3 Ways to Make the Paleo AIP Easier on Any Phase

These 3 Ways to Make the Paleo AIP Easier on Any Phase will help you feel less overwhelmed on any stage of the protocol!

The first thing to do when you feel overwhelmed with anything in life, including the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol, is to take a few deep breaths. Taking deep breaths can help to relax your body and mind, allowing you to take a step back and gain perspective on the situation.

Additionally, it can help to identify what is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed and to come up with a plan of action to address it.

Have you taken your deep breath yet? OK, perfect!

Now let’s dive into our plan of action: 3 Ways to Make the Paleo AIP Easier on Any Phase.

#1 – Start Small

Avoiding or continuing to avoid processed and refined carbs is essential on all phases of the AIP. Since gluten-free grains are temporarily restricted in Phase 1 (elimination), this means that you’ll want to substitute root veggies like yams, starchy fruits like plantains, or grated cruciferous veggies like cauliflower in place of grains like rice.

HERE ARE SOME SIDE DISHES FULL OF VEGGIES!

During Phase 2 (reintroduction) and subsequently during Phase 3 (maintenance) you’ll still want to avoid gluten, as it is not suggested to reintroduce it. Once you’ve successfully reintroduced gluten-free grains, keep the healthy lifestyle up by enjoying gluten-free baked goods, pseudograins like quinoa, or gluten-free grains like white rice on occasion if you like.

In my 30-Day AIP Back to Basics Coaching Program and my 6-Week AIP Reintro Ready Coaching Program, I guide you through which foods are appropriate for your current AIP phase so that you don’t have to guess!

#2 – Become a Pro at Easy Meal Prep

Planning and preparing meals in advance for both is key to staying on track on all phases of the AIP. Making your meals on one of your days off, and then once again in the middle of the week creates less stress around time spent in the kitchen.

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT AIP MEAL PLANNING TIPS

In my 4-Week Meal Plan and inside my AIP Reset Meal Plan, I have planned all of your meals to be prepared in this way so that there is zero guesswork of what you are supposed to cook and on which day!

I offer two versions of my 4-Week AIP meal plan to suit your needs! Version 1 is fully elimination compliant. Version 2 includes reintroduction suggestions.

Since eating your own evolving, anti-inflammatory maintenance phase template is for life, you’ll find that having meals in the fridge that are ready to reheat will take the guesswork out of deciding what to eat. This keeps you from slipping on any phase of the protocol because you won’t have the urge or need to run to the drive through!

#3 – Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your meals on all AIP phases. During elimination, try one new vegetable or fruit per week…something from the exotic section of the produce aisle or freezer section that you never would have thought to prepare before! Jazz your meals up with different AIP seasonings and AIP compliant sauces, being sure to rotate them so you don’t get bored of the same flavors.

CLICK HERE FOR MY DELICIOUS AIP SAUCES RECIPES!

During reintroduction, once you have successfully reintroduced some new spices, make yourself some fancy homemade spice blends inspired by different cuisines around the world! Not only will these be delicious and interesting, but they will make meal prep even easier the next time around when all you have to do to season a dish is bust out ONE spice jar.

Once you are on your own personal version of the maintenance phase, be sure to consistently incorporate a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds (depending on what you were able to reintro) into your diet. Rotate meats, produce, cheeses, you name it. This will keep things interesting and give your body plenty of the nutrients it needs to feel energized, healthy, and happy!

I hope you find these 3 Ways to Make the Paleo AIP Easier on Any Phase helpful for your journey on the protocol

What is your biggest AIP struggle? Let me know in the comments!