What can I eat on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet (Options 1-6)?
So what can I eat?! This is a pretty common question for those who first start the Autoimmune Protocol diet. All those things we grew up eating are essentially thrown out the window and we are starting with a whole new base! No more PB & J, juice boxes, or apple slices…wait, oh yeah we can still have apple slices! The key is focusing on the new opportunities and experiences you’ll have with your new food options.
We are creatures of habit and we typically like to eat a handful of the same foods from week to week. We already have a neuropathway built in our brain that is connected to different foods and cravings depending on the way we feel or what day of the week it is. The idea, though challenging, is to create new pathways in the brain that replace our old habits.
There are several foods you can eat and focus on that will improve your health on the AIP diet. Here is a list of a few:
Option 1: COLORFUL VEGETABLES & FRUITS. Why does the color matter? Phytochemicals. This naturally occurring substance in plants can act as antioxidants and help protect and regenerate essential nutrients at work in the body.
Option 2: CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES. Vegetables like arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and the like. These vegetables have vitamin K and Omega 3 fatty acids which help regulate inflammatory system responses.
Option 3: FISH & SHELLFISH (Wild Caught Recommended). These have long chain omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA which act as anti-inflammatory agents. Not to mention, they are very easy to digest.
Option 4: FRUIT. Fruits have a fair amount of sugar in them so this should be limited between 10 and 20 grams each day. The AIP diet isn’t entirely clear as to what fruits are best outside the color but everyone is different so be sensitive to your needs.
Option 5: HIGH GLYCINE FOODS. These foods primarily consists of bone broth, connective tissues, joints, skin, and organ meats. The amino acids in this food are essential for your muscles, cognitive, and metabolic functions.
Option 6: GREEN VEGETABLES. These leafy greens are low in fat, high in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and rich in dietary fiber. Not to mention, the darker greens are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin which help with your eyes.
Bonus option: PALEO PERFECTION PROTEIN. Yes you guessed it our autoimmune protein contains an element of nearly all the items discussed and can help give you an easy options from day to day.
Watch for our next post that will give you another set of options that will help you live you Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet! #autoimmunelhn