It’s Day 5 here on the AutoImmune Protocol Diet. How’s it going? Well I’d give myself an A++ but I also know in reality I might be failing.
In case you’re just joining us, I’m on the AutoImmune Protocol Diet for six weeks as a way to let my body heal and hopefully reset. While my thyroid function seems to be just fine thanks to daily medication, according to my newest Endocrinologist, my thyroid antibodies are off the charts high, which indicates a full-blown flare. The AutoImmune Protocol is a highly restrictive diet that will hopefully get to the bottom of exactly what is pissing off my immune system. After six weeks, we’ll start to reintroduce food groups very carefully, one by one.
Thai Beef with Cauliflower Rice is a total winner
Until then, I’m avoiding grains and gluten, eggs, dairy, added sugar, beans, corn, seeds, legumes, soy, most oils, nightshades, preservatives, alcohol and artificial sweeteners. It probably would’ve been quicker to tell you what I CAN eat.
AIP Summit. I’ve been attending an Autoimmune Protocol Summit all week long. Talk about great timing, right? So much good information! Before this, I didn’t know AIP existed but now I’m so grateful for the support, research, resources and the community.
Wild Alaskan Salmon with Lemon-Garlic Sauce and broccoli/sweet potato mash.
I’m not typically a huge salmon fan but this was so good.
So much food prep. Don’t get me wrong: I love to cook. But cooking this way is very new to me AND the rest of the family does not eat this way, so I’m preparing at least two and sometimes three different menus per day. That said, every single thing I’ve made so far as been delicious. I just have to figure out a system.
Eating an early morning breakfast is weird. Especially because I’m coming off of intermittent fasting where I’d eat nothing until at least noon or 1pm. Eating a breakfast that contains meat is even more weird. That said, this Turkey-Veggie Skillet was delicious and very easy to reheat. It has mushrooms, onions, carrots and shredded sweet potatoes in it. Not my typical breakfast fare.
Afternoons are especially hard. I haven’t figured out snacks yet, so I’ll have 8 oz of kombucha or maybe a collagen drink, or a piece of fruit like a tangerine or apple. I really miss nuts and nut butter and CHEESE! Afternoons are also the time I’d be dipping into the popcorn or cheese corn or whatever else is lying around here. Not this week, I’ve stayed strong.
Some of the recommended AIP foods are a hard no. I’m sorry but oxtails aren’t gonna happen. Neither are organ meats. I also have no clue where to get tigernut flour or coriander leaves. Coriander seed is a no-no but the leaves are allowed. Go figure.
I’m nervous about taking the AIP show on the road. When we travel later this month, I’ll have to stay AIP compliant. I was hoping for some good tips at the AIP Summit, but I didn’t really get anything other than advice to call ahead to restaurants and talk to the manager about my food restrictions. Um yeah…not gonna do that. I may seek out a gluten-free restaurant and make the best of it, or subsist on tuna and avocados, we’ll see.
Why am I failing? Because I’m still drinking coffee, which technically is a bean. I’ve also ingested a small amount of artificial sweeteners, which are also banned. I 99.9999% don’t think I have sensitivities to coffee or artificial sweeteners, but if my ATAs are still high when we test, I guess I’ll have to do this over again and be even more strict. It’s an all-or-nothing game.
Have you heard of AIP? Ever had to follow a special diet?
Good luck. Wow. That looks tough.
. I could not do it. Esp with traveling and eating in restaurants.
How does it affect your energy to run and work out?
You’re doing amazing! So much discipline! I wouldn’t call the restaurants either – the last thing they need is another „difficult customer“. I would do it like you: simply try to subsist on tuna/avocado if need be.
Good luck!
An AIP summit? Who knew? You’re going all in. I hope this works for you. As you know, I’m avoiding certain trigger foods. I could never go all AIP–you’re a much stronger person than I.
You are doing great with your diet. My niece did an elimination diet and found out she was allergic to dairy, which caused all kinds of health problems for her. Once she eliminated dairy from her diet, she was much better.
I think coriander leaves are cilantro.
I’m with you on coffee, I only drink one cup a day, but I HAVE to have it. Hang in there, you’ve made a dent in the six weeks.
You know I love nutrition, so yes, I’d heard of AIP but thankfully have not needed it yet so didn’t really know a lot about it.
I tend to not snack much at all these days. So the snacking may just be habit for you, rather than real hunger. That’s always a tough nut to crack.
Whole Foods carries Tigernut flour (and you can definitely get it from Amazon). I haven’t used it personally but I have seen recipes for it.
I wonder if things like EPIC bars would be compliant? They have a lot of sugar, but it’s from dried fruit. Or maybe any other meat based snack, there are lots these days.
Good luck, Marcia, I hope that it helps you!
Wow this is super restrictive and I imagine very challenging. Sounds like you are rocking it though. Making changes like this are always so time consuming. I imagine you fill fall into a system and routine. I also make multiple meals over here and that is challenging. Keep us posted on how it’s going!
My friend, Lynn, followed strictly and now more loosely AIP. There are some great blogs and posts on this. Check out mybigfatgrainfreelife.com and google AIP compliant snacks. Wild Zora makes some AIP compliant instant soups for when you’re in a bind and CHOMPS has a few meat stick flavors that are now AIP compliant for travel. Looks like your meals are delish but time consuming! Good luck!
Coriander is another name for cilantro.
I’m not sure if you can have spices, but roasted diced sweet potatoes with cinnamon sprinkled on them are really good.
Otto’s Cassava Flour is also AIP compliant, and there is a great tortilla recipe on the back of the bag that is really good. I’ve been using this flour for about 5 years and make the tortillas frequently. You would just have to use a compliant oil.
Seems like you’re doing an amazing job. I’m not surprised considering runners have so much discipline. You got this! Hopefully the thyroid antibodies will calm down.
Those meals look delicious!
I so admire you, Marcia, for your HUGE commitment on this. I realize most people would adapt their diets if medically necessary…but this is so much more than I think I could handle. It really makes one appreciative of the things we take for granted, like the freedom to eat whatever we want without consequences.
I am so sorry that you have to restrict the things you like to eat/drink but it sounds like you are making the most of it. Your breakfast skillet actually sounds good (minus the turkey) and I’ve never had Sweet potato broccoli mash but now want to try it. I hope you see the results you are hoping for! Thanks for linking up! -M
This sounds incredibly tough, but I applaud you for giving this a go!
Wow sounds like you are doing an amazing job with a very strict plan! It’s great that you had the AIP summit. I really hope this works for you!
Your meals have looked delicious, but I find it hard enough to cook one meal from scratch each day, let alone two or three! As for traveling, figuring out something simple you can have — like a garden salad with tuna and avocado 🙂 — may be the trick you need. We are all rooting for you!
Wow, this is intense. That salmon look absolutely amazing. Thanks for making my mouth water