This week on Calling in Sick, I’m sitting down with Mickey Trescott (@mickeytrescott), one of the original voices behind the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), to talk about what AIP actually is, who it’s for, and how to approach food when you’re living with chronic illness without spiraling into overwhelm.

Mickey shares the story of her own autoimmune diagnosis journey, how changing the way she ate became one of the first tools that actually helped her feel better, and how that experience eventually led her to help build what became the AIP community. We also get into the evolution of AIP itself, why it’s not meant to be a forever diet, how to think about elimination and reintroductions in a realistic way, and the foods and habits that can make eating feel more supportive instead of more stressful.

We’re diving into:
⭐ What AIP actually is: Mickey breaks down the origins of the Autoimmune Protocol, how it’s changed over time, and why she sees it as a tool, not a punishment
🥣 Where to start without getting overwhelmed: We talk symptom tracking, confidence assessments, elimination phases, and how to actually prep for AIP in a way that works in real life
🔥 Anti-inflammatory foods, myths & gray areas: From coffee and eggs to oats, nightshades, alcohol, gluten-free snacks and tiramisu, Mickey rapid-fires through what may or may not work for autoimmune bodies
🥬 How to eat for real life with chronic illness: Mickey shares her “3-meal safety net” framework for low, medium and high-capacity days, plus what to do when you’re flaring and have zero energy to cook

If food has ever felt confusing, restrictive, or emotionally loaded in the context of chronic illness, this episode is such a grounding reminder that you do not need to do everything perfectly. You just need information, a little structure, and a way of eating that supports your body.

xx,
Alex

💬 Comment: Mickey talked about learning your personal food triggers instead of chasing one perfect diet. Have you ever had a food or eating habit make a bigger difference in your symptoms than you expected?

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome Back to Calling in Sick

00:02:02 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Kroma & Brodo Bone Broth

00:03:55 Mickey Trescott on AIP: What the Autoimmune Protocol Really Is

00:05:09 Mickey Trescott’s Autoimmune Diagnosis Story

00:11:05 From Chronic Illness to Cooking, Nutrition & AIP

00:13:20 Mickey’s First Food & Nutrition “Aha” Moment

00:15:38 Starting AIP and Writing the First Autoimmune Protocol Cookbook

00:20:00 Where to Start with AIP: Elimination, Tracking & Prep

00:26:30 Rapid Fire: Are These Foods Actually Anti-Inflammatory?

00:35:20 Nutrient Density: What Makes Food Support Autoimmune Health?

00:38:26 Mickey Trescott’s Top 3 Most Nutrient-Dense Foods

00:40:58 How Long Should You Stay on AIP?

00:43:28 Symptom Tracking Apps, Wearables & Food Logs

00:44:42 How to Reintroduce Foods After AIP Elimination

00:47:03 The Biggest Misconception About AIP

00:51:33 The 3-Meal Safety Net for Flare Days & Low-Energy Cooking

01:00:35 What to Eat During a Flare When You Have No Energy

01:05:15 One Brain Cell Show: Palm Royale & Love Story

01:05:48 Where to Find Mickey Trescott + Her New AIP Book

01:07:00 Thank you for listening!

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Connect with our guest, Mickey Trescott!

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mickeytrescott

• Pre-order The New Autoimmune Protocol - https://theautoimmuneprotocol.com/preorder/

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

This week’s picks are two bone broths I genuinely love. One is perfect for on the go, one is my at-home favorite, and both have become staples in my routine!!

✨Kroma — https://go.shopmy.us/p-51567197

ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!!

✨Brodo — https://amzn.to/4dWnLFZ

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AIP Diet Explained: What It Is, How It Works + Where to Start (w/ Mickey Trescott)