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Hygge for AIP

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

If you’ve never heard the word “Hygge” before (pronounced HUE-ge), you might be curious why I’m posting about it on an AIP recipe website. Since I always intended this site to be about so much more than filling your bellies, I’m sharing this to fill your soul. Hopefully it will inspire you to make simple changes to your AIP lifestyle that can help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and disconnect from the pace of everyday life and the sometimes harsh realities of our limitations due to our illnesses.

Hygge is about joy and contentment. It is about experiencing happiness in simple pleasures and knowing that everything is going to be okay.

If you’re like me, thinking about creating a self-care routine just sounds like more work that you don’t have time for – am I right? Thankfully, the reality is that hygge can be as simple as dedicating time for yourself to enjoy any activity that makes you happy. It’s about intentional being more intentional with cozy wellness and small steps toward self-care. Snuggle up in a cozy pair of PJ’s with a warm, soft blanket and a favorite soothing drink, carve out time for art-therapy using paints or coloring books, listen to soft music, enjoy some aroma-therapy and some AIP comfort food or snacks. 

What is Hygge?

The Danish word “hygge” is about the art of getting comfy and cozy, it’s a way of life, one that makes ordinary moments feel special, pleasurable, and meaningful.

According to Meik Wiking, New York Times Best Selling author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things.” It’s also about creating a comforting social and emotional environment or support network for yourself – which, if you’re paying attention you’ll know that having connection and a good support network is an important part of the AIP Lifestyle.

Benefits of Hygge

  • Calms the Mind
    Intentionally taking time to create a hygge atmosphere, get cozy and slow down is important for our mind and soul. You’ll find a sense of calm, and stress-less when you unplug and wrap yourself in the feeling of safety that this comfy lifestyle provides.
  • Relaxes Mind & Body
    Climbing under a snuggly blanket or into a hot Epsom salt bath with the intention of relaxation (not to curl up with your phone in hand) helps us to relax and unwind. Allow your cozy blanket to be the trigger that reminds you to be mindful of your breathing, to be present. Drop your shoulders and let the tension go.
  • Nourishes Your Body
    Consuming wholesome, home-cooked AIP comfort foods, and even an indulgent AIP treat now and then, nourishes your body. You’ll feel your best when you concentrate on eating “real,” nutrient-dense foods. There’s also something about cooking simple meals that really provides food for the soul – it’s reminiscent of cozy family meals growing up.
  • Promotes Connection
    Hygge isn’t about being alone, it’s about being with loved ones. Slowing down to truly connect with friends or family in a positive, comfy environment helps increase happiness and feel-good serotonin levels.
  • Relieves Strain
    Creating an atmosphere of hygge with candles or dimming the lights goes a long way to promoting relaxation and relieving tension that we may not even realize we have from the constant bombardment of blue light from devices and fluorescent lighting.
  • Improves Sleep
    Learning to hygge helps us “unplug” from our hectic lives. Practicing self-care with hygge promotes an atmosphere of comfort where we can feel relaxed and safe. Removing negative feelings and slowing down should help reduce stress hormones and help improve sleep.

How to Hygge

  • Be Present
    A hygge lifestyle is about being in the moment. Get rid of the distractions, turn off the phone and connect with friends and family or just re-connect with yourself. Learn to really relax by creating a bedtime ritual (see my post on sleep struggles for more), or create a morning routine perhaps with gentle stretching and meditation that helps you get in the zone for the day.
  • Get Cozy
    Think cozy sweaters, thick socks or slippers and warm blankets. Have you tried a weighted blanket? I hear it’s like being wrapped in a warm hug, and they can help with anxiety and stress.
  • Set the Mood
    Candles and scents are a huge part of hygge. But since we’re careful on the AIP to remove toxins from our lives, be sure to choose unscented bees wax candles, and use quality essential oils to create a luxurious atmosphere with an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser.
  • Quality Time
    Schedule hygge time – make it a special event – whether that be a casual dinner with friends, game night with the family, time to read a book or just relax and connect with your significant other. Carve time out of your busy life for this self-care practice, indulge in a special treat that you might not otherwise buy for yourself (check out my round up of delicious AIP snacks or try a cup of tea or AIP coffee that won’t make you wired).
  • Practice Mindfulness & Gratitude
    Mindfulness and gratitude are key elements of hygge. If you’re new to meditation and mindfulness, try using a simple app like Insight Timer (it’s free), or simply make it a practice of recounting 3 things you have to be grateful for each night before you drift off to sleep. If you’re looking for more guidance on being mindful, I highly recommend the book by Eileen Laird called “Healing Mindset”
  • Comfort Food
    And here we are – right back on track with the food and recipe theme of this website! I know you’re probably saying, “but my old comfort foods really aren’t AIP compliant!” I hear you … and quite frankly, that’s how this post actually came to being – because so many members of my AIP Recipe Collection Facebook Group requested comfort food recipes in a recent poll! Click here to reach the search results for “AIP Comfort Food” – this will get you started! Let the search results there inspire you to search for more recipes in the group.

 

AIP Comfort Foods – A Few Favorite Recipes

This round up was originally shared in my AIP Recipe Collection newsletter. If you want delicious AIP inspiration delivered to your inbox click here to sign up.

AIP Products & Discounts to Help You Hygge

PALEO ON THE GO – Chef-Made, AIP Compliant Comfort Food Delivered to your door! 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: and Save $15 Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipes

SIP HERBALS – There’s nothing quite like relaxing with a warm cup of your favorite beverage – try the BEST Coffee Substitute we’ve ever tasted! All the coffee feels without the flaws.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP10

PIQUE TEA – Top Quality Toxin Free Tea! (Be sure to avoid adaptogenic blends during the elimination stage of the AIP)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

LOVEBIRD AIP CEREAL – Curl up with a bowl of AIP cereal and bring back warm memories of your childhood.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP

SWEET APRICITY – Decadent AIP Compliant Caramels, Marshmallows and Caramel Sauce- be sure to shop the AIP offerings or give a gift card if you’re unsure!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPCOLLECTION

EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. – Delicious and Convenient AIP Elimination Stage Compliant Cookie & Cake Mixes.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order! Code should apply automatically at check out, but if not simply enter Coupon Code: AIPRECIPECOLLECTION

SWEETPOTATO AWESOME – Truly awesome AIP snacks with simplest ingredients! (Shop the AIP options)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPES

FULLY HEALTHY (formerly SHOP AIP) – Your go-to shop for the AIP – Shop with confidence knowing someone else has read the label! Everything is clearly marked as compliant for the elimination stage or each phase of reintroductions. You’ll find lots of great sweets and treats, broths, protein snacks, pantry items and even personal care products. Gift Certificates Available!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP:  And Save 10% Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

WILD ZORA  – Delicious, comforting AIP meat and veggie bars, freeze-dried stews and soups, hot cereals and more!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

PALEO ANGEL POWER BALLS – Delicious AIP Cookies – be sure to shop the AIP offerings
CLICK TO SHOP 

AIP ON AMAZON – I’ve compiled lots of lists on Amazon for AIPers – pantry items, snacks, treats, hard to find ingredients, AIP Lifestyle products and so much more!
Check out my AIP Lifestyle Category in my Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK.

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AIP Recipe Round-Ups

Looking for easy access to seasonal AIP recipes, tips and resources?
You’ve come to the right place ~ Welcome to the AIP Recipe Collection Newsletter!

Since many of you are not on Facebook (click here for the searchable AIP Recipe Collection FB Group), and we never quite know what’s going to happen with some of these social channels and their censorship, back in 2021 I decided to start my own newsletter so we can always stay in touch, and so that I can continue providing regular inspiration for your AIP (Autoimmune Protocol / Autoimmune Paleo) healing journey.

Each month I deliver delicious, seasonal recipe inspiration right to your in-box. Subscribers receive an easy list of links that take you directly to the original recipe creator’s website, AIP cooking and lifestyle tips and tools to make your healing journey easier, advance notice of sales, giveaways, discounts and more!

Sign up to get started and you’ll receive a welcome email directing you to some of the best AIP resources available to help you get started. But wait, there’s more! I also provide a link to my newsletter archives where you’ll find all of my past recipe round ups and seasonally appropriate tips and advice to set you up for AIP success. 

Enjoy! ♥

Aip recipe round up newsletter

 

 

 

More Recipe Round-Ups From My Blog:

Lovebird Cereal Recipes
Plenty of Plantains – More than 200 AIP plantain recipes sorted by color!
Snack Guide

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Blueberry TigerNut Muffins with Hidden Liver

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

STOP RIGHT THERE! Do NOT pass by this recipe just because of the dreaded “L” word! These are seriously delicious and you WILL NOT know that there’s liver in them.

Don’t believe me? My family didn’t either, but my husband accidentally ate one of my muffins and only realized halfway through that it was mine … he then texted me and said “oops, sorry, I ate one of your muffins – they’re not bad and they really DON’T taste like liver!”

So, if you’re trying to “up your nutrient game” and sneak some liver into your bellies, give this one a try!

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This recipe was inspired by Kate Jay’s (of Healing Family Eats) Blueberry Liver Muffin recipe that was only presented in the 2021 AIP Summit. 

TigerNuts

If you’re just getting started on the AIP and you haven’t heard of TigerNuts, I’m sure you’ll be running across recipes soon that call for one iteration of them or another.

TigerNuts flour was one of the first ingredients I decided to try when I started my personal AIP journey, and I have to say they’re probably one of my favorite AIP dietary discoveries. You’ll find lots of recipes posted in my AIP Recipe Collection Facebook Group that calls for them, and I think the flour makes some of the best AIP cookies  – especially when it comes to taste, texture and crunch! 

Before we go any further, you should know that they’re not nuts at all, they’re actually tubers, so they’re 100% AIP elimination stage compliant! Woohoo! (You can learn more about them in my post about unfamiliar foods you’ll run into on your AIP journey, and on my affiliate’s website – TigerNuts USA)

Special Offer

Save 5% Off Every Order at TigerNuts USA with Coupon Code: AIP5
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount

AIP Blueberry TigerNut Muffins with Hidden Liver

Blueberry TigerNut Muffins with Hidden Liver

Yield: 1 Dozen
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

♥ RECIPE & IMAGES BY: AIP Recipe Collection ♥ The easiest way to love liver! Shhhh - no one needs to know what's in them.

Ingredients

Gelatin Egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a muffin pan with 12 paper liners.
  2. For best results and a fluffier texture, ensure your blueberries are thawed and drained, and if your chicken livers were previously frozen, ensure they're fully thawed and dried on paper towels.
  3. Add chicken livers and banana to a food processor and blend until smooth.
  4. Transfer to a large bowl, add the oil and maple syrup and mix well.
  5. Add TigerNuts flour, arrowroot starch, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt and mix until combined.
  6. Prepare your gelatin egg by placing the gelatin in a small bowl. In a separate bowl combine water and apple cider vinegar. Pour the water and vinegar mixture over the gelatin and whisk well to combine completely.
  7. Immediately add the gelatin egg and blueberries to the batter and mix to combine - do not over mix.
  8. Spoon mixture into the muffin liners, making sure you have blueberries in each.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes or until just cooked and a toothpick tester comes out clean. Do not overcook.
  10. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!


These are delicious when warm or cold - try splitting a muffin open and lightly toasting if you want to warm them up.

FREEZER FRIENDLY - For optimal freshness, freeze what you won't eat in a few days and simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Notes

Feeling unsure that you or your family will enjoy these? Try adding 1/3 Cup of dried fruit to the mix at the same time you add the blueberries - this will add a bit more sweetness. (Ensure your dried fruit is unsulphured and does not contain added sweeteners or non-compliant oils or preservatives).

© AIPRecipeCollection.com
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Vanilla Cupcakes

This recipe for Vanilla Cupcakes comes to you from one of our very own members in the AIP Recipe Collection Facebook Group. She’s generously offered to share her yummy recipe with us here so the whole AIP community can enjoy it! 

Julia has been testing many AIP cakes and cupcakes and couldn’t be happier with her final results and is ready to share! (Her recipe is adapted from a recipe for Vanilla Cake on the Loving it Vegan website.)

♥ Thank-You Julia ♥

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount - AIP Recipe Collection
AIP Vanilla Cupcakes, AIPRecipeCollection

Vanilla Cupcakes

Yield: 1 Dozen Cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

♥ RECIPE & IMAGES BY: AIP Recipe Collection Group Member Julia Bearden ♥

Ingredients

Vanilla Frosting

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients together into a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients.
  3. Make a well in the dry ingredients, add the liquid ingredients in the well and mix with wire whisk until just combined.
  4. Place cupcake liners into cupcake/muffin pan and fill each with about 1/4 cup of the cupcake batter until it is gone.
  5. Bake at 375 for 15 min. Lower temp to 350 and bake an additional 5min.
  6. Allow to cool 5 to 10 min and transfer to wire rack.
  7. Makes 12 cupcakes. The tops turn out more like muffins but the inside and taste are spot on like a cupcake especially once you add icing.

Vanilla Frosting

  1. Using the whisk attachment on your hand mixer combine the first 3 ingredients and whisk on high until creamy icing consistency is achieved, approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Turn mixer to low and slowly add arrowroot starch. Whisk for another minute or two.
  3. If piping icing, put the icing into a piping bag and place it in the fridge for 5 min before piping.

Notes

The tops turn out more like muffins but the inside and taste are spot on like a cupcake especially once you add icing.

The texture is even better the second day, so they're a great treat to make in advance.

Freezer Friendly - freeze for 15-20 mins on a baking sheet and then store in an air-tight container, removing as much air as possible. Defrost overnight for best texture.

© AIPRecipeCollection.com

 

TigerNuts Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

Finding a good AIP Cookie recipe that has the texture and crunch of a traditional cookie can be tough, but these simple little cookies have that covered! You can whip up a batch in no time at all and have your kiddos help you roll them into balls to be baked. They remind me of sugar cookies crossed with a hint of that familiar peanut butter taste .. but without the peanut butter of course!

If you want to make these cookies coconut free, you could probably safely use an alternate oil like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or tigernut oil.

TigerNuts

If you’re just getting started on the AIP and you haven’t heard of TigerNuts, I’m sure you’ll be running across recipes soon that call for one iteration of them or another.

TigerNuts flour was one of the first ingredients I decided to try when I started my personal AIP journey, and I have to say they’re probably one of my favorite AIP dietary discoveries. You’ll find lots of recipes posted in my AIP Recipe Collection Facebook Group that calls for them, and I think the flour makes some of the best AIP cookies  – especially when it comes to taste, texture and crunch! 

Before we go any further, you should know that they’re not nuts at all, they’re actually tubers, so they’re 100% AIP elimination stage compliant! Woohoo! (You can learn more about them in my post about unfamiliar foods you’ll run into on your AIP journey, and on my affiliate’s website – TigerNuts USA)

Special Offer

Save 5% Off Every Order at TigerNuts USA with Coupon Code: AIP5
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount - AIP Recipe Collection

TigerNuts USA TigerNuts Cookies AIP Recipe TigerNuts Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

TigerNuts Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Yield: 2 Dozen
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the first quantity of TigerNuts flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, making sure there are no clumps.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, TigerNuts flour, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir well to thoroughly combine. You will need to use your hands to fully incorporate.
  5. Using your hands, roll the dough, about 1 Tbsp. at a time, into a ball and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Continue until all the dough has been used – you should have about 2 dozen.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, until they are starting to firm up on the outside.
  7. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a
    wire rack to continue cooling completely.

Notes

These cookies keep well in an airtight container and can even be frozen and enjoyed straight out of the freezer!

If you want to make these cookies coconut free, while I haven't tried it, you could probably safely use an alternate oil like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or TigerNut oil.



Recommended Products

This post may contain affiliate links. Visit our Disclosure page for further details.

© AIPRecipeCollection.com
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AIP Snack Guide

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

STOP! Wait right there … don’t just scroll to the lists of goodies! This is meant to be an AIP Snack Guide, not just a list of deliciousness. If you’ve been around these parts before, you know that my goal is to empower you on your autoimmune healing journey, and that means providing a bit of education and information along the way. There are actually a few factors to consider … so here we go!

Rumbly In My Tumbly

So, your tummy’s grumbling – is it really hunger pangs or is it just your digestive system doing it’s job? Did you know a growling stomach doesn’t always signal that your body needs nutrients but, rather, that your migrating motor complex, or MMC, is busy at work? Interestingly, interrupting the MMC’s cleansing process by snacking or grazing throughout the day can cause dysbiosis in the gut. Since many of us with autoimmune disease have digestive issues and the root of good health begins in the gut, I encourage you to read up a little further on your migrating motor complex to make sure you’re supporting your body as best you can. (I found this article on the topic very easy to understand.)

Snack Attack

If you think you’re actually having an AIP snack attack I want you first to ask yourself – WHY? Why am I hungry? Am I really hungry? What does my body actually need right now? Have I had enough water to drink today, maybe I’m just thirsty? Am I having a bad day? Am I stressed, emotional or maybe just bored? Have I had enough to eat today? Did what I ate really satisfy me? Have my meals (including breakfast) been well balanced with protein, fats and good carbs? Am I getting enough good, restorative sleep? (People who aren’t getting enough sleep tend to make poor food choices – it’s a fact!)

Because we do a LOT of cooking on the AIP, it can be easy to fall into opting for less filling/satisfying meals like salads with a little protein on top. Or maybe we’re plain sick and tired of cooking and we’ve really been slipping with our food intake, leaning on less than nutrient dense conveniences like AIP pastas. While there’s nothing wrong with these things from time to time, we really need to make sure we’re achieving nutrient sufficiency and balancing our blood sugar, or yes, we’re going to come down with a serious case of the hangries! 

Now, all that said, I’m not going to say you should never snack – that would just be ridiculous! What I want to do here is arm you with some quick, easy ideas and healthful AIP convenience options to keep you fueled for when the need arises.

AIPRecipeCollection.com AIP Snacks AIP Snack Ideas

Quick & Easy:

  • Fresh fruit in general is a great place to start (confused about fruit and the AIP – read more here)
  • Apple slices with a drizzle of coconut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Tigernuts – they’re not nuts but you might be nuts about them! (learn more here)
  • Dates stuffed with tigernut butter, coconut butter or coconut oil and a pinch of salt – YUM!
  • Frozen grapes
  • Melon – keep some cut up and ready to go – it’s refreshing and hydrating!
  • Veggies and AIP guacamole or AIP hummus (lots of recipes in my Facebook Group and a few below)
  • Coconut yogurt (make sure it’s compliant or try making your own)
  • Roll compliant sliced meat with a smear of AIP guacamole or hummus and handful of microgreens
  • Olives (make sure they’re compliant – try Fully Healthy (formerly Shop AIP) or my Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK)
  • Sauerkraut or pickled veggies (make sure they’re compliant – lots of recipes in my Facebook Group)
  • Leftover meatballs (one of my favorite recipes below)
  • Plantain or sweet potato chips and AIP dip (lots of dip options in my Facebook Group and some below)
  • Canned tuna, salmon or sardines / chicken salad or tuna salad 

AIPRecipeCollection.com AIP Snacks AIP Snack Ideas

FULLY HEALTHY (formerly SHOP AIP) – Your go-to shop for the AIP – Shop with confidence knowing someone else has read the label and made sure it’s compliant for your healing journey! Everything is clearly marked as compliant for the elimination stage or each phase of reintroductions. From salty to savory or sweet, crunchy or chewy, Fully Healthy has you covered. Be sure to check out the “Snack Attack” bundle and use the search feature to narrow down over 100 snack options!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP:  And Save 10% Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

WILD ZORA  – Delicious AIP options – meat and veggie bars, freeze-dried stews and soups, dehydrated real fruit snacks, hot cereal and even convenient raw honey sticks! They have variety packs and bulk offerings to help you stock your pantry. Perfect for every day snacking, travel, brown bagging, hiking, camping and emergencies! Just click “shop” and then “AIP Compliant.” 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

SWEETPOTATO AWESOME – Truly awesome AIP snacks with simplest ingredients! Try the AIP Sampler Pack or use it as a guide to help you select the AIP compliant products and just order your favorites!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPES

TIGERNUTS USA – If you’re missing nuts and a quick crunchy snck, these tiny tubers will likely do the trick! Eat them plain or use them whole or flaked in AIP granola, use the flour to easily make tigernut butter and so many more amazing AIP treats and snacks!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 5% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP5

EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. – Delicious and Convenient AIP Elimination Stage Compliant Cookie & Cake Mixes that you can use in a variety of ways. 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order! Code should apply automatically at check out, but if not simply enter Coupon Code: AIPRECIPECOLLECTION

SWEET APRICITY – Decadent AIP Compliant Caramels, Marshmallows and Caramel Sauce (perfect for dipping your apple slices in) – be sure to shop the AIP offerings.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPCOLLECTION

PALEO ANGEL POWER BALLS – Delicious AIP Cookies – be sure to shop the AIP offerings. Save 10% when you subscribe to the Power Baller Club. Gift Cards Available!
CLICK TO SHOP 

LOVEBIRD AIP CEREAL – If you used to offer your toddler Cheerios as a snack, this is the health AIP compliant option. This AIP cereal has the look and crunch of a traditional cereal, and there’s a great cause attached – every purchase helps support pediatric cancer research.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP1

SERENITY KIDS FOODS – These shelf-stable BPA-free pouches of baby and toddler foods are perfect for EVERY AIPer! You can read more about why I personally use these products for myself in my blog post – click here – they make a convenient snack and delicious too!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 15% Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPES

AIP SNACKING ON AMAZON – I’ve compiled lots of categorized shopping lists on Amazon for AIPers – pantry items, snacks, treats, hard to find ingredients and so much more!
Check out all of my suggestions on Amazon in the AIP Recipe Collection Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK.

PALEO ON THE GO – On the AIP we have to prep and cook almost everything meal that we eat – it’s exhausting! Give yourself a break and try Paleo on the Go! Beyond meals and sides, they offer treats and snacks like AIP compliant Paleo Pop Tarts, cobbler, cakes, muffins, cookies, and bone broth pops (seasonally). 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: and Save $15 Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipes

What snack is complete without coffee (substitute) or tea?

SIP HERBALS – The BEST Coffee Substitute we’ve ever tasted!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP10

PIQUE TEA – Top Quality Toxin Free Tea! Be sure to avoid adaptogenic blends during the elimination stage of the AIP – stick to the herbal tea blends, Matcha or Turmeric. 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

While snacks don’t have to be complicated, sometimes a recipe or two for inspiration is all it takes to keep you on track. There are honestly so many great options, I simply can’t include them all here, so join me in my Facebook Group and utilize the group search – click here to join! (Reminder – all sweets and treats in moderation on the AIP.)

Sweet Snacks

Apple Pie Cereal Bars – AIP Recipe Collection
Berry Coconut Panna Cotta – Downshiftology
Carob Avocado Mousse – Sweet Treats Blog Spot (use tigernut milk or additive free coconut milk)
Cherry Ginger Gummies – Autoimmune Wellness
Chewy Apple Plantain Cookies – Lichen Paleo, Loving AIP
Love Bird Cereal Cookie Clusters – AIP Recipe Collection
Matcha Mint Fat Bombs – Body Unburdened (check out my matcha recommendation here)
Pumpkin Spice Granola – Autoimmune Wellness

Savory Snacks

Avocado Cauliflower Hummus – Unbound Wellness (It’s like a hummus/guacamole hybrid – so good!)
Bacon Beef Liver Pate with Rosemary and Thyme – Autoimmune Wellness
Butternut Breakfast Bites – Adventures in Partaking
Coconut Flour Naan – My Heart Beets
Creamy Avocado Caesar Dressing/Dip – AIP Recipe Collection (it’s coconut free!)
Microwave Salsa – Unskilled Cavewoman
Supah Guac – Wendi’s AIP Kitchen
Superfood Sardine Salad – Phoenix Helix (tasty on top of Sweetpotato Awesome slices – coupon above)
Quick Salmon and Leek Pate – Healing Family Eats
Tzatziki – AIP Recipe Collection

There’s An App For That!

Another great source for all things recipes and meal planning is REAL PLANS Meal Planning App – This app is perfect for pretty much any diet (you can read my full review on it here) but it’s completely customizable and totally geared to those on the AIP – and yes – it has snacks! You can even tweak it further for additional food sensitivities and nutritional requirements and add recipes from around the web or personal favorites – it truly makes life on the AIP easier! There’s even a 10-day money back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying it out –  SUBSCRIBE HERE. 

 

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Milk Options for the AIP

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

Okay, so we’re cutting out dairy on the AIP, nuts and grains too … so what’s left for options when it comes to “milk” on the AIP?

Great question! I’m going to keep it plain and simple – you have 4 options during the elimination phase of the AIP: Coconut Milk, Tigernut Milk (Tigernuts are not nuts, they’re tubers), Avocado Milk and Banana Milk.

All four of these can easily be made at home, and quality additive-free coconut milk (NOT coconut “beverage”) can be found in lots of stores these days (warning – be sure your coconut milk contains nothing but coconut and water – no other ingredients, emulsifiers or thickeners like guar gum, locust bean gum, etc. You can find additive-free coconut milk using my shopping resources – click here, and some brand recommendations here.)

While there are variations of these recipes available online, the following are the basics.

Coconut Milk:

4 Cups Hot Water 
1 1/2 to 2 Cups Unsweetened Unsulphured Shredded Coconut
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten 
Optional Flavor:  1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor), 1/2 cup pureed fresh or frozen strawberries

Place hot but not boiling water and coconut in a high-speed blender. Blend on high speed for several minutes until thick and creamy.
Using a large bowl to catch the milk, pour the mixture through a nut milk bad or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and allow to strain.
Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much milk as possible.
Once you have extracted all of your milk add any optional flavoring and store in the refrigerator in a glass jar for up to 3 days. 
NOTE: you will want to use a wide mouth jar so you can scrape any coconut cream off the top that forms after refrigeration for use in other things, or simply shake to reincorporate

Avocado Milk:

2 Cups Filtered Water
1/2 Cup Diced Avocado (ensure it’s not over ripe and does not have any dark spots)
Pinch of Sea Salt
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten 
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) 

Combine water, avocado and a pinch of salt together in a blender or use an immersion blender. If you want a slightly sweet taste, add the sweetener of choice from above, blend and test the flavor, adjust if necessary. 
Serve chilled.
Note: Best consumed or used right away in a recipe

Banana Milk:

2 Cups Filtered Water
1 Banana (ripe but not over-ripe)
Pinch of Sea Salt
Optional Flavor:  1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or a Pinch of Cinnamon

Combine water, banana and a pinch of salt together in a blender or use an immersion blender. If you want a slightly sweet taste, add the sweetener of choice from above, blend and test the flavor, adjust if necessary. 
Serve chilled.
Note: Best consumed or used right away in a recipe

Tigernut Milk:

4 Cups Hot Water (Plus more for soaking)
1 Cup Tigernuts
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten 
Optional Flavor:  1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or Cinnamon

Place tigernuts in a bowl and cover with warm water, allowing to soak for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, drain and place in a high-speed blender. Add 1/2 a cup of the hot water and blend for 3 minutes. If the mixture is too dry during this time, add a little more of the water and scrape the sides.
Add remaining water and blend for 10-15 minutes.
Using a large bowl to catch the milk, pour the mixture through a nut milk bad or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and allow to strain.
Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much milk as possible.
Once you have extracted all of your milk add any optional flavoring and store in the refrigerator in a glass container for up to 3 days. 

BONUS TIP: Don’t waste the pulp! You can dehydrate it and you have tigernut flour! Simply spread the pulp on a large, rimmed baking tray and place it in a 160 to 175 degree oven for 4-6 hours or until dry. Be sure to stir it a few times during the drying process. Once it has completely dried pulse it in a food processor until it is the consistency of powder or flour. If you can’t get it completely fine, that’s not a problem – tigernut flour tends to be a little gritty. You can choose to sift it to get rid of any larger pieces.

Sweet Potato Milk: 

1 Large White Sweet Potato (Learn more about various varieties of white sweet potatoes and where to find them – click here)
4 Cups of Filtered Water (plus more after cooking – see instructions)
Optional Flavor:  1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or Cinnamon

Add filtered water to a medium pot. Peel and chop the sweet potato into 1 inch cubes and immediately add to the pot of water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
Use a slotted spoon and transfer the sweet potatoes to a blender.
Pour the cooking water into a large measuring cup and add additional filtered water to equal a total of 4 cups of liquid.
Add water to the blender and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. 
The “milk” should be plenty sweet enough, but if you like you can add in your optional flavors now and 1/2 to 1 tsp of pure maple syrup if you wish.
Store in the refrigerator in a glass container for up to 3 days or the freezer for 3 months.

Learn More:

Want to know the ins and outs, what’s and whys of eliminating dairy and options for reintroductions when the time comes? Check out the following articles.

The Great Dairy Debate
Why I Don’t Need to Worry About Calcium
Goat Milk and the Benefits of A2 Dairy
The Best Dairy Choice for Growing Children

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Cereal-ously Crispy Chicken Strips

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

Parker at Lovebird Cereal asked me to participate in his Cereal Madness Bake-Off using his amazing new AIP cereal, but I declined because I wasn’t feeling all that creative at the time .. then this happened!

Hello, AIP elimination stage compliant cereal-ously delicious, crispy chicken strips … or Lovebird Fingers … potatoe / potatoh … call ’em what you like, they’re yummy and totes kid-friendly!

I hope you and your family enjoy them! ♥

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on social media @aiprecipecollection – I can’t wait to see your results and hear how you’ve enjoyed them.


About Lovebird

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new AIP cereal in town! Meet Lovebird Cereal – it’s 100% AIP Elimination Stage Compliant and 100% AMAZING!

This product is a game-changer for anyone with AIP kiddos … like cerealously … what have y’all been giving your AIP toddlers to munch on with Cheerios off the table!?

And what a treat to be able to grab a quick bowl of cereal in the morning for breakfast or an anytime snack … zero guilt – it’s a clean and healthy, gut-friendly option. 

♥ Gluten-Free
♥ Dairy-Free
♥ Non-GMO
♥ Sweetened by Nature – No Refined Sugar or Stevia
♥ No “Natural” Flavors
♥ Nothing Fake!
♥ Perfect served with dairy-free milk like coconut milk, banana milk or tigernut milk (or nut milk if you’ve reintroduced them)

Lovebird cereal comes in three flavors – unsweetened, honey and cinnamon – and all are 100% AIP elimination stage compliant! 

Free of inflammatory ingredients and full of gut health boosting nutrition to support your family’s immunity.  In a perfect world, you could eat fresh whole foods but life is busy and sometimes you need some convenient options.  That’s why Parker created Lovebird foods “to clean up junk food”. 

And as if that weren’t enough, Lovebird donates twenty percent (20%) of net profit from the sale of all Lovebird products to nonprofits in support of charitable programming and research in the fight against pediatric cancer. 

Special Offer

Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

 

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount - AIP Recipe Collection

 

AIP Chicken Strips with Lovebird Cereal - aiprecipecollection.com

Cereal-ously Crispy Chicken Strips

Yield: 2-4 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

♥ RECIPE & IMAGES BY: AIPRecipeCollection.com ♥ Cereal-ously Crispy AIP Chicken Strips the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Creamy AIP Salsa Dipper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper 
  2. Place mashed avocado, oil, crushed garlic and water in a bowl and whisk to combine. (This mixture replaces eggs and will be used for dredging your chicken strips so it should be slightly thin in consistency. You may need to add additional oil and/or water depending on the size of your avocado.)
  3. In a zipper bag combine starch OR flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, ginger and black pepper and shake gently so that everything is well mixed.
  4. Add chicken strips to the zipper bag and shake until coated. Remove strips to a small plate, leaving the rest of the seasoning mix in the bag. Add crushed Lovebird cereal to the bag.
  5. One at a time, dip the chicken strips in the avocado mix and then immediately roll in the bottom of the zipper bag until generally coated. Once lightly coated give the strip a quick shake in the bottom of the bag and then remove the strip to the prepared baking sheet using your clean hand.  
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, flip, and bake 8 minutes more. Remove from the oven.
  7. Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler heat source and preheat the oven's broiler to high.
  8. Return the pan to the preheated oven and broil for approximately 2 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don't burn.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately!


For the Dip: Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

Notes

* Crush your cereal in a zipper bag until it is a very fine crumble/bread crumb texture - a rolling pin works great for this job.

Avocado Substitution: If you prefer not to use avocado "egg" dredging mixture, you can simply use additive free coconut milk and skip the avocado, water, oil and crushed garlic.

© AIPRecipeCollection.com
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Chewy Apple Pie Cereal Bars

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means.

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new AIP cereal in town! Meet Lovebird Cereal – it’s 100% AIP Elimination Stage Compliant and 100% AMAZING!

This product is a game-changer for anyone with AIP kiddos … like cerealously … what have y’all been giving your AIP toddlers to munch on with Cheerios off the table!?

And what a treat to be able to grab a quick bowl of cereal in the morning for breakfast or an anytime snack … zero guilt – it’s a clean and healthy, gut-friendly option.

About Lovebird

♥ Gluten-Free
♥ Dairy-Free
♥ Non-GMO
♥ Sweetened by Nature – No Refined Sugar or Stevia
♥ No “Natural” Flavors
♥ Nothing Fake!
♥ Perfect served with dairy-free milk like coconut milk, banana milk or tigernut milk (or nut milk if you’ve reintroduced them)

Lovebird cereal comes in three flavors – unsweetened, honey and cinnamon – and all are 100% AIP elimination stage compliant! 

Free of inflammatory ingredients and full of gut health boosting nutrition to support your family’s immunity.  In a perfect world, you could eat fresh whole foods but life is busy and sometimes you need some convenient options.  That’s why Parker created Lovebird foods “to clean up junk food”. 

And as if that weren’t enough, Lovebird donates twenty percent (20%) of net profit from the sale of all Lovebird products to nonprofits in support of charitable programming and research in the fight against pediatric cancer. 

Special Offer

Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

The Recipe

Before I started the AIP, one of my go-to snacks or grab and go breakfasts was a simple granola/cereal bar. While sweets like this are no longer part of my daily morning routine it’s nice to have a little treat now and then, so I created these Chewy Apple Pie Lovebird Cereal Bars to satisfy my hankering for granola bars and my favorite kind of pie. 

Enjoy! ♥

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on social media @aiprecipecollection – I can’t wait to see your results and hear how you’ve enjoyed them.

 

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount - AIP Recipe Collection

Chewy Apple Pie Lovebird Cereal Bars aiprecipecollection.com

Chewy Apple Pie Cereal Bars

Yield: 8 Large Bars or 16 Medium Squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

♥ RECIPE & IMAGES BY: AIPRecipeCollection.com ♥ Chewy Apple Pie Lovebird Cereal Bars - they'll satisfy the kid in you!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed and whole cereal, dried fruit, coconut, collagen, cinnamon and salt.
  2. Add riced plantain, apple and maple syrup.  Mix well. You will have a very stiff batter or a ball of ingredients when everything is well incorporated
  3. Line an 8” X 8” baking pan/dish with parchment paper.  
  4. Press the cereal bar mixture evenly into the pan/dish. Scatter whole Lovebird cereal over the top of the cereal bars and lightly press into the mixture.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes.  Remove bars from the pan using the parchment paper and allow to cool completely on a wire cooling rack., leaving the parchment paper attached.
  6. Cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Crushed / Powdered Cereal : I used a small blender cup to create a flour.

Dried Fruit & The AIP : ensure your dried fruit is UNsulphured and does not contain added sugar or non-compliant oils or preservatives

How to "Rice" Plantains : Simply peel and roughly slice into a food processor that has an "S" blade installed. Pulse until small rice size pieces are achieved. Try not to over-process the plantains into a batter.

If you don't have a food processor, peel the plantain and use a food grater to achieve a shredded consistency.

© AIPRecipeCollection.com
,

Sloppy Topped Sweet Potatoes

This post contains affiliate links.  Click here to see what that means. 

Looking for a kid-friendly, easy AIP dinner? How about some Sloppy Topped Sweet Potatoes … aka AIP Sloppy Joes!

One of our members was looking for a recipe that would satisfy her AIP Kiddo’s cravings for Manwiches and asked me which KC Naturals Nomato Sauce option I’d recommend to recreate their old favorite, so I swung into action and used her inspiration to create a fun and filling dinner.

Most of the AIP Sloppy Joe recipes I’ve seen in the past simply call for a nomato sauce, and you can certainly use nomato sauce in this recipe if you prefer, but for me, the star of the show is the KC Natural’s Garden Cherry Tomato-Free Salsa! I love the flavor .. it lends itself perfectly to re-creating Sloppy Joes without having to add all kinds of ingredients or spices. 

SHOPPING TIP! You can find KC Natural Products in our affiliate shop, Shop AIP, and you can save 10% Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPE – click here to order.

My non-AIP hubby was very pleased with the taste and thinks we nailed it on this one. If you have a non-AIPer in your midst, you can easily serve this on a bun or on a regular baked potato instead of white sweet potatoes. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we did! ♥

Shop AIP - shopping for your autoimmune lifestyle - Fully Healthy Discount - AIP Recipe Collection

AIP Sloppy Joes - Sloppy Topped Sweet Potoates - KC Natural AIPRecipecollection.com

Sloppy Topped Sweet Potatoes

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

♥ RECIPE & IMAGE BY: AIPRecipeCollection.com ♥ A fun and filling kid-friendly meal to satisfy the sloppy cravings.  

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Scrub your sweet potatoes and poke holes in them with a fork or sharp pointed knife.
  2. Bake in a 375 Degree Oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on their size. They are done when a fork easily pierces through.
  3. While your potatoes cook, you can prep your ingredients and begin cooking the sloppy joe meat mixture. I suggest starting when your sweet potatoes are almost cooked. If they are finished before your meat is ready, simply leave them in the oven with the heat turned off.
  4. In a skillet, heat the oil and sauté the onions, carrots and celery until onions are translucent and carrots are slightly tender.
  5. Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown the meat stirring frequently until no more pink remains.
  6. Drain any grease from the skillet.
  7. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and continue cooking and stirring for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  8. Remove sweet potatoes from the oven, cut them open and place on a plate or in a small bowl. Top each with 1/4 of the sloppy joe mixture and enjoy immediately.
© AIPRecipeCollection.com