won’t go into lengthy details but I believe what I have been experiencing for the last year is vestibular migraine that has transitioned to a neurological/vestibular problem from original headaches years ago. The information you have presented is eye-opening. I downloaded the diet book right away and I’m looking forward to getting things right through diet and chiropractic that may help with the cervicogenic part i’ve also had issues with. Thanks so much and when I get a chance I’ll definitely be finding out more information about your recipes.

  5. Kate says:

    I have really appreciated your posts and recipes as I start this HYH diet myself. It can be hard at times, but I believe it will be worth it! I am wondering about cheese…is Alouette cheese ok to eat? The Boursin cheese was out of stock, and this was right next to it, so I decided to try that brand, but I am not sure if it is the same cheese type/quality and ok for migraines or not. Not sure if you know the brand or not but thought I would chance asking.

    1. Alicia says:

      I hope it goes well for you!! I just looked it up and it does have more gums than Boursin does so if you can find Boursin at some point, that would be a better option. But overall its a sub in a pinch!

  6. Candice says:

    I heard bananas were good for migraines bc they have potassium but they are not on your list, does that mean they are actually bad for you? Ty.

    1. Alicia says:

      Hey – so ripe bananas are higher in tyramine which is why they’re not on the allowed list. I’ve found some people to do fine with them, some can only tolerate ones that are green…so it’s definitely worth being aware of.

  7. Marwa says:

    Hi dear
    Thank you so much for all the information i really love yogurt 💔
    What can i replace it with? If you have suggestions i would be great full