The 10 Most-Asked AIP Questions—Answered
Starting AIP? You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
If you’ve ever Googled “can I have coffee on AIP” at midnight while meal planning, this post is for you.
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is one of the most powerful food-as-medicine approaches out there—but it can be confusing, especially at first. So we rounded up the 10 most commonly asked questions about AIP, and answered them in plain English. No medical jargon. No guilt. Just clarity.
1. What is the AIP diet, exactly?
AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) is a short-term elimination diet designed to reduce inflammation and help identify food triggers for autoimmune symptoms. It removes potentially inflammatory foods—like grains, dairy, nightshades, and processed sugars—and focuses on nutrient-dense, whole foods.
2. What foods are not allowed on AIP?
Some of the most common AIP-eliminated foods include:
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Grains (including gluten-free grains like rice and oats)
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Dairy
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Legumes
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Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, white potatoes)
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Eggs
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Nuts and seeds (yes, including coffee)
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Processed sugars, refined oils, and additives
3. Can I ever reintroduce these foods?
Yes! AIP has two phases: elimination and reintroduction. The goal is not to stay in elimination forever, but to slowly and mindfully bring back foods (one at a time) to see what your body can tolerate.
4. How long does the AIP elimination phase last?
Typically 30–90 days, depending on the individual. Some people start seeing benefits sooner, while others may need more time to notice symptom improvement. Always listen to your body (and your practitioner).
5. Can I eat out while doing AIP?
It’s tricky—but possible. Most restaurants use seed oils, hidden sugars, or nightshade-heavy seasonings. If you're dining out, stick to plain grilled proteins and veggies, and always ask about ingredients. OR… skip the stress and bring your own AIP-compliant meals (yes, we ship nationwide).
👉 Explore AIP Meals That Travel Well →
6. Do I have to cook everything from scratch?
Not anymore. While AIP was once a DIY-only diet, you can now find trusted brands (like us) that offer fully AIP-compliant, ready-to-eat meals. No prep, no mystery ingredients, no 3-hour Sunday cooking sessions.
7. What’s the difference between Paleo and AIP?
AIP is a more targeted version of the Paleo diet. Both focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods—but AIP removes additional potential irritants like eggs, nightshades, and nuts to support autoimmune healing.
8. Can I have dessert on AIP?
Yes—with the right ingredients. There are delicious AIP-compliant treats made with things like coconut, maple syrup, cassava flour, and fruit. (We make a few if you're curious.)
🍪 Try our AIP Cookies & Sweets →
9. How do I know if AIP is working?
Common signs include improved digestion, clearer skin, reduced joint pain, better energy, and more stable mood. It may take time, but many people feel a significant difference within the first month.
10. What if I mess up?
Then you're human. One slip doesn’t cancel progress. Just return to the protocol and keep going. Healing isn’t linear—and perfection isn’t required.
Want support that doesn’t live in your kitchen?
We make AIP-compliant meals that meet the protocol so you don’t have to think about it.
✅ No seed oils
✅ No nightshades
✅ No guessing
