AIP Spotlight: a real look at Michelle Hoover

11/28/2016

It's that time again! In our AIP Spotlight interview this week we are talking with Michelle Hoover. I am very excited to share this lovely lady's insights with you!

Michelle Hoover

You may know Michelle from her fabulous website, Unbound Wellness. There she shares information about Hashimoto's Disease & gut healing, recipes, and offers her Nutritional Therapy services. Make sure you also go follow her on Instagram (@unboundwellness).

I was so pleased when Michelle agreed to take the time to do this interview. I love having her perspective as a nutritional therapy practitioner. I know you'll find her expressions useful and encouraging! She is an awesome contributor to the AIP community.

Enjoy! Don't forget to look for my next guest interview next Monday!

To start, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Michelle Hoover! I'm a blogger, nutritional therapy practitioner, and digital marketing consultant. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease and gut issues at 17, and I've adopted a holistic, healthy lifestyle to heal. I live in Dallas, TX with my husband where I cook tons of food, drink lots of bone broth, and blog weekly at unboundwellness.com.

How long have you been following the Autoimmune Protocol? What prompted you to try it?
I've been up and down with an AIP template for five years. I first dipped my toe in the water in college when I learned the autoimmune/ gut connection and started an AIP-esque gut healing protocol. I never really fully committed until about 2 years ago, and it's been incredible.

What have you found most challenging about following the Autoimmune Protocol and what has helped you overcome the challenge?
The lack of convenience. I used to love going out to eat, but I just can't do that anymore. These days, I prep ahead a lot and always bring food where ever I go.

Share 1 thing you wish you had known when you started the Autoimmune Protocol.
What you eat is just as important (if not more) than what you're not eating. Avoiding gluten will not heal you. Eating nutrient dense foods like broth, liver, leafy greens, and tons of vegetables is what gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to influence healing and thriving!

What rewarding results have you seen from following AIP?
Before I changed my diet and healed my gut, I would have days where I would sleep up to 18 hours. I had zero energy, and no motivation. These days, my energy is so much better! I sleep normally, and can move through out life like a normal person.

Name one of your go-to AIP recipes. Why do you love it?
Hm... that's hard! I think one of my favorites are my Parsnips Fries! They taste like comfort food, they're easy to make, and they go well with so many different meals.

Click on Michelle's gorgeous photo to get her recipe on Unbound Wellness.

What are 3 kitchen tools or gadgets you could not live without for AIP cooking?
I spend a ton of time in the kitchen, and I can't live without my crockpot, the instant pot, and my vitamix! I literally cried when I got my vitamix for a wedding present, and the instant pot and crockpot are constantly saving me time.

Do you have any tips for working with your doctor while following the Autoimmune Protocol?
Either find a doctor who gets you, or form a team where at least one member does. I have an amazing doctor who get's AIP, but a lot of my own clients just don't. I love being that person on their team as a nutritional therapy practitioner who gets it. Find someone who gets its! We do exist!

Following the Autoimmune Protocol affects more than just ourselves. How have you successfully incorporated AIP into your household?
Luckily my husband eats what I feed him. He's mostly Paleo. Though he doesn't always play by the rules when we go out, he's happy to have lots of yummy homemade meals and gets by just fine without sandwiches.

We know our thoughts & emotions play a large role in AIP healing. Do you have a favourite phrase, or mantra, if you will?
My current life verse is John 16:33... "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” It reminds me that autoimmune disease is hard... life is hard. No one is guaranteed a fair deal, and most of us don't get one. Bad things will happen, and this is a hard journey, but in an eternal sense, I always put my trust in God.

It can be hard to maintain relationships while chronically ill & following AIP. What tips can you share for navigating this challenge?
Educate people on why you need support. Share your heart and let them know that this is real and you need them. The supportive people will rise to the occasion. Hold those people close. I've had several people throughout the years that just weren't supportive, and were even slowing my progress, and those people just aren't in my life anymore.

Reducing stress is key to seeing healing while following the Autoimmune Protocol. What advice do you have for stress management?
I take at least an evening a week completely to myself. Whether that be yoga, a shopping trip, or netflix with cat... anything to just recharge a bit. I tell my clients to find the low hanging fruit on their schedule and commit to taking time to themselves. It may only be 15 minutes, but it's so important to your healing.

Thank you, Michelle!

What did you love from Michelle's expressions? One thing I really appreciate is her advice regarding maintaining relationships! Have you tried what she suggests? I couldn't agree with her more!

I also love that she cried when she got a Vitamix! I don't blame you, Michelle. I think I would blubber if I got one as a gift, too! Have you ever received a thoughtful gift that has made your life easier?