Make it a Family Adventure

We decided from the get-go that our whole family was going to undertake the AIP challenge together. I think this is so important for your child. There are several reasons why I feel this is crucial:

First, I have no idea how you would find the time to shop and prepare different menus for your family. It’s just so much easier if you having everyone eating the same food. 

Second, (and I can’t stress this enough) it’s really important your child does not feel excluded from your family meals. Food is a very social, communal experience, especially in a family situation. If everyone else in the family is eating one meal and your child is the only one eating a different meal that can be isolating for them and, let’s face it, they probably feel pretty isolated enough if they are the one with the autoimmune disease. It’s also kind of torturous if you are eating foods your child use to love right in front of them when they can no longer have that. Make it the best possible experience for your child by embracing it as a family and seeing it as an adventure. 

Third, this is a great chance for you to discover if there are food intolerances or underlying autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that other people in your family may have unknowingly been experiencing. That was certainly the case in our family. After being on the AIP for a few weeks our oldest daughter, EC, stopped suffering from tinnitus and vertigo problems (likely being caused by inflammation). Moreover, my husband and I feel great! We have come to believe eating a Paleo is the right diet for us (and I’m willing to bet that’s the case for just about everyone!) and we are better people overall being on it. So, don’t miss out on this chance to see all the benefits an AIP/Paleo diet may have for you and your whole family!  

My advice is to overhaul your fridge and pantry (yes, it’s painful to see so much money lost in the foods you have to get rid of…but think of the gains you are about to get that are priceless: a healthier, happier child…and you!). It’s too much of a temptation to have it around and you want to stick to the AIP like glue during the elimination phase to get the results you are hoping for. Get rid of all the non-compliant AIP items (sorry, that’s likely most of your foods!) and get ready to re-stock your fridge and shelves with the best food out there!