Autoimmune Paleo E-Cookbook Review & Sample Recipe: Coconut Crusted Cod with Mango Salsa

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“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
~ Anonymous

Book Review

Update: This cookbook is now also available in hardcover.

If you have autoimmune disease and follow the paleo blogs, you’ve no doubt heard of Mickey Trescott’s cookbook. If you haven’t, listen up, because this is a book you don’t want to miss. Today, I’m sharing Mickey’s story, a detailed review of the book, a delicious recipe for Coconut Crusted Cod with Mango Salsa, and a chance to win a free copy for yourself.

Mickey smiling with long brown hair and glassesFirst, a little about Mickey. She co-writes the blog, Autoimmune Wellness, and she couldn’t be more qualified. She’s a personal chef (which shows in her recipes), and she has autoimmune disease herself (celiac and Hashimoto’s), so she understands the autoimmune experience intimately. She’s also a nutritional therapist and knows that healing isn’t just about which foods to avoid, but also the nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats we need to heal, so you’ll find those heavily featured in her cookbook as well. After being vegan for a decade with deteriorating health, it was the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol that turned her health around and became the inspiration behind the cookbook. Healing is as much about lifestyle as diet, and if we live a high-stress life, our bodies pay. While she was writing this cookbook, Mickey took a sabbatical from her blog, because the increased work was causing her health to suffer. I can’t tell you how rare that is; routinely bloggers sacrifice their health in their efforts to become authors, which is such a sad irony. Mickey protected her health, while creating a resource which can help the rest of us heal. She’s an excellent role model.

Now, let me give you the deets on the book itself. There are 112 recipes, divided into the following categories: Skills & Staples, Appetizers, Beverages, Dressings & Sauces, Salads, Soups, Vegetables, Chicken, Seafood, Beef & Lamb, and Desserts. If you’re new to home cooking, you’ll be happy to know that Mickey includes many of the basics in her cookbook, such as homemade coconut milk, roasted root vegetables, cauliflower rice, kale chips, bone broth, roast chicken, pot roast, and many other simple recipes that beginners can master. If you’re an experienced cook looking for some fresh ideas, here are just a few titles to get your mouth watering: Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Orange-Avocado Dressing, Cranberry-Braised Short Ribs, Bacon Beef Liver Paté, Moroccan Lamb Stew, and Blueberry-Lemon “Cheesecake.”

In addition to recipes, the cookbook includes 2 months of meal plans, with accompanying shopping lists. She takes the intimidation out of starting the autoimmune protocol, by doing the planning for you. Even better, the meal plans make good use of leftovers, so you won’t be spending all of your time in the kitchen.

Now, let’s talk format. This is an ebook that you download as a PDF. The hyperlinks within the text allow you to flip quickly between connected content. You can also use the search feature to find recipes that feature favorite ingredients, or quickly locate a needed reference page. It also has beautiful photography for about 1/3 of the recipes, the other recipes being simply text. If you’re a cook who prefers hardcopy cookbooks, you’ll be happy to know that a print version is planned for 2014.

Do I have any critiques of the book? Honestly, just one. Mickey has included two references lists of foods allowed on the autoimmune protocol and foods that are restricted. At first glance, this seems like a great idea, but the problem is that they aren’t complete. It’s human nature to look for loopholes, and I’ve seen people post to Mickey’s facebook page, saying, “Oooh. Cashews aren’t on the list of forbidden nuts. Does that mean I can eat them?” Answer: No. All nuts are forbidden on the autoimmune protocol. Another person asked, “OK, if I can’t have chicken, duck or goose eggs, what eggs can I have? Quail?” Answer: None. Eggs aren’t allowed on the autoimmune protocol. There are accidental omissions in each category. So, while I believe she created these lists in an effort to be helpful, I think they actually cause confusion. My advice? Trust the category headings, and don’t look for loopholes.

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Sample Recipe

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Coconut Crusted Cod with Mango Salsa

Coconut Crusted Cod with Mango Salsa (Paleo, AIP, GAPS, Wahls, Whole30)

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  • Author: Mickey Trescott
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Salsa Ingredients

  • 1 large mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced

Fish Ingredients

Instructions

  1. First prepare the mango salsa and set aside.
  2. Wash, dry, and debone the cod fillets.
  3. Combine the coconut flour, ginger powder and salt on a plate or shallow bowl. Place the coconut milk in another shallow bowl, as well as the shredded coconut. Dip the cod strips into the coconut milk, then the coconut flour mixture, back into the coconut milk, and finally into the shredded coconut, paying special attention to creating a thick breading.
  4. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. When it is hot, cook the cod strips for five minutes a side depending on thickness of the fish, or until the top and bottom are nice and browned and the fish is cooked throughout. Once the cod strips are in the pan, try not to fuss with them too much – because there is no egg in the breading, they are a little delicate.
  5. Serve with mango salsa.

Notes

  1. The mango salsa is absolutely delicious and can be used in any number of recipes: as a topping for meats, salads and grain-free wraps, as well as a dip for grain-free chips and crackers.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Courses
  • Method: Stovetop

More Delicious Recipes & Resources

Update: A giveaway was held to celebrate the publication of this book, and the winner was chosen with a random number generator. Congratulations to Barb H! If you didn’t win, don’t despair. The book is reasonably priced and worth every penny. You can purchase an ebook copy here. As of 3/25/14, the cookbook is also available in hardcover, which you can buy here.

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92 comments on “Autoimmune Paleo E-Cookbook Review & Sample Recipe: Coconut Crusted Cod with Mango Salsa”

  1. Eileen

    We have a winner! 84 people entered to win a copy of Mickey Trescott’s fabulous Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook. I used Random.org to pick the winner, and it’s Barb H. Congratulations! Mickey will soon contact you with a link to your free copy. For the rest of you, don’t despair. The book is only $19 and is worth every penny. You can purchase a copy here.

    Reply
  2. Carrie

    Hi Eileen. Thanks for the opportunity to win Mickey’s book. I’ve been following the AIP and definitely notice a positive change. Your blog is wonderful! I “liked” you on facebook. Thanks, Carrie

    Reply
  3. Chelsey

    Thanks for doing this giveaway. I’ve been wanting a copy of this book for a while now but haven’t had the extra funds to buy it yet. I liked your fb pg. I tried to sign up to receive your updates by e-mail as well but it wouldn’t let me. When I type in my e-mail address and hit subscribe it goes to a blank pg that has only the words “Cheating huh?” ??? Wasn’t sure what I was doing wrong. I typed in my valid e-mail address.

    Reply
  6. Leila Bodros

    I love this community and your blog is one of those that keeps me motivated to keep on the AIP! I love trying out new recipes and living in a tiny apartment currently, so inspiration is necessary to get me in my (miniscule) kitchen. I manage my Hidradenitis Suppurativa through my diet and it is a daily challenge. Thanks again and I have subscribed and liked the page on FB, too 🙂

    Reply
  8. V King

    I signed up to receive your blog by email. Really do need your cookbook, am so limited in diet, need HELP. Combat vet small pension, cannot purchase. Thanks for everything you do.

    Reply
  12. Claire

    Hi 😀
    Liked on fb and signed up to blog 🙂
    I am very new to this whole way of living – I have alopecia areata, chronic adrenal fatigue, chronic eczema and asthma and it has been SO hard to start changing the way I eat and live – especially being a single mum of 4yr old (boy) and 5yr old (girl) who are already very fussy eaters. This resource would be SO helpful to me right now! Your blog is awesome, it is super inspirational. So glad to have found it!

    Reply
  13. Tabitha

    Hi Eileen,

    I learned about your giveaway from Mickey’s FB page. I have both liked your FB page and subscribed. I do not have an issue that can be categorized as of yet, just “food intolerances”, food allergies, and osteoarthritis. The anaphylactic reaction was identified in 2004, w/ only one occurrence since that wasn’t that item and is “unknown.” The digestive, I couldn’t handle more than 5 in addition to the other, and anything nightshade inflames the arthritis. We went whole 30 paleo at the start of April, my body’s response has been amazing. I look forward to learning more and seeing if we can accomplish even more healing, for both of us (hubby’s still pretty tired, he seems to have sensitive stomach flora). 🙂 Thanks for the incentive to join!

    Reply
  15. Tangie

    Hello! I have “liked” you on Facebook and am excited to learn from you! I am recently diagnosed with psoriasis and am undergoing testing for other autoimmune issues and unexplained repeated pregnancy loss. Trying to learn all I can to heal naturally and to be the best I can be for my family. Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Lisa Henton

    So excited that I learned of this blog through Autoimmune Paleo and then of your contest to give away the cookbook. 🙂

    Reply
  19. Amanda

    Ive just recently started the AIP, it has been a true test for my, I’m just proud that I made it through the first week;) I’m thankful for your page and Mickey’s page where I got some good advice and recipes. I am now subscribed to your blog and look forward to learning even more ..god bless

    Reply
  21. Michelle Neeb

    I have mostly been Paleo for about 2 years and have done one Whole30. I am a 48 year old arthritic, and I am contiplating an auto immune challenge to see if that way of eating will help me even more. I would LOVE a copy of this book to ease the transition!

    Reply
  24. Jen Mason

    I just found out I have Hashimoto’s and learning so much. I made my first chicken bone broth today…WOW! Everything I learn so much. And find more and more people that are going through the same things as me. Thanks for taking the time to blog and help others. 🙂

    Reply
  28. Amy

    Hi Eileen- I just signed up for your emails, and I’m really excited. I’ve recently been diagnosed with Crohns and was so pleased to read your tips on traveling on AIP, and your post on surviving an autoimmune flare really resonated with me. Thank you for being such a great resource!

    Reply
  29. Suzy

    I just liked your Facebook page! I’m at the start of trying to follow the AIP, and would love to with the cookbook. I definitely use new recipe ideas!

    Reply
  32. Pamela B.

    Hi! I just liked your Facebook page. Thanks for this opportunity! I’ve been on the AIP for over a month now and can always use some good tips, tricks, and recipes!

    Reply
  34. Karen

    I just signed up for the email and am going to follow Facebook in a minute. 🙂 I have fibromyalgia that’s suddenly getting much worse (over a month or so) and know I really need to crack down and try this, even if it’ll be hard (energy to cool, SAD living husband). But if it worked, I’d love energy, and grip strength, and less pain, and….,

    Reply
  36. Chelsey

    Hi Eileen!
    I’m a fan on facebook, and also receive email updates on blog posts. I just recently went off an immunosuppressant after eating paleo for a year and have been on full AIP for the last month. I would love to win this book!

    Reply
  39. Cindy Luther

    Been gluten free for years, then grain free now I’m ready to tackle AIP! Hope I Winn. I’m trying anything now to cut the pain:)

    Reply
  41. Terri

    I’ve been a fan of your page on FB for some time. Just started the AIP. Appreciate your review of this book and would LOVE to win it! Thank you.l

    Reply
  42. Angela Groenhout

    After watching my Mother suffer for years with rh. arthritis and thyroid disease and then being told that I am hypothyroid and suffer from IBS-D; and that my Mother was a “autoimmune nightmare,” I am seeking all of the information that I can find to stop this generational “nightmare.” Healing comes slowly, but damage was also slow. Thank you for all of your resources that help us souls travel this (sometimes) lonely road.

    Reply
  43. Jeri

    I came here seeking AIP info as I have MS and entering this giveaway is just an added bonus. 🙂 I’ve liked your page on FB and even if you don’t choose me, I’ll be back.

    Thanks for the great, informative blog.

    Reply
  44. Karen

    I have been enjoying being a fan on Fb. I just signed up to receive your emails. Looking forward to learning more about the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol. I would love to have the cookbook to help with planning meals!

    Reply
  48. Darby

    I liked the page but not only for the book but because I am truly grateful to find your blog.
    I have been suffering with health issues for some time now and your blog is very inspiring.

    Reply
  49. Carol V

    I just discovered your website through a link to your recipe for bone broth that my nutrition counselor posted on his email newsletter.

    I have been diagnosed with severe endometriosis and also have had symptoms indicating fibromyalgia. I have been able to keep my symptoms down through diet so I am a true believer that diet has a huge impact on your health and autoimmune disease. But I have had a hard determining exactly which foods to avoid. I know gluten and dairy have a negative impact on me and I suspect other foods as well. I tried the raw vegan diet which did wonders for my symptoms but it is extremely difficult for me to follow all the time. Plus my husband is a true meat eater and my doctors recommend I eat more meat. So I’m intrigued by the advice on your blog and I look forward to exploring it more. And I’m very interested in the book for even more information and guidance.

    Reply
  50. Amy Sommer

    Hi Eileen. I am so happy I came across your blog. I’ve been on a paleo diet for over a year resulting in incremental lessening of my fibromyalgia symptoms, so I’ve decided to give the Autoimmune Protocol Diet a try. I’m in the first week and am not having fun. After reading your blog, I’m ready to change that. Thanks for the attitude adjustment and your company on this journey! (Also, I signed up for your email blog updates. But you don’t have to enter me into the cookbook sweepstakes. Mickey’s cookbook looks too good to wait for. I’m buying it now. Thanks for featuring/reviewing it.)
    I hope you are feeling better. All the best, Amy

    Reply
  53. Emily

    I liked your Facebook page! I also have RA and am finding relief with the AIP. Your blog has been so helpful for me – keep up the amazing work!

    Reply
  55. Lauren

    Liked your FB page and subscribed to your newsletter. I just found out yesterday I have some sort of autoimmune disease. I’m in a bit of a tiz over it, I don’t trust the doctors medication so I would like to learn as much as I can about healing myself. Thank you 😉

    Reply
  56. Nancy

    Have been a subscriber to your blog since the beginning and now I’ve liked your facebook page as well. Looking forward to your FB posts.
    Loving the opportunity to win this book!

    Reply
  57. Stephanie Hodges

    I liked your FB page a while ago and thought I had signed up for your newsletter, too, but seems I didn’t. I’m so glad I stopped by to see this post and sign up!

    Reply
  59. Anita

    I subscribe to your blog by email. Thank you for the great information. Been Paleo for awhile now, and I want to start AI Paleo. Sounds really hard to do Paleo without eggs, nuts, tomatoes, etc, so this cookbook would really help.

    Reply
  61. Connie

    Looking forward to going thru thus journey with your guidance and great suggestions. I can’t wait to try the recipies! I hooe to win this cookbook as I am relearning to cook without boxes, cans or packages. Thank You!

    Reply
  62. Bonnie

    I have been a “Liker” of your facebook page and an email subscriber to your blog for some time now. Love the information that you share! Hope that still makes me eligible to win this book. It looks and sounds amazing.

    Reply
    1. Eileen

      I think it’s because all autoimmune diseases have a similar cause, and Hashis is the most common of all. Many people with autoimmune disease have more than one. When my rheumatoid first hit, I developed Sjogrens symptoms soon thereafter. They’re another frequent pairing. Thankfully, the healing diet & lifestyle addresses them all!

      Reply
  71. Sherri

    I Liked your Facebook page (Reves) — that’s how I knew about this post. I have many friends with autoimmune disease (MS/RA/Crohn’s) that are doing various “chemo” infusions/injections. I’m going to share your post in the hopes that they might notice. I think I’m in the beginning stages of Crohn’s, and narrowing my diet to Keto/LC/GF whole foods has helped slow down the IBS attacks tremendously, but I think I might need further restrictions when I suffer “moderate” attacks. I did have an arthritis attack after a really bad IBS a few years ago, but that happened before I figured out what foods triggered me. Thanks!

    Reply
  72. Jessica

    Thanks for the recipe! I’ve been looking for new ways of preparing fish. I love “breaded” white fish, will try this for sure. And, I’ve been a facebook fan for a little while and joined your newsletter just today. Thanks!

    Reply
  74. Leanne NZ

    Hi I’m a naturopath in training searching for Endo, fybro and CFS/ME solutions. I’d sure love to win this book! I’m a fan on facebook and signed up for your emails. Thanks Love Leanne

    Reply
  78. kristina

    liked on Facebook and signed up for an email subscription to your website. You have lots of good information posted. Looking forward to getting my updates. I hope I win the cookbook!

    Reply
  82. Thyroid Journey

    Hi Eileen,

    Would love to win this cookbook! I have Celiac and Hashimoto’s, like Mickey, and I am still Learning how to improve my health. I was already subscribed to your blog, but have liked you now on facebook as well.

    Greetings, Thyroid Journey

    Reply
  83. Gina

    Just letting you know I signed up for your newsletter in order to enter the drawing for the book. Thanks so much for providing this wonderful opportunity!

    Reply
  86. Barb Hagger

    I spent the weekend reading your FB page and your Blog and have liked and subscribed to both. I have an autoimmune disease – Sjogrens Syndrome that I am absolutely determined to turn around and know that diet is the way to go. I am just so pleased I have discovered the Autoimmune Paleo pages

    Reply

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