AIP Diet: Exploring the Protocol and Morning Meal Options

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet follows an elimination approach, targeting specific foods recognized for their potential to incite an immune response and induce inflammation. Subsequently, these foods are gradually reintroduced to gauge the body's response.

AIP starts with a strict elimination phase in which certain food groups are removed from the diet. These include grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, and certain types of vegetables and seeds. This phase is typically followed by a reintroduction phase in which these foods are gradually added back into the diet, one at a time, to see how the body reacts.

Some of the potential benefits of the AIP diet include:

• Reduced inflammation: The AIP diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and healthy fats, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Improved digestion: The AIP diet focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods, which can be easier for the body to digest and absorb.
• Improved symptoms: Many people who follow the AIP diet report improvements in their symptoms, including reduced pain, fatigue, and brain fog.

It's important to note that the AIP diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's also important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs while following the AIP diet.

Starting the day off on the right foot is important, and this is especially true for those following AIP. While many traditional breakfast items such as oatmeal, cereal, bread, peanut or nut butter, potatoes, eggs, and coffee are off-limits on this diet, there are still plenty of delicious and satisfying breakfast options available.

Here are 10 AIP-friendly breakfast ideas to get you started:

1. Coconut yogurt with fresh berries and banana slices, drizzled with honey, and a side of warm, protein-rich bone broth to drink.
2. Fruit smoothie with collagen or AIP-friendly protein powder added in for extra protein.
3. Sweet potato and shredded turkey hash browns with a side of fruit.
4. Breakfast bowl with turkey sausage, sautéed veggies of your choice, and sweet potato cubes.
5. Sliced sweet potato “toast” with avocado and bacon bits, or a side of turkey sausage.
6. Homemade chicken apple sausage with spices.
7. Soup with bone broth, shredded chicken breast, and veggies, topped with avocado.
8. Cassava flour waffles with a side of zucchini and sausage.
9. Easy banana pancakes (without eggs) with a side of bacon and sautéed spinach.
10. AIP homemade granola made with tiger nuts (which are considered tubers), coconut flakes, dried fruit, and honey. Alternatively, try homemade breakfast bars with dried fruit, coconut, and AIP-friendly protein powder.

One of the best ways to ensure that all parts of your meal are AIP-friendly is to have homemade food prepped and ready for the mornings. This will save you time and stress and make sticking to your AIP diet easier.

Overall, the AIP diet can be a helpful temporary tool for managing autoimmune diseases and reducing inflammation in the body. If you're living with an autoimmune disease and are considering trying the AIP diet, it's important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure it's a safe and appropriate choice for you.