AIP

AIP, short for the Autoimmune Protocol, is an elimination-style way of eating. It removes grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant and paprika), refined sugar, alcohol and most additives for a period of time. What’s left is meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, herbs and some starchy roots like sweet potato. People often follow it with guidance from a healthcare provider.

The hard part of AIP isn’t the rules. It’s that so many familiar flavors disappear at once. Our OurCheff private chefs cook AIP for Southwest Florida clients who are tired of plain chicken and steamed broccoli, so we lean on what’s still allowed: slow braises, roasted roots, fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, citrus, avocado and good olive oil. Butternut squash and carrots stand in for tomato in a stew. Mashed sweet potato holds salmon cakes together instead of egg.

An AIP recipe is CheffApproved when every ingredient fits the elimination phase, with no hidden paprika, pepper or seed oils. It also has to taste like a dinner you’d choose even if you weren’t on a protocol. And it has to be practical on a weeknight. Try our AIP Beef and Butternut Squash Stew, Egg-Free AIP Salmon Cakes or Sheet-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Sweet Potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Is black pepper allowed on AIP?
Black pepper is a seed spice and is usually left out during the elimination phase, so our AIP recipes skip it and use herbs, garlic and citrus instead.

What thickens AIP stews without flour?
We use reduction and puréed vegetables like squash. Arrowroot or tapioca starch works too if you need it.

Are these recipes good for the whole family?
Yes. Nothing about them screams diet food, and they make great family dinners.

Do you list nutrition?
Every recipe includes estimated nutrition per serving based on USDA data.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please work with your healthcare provider on any elimination diet.