Healing Family Eats

notes from an autoimmune kitchen

  • About
    • About Me
    • About The Autoimmune Protocol?
  • Well-Being
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • Meat
    • Reintroductions
    • Salads
    • Savoury
    • Seafood
    • Soups and Stews
    • Sweet
    • Vegetables
  • Cookbook
    • PRINT COOKBOOK
    • eBook
  • Work With Me
    • 1:1 Coaching
    • RESTART® Program
  • Freebies
    • AIP STARTER PACK
    • 10 SIMPLE RECIPES FOR AUTOIMMUNE HEALING EBOOK
    • BODY SCAN AUDIO
    • AIP REINTRODUCTION JOURNAL TEMPLATE
  • Contact

A Simple Guide to the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol: A Q&A with Eileen Laird + a Giveaway

January 22, 2016 By healingfamilyeats 15 Comments

This post contains affiliate links. Click to learn about what this means.
If you click through from my links to Amazon or some other vendors, and buy the products I use, Amazon and others may pay me a small percentage as commission, without affecting the price you pay. I only recommend products that, to my knowledge, fit within the AIP Protocol, and are of good quality - that’s why I use them! You will find most active bloggers do this, and like them I look to this practice to fund the blog and allow me to carry on actively posting. Thanks for your support.

eileens book

There is no doubting that the release of Eileen Laird's book, 'A Simple Guide to the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol', has filled a gap in the AIP market. It's no great surprise that starting any elimination healing protocol is a very daunting task but add an autoimmune illness into the equation (with often debilitating symptoms and brain fog), it becomes a labour of love to keep it up. So that's where this small, pocket-sized paperback (also available as a Kindle download) which can be read in a day and popped into your bag for easy reference, will become invaluable. Because despite its compact size, it holds a wealth of information and a lot of good, sound advice which will allow you to progress in your healing. As simple and to the point as the beautiful illustration on the cover, Eileen's warm and reassuring tone, not to mention straightforward, easy to understand and practical advice, is one of informative (never holier than thou) conversation between friends.

A Simple Guide to the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol is aimed at those of you contemplating or starting out on the Autoimmune Protocol (I also think it would be an awesome resource for anyone living with, or caring for somebody with autoimmune issues) and boy are you lucky because, despite the fact there is info to be had online, it often takes many hours of searching for. And I know that from personal experience.

With 27 chapters, Eileen (who writes the popular blog Phoenix Helix) is sure to answer all the questions you may have when embarking on the AIP. Questions such as "what is the AIP", "what will I eat?", "how do I survive a flare". Don't expect any recipes - there are other cookbooks out there to help with that - Eileen concentrates on the other aspects of this healing protocol, explaining the importance of managing stress, sleep, detoxification, respecting and being kind to your body, learning how to recognize symptoms. She also offers sound advice on how to travel, how to eat out and where to find support (including at what point to find yourself a practitioner). I love that not only does she tell you what foods to avoid but why.  I'm all for eliminating if I'm told to do it but I'd really like to know the reason.

In summary, with the rapid growth of the autoimmune movement and availability of information, it is vitally important to be able to trust the source of your advice. Eileen is one of the most informed advocates of the AIP that I know of, in fact she was one of the original bloggers on the subject so you can rest assured her advice is 100% accurate. So, having the bare necessities written in easy to understand lingo, in one compact book, is nothing more than a dream come true. And reading the rave reviews Eileen has attracted, it's clear I'm not the only one to think so!

Simple Guide to the AIP

As well as answering every possible question you may ask in her book, Eileen has graciously agreed to some of mine!

1. Welcome Eileen, what brought you to the Autoimmune Protocol and when was that?
In January 2012, rheumatoid arthritis appeared in my body and changed my life. Within 6 months, I was disabled - it was a sudden and severe onset. Frightened by the medications offered, I desperately sought another solution. I found the GAPS diet first, which did start to alleviate my symptoms, but it wasn't until I combined GAPS with the AIP that I got truly got my symptoms under control. I was able to reduce my inflammation by 95%. I'm very grateful to say that I haven't had a flare in over 2 years.

2. When you first pressed the publish button, what did you think would come of your blog and did you ever imagine that you would end up writing a book?
What a great question! I started my blog 3 years ago, and my goal was simply to share my experience and connect with other people on a similar path. I didn't know if any readers would ever find what I wrote, but I was so passionate about dietary healing that I needed an outlet, and that was my blog. I never expected it to become more than a hobby, never mind lead to books, a podcast *, wonderful friendships, and the being part of this amazing, authentic, inspiring AIP community that I bet is in the hundreds of thousands of people by now.

3. How long did it take you to write the book and who did you imagine yourself writing it for?
I wrote the book I wish I had when I started the AIP over 3 years ago. I really feel like my readers are my friends, and I have so much empathy for what they are going through, especially when they're at rock bottom and desperately seeking a solution. It's such an overwhelming time, and we've all been there. I wanted to write a book to help people feel less alone in that moment. It's a short book (on purpose), and it's based on the knowledge I've gathered in my own 3+ years on a healing diet, so it only took 9 months to write.

4. Your e-book “Reintroducing Foods on the Paleo AIP” is a godsend to anyone wishing to add back foods after the elimination stages. What foods have you been able to introduce and what do you need to avoid?
Thank you for saying that! I love being the Reintroduction Lady and guiding people through that process. It's so empowering to learn to communicate with our bodies that way. I've been able to reintroduce eggs (which is huge), chocolate (which makes me happy), white rice (it's so nice to have one shelf-stable convenience food). I also do well with fruitbased and seedbased spices, and both seed and nut oils. When it comes to seeds and nuts themselves, I can eat them in moderation, but if I eat too many or eat them too often, cumulative inflammation arises. The same goes for fresh legumes, and I enjoy a glass of wine or hard cider once or twice a month. The foods I need to avoid 100% are dairy (I even react negatively to ghee) and nightshades (I call them the devil because they cause the most intense and long-lasting flares) and I also avoid gluten and other grains.

5. Did you make any New Year resolutions and if so, are we allowed to know what they are?
That's funny. I'm not a very private person - my husband might call me an oversharer. I actually started the AIP on 1/1/13, so I have a fond place in my heart for New Year's resolutions, actually. This year, I gave myself the challenge of 30 Days of Mindfulness. Meditation has been part of my healing protocol from the beginning, but in a more intermittent way rather than every day. I wanted to try a daily practice and see how that felt. So far, so good!

6. When you’re not writing blog posts, articles for Paleo Magazine or books, how do you like to spend your time?
One of my goals this year is to take more time off doing nothing! I'm such a productive person by nature that a day spend lying on the couch reading a novel is a huge achievement for me. For the past year, I've taken most Mondays off and offline (that means no computer or smartphone), and it's been heavenly My goal this year is to take a second day each week to do the same.

7. What do you say to people when they question your way of eating?
First, no one questions me in any kind of confrontational way. I would never get in an argument with someone over food. However, people sometimes ask me questions about the AIP - either because they're curious - or they want to cook me dinner and want to make sure I can eat it. That's the best gift ever - when someone cooks for us, isn't it? I tend to answer questions the same way I wrote the book - simply and gently. I only offer as much information as people really want to know. I don't proselytize. People are so sensitive about food that they can become very defensive about their own choices very quickly. I think being a silent role model works best, especially when people know the difference it has made in my own health.

8. What would your last supper be, AIP-style?
If it was REALLY my last supper - like right before I was taken out to the firing range - let's face it, it wouldn't be AIP! Bring on the butter and nightshades! But if you're asking what a decadent AIP meal would be? Honestly any meal where someone else does the cooking AND the dishes. That's such a rarity, and I love almost all AIP food, so I'd always be pleased with the menu (unless you added olives - I don't do olives. They are the last vestige of my picky eating childhood.) But organ meats, vegetables, fermented foods, seafood? All foods I used to despise as a child, and I love them now. It's wonderful how much the AIP has changed my palate along with my health.

* A note from Kate: Eileen's podcast has been shortlisted for two awards in Paleo Magazine's Best of 2015 for the categories 'Best New Podcast' and 'Best Podcast'. Please consider taking the time to cast a vote for her 🙂

Connect with Eileen on her blog, facebook, instagram, pinterest.

........................................................................................................................................................................

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: Eileen is kindly offering one lucky reader the chance to have your own copy of her new book. The giveaway is open to everybody - if the winner is a U.S. resident you will be sent a print copy, if based internationally you will be sent a pdf. A winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email. In the meantime, if you would like to buy a print or pdf copy, click here. Giveaway ends midnight PST on the 30th January. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

........................................................................................................................................................................

Disclaimer: Eileen gifted me a pdf copy of The Simple Guide to the Autoimmune Protocol. It was my choice to review the book and all thoughts are entirely my own.

« Chicken with Cider Vinegar Cream and Caramelised Apples {AIP, GAPS, SCD, Paleo, Whole30}
Halibut and Coconut Laksa {AIP, GAPS, SCD, Paleo, Low Histamine} »

Comments

  1. Misty says

    January 22, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    What a great review. I'm just starting my AIP journey and this sounds like an informative and helpful resource.

    Reply
  2. The Chatty Housewife says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    I enjoyed this review. I didn't know about the book before and now it's on my Amazon wish list!

    Reply
  3. Sharon P says

    January 23, 2016 at 8:42 am

    The review is very helpful as I try to sort out information and begin an AIP journey. This book would be an amazing help. Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Carolyn says

    January 23, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Thanks for the review! The book looks interesting.

    Reply
  5. Erika G. says

    January 24, 2016 at 10:11 am

    I love The Phoenix Helix blog, so I'm sure this is a great resource. It would be a really helpful addition to my library!

    Reply
  6. Erika G. says

    January 24, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Oh, and I'm already a subscriber! Love your newsletters!

    Reply
  7. joanna says

    January 24, 2016 at 11:58 am

    i am a subscriber! I liked this review because I learned about Eileen!!

    Reply
  8. Shelly says

    January 24, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    I enjoyed the review and interview! I am going through The Paleo Approach right now, but love that this is a short and simple guide...it seems like it would be very helpful as I navigate these new waters.

    Reply
  9. Shelley says

    January 26, 2016 at 7:04 am

    I would love to have a copy of this book to share with friends and family who ask about AIP and want to know more, but wouldn't make it through more science heavy books like the paleo approach. This book seems like it will be a great resource!

    Reply
  10. Toni Caudill says

    January 28, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I am just starting my journey of learning about the autoimmune protocol and I have to be honest, I'm a little intimidated and nervous. I know my disability is at a point where I need to try something else, for myself and for my family. I have been in every scary biological medication currently in the market, including a chemotherapy infusion schedule and have had no significant response. The biggest doctors at the University Hospital have consulted and the best answer they could give was that they are at a loss and not to give up hope because new medications are being developed and approved by the FDA. I have to try this, but I'm nervous and scared at the prospect of eliminating so many foods and basically cleaning out my cupboard and starting over. On top of it, I have a spouse and child who I have to please. My son has digestive issues and has benefitted from a low gluten diet in the past. I'd like to be able to cook meals that everyone could enjoy and reap the health benefits from, if possible. I'd really like to get this book to help me in my journey.

    Reply
  11. Jacqueline says

    January 29, 2016 at 4:58 am

    What a great resource! This book would really help me. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  12. Cherie says

    January 29, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    I'd love to have this book. I love The Phoenix Helix blog and the book would be such a great resource. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  13. Cherie says

    January 29, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    I already subscribe to your blog and love it!

    Reply
  14. Barbara says

    January 30, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Great review!

    Reply
  15. Jolaine Wiens says

    January 30, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Fantastic review! I've been so curious to read this and a huge fan of the author.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
I’m Kate, mother of two, wife of one! I’m also a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, AIP Certified Coach, qualified chef and author of The Autoimmune Protocol Reintroduction Cookbook. I'm also crazy about The (US) Office and living the dream in Vancouver, BC. I’m passionate about the health of myself, my family and YOU. It’s great to have you here, make yourself a mug of bone broth and hang out with me for a while.

PURCHASE MY COOKBOOK

JOIN MY AIP SUPPORT GROUP

Favourite Skin Care Offer

logo
Health Ads by

Watch FB Live Cooking Tutorials

logo
Health Ads by

My E-Books

AIP Indian Cookbook!

AIP Coffee!

liver support with essential oils

histamine support with essential oils

SHOP MY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

 data-recalc-dims=
 data-recalc-dims=
</div>
		</div></section>
<section id=
</div>
		</div></section>
<section id=
 data-recalc-dims=

logo
Health Ads by

I'm Kate Jay, mother of two, wife of one! I'm also a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, Certified Gluten Practitioner, Certified AIP Coach and qualified chef, living the dream in Vancouver, BC. I'm passionate about the health of myself, my family and YOU. It's great to have you here, make yourself a mug of bone broth and hang out for a while.

Recent Posts

Seafood and Cauliflower Gratin
Banana Chocolate Muffins
Cauliflower Mac n Cheese, Bacon Rosemary Topping
AIP Liver Blueberry Muffins
AIP Beef Rendang
Paleo AIP Reintroduction Rustic Apple Cake

Shortcuts

  • DISCLAIMER
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENT

Copyright Healing Family Eats © 2023 · Log in