Unlocking Optimal Health with Clean Eating & The Autoimmune Paleo Diet

Introducing the Autoimmune Paleo Diet: A Creative Guide to Eating for Optimal Health

Are you looking for a way to eat healthier without counting calories and tracking macronutrients? If so, the autoimmune paleo (AIP) diet may be exactly what you’re looking for. The AIP diet is a nutrient-dense way of eating that focuses on removing certain inflammatory foods from the diet while emphasizing healthy healing foods. On top of this, it also has been proven to reverse autoimmune diseases and reduce symptoms in those who suffer from them.

In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly what the autoimmune paleo diet is, how it can help with autoimmune diseases, which foods are allowed and which are not, plus additional tips on eating optimally while following an AIP lifestyle.

What Is the Autoimmune Paleo Diet?

The autoimmune paleo diet is an elimination protocol that is based on ancestral diets like the paleolithic diet. It was created by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne as a way to reduce inflammation in the body and reverse chronic illnesses such as autoimmunity conditions. It eliminates all grains, legumes, dairy products, eggs, nuts & seeds (including coffee & tea), oils except olive oil & coconut oil, nightshade vegetables (e.g., tomatoes & peppers), nutritional yeast, alcohol & added sugars from your diet. In addition to these eliminated foods; artificial flavors and additives are excluded from the AIP diet since they can cause additional inflammation in individuals with sensitive systems.

How Can Following an AIP Diet Help With Autoimmune Diseases?

The main reason why people decide to go on an AIP Diet is due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health. Research has shown that going on an AIP “elimination” phase can help reduce symptoms associated with some autoimmune disorders including psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (1). In addition to reducing inflammation through diet alone; studies have found that blending lifestyle factors like stress reduction techniques into the equation can result in even better outcomes for those managing these conditions.

So What Foods Are Allowed On The Autoimmune Paleo Diet?

Although there are no clear cut rules when it comes to what foods are allowed or not allowed on this type of plan; many experts agree that wholesome animal proteins such as grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish or seafood should be included as part of your daily regimen when following a Paleo-style protocol such as this one. Other permitted foods include plant based proteins like tempeh or tofu; veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens; plus some fruits like bananas or apples; fat sources such as avocados or extra virgin olive oil; herbs & spices such as turmeric or ginger; bone broth made from chicken/turkey/beef bones etc.; plus low FODMAP options like garlic-infused olive oil or lactose free yogurt if necessary. The key point here though is keeping these ingredients ‘clean’ meaning either organic or pesticide free whenever possible since pesticides can create additional inflammation in sensitive systems.

Tips for Eating Optimally While Following An AIP Lifestyle

Plan ahead: planning meals ahead of time will make sure there’s always something ready for you without having to worry about running out of ideas midweek!

Buy more than you need at once: stocking up once instead of multiple times throughout the week will save money and energy!

Pack snacks when travelling: bringing along some pre-packaged snacks will help keep your energy levels up throughout your travels!

Experiment with new ingredients: try adding something new every once in awhile just so you don't get bored with only eating ‘safe’ ingredients!

Get creative with leftovers: coming up inventive ways to repurpose leftovers will ensure nothing gets wasted!

Cook double batches: making larger portions makes weekday meal prep much easier while still being able to enjoy different flavours all week long!

Conclusion

The autoimmune paleo diet is a great tool for those looking for a natural way of reducing their symptoms associated with chronic illnesses such as autoimmunity conditions by avoiding certain inflammatory ingredients while incorporating healing ones into their daily regimen instead. It does require effort but if done correctly following some basic tips mentioned above should make things much easier along the journey towards optimal health & wellness!