The crisp air, the smell of bonfires, the crunch of leaves underfoot — fall is here, and with it comes festivals, football games, and weekend road trips. For many, that means pumpkin pie at the tailgate or cider doughnuts at the orchard. But if you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), those seasonal indulgences can feel a little tricky.

I get it. No one wants to spend an entire Saturday at the pumpkin patch feeling like they missed out. The good news? With a little planning, you don’t have to. You can enjoy every hayride, football cheer, and roadside adventure without sacrificing your healing journey.

Snacks That Travel With You

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on AIP, it’s this: never leave home empty-handed. Packing a few reliable snacks can be the difference between feeling included and feeling frustrated.

I like to keep a small “fall snack kit” in my bag or car. Think crunchy plantain chips, homemade jerky, apple slices with coconut butter, or even a thermos of warm bone broth. And if I want something sweet? A couple of cookies made from our Foatmeal Cookie Mix always do the trick. They pack easily, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out when everyone else is reaching for cider doughnuts.

Social Events Without the Stress

Fall is also prime time for gatherings — from backyard bonfires to football tailgates. These moments are about people and connection, but food is always part of the mix.

Here’s my trick: I eat a nourishing meal before I go, then bring something I know I can share. An AIP-friendly chili, roasted veggies, or even pumpkin spice cupcakes (made from our Cake & Muffin Mixes) not only keep me on track, they often end up being the hit of the party. And if dessert comes around, I’ve got my own safe option ready to go — no awkward “no thank yous” needed.

Need inspiration? Check out our blog on The Hidden Sources of Allergens in Everyday Foods for helpful label-reading tips before you head out.

Hitting the Road

There’s something about fall that just begs for a road trip — foliage drives, apple orchards, maybe even a weekend getaway. Long days away from home can be tough if you don’t plan ahead, but a little prep goes a long way.

Before we head out, I’ll batch-bake some muffins, roast a tray of sweet potatoes, and pack a cooler with hard-boiled eggs, coconut yogurt, and fruit. I also make sure I’ve got plenty of drinks — sparkling water, herbal tea in a travel mug — so I can sip something festive while everyone else grabs sodas or pumpkin lattes.

For treat ideas, I love using the Sugar Cookie Mix — it’s versatile, safe, and perfect to share or stash ahead for emergencies.

Enjoying the Season Beyond the Plate

Most importantly? I remind myself that fall joy isn’t limited to what’s on the table. It’s in cheering for your team, getting lost in a corn maze, or laughing with friends around a fire. When I take care of the food piece ahead of time, I get to be fully present for those moments. And that’s what this season is really about.

Final Thought

Traveling and socializing on AIP doesn’t have to mean sitting on the sidelines. With some portable snacks, a bit of prep, and a focus on the joy of the season, you can embrace every crisp, colorful moment fall has to offer.

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to tuck in your bag for the next festival or football game, check out our Cookie & Brownie Mixes. And don’t miss our post Rediscover the Joy of Baking with Eat G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R.’s Cookie & Brownie Mixes for more inspiration to make the season sweet.