Navigating Lebanese Cuisine on the AIP Diet: Your Essential Guide

Lebanese cuisine tantalizes with vibrant flavors, but it hides pitfalls for those on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet. This elimination diet requires avoiding grains, legumes, nightshades, and dairy – all common in Lebanese cooking. Fear not! Our guide helps you savor authentic flavors while staying compliant.

Naturally AIP-Friendly Lebanese Dishes

• Grilled Meats: Seek plain grilled chicken, lamb, or beef (kebabs) without marinades. Request olive oil and lemon instead of yogurt-based sauces.
• Seafood: Opt for simply grilled fish like samak mashwi, ensuring no forbidden spices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Choose dishes like kousa (zucchini) or beet mutabbal (minus tahini) if nightshade-free.
• Herb Salads: Tabbouleh can be adapted without tomatoes or bulgur – ask for cucumber, mint, parsley, and lemon.

Common AIP Pitfalls in Lebanese Food

Avoid these sneaky ingredients:

• Nightshades: Tomatoes (in fattoush), eggplant (baba ghanoush), and peppers
• Legumes: Hummus, foul medames, and lentils in soups
• Grains: Pita bread, bulgur in tabbouleh, phyllo pastries
• Dairy: Labneh, yogurt sauces, and cheese in manakish
• Seeds/Nuts: Sesame (tahini) and pine nuts (in some rice dishes)

Smart Ordering Strategies

1. Prioritize SIMPLE grilled proteins – emphasize "no marinades or spices" and clarify ingredients.
2. Swap creatively: Request olive oil instead of tahini, steamed veggies instead of fried.
3. Beware broths: Soups often contain legumes or nightshades – ask about bases.
4. Bring compliant dips: Carry AIP-friendly sauces to enhance plain dishes.

How mm food App Simplifies Your Experience

Upload or photograph any Lebanese menu. Our AI instantly:

• Translates dishes into your language
• Flags non-AIP ingredients based on YOUR restrictions
• Suggests safest choices and possible modifications
• Identifies hidden dangers in spice blends or sauces

Final Tips for Stress-Free Dining

Communicate needs clearly to restaurant staff. Focus on olive oil-drizzled greens, grilled proteins, and herb-infused dishes. With preparation and mm food’s real-time scanning, you can indulge in Lebanese hospitality without compromising your health journey. Sahtain!