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After dealing with several food sensitivities, I ended up starting the Autoimmune Protocol Diet. I decided I’d share the experience as I go through the next four months. I’ve already been eliminating so much from diet, I am hoping that giving up the few things I do still eat won’t be a big deal.
~ Coffee
~ Nuts
~ plant butter
~ and the occasional sweet like jelly beans
I already drink a lot of water, but am “kick it up a notch” by getting in 80oz of water a day (YIKES) but I found an easy way to make sure I get the right amount daily. (see image below)
I recycle 20oz water bottles and refill them daily with filtered alkaline water I have in the fridge.
The day started with supplements which actually ended up being less than what I was taking prior, lots of water, and eating plenty of organic vegetables and grass fed protein. I’ve already been gluten free (no grains at all really) and dairy free, egg free, so now to tighten things up.
What is the autoimmune protocol?
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a diet that aims to reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis
Many people who have followed the AIP diet report improvements in the way they feel, as well as reductions in common symptoms of autoimmune disorders, such as fatigue and gut or joint pain. (source)
The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP) is just a part of what I’m doing to improve my health. I’m actually doing a cellular detox after doing a Meta-Oxy Test. I’ve been experiencing serious inflammation in my body, with arthritic joints and more and nothing seems to be improving.
The Meta-Oxy Test measures malondialdehyde in the urine, which is a marker for oxidative stress and cell membrane damage due to free radicals. The substance in the test vial reacts with the toxic aldehydes in the urine, specifically the malondialdehyde released when fats are metabolized.
The Hard Part: What I can’t eat
This list gives you an idea of what I’ll be eliminating from my diet. It’s going to take commitment, focus, and some planning. Fortunately, I don’t eat out too much so that won’t be a problem. I also don’t drink so that will be easy.
Foods to avoid
The AIP diet has strict recommendations regarding which foods to eat or avoid during its elimination phase
- Grains: rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, etc., as well as foods derived from them, such as pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals
- Legumes: lentils, beans, peas, peanuts, etc., as well as foods derived from them, such as tofu, tempeh, mock meats, or peanut butter
- Nightshade vegetables: eggplants, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, tomatillos, etc., as well as spices derived from nightshade vegetables, such as paprika
- Eggs: whole eggs, egg whites, or foods containing these ingredients
- Dairy: cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk, as well as foods derived from these milks, such as cream, cheese, butter, or ghee; dairy-based protein powders or other supplements should also be avoided
- Nuts and seeds: all nuts and seeds and foods derived from them, such as flours, butter, or oils; also includes cocoa and seed-based spices, such as coriander, cumin, anise, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, and nutmeg
- Certain beverages: alcohol and coffee
- Processed vegetable oils: canola, rapeseed, corn, cottonseed, palm kernel, safflower, soybean, or sunflower oils
- Refined or processed sugars: cane or beet sugar, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, and barley malt syrup; also includes sweets, soda, candy, frozen desserts, and chocolate, which may contain these ingredients
- Food additives and artificial sweeteners: trans fats, food colorings, emulsifiers, and thickeners, as well as artificial sweeteners, such as stevia, mannitol, and xylitol (SOURCE)
My main reason for taking this on isn’t just about weight loss, but I believe that will be a bonus at the end of this.
I hope to share the positives: more energy, weight loss, maybe better skin, and even share the challenges. Fortunately, there is a lot of support on how to get around the cravings. I’m already set up with a coffee replacement: GASP
Have you had any experience with the Autoimmune Protocol Diet? I’d love to hear your experience so please share in the comments blow.
Blessings,
