I committed to the AIP diet for 30 days initially, but was done after day seven. The food preparation was a breeze compared to the grueling symptoms I experienced. This diet should be done for at least 6-8 weeks, and when you don’t have any trips planned. My bad. I have included some recipes and foods that saved me, so this week wasn’t a complete loss.
I felt like shit on this diet to be completely honesty. I had one great day full of energy, but the rest were miserable. I was lethargic to the point that I didn’t want to do anything but lay in my bed. That wasn’t an option because I work in an office five days a week. I worked out on the 6th day and that really took everything I had. Aside from lethargy which I am sure would have subsided, the bloating was unbearable. I have a really sensitive gut to begin with. I have worked on my diet for the last three years to find the perfect balance of foods that make me feel good and regular, as I am a chronic bloater. This diet had me so bloated and backed up that I didn’t want to move, even if I had the energy to do so. The bloating also affected my mood, because I was so uncomfortable I was a total grump. I was a cranky, hungry, tired, and bloated mess. I decided Sunday that I did not have the schedule to see this diet through.
I don’t consider this a failure, because I am more aware of the timeline that is needed to successfully follow through with this elimination diet, and that is the most important factor to consider. I am currently back to my plant-based, clean eating that includes soy, grains, nuts, and seeds. I am still bloated, and had a terrible stomach ache yesterday, but I started working out again, so I know the bloating will decrease over the next few days. I wanted to share my favorite recipes and discoveries from the week so here you go!
Hearts of Palm linguine: This is literally hearts of palm cut into noodles. I tossed the noodles with avocado oil, salt, lemon, garlic, and basil, and served with seared scallops. I bought 6 cans for about $25 on Amazon here. I am obsessed with hearts of palm, I eat them by the can, so I was stoked to find this as a low-carb, grain free, noodle alternative.
Plantains: I have never purchased a plantain prior to this diet, but now I will add them to every grocery haul. I baked thin slices of green plantains to make chips, and baked thicker slices of the yellow, very ripe plantains with avocado oil and salt for a delectable treat.
Butternut Squash Sage Soup: This tastes like fall and heaven had a baby.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 medium-sized sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
6 sprigs fresh sage
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 can reduced or full fat coconut milk
Water
Salt to taste
Directions:
In a large pot over medium-heat saute the onion and garlic with the avocado oil. Add the sage once the onion starts to become glossy/ transparent, stir for one minute, then add the squash and coconut milk. Stir until combined, then add enough water to almost cover the squash, but not completely. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until squash is very tender. Remove from heat, remove lid, and cool for ten minutes. Pour contents of pot into blender and blend until very smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and serve with fresh sage.
Avocado Dip/Sauce: This is not guacamole, because the consistency is thinner and it is missing the peppers and tomato. This is great as a dip for sweet potato fries, plantain chips, or raw veggies, and also a great sauce for fish or meat, or salad dressing. So versatile!
Ingredients:
2 large avocados
2 teaspoons avocado oil
2 limes, juiced
1 handful fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, crushed
Vegetable broth or water
Salt to taste
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add water or vegetable broth to achieve the consistency you like.
I hope these recipes help you through your AIP journey. Would love to hear if you have experienced similar symptoms and how long you did the diet. I need to know I am not alone! Xo
