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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 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

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.













Hello, Thank you for all this information. I was wondering about…
1) Caffeine free Bengal Spice tea (Cinnamon, roasted chicory, roasted carob, natural spice and vanilla flavours with other natural flavours, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves and nutmeg)
2) Caffeine free Chai tea.
3) Muesli cereal (which does have sliced almonds, but not many)
4) Honey.
Thanks
Jamie
Hi Alicia,
Firstly, thank you so much for your website and for being a VM advocate. I have just been diagnosed with this horrible illness, having suffered from dizziness for nearly a year now, and it’s still not under control. I’m taking supplements now and looking forward to receiving your book.
I just wanted to ask if eggs are allowed please?
Thank you,
Fiona in the UK
Is orange peel in tea enough to be considered citrus? How about carob as an ingredient in tea for those following HYH?
Should barley be avoided entirely? Or just ‘malted’ barley, and other forms of malt?
Can I make my own yeast bread but wait a day to eat it?
yes.
Hi, I didn’t find it on the list, but is Maize OK please? I love Popcorn and a lot of easy snacks seem to have maize in. Thanks.
Is Vanilla Extract okay? I would love to see a recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream! I know it’s super simple but it’d come from a reputable source.
Yes, it is. I would recommend this mascarpone ice cream. It’s basically a super creamy vanilla.