
“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
Mickey Trescott and Angie Alt of Autoimmune Paleo are two leading lights in this Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) health caper for those of us seeking to mitigate autoimmune symptoms through diet and lifestyle. Their collaborative guide – The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook: A DIY Guide to Living Well with Chronic Illness – is a patient-centred approach to improving quality of life even when living with autoimmune disease.
And, it’s a corker.
Reading this baby is like having Mickey and Angie in your living room with you.
The book is divided into seven chapters of the key steps to wellness;
- Inform – what exactly is your flavour of autoimmune disease; where do you go for a diagnosis and how can you process this overload of information?
- Collaborate – build a team of experts who advocate for you and support you
- Nourish – what you eat matters
- Rest – sleep is not optional
- Breathe – recovering vitality through stress management
- Move – the importance of moderate exercise
- Connect – with both people and nature
There are loads of quizzes, infographics and self-assessments to help you work out just where you are on your path to healing. And, if you are right at the beginning of your personal healing caper, your options on just how you can start on your autoimmune protocol – either jumping in head-first by going cold turkey, or taking more of a slow-and-steady transition – is entirely up to you.
Of course, since the elimination phase of the protocol is not meant to be forever, you will at some stage be keen to begin reintroducing foods, so there’s help with that too.
And, while the Autoimmune Protocol is a fantastic template and is just what many of us need, if the elimination diet doesn’t achieve the results you may have hoped for there’s advice on troubleshooting. Things like Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO), Histamine intolerance, FODMAPS, dysbiosis and a range of common digestive issues are addressed.
And, it’s all communicated in an informative and empowering way.
What makes the Autoimmune Wellness Handbook different is that it truly is your personal roadmap to navigating your health caper. It’s all about making it yours and comes with all sorts of great tools to help you succeed – meal plans, shopping lists and even a lifestyle guide.
The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook is a GREAT resource to add to your toolbox!
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The recipe: Green Breakfast Soup
Mickey and Angie have given me permission to share one of the 30 recipes from their lovely-jubbley Autoimmune Wellness Handbook. I chose the Green Breakfast Soup – mainly because I’m always on the lookout for a soup number I can make in bulk and have on hand for those times I just can’t be arsed cooking…
I have a personal rule on my blog – I don’t post any recipe that I haven’t personally tried. So, you can trust me when I tell you that this nutrient dense, not-so-little soup number is seriously good nosh. I recommend that you give it a go – the ginger is the secret ingredient that elevates it to something very special.
In the interests of transparency, I should let you know that I can’t eat mushrooms. So, in my version I added summer squash instead. And, it was a most acceptable alternative, in my view…
This recipe makes LOTS of soup. Enough for a crowd. Or, for you to freeze in portions. Perfect for people like me who need something quick and easy to whip up for those days when I forget to have something ready for lunch…
- 1 large, whole pastured chicken (5–6 pounds)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt + additional, to taste
- 2 tablespoons solid cooking fat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup peeled and minced fresh ginger (3- to 4-inch piece)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, chopped into 1½ -inch chunks (about 6 cups)
- 2 large zucchini, chopped into 1½ -inch chunks (about 2 cups)
- 1 bunch swiss chard (silver-beet), stems and leaves divided and chopped
- 2 cups button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch green onions (ends removed), thinly sliced, for serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- Begin by cleaning the chicken (rinse it under cold water and remove loose bits of fat and other tissue). Place it in a large stockpot. If it doesn’t fit, you will have to cut it into halves or quarters (kitchen shears help here - start by cutting up one side of the backbone).
- Add the bay leaf, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sea salt. Fill the pot with cold water until the chicken is just covered. Bring to a boil, and then cover tightly and lower the heat to a bare simmer. Cook until the meat is tender and falling off the bone, 60 to 90 minutes - the lower the simmer, the more tender the chicken will come out. Skim the surface of the broth to remove any scum that may appear during cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, being careful to save the broth in another pot! Discard the bay leaf.
- Place the empty pot back on the stove, add the solid cooking fat, and turn the heat to medium. When the fat has melted and the pan is hot, add the onions and cook, stirring, for 7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for another few minutes, until fragrant.
- While the onions are cooking, remove the meat from the chicken carcass, shred it with two forks (CAUTION: hot!), and set it aside in a bowl. Keep the bones to add to your next batch of bone broth .
- Add the sweet potatoes and broth back to the pot, bring to a boil, and then cover and turn down to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, chard stems, and mushrooms, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Turn off the heat and stir in the chard leaves.
- Carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend for 30 seconds, and transfer back to the pot. Alternately, you could use an immersion blender to blend about half of the vegetables. (CAUTION: Make sure you have a blender that can handle hot liquid, and make sure to use a towel above the lid to protect your hands from getting burned.)
- Return the blended liquid to the soup pot, with the chicken. Add salt to taste.
- Serve each bowl garnished with green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- storage: Keeps for a week in the refrigerator. Also freezes well.
Breakfast
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The giveaway
ENTER TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF ‘THE AUTOIMMUNE WELLNESS HANDBOOK’ BY MICKEY TRESCOTT and ANGIE ALT.
I think The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook is such a great resource I’m personally ‘gifting’ a copy to one lucky reader…
There are 2 easy steps to enter the giveaway –
1. Subscribe to my newsletter. Either signup HERE or click the link at the top right corner of this page. If you already receive my newsletter, you’re good to go! No need to sign up again.
2. Leave a comment on this post telling me just why you’d like to win a copy of Mickey and Angie’s wonderful handbook.
A Couple of Things to Note:
This giveaway is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only. I know that’s frustrating if you’re further north! So often down here, giveaways are limited to US residents – so, I’m continuing to turn the tables.
The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, 16 December at midday Australian Eastern Time. An early or late Christmas pressies – depending on the postal system!
Please note the giveaway is no longer open.
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I need inspiration to get started back on AIP and start feeling human again
That’s a good reason!
Good luck, Karen
Woohoo for prizes for the Australasians!!!!!!
I’d like to win a copy of this book…. because I don’t have one and I want one. How is that for plain and simple? 🙂
Thanks Jo.
Plain and simple works!
May the force be with you, Melanie! 🙂
PS What I’d really like is the metric version of this book so I don’t have to go and convert all the recipes. Do you think Mickey will come out with a metric version like she did with the cookbook?
If this book does as well as Mickey’s first book, perhaps she and Angie will publish a metric version! – another excuse for an AIP party down under with Mickey AND Angie in attendance…?
PPS How about a picnic or BBQ in January for Sydneysiders and visitors? Perhaps we could get a group together with each person bringing a recipe from a particular book to share? It’s been ages since we had a get-together. I’m missing the personal contact!!!!!
There’s a Christmas catch up on the 17th December (but I suspect you’ll be away).
I’m sure we can arrange something for the new year…
Really need to go AIP for my 13 year old daughter. She has chronic health issues. We are paleo but really think we need to move to AIP as she is continuing to have issues.
Hi June – this handbook is written exactly for people like your daughter. Best of luck.
Have just started on this AIP journey- this book would be a fanstastiv reference to help me along the way. So glad I have discovered this protocol and the health benefits that it brings!
Emma – welcome to the AIP club! I wish you HUGE success.
Good luck in the giveaway.
Hi Joanna! I have struggled with the AIP elimination phase, especially with embarking on it with my husband who has fallen off the wagon many times and moving in with an unwell in-law to provide care. Which caused a lot of obstacles like not having my own kitchen appliances and little food storage area and putting their health and time over my own. I would love some extra guidance and inspiration. Mikal x
Hey Mikal – sorry to hear you’ve been struggling. Good luck with the giveaway (and hope to see you at the picnic on the 17th!)
Well I’ve been on this caper for over 2 years now and still have autoimmune issues with yet another one added to my list last week as well as confirmation of SIBO and Candida infections! And even though I know what I’m at maybe I need someone/thing to actually give me a much more structured path to follow and maybe this is the resource that is missing from my AIP library
I’ll give you a plan, Possum!
Good luck in the giveaway!
I have already seen a great change in my condition since going paleo but lately I’ve not been feeling so great – I need some inspiration and ideas to commit to going totally AIP
Katie – this handbook is FULL to the brim with inspiration. Good luck!
I’m three months into my AIP journey and still have a lot of troubleshooting to do! This would be perfect to help me on my way . Also, I love everything Mickey and Angie do. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Hi Yvonne – this baby is great for troubleshooting.
Good luck!
I am have been on a really restricted AIP for a year, and I am finally ready to be a tiny bit more adventurous, I need recipes!
Hey Julie – please start with the Green Breakfast Soup. It ROCKS!
Good luck in the draw!
I’ve started on my AIP journey and bought Mickey’s AIP cook book. The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook would compliment it perfectly. There is still so much to learn about AIP, and additional guidance and information would be great. Thank you very much for the opportunity to win the giveaway!!
Johanna – you’re off to a great start with Mickey’s original cookbook.
Good luck in the giveaway!
Hi, I appreciate all your efforts in promoting AIP down under. I’ve been on AIP for two years now but I need to read what Angie and Mickey have to say about the Rest, Breathe, Move, Connect parts. I am homeschooling 4 kids and lifestyle changes are hard!
Hi Jen – homeschooling four kids!?! You’re a braver woman than I – unsurprising that the lifestyle aspects are a challenge.
Best of luck!
This would help me to finally get my health sorted. So many different authors and suggestions I don’t know where to start! Paleo does work faily well but I need to tweak it and help out my family too. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Hey Danielle – AIP is definitely Paleo-on-crack! It takes commitment, doesn’t it?
Good luck!
Yay! Thanks Joanna for the recipe and an Australian giveaway! Put me in the draw! I have up until now, written out recipes from online or the library, so I’d love a real honest to good book! I have all the ingredients for the green soup too, so that will be dinner tonight! I love AIP, it is life changing!
You’re in the draw, Susan!
Top tip: I have an AIP folder. When I try a new recipe from a blog or the library and it’s successful (and I know I’ll cook it again) I pop it into my AIP Recipes folder. TBH, I actually do this with recipes on high rotation from cookbooks – that way I can always find the recipe!
I would love this because I haven’t been able to get my hands on it yet. I got a copy of Mickey’s book earlier this year when she visited Brisbane and loved it. Can’t wait to see what’s in this one!
Hey Cassie – I’m on a mission to get Mickey back down here again!
You’re in the draw! Good luck!
I have a number of chronic health issues (fibromyalgia, gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, pyrrole disorder, MTHFR gene mutations, low progesterone, and thyroid issues), and on doctor’s orders in March this year I cut out gluten, dairy, grains, and sugar. This made a big difference to my pain and my gut is slowly healing (I think!). However, I just had my first holiday this year, fell off the wagon a few times, and I’m now suffering the consequences! While searching for Paleo recipes to help me get inspired to get back on the wagon, I came across Mickey and Angie’s amazing website (and then your site via theirs). From the research I’ve done so far, it seems that the only way I’m really going to know which foods I can and can’t tolerate is to start doing the AIP. No more pussy footing around! This book sounds amazing and I’m sure it would help me make the transition. Thanks Joanna for offering us Aussies and Kiwis this opportunity!
Hey Jodie – and welcome (from a fellow MTHFR and pyrrole girl!)
AIP does take work, but I promise the effort is worth it as you mitigate symptoms and regain quality of life. Let me know if I can help.
Good luck!
This would be amazing 🙂 I’ve fallen off the AIP bandwagon and need to get back on. Also found that I may have histamine intolerance, so need a bit of guidance.
Hey Irene – It’s very easy to fall off that AIP wagon, isn’t it. Best of luck getting back on, and with your histamine issues.
I would love to go from eating AIP part-time to full time. At the moment I am struggling with finding recipe ingredience….like plantains in NZ. So I am hoping this book would expand my repertoire as living on baked sweet potatoes and bought roisterer chicken may be making me internally healthier but is doing my body shape no favours!
Hey Sarah – where in NZ are you? Try Pacific Island markets for plantains.
Good luck!
Hi Jo, it was lovely to see you at Scoop foods on the weekend!
And what a great book you’ve got for a prize! It would be amazing to add a new resource to my reference library that just might iron out a few issues even after 2 years of strict aip!
Love your work!
Renata
Hello lovely Renata! – thanks for saying howdy…
Hope to see you at the picnic, Possum!
Good luck!
G’day Joanna – I desperately need the book because I’m a Kiwi bloke! Enough said! Hahahahaha need all the help I can get!
G’day David (or perhaps Kia Ora?)
Feel free to give me a holler if I can help.
You’re in the draw!
Hi there. I have had chronic itch symptoms for the past year or so which my doctor lead me to the world of histamine intolerances. I’m absolutely devastated because I LOVE FOOD and feel that I can’t enjoy it ever without feeling worried that my histamine levels are rising . Therefore this book would help me on my new journey to being inspired and healing my issues through food (as my new years resolution). Need to survive Christmas first!!
Hey Heidy
Histamine intolerance is not a death sentence (but it can be a little tricky). Mickey has some issues with histamine, too.
Good luck in the draw!
I would love this as I have just started this journey and feeling very overwhelmed as to what I need to do and needing inspiration to keep on track. Thanks.
Sharon – well done for taking the plunge!
Good luck!
I am just about to embark on this lifestyle and the Autoimmune Wellness Protocol will help me heaps !
Hi Brigid – best decision I ever made for my health. May the force be with you.
Good luck!
Eating AIP for a few teats has strengthened my immune system. I follow your newsletter, and would appreciate adding this cookbok to my resources that I share with people seeking answers for their Auto Immune health challenges.
Kathy – best of luck in the draw (and thanks for following!)
I’ve only just discovered Mickey (and subsequently Angie), these recipes are actually inspiring! I’m new to AIP so would absolutely love this beautiful resource to keep me on track!
Hey Rosie – Try the Green Breakfast Soup. It’s REALLY good!
Best of luck!
AIP is the only way for me, but I struggle with boredom. A new recipe book would be perfect, especially during the silly season where temptation is rife 🙂
Hi Tracey – you’re so right about temptation being rife at this time of year!
Good luck!
Always up for more aip support and inspiration. I’ve made such good headway with aip and working towards healing my hashis. So I would love a copy of this resource to keep me rolling in the right direction. Xx
Sally – I’m so glad you’re having success! That’s great news.
Best of luck!
Hi Joanna,
First and foremost, thank you for this ahmazing opportunity!
My main reason for wanting this book so bad is that I am sick of conventional practitioners and medicine!
I would like to really get my health of track without being made to conform to society’s “Healthy” way of eating and find my own path of being the best version of my own self. I believe this book will push and pull me into the right direction in doing so!
Best of luck every one!
Hi Rima – this is definitely ‘that’ book! You’ve summed it up perfectly.
Best of luck – both in the draw and with the push me/pull you!
I have fibromyalgia and hashimotos and have been from pillar to post with the medical proffessionals and have just discovered there is an alternative. I am sure I would benefit greatly from this book. I also have a grand-daughter who has coeliac disease, and anything that would make her life easier would be magic.
How wonderful you are to consider us (the Australian and New Zealanders ) who often miss out on these competitions. Thanks you.
Hi Pat – it helps that I’m a Kiwi living in Sydney!
I hope that you find AIP as transformative as I have.
Good luck in the draw!
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book. I’m on week 10 of the AIP diet and still learning my way through the maze so this would be a great tool to support me 🙂 I was planning to buy myself a copy but as I was made redundant 3 weeks ago it’s gone on the back burner for now. Good luck to everyone that’s enetered and Merry Christmas!
Hello Ashlea – Congratulations on hitting 10 weeks! What an achievement…
You’re in the draw. Best of luck!
I need inspiration and support to get back on the wagon and turn around my health. Thank you
Elaine – best of luck!
I love Mickey and Angie’s easy to follow recipes that are so tasty even the pickiest members of my family don’t complain (Ok. Only a little) I’d love this book to add to my collection. Thanks Jo.
Hello lovely Lisa! How are you?
Best of luck in the draw!
I’m one month in, after my first autoimmune relapse flare in 13 years. Wanted to do it different this time! Also trying to share with others the benefit of looking at this journey wholistically – mind, body and soul. Can’t believe how many of my friends, family and colleague have an auto immune impact in some way or the other, and hope to be an advocate for their health journey through my own.
Hi Melissa – I love your comment; both the mind/body/soul approach and the advocacy. I wish you LOTS of luck!
… best of luck in the draw, too!
Thanks Joanna! Best of luck to everyone in the draw, and wishes for an enjoyable festive season.
Thank you for doing this giveaway for us “Down Under” followers! Yes, too often it’s US only! I would love to win this book to help me through the Autoimmune stage of eating . I am hypothyroid and have low cortisol. I have been eating Paleo for a year now, but I think I have to work out what foods are left in my diet that still give me symptoms. Thank you for this opportunity!
Maria – that low cortisol is a bugger, isn’t it? How’s your stress management protocol?
Best of luck in the draw.
I would love to win to help me on my emerging aip journey.. I can use the support!
Good luck, Kelly!
Just starting on my road back to health and this book would be such a perfect way to get me on the right track as it all seems a bit mind boggling and over-whelming. Thank you for this opportunity x
Rachel – it can seem overwhelming at the beginning. I know! You can do this – one (small) step at a time…
Good luck!
I’ve been on and off AIP for about two years and I’ve recently recommitted to strict AIP while I get my health back on track. I’ve got both Mickeys and Angies cookbooks so this would be a great addition. Thanks Jo.
Hi Katie – well done on recommitting! Sometimes, that can feel even more of a challenge…
Good luck!
I love paper books! Call me old fashioned but I love having it in front of me instead of on a computer screen. I was recently diagnosed with Lupus and hyperthyroidism so am starting my journey with AIP, I’d love the cook book to help guide me.
Katrina – I’m old fashioned like that, too. And, I like to scribble all over mine.
Best of luck!
I’ve had Hashimotos for the past 18 years, 4 months ago I decided to try AIP to help keep my symptoms at bay. I found it easy at first, but now I seem to be eating the same foods every single day and I’m so sick of it, I badly need some guidance and inspiration. I’ve been wanting this book since it was first released, so I couldn’t believe my eyes when i found that this promotion was actually open to Australians, thanks so much, I’m sure who ever wins it will be thrilled to bits.
Jan – sharing some Chrissy cheer down under… I’m like a small, round Christmas elf! 🙂
Best of luck!
Hi Joanna, I would feel very honoured to win this book. It would inspire my mind, lifestyle and my kitchen and give me tools to use on my path to health…this book would not only have a positive affect me but my hope is that it would benefit my daughter, family, friends etc. I think that sharing wisdom on our journey is what helps to make this world a better place? You learn…..You share!
Hi Trudy – Mickey and Angie’s book is definitely inspiring!
Best of luck.
hi I’m from New Zealand I’m new to starting to learn about AIP having first started an elimination diet of dairy and gluten for 45 days I now need to see what else I need to work on to lift my energy levels. So it would be great to receive a copy of your book as I have been working to turn around autoimmune disease for a few years but it has effected me for decades.
Hi from Sydney, Dhyana! – I hope you find AIP as transformative as I have.
Good luck in the draw!
Hi Joanna!
I am a new subscriber to your blog and have just spent the last hour burning my dinner while reading through your posts! Oops!!
I am 28 and have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 17. Just today, I have been diagnosed with my second auto immune condition – lichen planus, but I’ve likely had it for at least four years 🙁 I had a bit of a down moment (okay… two hours of being frustrated, upset and angry) but it has now inspired and motivated me to really kick start the AIP in the new year. As such, this book would be an amazing help and support to get me going and keep me strong! I’m sure whoever you gift this book too will well treasure and use it to their advantage. Thank you for your generosity and kind hearted spirit!
Hi Alanna – welcome!
A down moment or two confirms that you are human! Good luck in the draw.
I would love a copy of this book because despite chugging along for close to three years Ian still inflamed, my weight is not budging , and I am so tired everyday. I would also appreciate a beautiful hard copy book to show all the people in my life who doubt the path I have chosen to try and heal
Hi Helen
I am living proof that weight is a very complicated issue – especially for a lucky few of us. I get it. Have you had your adrenals (courts) checked?
Best of luck in the draw.