#2 Start Here – Beginner Resources
Now that we’ve covered what the AIP is and the basics of where to get started (that’s found in Start Here Part 1 if you missed it) and you’re feeling a little more comfortable with the concept, we can move on and dig in to some additional resources you may find helpful and enjoyable (watch for the links in the paragraphs below and click).
Food Lists – If you haven’t read up on this yet, be sure to check out the details on my Food Lists page. This is pretty essential, so be sure to concentrate your efforts here next.
Mental Preparation – While it’s logical, it may not be obvious that we need to take a moment and prepare mentally for the AIP. You deserve a moment to be angry, (because like I’ve said elsewhere on this site, Grieving Over Illness is a real part of your healing journey) but this is about more than that. You need to establish your baseline, pump yourself up with a few positive affirmations (I know it sounds corny but it really helps throughout your challenging times and sends positive messages to your brain and body for healing), be sure to give yourself permission not to be perfect (it’s next to impossible to be PERFECTLY AIP all the time), be thankful and then put on our big girl/boy pants and get on with it! Check out Angie Alt’s post on Autoimmune Wellness, 6 Ways to Mentally Prep for the AIP (click here for the article).
Keep It Simple – This is probably my TOP tip! I talk about it in my motivational post, but I also recommend this post by Autoimmune Wellness, 5 Ways to Keep It Simple on the AIP (click here for the article), which talks about keeping your focus on nutrient density, a few good kitchen tools, using a basic approach to meals instead of complicated recipes, keeping convenience products in their place and avoiding trying to make too many changes all at once.
Kitchen Tools – I get asked a LOT about kitchen tools for the AIP, so I’ll refer you to a couple of my resources: #1 My categorized AIP Storefronts on Amazon, and #2 Autoimmune Wellness’ Kitchen Tour (click here for the page) feature where every-day AIP-ers share their kitchen set ups and inspirational stories of how the AIP has helped them with their particular autoimmune disease(s). I’m flattered to have been included back in July of 2018, and you can check out my kitchen tour here.
The BEST AIP Meal Planning App – Stay motivated and on track with Real Plans – the BEST meal planning app that was designed specifically for people on the AIP. Learn more about it in my review here, or jump right in by clicking here. (If you want 40% off, simply sign up for my newsletter – click here).
Motivation to Get Started – I LOVE this little summary of the 20 core principles that are important for empowering you on your AIP journey – I hope you find it motivational too. It’s a quick read – The AIP Manifesto.
Motivation to Keep Going – Sign up for my monthly newsletter for inspiration to keep going! You’ll receive seasonal recipe round-ups and exclusive content for your AIP lifestyle – Subscribe Here.
Digging Deeper – If you’ve made it this far and you’re still hungry for more information or maybe you’re trying to do some diagnostics on your AIP efforts, check out my next post of recommendations where you can dig deeper into do’s and don’ts, troubleshooting and more – click here for Digging Deeper & Troubleshooting – Start Here Part 3.
