Meet Grace + Paleo Eating Out??

Today I wanted to introduce you to someone very special … Everyone, meet Grace!

Grace gets me to and from work most days and is a faithful friend in time of transportation need! See specs: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.1.w/8909/48620/#specifications

I’ve always been a fan of biking. When I was 16 I had the opportunity to bike through Colorado (40-60 miles a day for 10 days) and it completely solidified my LOVE for biking. I stretched myself on that trip and pushed my body farther than I ever thought it could go. I had only biked a few times prior to going on that trip and those mini trips were just a few miles each so … I honestly am amazed that my body and mind could handle that intense of a trip!! I often remind myself, If I biked through CO I can DO THIS ________ fill in the blank.

Now I bike for my daily commute and take trips when I can. Biking has definitely contributed to my getting healthier and strengthening my core so I wanted to share Grace with you. I encourage you to go with what you like when it comes to fitness. If you like walking, then take 45 minutes and start walking daily. Pilates? Biking? Running? Hiking? Take your pick and let yourself enjoy the fruit of a healthy sweat.

I’d love to hear what you enjoy when it comes to fitness!

Now on to food … SO, this week I actually *GASP* ate out a couple times.

Now, for those of you who know me, prior to this Whole30 program (I’m on Day#21 btw), I would RARELY cook. I mean, like maybe once a week. We ate out daily because it was convenient. Previously I had a job where I worked around 80hrs/week and was stressed to the max so the last thing I wanted or had energy to do was take care of myself or make healthy meals.

Well, now I’ve done a complete 180 and I’m making 95-100% of my meals at home. That completely blows my mind. CRAZY!

So, when I had a coworker’s going away lunch this week I had a little freak out going on in my head … What the heck am I going to eat that’s dairy-free/gluten-free/sugar-free/legume-free and soy free at a restaurant?!?! Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that ethnic food can be the way to go when eating paleo at a restaurant.

I actually found 2 places here in Columbus, OH that work quiet well:

Cafe Istanbul

This was the meal I had at the coworker lunch I was nervous about. Chicken and Lamb Kabob combo with sauted veggies and asparagus. Made with delicious spices and olive oil. The chicken was my favorite. Yum!

Market 65

Market65 has locally grown produce and meat from local farmers and you can customize your salads and watch as chefs prepare them. This is my signature salad: Romain, Bacon, Blackened Chicken, Sugar Snap Peas and Egg with Balsamic Vinaigrette. SO good.

What restaurants have you found that are paleo-friendly?

~ Kate

P.S. My sister, Tori, is coming into town and is going to *cross your fingers* start the Whole30 challenge!! I’m so excited to introduce her to paleo-friendly foods this weekend and even make a dessert! 🙂