What is the Autoimmune Protocol?

If you read a lot of grain free food sites, you’ve probably seen the words “Autoimmune Protocol” or “Paleo Autoimmune Protocol”. While the name of the protocol hint that it’s a version of Paleo designed to help tackle autoimmune issues, what really isn’t clear is what that actually means. What kind of foods can you eat while still being compliant with the Autoimmune Protocol? How is it different from Paleo as you already know it?

The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol: how to do it the happy way! http://meatified.com #aip #autoimmunepaleo #autoimmune #paleo

Brace yourself, because this is going to be a mouthful: if you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol, then everything you eat must be grain, dairy, bean, egg, nut, seed and nightshade free! That includes spices, too. No more peppers, chili or mustard, either as they are all nightshades or seeds – here is a fantastic list of which herbs and spices are “safe”. After reading that list, I can picture some of you staring at your screens in horror, wondering what on earth you CAN eat on the Autoimmune Protocol? Surely all of those dietary restrictions are going to leave you as miserable as Snape having a bad hair day?

The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol: how to do it the happy way! http://meatified.com #aip #autoimmunepaleo #autoimmune #paleo

{If you’re interested in reading about the science and reasoning behind AIP, check out the definitive book on the subject by The Paleo Mom: The Paleo Approach}

AIP Cookbook 250

That is why The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook is so valuable – it shows you how to eat well and enjoyably while still following the principles of the Autoimmune Protocol. It’s written by Mickey Trescott of Autoimmune Paleo, who also happens to be a personal chef, so she knows her food! Mickey also has two autoimmune diseases, so she has the experience of using the Autoimmune Protocol herself to combat the health issues that came with both Celiac and Hashimoto’s disease.

So what’s in The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook? Perhaps most importantly for the foodie in you is the recipe section – there are over 110 recipes that are all fully compliant, nutrient dense and truly satisfying. No more worrying about what to eat! The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook shows you that you can eat beautiful, nourishing food that doesn’t have to make you feel like you are being deprived.

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook
Celeriac Leek Soup from The Autoimmune Cookbook

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook includes all kinds of options for appetizers, snacks, quick lunches, entrees and even desserts, so there’s plenty of variety and choice. My personal favorite recipe right now is the Cranberry Braised Short Ribs. The recipe manages to take a handful of simple ingredients and combine them into a dish that is elegant enough to serve to company but easy enough that you don’t have to stress in the kitchen. And, obviously, they are TO DIE FOR! Here they are served on a bed of Pureed Parsnips, another recipe from the book.

Cranberry Short Ribs WM

The other half of the book explains all the details about the Autoimmune Protocol and walks you through how to go on an elimination diet. The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook gives you clear lists of foods that are suitable and those that need to be avoided. It even includes two 4-week meal plans and shopping lists to ease you into the routine of buying and eating the Autoimmune Protocol way. A bonus for (dis)organized cooks everywhere!

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook
Sage Braised Chicken Legs from The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook

There are sections with tips and tricks on things like how to source quality food, batch cooking and even breakfast inspiration. For those who are interested in taking things a little further, The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook even includes information on traditional healing foods like bone broth and fermented foods and beverages.

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook
Cinnamon Ginger Baked Pears from The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook

Finally, the best part: The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook is a steal at only $19! For all the information you need to get started on the Autoimmune Protocol and your own healing through real food journey, plus over 110 recipes, this book simply cannot be beaten in terms of value!

Click here to pick up your own copy today!

Right now The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook is only available as an e-book, but Mickey is trying to raise funds to get a hard copy book off the ground. You can see how she is doing with that goal here!

UPDATE: The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook is now available in hardcover format!

FinalCoverSmall

After a successful crowd funding campaign, you can now purchase a hardcover version of the book. It has even been updated with full color photos for every recipe. See more details and place an order here.

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The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol: how to do it the happy way! http://meatified.com #aip #autoimmunepaleo #autoimmune #paleo

 

12 comments

  1. I have a (nonspecified) connective tissue disorder (sometimes acts like RA, sometimes acts like Lupus – but never enough of either one for a diagnosis of it) I also have Sjogrens ~ and in my family we can name about 20 other autoimmune disorders between us ~ so this AutoImmune Paleo piques my interest. I’ve been learning about Traditional Foods (Started with Nourishing Traditions and Deep Nutrition) for the last 6 months or so. Here’s what I’m confused about. Both Ms. Fallon & Dr. Shanahan (and others) say that if you consume raw dairy and properly prepared grains, nuts legumes, etc ~ you should not have allergic reactions. But most things I’ve read about Paleo (which is not as much as I’ve read on the other, I’ll concede) talks about giving up grains, dairy, nuts, beans etc. Can you help me understand why? Thanks so much for your time!!

    1. Really broadly speaking, all of those things (especially improperly prepared) cause inflammation and irritation to the gut, which triggers autoimmune responses and eventually diseases. I have to be honest and say that I have not followed a GAPS / Weston A Price type diet myself, since Paleo works so well for me and I don’t really miss grains. But I can follow the logic of those approaches – if you are preparing foods in ways that minimize irritation by soaking and sprouting, then the inflammation will be reduced and you may be able to eat things that were formerly off the table. I think when you get to the point that you have Autoimmune diseases, it’s easier to avoid those foods completely for at least a while to give your gut a chance to heal.

      What I would personally do would be a Autoimmune Protocol or perhaps GAPS protocol for 30 days. That will give you a clean slate to start experimenting and figuring out what foods affect you, by reintroducing them one at a time afterwards. Then you could work on healing your gut and perhaps over time overcoming your food allergies. This book springs to mind: http://bit.ly/IAbvd8. The author talks about transitioning from a strict GAPS diet but then over time being able to reintroduce foods and not react to them. I hope that helps a little and good luck!

  2. After getting diagnosed with Graves Disease, and doing research into holistic care, I found the AIP from Mickey and it made a HUGE, significant difference within 1 week. I have since added some items back but, not much. If you are already paleo it’s not that difficult. Yeah, and the recipes were great ! I got the cookbook when first offered in the pdf version. Thirty days was not that challenging and it was the best I had felt in months.

    1. Yay for you feeling better!

      I really struggled with not eating eggs – I didn’t realize how much I relied on them for breakfasts! But these days I’ll eat pretty much anything for breakfast: my favorite thing right now is soup in the mornings 🙂

  3. I just came here to look at the recipes which look good, but got mildly irritated by the slogan of ‘food not fads’ whilst espousing the latest ‘Whole30’ fad diet.

    1. I don’t believe the Whole30 is a fad diet by any means. It’s a 30 day period in which you eat whole, non processed food including meat, seafood, vegetables, healthy fats and some fruits / nuts / seeds: it’s not a cayenne pepper lemonade fast! I promote the Whole30 because I believe it’s a beneficial tool for many people: it can help isolate food sensitivities or allergies and break unhealthy emotional connections to food, among other things. I don’t see what’s faddish about eating healthy, nutritious food for 30 days. I also believe in the integrity of its creators: anything you want or need to know about the Whole30 can be found for free on their website. You don’t need to own stock in a unicorn dust factory to get the information or implement it in your life.

      If I were really a fad-pusher, this site would be loaded up with all the usual weight loss junk products. In contrast, I don’t promote juices, detoxes, cleanses, fasts, pills, potions, powders, oils or any of the other miscellaneous products with fantastical claims that plenty of people choose to profit from, with no regard to actual health. I believe in simple, nourishing, delicious food – and that’s what I post here.

  4. Thank so much for this information. I have Celiac, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and Reynaud’s. I’m being monitored for CREST and Lupus. In addition to gluten, I’m intolerant to dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and tree and ground nuts. Recent bloodwork showed a problem with nightshades and legumes too. I was searching for recipes I could make for my family without too many modifications when I found AIP. It sounds like EXACTLY what I need, and with the modifications I’ve made already, it should be a breeze. I’m so excited! I ordered Sarah and Mickey’s books and I have yours on pre-order. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

    1. I’m so glad that you have figured out what works for you and that I could help a little! I’m honored that you took the time to leave a note here – thank you so much for your support, I appreciate it more than I can say 🙂

  5. Hi. I suffer from psoriasis and was wondering if anyone out there found this way of eating helpful in clearing it up. Nothing works for me and I refuse to take those toxic meds they advertise so much.

  6. I have Mickey’s cookbook and it is a super starting point for living on the AIP. I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and live with “leaky gut” as part of the cycle of inflammation. This cookbook, and all the amazing recipes on Pinterest keep me supplied with more delicious recipe ideas than I can possibly ever try. I highly recommend this book.

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