Let these reasons for Why We Should Reintroduce Foods on the Paleo AIP inspire you to finally get started with Autoimmune Protocol reintros!
Why do we need to reintroduce foods after the Paleo AIP elimination phase? The most simple answer is: to further increase your nutrient density.
Though beyond the nutrition in our food, there are both physical and psychological benefits; not to mention the added conveniences and biofeedback you gain from going forward with Stage 1 reintroductions and beyond.
Read on to dive a bit deeper into the benefits of reintroducing foods, and why it’s not just suggested, but necessary after the elimination phase.
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Why We Should Reintroduce Foods on the Paleo AIP
Reintro Reason #1: Nutrient Density
While the Paleo AIP elimination phase includes nutrient-dense foods, it is still not rich enough for the long-term. Reintroducing the nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, and other foods that you temporarily omitted are vital to achieving nutrient-rich status for the sake of your long-term health.
Being able to stock your pantry again with sprouted nut butters for spreading on plantain bread, your freezer with bags of soaked seeds for snacking, and your fridge with hard-boiled eggs and yogurt will help you to fill in those gaps in between cauliflower and meat patties!
Reintro Reason #2: Quality Of Life
Dining out and travel become SO much more pleasurable once you have reintroduced foods after the temporary restriction of the elimination phase. You will feel less like life outside of your home involves planning around food since you will have more wiggle room in your diet.
When you go out to eat, you may be able to splurge a bit more after reintroductions. Imagine some buttered gluten-free bread with your soup, a slice of Swiss cheese on your grass-fed burger patty, or some ketchup with your sweet potato fries! When traveling on an airplane, cruise ship, or on a road trip, you won’t feel like you have to pack every single meal to take with you. You can live a little bit more like a spontaneous foodie again!
Reintro Reason #3: Data
Knowing your body through the feedback you gain via the reintroduction phase is so important! This is the period where many people discover REVERSIBLE underlying conditions (which have been holding them back from living a full life) so they can move forward with treatment…and finally THRIVE.
Some common underlying conditions people discover during this time are candida, parasites, SIBO, gut dysbiosis, mineral imbalances, hormone imbalances, and secondary autoimmunity.
Tuning into ourselves is so empowering, rewarding, and freeing. Learn ways we can work together and tune in to your root cause!
Reintro Reason #4: Food Variety
Beyond the valuable nutrients gained from reintroductory foods, meals are simply just more ENJOYABLE when you can eat a wider variety!
Meat stew and chilis taste better when you can add cumin again. Curries are more well-rounded when you add tomato paste. Casseroles are creamier when you can add sour cream!
Completing your AIP journey with the reintro process promises the reward of more flavors, more textures, and more JOY surrounding your daily dining experiences.
Now that you know Why We Should Reintroduce Foods on the Paleo AIP, What’s Holding you Back?
If you need help reintroducing foods, sign up for your FREE Reintro Readiness Bundle! See you there, friend!
2 Comments
Agree with all of these points. Unfortunately, I’ve found all grains and dairy bring my autoimmune antibodies back. Nightshades give me arthritis. I’m trying to be a normal person doing normal things, like travel and eat a salad out with friends but each gluten exposure from restaurants now launch painful attacks on my optic nerve.
I’m satisfied being healthy enough again to do the things I love and not be in pain. It’s hard traveling though, so I fast when I need to.
Hey there Jan,
Yep, I still have some foods that trigger flare ups for me as well. I did find that adding food-specific enzymes helps me to better tolerate some of them though!
Sending you hugs and wishing for healthy safe travels for you,
Meagen