The APAI Meal Plan: An Inuit-Inspired Nutritional Approach

The APAI Meal Plan (Arctic Program Alaska Indigenous) is a culturally grounded nutritional framework developed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic Program and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

Core Principles

• Based on traditional Inuit/Alaska Native diets: high in wild fish, game, berries, plants.
• Emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods.
• Limits added sugar, refined grains, saturated fats, and processed foods.
• Designed to prevent obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease in Arctic populations.

Foods Encouraged

• Proteins: Salmon, whitefish, seal, caribou, moose, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils.
• Vegetables/Fruits: Wild berries (blueberry, salmonberry), dark greens, root vegetables, seaweed.
• Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley.
• Healthy Fats: Fish oil, seal oil, olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds.

Foods Limited

• Sugary drinks, snacks, baked goods.
• Processed meats, fried foods.
• Refined flour products.

Benefits (Per Research)

• Reduced chronic disease risk.
• Improved energy, sleep, inflammation markers.
• Cultural connection and food sovereignty.

Recipes and guides available via UAF Cooperative Extension and ANTHC.