Eating AIP

Brittany Bowman
Oct 31, 2016
5 min read

Hello Friends!

As you all know, this journey of holistic healing by any means necessary is something I have been on since June. Oils, teas, vitamins, ways to reduce stress - all things I have been learning more about so I can incorporate them into my life to see how well it does/doesn't work for me. A major component of what I have been attempting - yes attempting - is an alternative way of eating. I have been trying to follow the Autoimmune Protocal Paleo Lifestyle. This is basically a more restricted version of the Paleo diet meant to be specific to those dealing with an autoimmune disease.

Now the reason I say attempting is this - It is really hard to stick with. I suppose if I lived alone, had absolute zero contact with the outside world, and you locked me in a room with only the foods I am allowed to eat, I could stick to it 100%. I am not saying I am giving up on this approach. This is an approach I am striving to reach - gotta start somewhere right? It is one I will have to start slowly and basically incorporate what has been working for me and leave out what hasn't. There are many foods I have to avoid entirely on this diet which is just unrealistic for my lifestyle at the moment. I have to avoid all milk products - this means cheese! The torture! ANY members of the Nightshade family - no more beloved bell peppers or tomatoes, and absolutely zero anything sugar which also means no rice! I'm sorry, you can't do that to an Asian! This girl NEEDS her rice! This also means no gluten anything as well. No bread, No brown rice...fit whatever thing you love in this space because it probably has gluten.

I am not complaining so please don't read it as such. I am just illustrating how drastic of a lifestyle change this is when basically ALL of the foods you love are on the no-go list. At least for awhile. Of course, there is a reintroduction phase of many of these food groups. Here is the kicker, you may not be able to eat many of these foods for many many months, if not up to a year, depending on how fast your body is healing and responding to this type of lifestyle. Why can't I just stick with it and practice some self control you ask? Good question. This is kind of a multifaceted answer for a number of reasons. One, my self control needs work. Just laying it out there. We all struggle in one area or another when it comes to taking care of ourselves like we should. Second, I am just not that creative when it comes to making recipes with only the food I am allowed to eat. I found myself basically eating the same old recipes each week. While that may work just fine for some, it doesn't work for me. I very much need variety. I do not like to eat the same thing daily. I don't know why, it is just the way I am wired.

With all of that said, this is what I have learned about myself and what has/hasn't been working for me while trying to follow the AIP. The food items that I have eaten and had any adverse reactions to - bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue, etc. - I avoid. For me, this is greasy food such as really greasy cheese on pizza. Too much bread is also another no go for me. It has depended on what kind of bread though - oddly sourdough seems to be a safe zone. Overly salted foods like french fries hasn't been a friend. Eggs have been touch and go as well. Some days I can eat eggs with no problems. Other days I feel like I want to put my head in a toilet. For a little while, I almost couldn't even eat bacon! I KNOW! It scared me too! I couldn't live in a world with no bacon. I think it really depended on the type of bacon though. The ones that are overly processed and have all of the crap added to it, I haven't been responding to very well. The bacon that is all natural with no additives or preservatives, I have been completely fine with. Really, there is a whole exhaustive list of foods I have found that I can/cannot eat but I won't bore you with all that. You're welcome!

So if I am not following the AIP exactly, what am I doing? Another good question. I am just changing my lifestyle in bite sizes chunks. I am cutting out as much processed foods as I can. I am opting to cook my meals at home than purchase pre-made meals or going out to fast-food joints. I am selective on what I eat given my experience with certain food items now. I am eating more organic fruits & veggies. I am also eating foods that are healthy and clean - this means more greens, lean proteins, & nutrient dense foods. I am starting my daily morning with a nutrient dense shake that I absolutely cannot live without. It gives me many of the vitamins and nutrients I am missing on a day to day basis, helps curb my sweet tooth cravings, makes me feel fuller longer & helps me to feel regular. Incorporating 30-45 minutes of exercise a day has helped me to feel slimmer and stronger than I have in such a long time. Also, portion control is something I am learning. I will say it is a learning curve because it is just easy to grab a big serving spoon and plop onto my plate whatever portion size I want. I have also learned a completely new appreciation for unsweetened tea because I have cut any sugary drinks out of my diet - means no more Dr. Pepper! Bye bye unhealthy lifestyle.

My hope is this: as I change my lifestyle little by little to a more healthy and lean lifestyle, I can learn the habits necessary to pursue the AIP 100%. Or depending on how I respond to a lifestyle change with this approach, may find something entirely different that works for me personally. Despite the method of lifestyle I choose, I will always have my autoimmune disease at the forefront of my mind. I have to accept the fact that this is just a part of me. I cannot avoid it and pretend it is not there. It is a reality. I know I have to do what is good for me and my body in the parameter of this disease, or else I will pay the consequences.

I have to put in a disclaimer here and state - Just because I have this disease, it doesn't define who I am as a person. I think this is something that needs to be said for everyone who is suffering from an autoimmune disease. It may shape how you live your life when it comes to eating certain foods but it definitely does not dictate who you are and what you are capable of. Many times, those with diseases get into a negative mindset and put limitations on themselves because of it. I must stress, it is so important, do not let yourself fall into this mindset. Do whatever it takes to make you stronger. If it is something like a thyroid condition, which has multiple variations of how it screws us up, do not get into a defeatist mentality. Learn from it, grow from it, allow it to strengthen your resolve to push harder and be better, but NEVER let it defeat you mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Allow it to grow these areas stronger than ever before. I am not saying it is easy but you owe it to yourself to be better despite the effort it will take to live a long, active and healthy lifestyle. That is my soapbox speech for the day!

Until Next time!