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The complexities of socialising on the AIP!

It's not the easiest thing to be on a strict diet whilst having some sort of a social life but I am gradually finding my way through it.

I am lucky enough to have some extremely lovely friends and recently one of them hosted a dinner party to which I was invited, insisting that her meal would be AIP (Autoimmune Paleo) friendly. I did suggest that maybe it would be easier to just do drinks but she wouldn't have it or let me bring any food either. I directed her to Mickey Trescott & Angie Alt's Autoimmune Paleo website for help http://autoimmune-paleo.com/ and she produced the most lovely meal which everyone thoroughly enjoyed .

I am so touched by all the effort she made as I know it can be very challenging, especially when you don't already have many of the specialist ingredients in your cupboards and the recipes are in American measurements not British.

                                                                           Menu

Prawn Ceviche Salad

Roast Chicken with kale and 
roasted garlic, sweet potatoes & squash

Coconut-Raspberry Cheesecake


The starter was so delicious I thought I'd share the recipe here which was created by Alaena Haber:
Prawn Ceviche Salad    Prep time

Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups seeded and chopped cucumber
  • 1 ½ cups chopped green apple
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup chopped cooked prawn
  • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a serving bowl. Refrigerate for at least two hours to let flavours marry. Stir well before serving.
Then there's the issue of parties ............
There have been quite a few 50ths of late and I have just stuck to drinking water at them whilst ensuring I eat beforehand so I am not tempted by a buffet of party food. Although this is a little dull to start with, it does prove to be quite interesting later on when everyone else is a little worse for wear and I am sober and I also never get a hangover! Whilst I don't need alcohol to have a good time I do miss a glass or two of wine every now and then and I really hope to be able to reintroduce it at some point (soon?!).

It was quite funny at a party recently when I was asked by the host what I would like to drink - when I said 'water' he looked very embarrassed and said he didn't think they had any. I managed to find a tap later on and really didn't mean to be a difficult guest!

I have just been invited to a girls Chick Flick evening with a baked sweet potato and salmon tea included which to my mind sounds fantastic! It will be so nice not to have to think about my health or what to eat for a change and also have an opportunity to catch up on the latest gossip of course.....

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