The AIP or (AutoImmune Protocol) diet aims to reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Let’s get this straight: the AIP diet isn’t a traditional diet that is used to lose weight and reduce calorie consumption; AIP’s core focus is to promote gut health. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the stress we put on our gut by eating and drinking triggering foods —and letting it heal before adding back in potentially inflammatory foods.
Many foods are likely to increase changes of leaky gut (a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the intestinal wall) via Healthline. Going on the AIP diet eliminates these foods completely and allows the gut to repair itself, which in hopes will also improve the symptoms of your autoimmune disease!
So What Can You Eat?
I’d be lying if I said the AIP diet wasn’t a challenge. I love cooking and baking and shed many tears (literally) when I saw the very small list of things I was allowed to eat. I also love going out to eat and trying new foods and knew this would have to take a backseat for quite some time. It was going to be a major adjustment in regards to getting used to the diet. But after trial and error, I have found some delicious recipes that I find so delicious! (I will link some of those below!)
Why I’m Doing It
As you know from my blog, I’ve suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since I was 15 months old. I also have fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis. Most recently, I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and figured something needed to change. I’ve been working with a holistic doctor that recommended giving the AIP diet a try so … here I am! I’ve been on it for about a month and besides being in the best shape I’ve ever been in, I’ve also noticed a slew of other beneficial changes. I’ll write about it in another post!
If you’re struggling with chronic illnesses and pain, why not see if food is the problem? I’ve been feeling so down about the recent Graves’ diagnosis and then to think I was going to have to give up chocolate?! And sugars?! and WINE!!! It sounded unbearable.
I’m currently retraining my brain to understand that I cannot seek comfort in food. It’s been very empowering to know I’m feeding my body with only the purest and healthiest ingredients and I have seen major changes in my body. Physically I feel strong, lean, and confident. Mentally I feel proud for taking on this challenge and hopeful for the best outcome possible.
AIP IN A DAY – MEAL PLAN
There are a ton of AIP recipes out there…some good…a lot bad. I figured I’d do the hard work for you and share some of the tastiest recipes I’ve found (that you’ll actually love).
Breakfast: 3 minute Pancakes
You guys. You guyyyysss. I’m so obsessed with these it’s ridiculous. I double (sometimes quadruple 😬) the recipe and add a sprinkle of cinnamon! I dont eat them as english muffins however. I usually take them out and drizzle with maple syrup and berries and oof! They’re delish. Easy too!
Lunch: Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
I’ve made these waayyyy too much, I just cant get enough! It’s a recipe that I’d make regardless if I was on the AIP diet or not, that’s how great they are. The link to the recipe refuses to show here but credit goes to Unbound Wellness (unboundwellness.com). Search SWEET POTATO CHICKEN POPPERS (PALEO, AIP & WHOLE 30) and boom!
Dinner: HERBED SHRIMP
I love shrimp, always have. This is a great simple recipe! I have yet to try the tzatziki and usually pair it with some roasted vegetables or over a bed of arugula! Enjoy!
Yummy Resources Below
LOVE BIRD CEREALS
Also want to mention how delicious Love Bird Cereals are. They were kind enough to send me a few of their boxes to try and I fell in love. (The honey flavor is my favorite!!)
Jacks Paleo Kitchen
Jacks Paleo Kitchen has some delicious AIP friendly cookies such as their Pumpkin Spice, Snickerdoodle, Lemon Zing, and Cinnamon Raisin!
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