Category Archives: travel tips

January 9, 2013   Personal Care, reviews, travel tips

Toadally Primal Wellness Bundle- 33 E-Books for $39

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In the past 2 months, Todd Dosenberry (also known as Primal Toad) emailed more than a few dozen well-known bloggers to see if they wanted to be part of an epic wellness sale. Thankfully, 25 unique authors (including himself) said yes to contributing their ebook(s) into what is now the Toadally Primal Wellness Bundle.

All 25 authors have taken control of their own health through an alternative lifestyle that encompasses nutrition and food in a way that goes against conventional wisdom while savoring tradition from less than 100 years ago. With the world getting more and more sick at a rapid pace, why not?

Nutrition may be the most important but it’s meaningless without other lifestyle factors. These include play, sleep, skin care, fitness, socialization and in comparison to today’s society, slowing down and enjoying the countless blessings that we are all surrounded with.

How will the ebooks in this bundle benefit YOU? They will help you to…

  • Heal your PCOS
  • Plan grain-free meals
  • Boost your metabolism
  • Nourish your baby well
  • Cure your skin compulsions
  • Travel and stay Paleo with ease
  • Homemake dairy-free ice cream
  • Lacto-ferment any food you want
  • Educate your kids about real food
  • Smartly indulge in treats guilt-free
  • Heal your acne without antibiotics
  • Restock your pantry with real food
  • Live a simpler, more meaningful life
  • Complete your next Whole30 with ease
  • Go on a semi-strict 21 day Paleo cleanse
  • Cook with real food via 6 unique cookbooks
  • Experience your best family camping trip ever
  • Learn what it means to be an exuberant animal
  • Give a hospital birth naturally with minimal stress
  • Blend smoothies made with real food that taste great
  • Homemake skincare products for those you love including your baby
  • Discover the relationship between music, language, evolution, and the human brain
  • Complete a 30 day introduction to Paleo while building your relationship with food
  • Sneak past the traditional Paleo way of eating and go Wild instead
  • See the other side of the Paleo story with 12 Paleo myths
  • Then discover 21 Paleo myths that then get debunked!

Click here to view more details
Buy Now

What is the Toadally Primal Wellness Bundle?

      • 33 ebooks with a total value of $479
      • On sale for 7 days – January 7 to January 14
      • Sale price of only $39 – 92% savings of the total value!
      • Includes automatic entry into the epic giveaway with a total value of $1122

Important notes

      • The sale ends on Monday, January 14 at 11:59 PM EST.
      • Click on the links to the ebooks to learn more about them.
      • Paleo Crock Pot Cookbook is linked to Caveman Feast. Please understand that the PDF you will receive includes 31 crock pot recipes.
      • The PCOS Unlocked: The Manual you will be receiving is 52 pages worth; not the entire guide. Why? It has a specifically unique value and thus $47 selling price. A significant discount code to purchase the rest of the guide is inside.
      • The giveaway ends at the exact same time of the sale. I will announce the winners on the giveaway page and email them too. Please go to PrimalToad.com/Giveaway2013 to learn more about the prizes.
      • Due to the unique nature of this sale, no refunds will be offered. With the bundle containing 33 ebooks at a cost of 92% of their normal price point, everyone is bound to find immense value well worth $39.

Paleo, real food, grain free & coconut oil cookbooks

Lacto-Fermentation, pantry overhaul & freezer guide

Indulge in treats without feeling guilty

Give birth, nourish your newborn, then educate him/her on real food

Heal PCOS & boost metabolism

Simplify, live exuberantly, camp w/ your family & play music

Paleo time: travel, myths, cleanse, start anew or go wild

Take care of your skin homemade style & heal acne

Click here to view more details

Please remember that no refunds will be offered due to the unique nature of this sale.

Enjoy the bundle if you choose to invest $39 in YOUR wellness!
Buy Now

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com

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December 17, 2012   party tips, travel tips, videos

New Video: Finding Motivation to Be Healthy Over the Holidays

Here is a video with some helpful tips for making it through this eating season!

Are you looking to get healthy in the new year?

Do you want to get rid of your sugar addiction?

Click Here!


Click Here!

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com

More Posts - Website

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October 28, 2012   healthy, travel tips

Gluten Free, Paleo Travel: Charleston, SC

Recently I went to Charleston, SC for a family reunion. Me and my little sister had a rental car and we had packed a cooler so I was confident I could get whatever I needed. We stayed in a hotel a little outside the city but we scoped the restaurant scene and the natural grocery stores on our phones on the way into town. When traveling with a special diet it is all about the planning.

On the road into town we stopped at Thornhill Farmstand for some pastured eggs. It was very good to see high quality local food at a roadside shop.

The first night my sister made a reservation at SNOB in downtown Charleston which had a local ingredient focus and a gluten free menu. Me and my sister shared this pate appetizer plate that we were assured was gluten free.

My sister got this pastured pork chop over potatoes from the gluten free menu.

The next morning I had a great breakfast with my paleo cousin and her adorable kids, who made Paleomg nutola. It was definitely a sweet treat that I can’t have all the time.

The next morning we checked out the Charleston Farmers Market in historic Marion Square, Saturdays from 1oam-2pm. It was really lively and I can tell people here care about what they eat and where it comes from.

Of course I was happy as a clam at the farmers market.

We saw lots of low country seasonal produce.

 

I saw this cheery sign that I agree with: eat your way to enlightenment! I wish it was that easy….

 

We have great farmers markets back in SF I am not going to lie but I was impressed with the high quality and variety of this one. I also was happy to see that it was very busy.

 

They had some pastured chicken on display who were enjoying the sun and bugs in the grass. Read more here

Then we stopped at the Honey Baked Ham store to gear up for the family reunion which we were sure would have nothing that was gluten or grain free. This is not the best quality food but it was probably better than the fried chicken and potato salad that was sure to be a staple at the potluck style reunion.

 

I also got roasted turkey from the honey baked ham store for myself to eat along with some olives and cherry tomatoes I scored at the farmers market. I was assured by the website and the manager that Honey Baked Ham and roasted turkey are gluten free. It was nice to know that is an option even if it not something I would eat if I was not traveling.

Later we stopped at Five Guys Burgers and Fries where they had plenty of space for 13 people. They also have a gluten free menu that is affordable for all.

Last but not least we stopped for a walk on Folly beach for some fresh air and sand on our feet. It was a great gluten free trip!

More tips for eating gluten free/ grain free when traveling:


Paleo Restaurants in SF part 1

Paleo Restaurants in SF part 2

Paleo Friendly Eats in SF part 3

Gluten Free Guide to Chain Restaurants:

Hidden gluten ingredient used in many restaurant dishes:

Gluten Free Travel in Kauai, Hawaii

Paleo in Raleigh, NC

Paleo in Austin, TX

Cut the Canola

 

Looking for a great cookbook and getting started guide?
Click Here!

Click Here!

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com

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October 18, 2012   restaurants, travel tips

Paleo and Gluten Free Restaurants in Nashville, TN

Because I have a gluten sensitivity I am always on the lookout for organic veggies and grass fed meats  that won’t upset my system. By choosing restaurants that emphasize sustainability we can vote with our pocketbooks which will make this type of food more available for everyone in the future.  If you have Celiac disease please always check with the management and use your intuition/good judgement to gauge the safety of each establishment to avoid cross contamination. I hope you get a chance to enjoy these great places when you are out and about in Nashville, my hometown.

Fresh veggies at The Turnip Truck hot bar

Turnip Truck

The Gulch and East $$
Is half health food store and half restaurant with featuring a hot bar with cooked vegetables, baked chicken and fish. Always be aware of breading and sauces if you are gluten sensitive. They have many organic vegetables on their salad bar, just be aware of the tuna salad or chicken salad which will have most likely have inflammatory soybean oil mayo. You can also get raw grass fed meat to take home for grilling or cooking in your crock-pot.

Awesome bunless local beef  burger at M. L. Rose

 

Melrose and Sylvan Park, West Nashville $$
I went here on my last visit March 2012 with my dad and my little brother. We were all satisfied and  happy after paying reasonable prices at this character filled joint. They have an awesome Paleo beanless chili that was very hearty and gluten free according to the waitress, who was very attentive. They have local anti-biotic and hormone free burgers that can be ordered with no bun. You can add avocado for $1, score! Also, I attended school with the owner of this popular spot. Thanks Austin Ray for having some gluten-free Paleo options !

 

Franklin, TN and Downtown/Gulch $$
This adorable restaurant has a locally grown farm to table philosophy that is not common these days. They have a great grass fed burger that you can get on gluten free bread or go Paleo and be bunless. You can also get a veggie bowl and add meat for a small fee. My little sister loves the chicken salad but I am not sure about their chicken quality. They also have a farm stand inside where they have eggs, local goat cheese and organic seasonal produce. They also have a new location in Cummins station downtown that has similar offerings.

The beet salad with lamb at Burger Up   Photo credit 

 

 
Cool Springs and 12th Ave South $$
This upscale burger joint  has awesome local beef from a sustainable farm in Williamson County. They were really nice about giving extra veggies instead of peanut oil fries. They have some amazing salads to which you can add salmon, chicken or beef. You can add a gluten free bun if you feel like a splurge for $2 and add a double patty if you are hungry. The burger will cost about $10-12 but you get what you pay for.
Made to order salads at Baja Burrito

 

Berry Hill  $
I have been coming to this easy going eatery for years and so has everyone else judging by the constant line and packed parking lot. They use grass fed beef from Gourmet Pastures beef. The set up is like subway so you get to pick what you want on your taco or salad. That is a great way to insure you know what you are getting. I always got the taco salad with extra veggies, extra beef, salsa, and guacamole (hold the gmo oxidized soybean oil chips, please). This place gets super busy so make sure you don’t mind sharing a table or sitting outside at this independent local gem.
Burger at Gaby’s with Sweet potato fries Photo Credit

 

8th ave near ball park $
This hole in the wall joint is a hidden treasure because they use Gourmet Pastures beef which is 100% grass fed. You can get the a burger with no bun and the price is right only $6.95. The owner seems to really understand how 100% grass fed beef is healthier because it has more omega-3′s and cancer fighting CLA than corn fed beef. I would skip the fries which are cooked in soybean oil rather than heart healthy beef fat or lard.
Hillsboro Village $$
This coffee/ breakfast place is so awesome I do not know where to start. They have wonderful big breakfasts such as salmon scramble and meat and 3 eggs (hold the toast). They have fair trade organic coffee and a wonderful atmosphere. They are sensitive to any changes you may need to make and they even cook their eggs in butter (hallelujah)! 
Me indulging in local artisan chocolate with Bongo Java organic decaf at Hot and Cold

Hot and Cold

Hillsboro Village $
This place serves grass fed ice cream which has a lot of gluten free flavors from a company called Jeni’s. They also have amazing chocolate bars from Olive and Sinclair a small batch, hand crafted, confectioner right in Nashville. We sat outside on a warm night with all the students and watched the country music hipters walking by.
Marche Artisan Foods in East Nashville

 

East Nashville $$
Marche is a great place my little sister took me for brunch which emphasizes working with local farms to get the best meats and vegetables. They have fluffy omelet’s and organic eggs with sides of farm fresh bacon or sausage. Check the menu for seasonal specials and I have also read that they have an amazing grass fed burger. East Nashville really has a bustling local food scene that was almost non-existent just ten or fifteen years ago.
Just say no to the bun! Most places will do a lettuce wrap.

Margot 

East Nashville $$$
This is the same owner as Marche who emphasizes seasonal French peasant cooking and changes her menu every month. It is a little more upscale than the other places but it is definitely worth it. Chef Margot works with local grass fed beef  and pork and organic farmers to bring a farm to table experience to diners. They are very accommodating to guest with special food needs or allergies.
Chicken Salad at Kalamata’sphoto credit

 

Green Hills and Brentwood $$
This place was recommended to me by my little sister who loves the Combo kebab salad with chicken, beef and lamb. They also have low carb options listed on the menu and they are helpful to people who want gluten free. The meat may not be the best quality but sometimes people make compromises when eating away from home. They also have a tuna salad made with olive oil called “not your mothers tuna salad” that is piled high olives, capers and lemon zest. The Mediterranean food served here has a focus on freshness and health.  Do not forget to try the gluten/grain free chocolate torte before you leave if you have room on your belt loops which is not low carb.
Berry Hill, West End, Belle Meade, East, and Cool Springs $$
This casual spot has some awesome paleo eats such as rotisserie chicken (not organic though), sweet potatoes with coconut sprinkles and the best Caribbean turnip greens with stewed tomatoes anywhere. They also have low-carb options on the menu and great salads. The jerk sauce has gluten in it according to the web sight but other than that the gluten containing items are pretty obvious . I have been going here since I was a kid and have fond memories of this place. Another great thing is that it is super cheap and filling.

Chef From Suzy Wong’s was on Top Chef D.C.

 

Suzy Wong’s
Downtown $$
This place is very hip offering an east meats west flair and an assortment of Pan-Asian dishes. They have gluten free soy sauce and the menu has gluten free labels on many item. I am not sure about the meat quality here, so be sure to ask. I actually attended school with the owner who was on Top Chef a few years ago. Way to go A. Mint! He also owns PM which has a great burger and Cha Cha featuring tapas which has great bacon wrapped dates, raw milk cheeses, and house cured olives. All three places clearly mark their menu’s with gluten free labels.

PRB:These guys know meat!photo credit
 
East Nashville $$
This sparse new place is a local butcher shop reminiscent of days gone by that specializes in whole animal butchery. It’s easy to see that these guys love meat and they can tell you exactly how your pig/cow/lamb was raised and what it ate. They do have some prepared food like roast beef and local cheese. They also make their own Italian sausage and stock. They have local eggs, organic milk and assorted meat fats for cooking with. They also have plenty of organ meats which are hard to find other places. This is the way meat should be: ethical, local, sustainable, and grass fed! Can’t get to PBR for grass fed beef? Order from a great source here
East Nashville $$
This place has organic local burgers (go bunless) and German bratwurst with fresh sauerkraut. They have a beer garden in the back where they have gluten free Bard’s beer (not really paleo) and gluten free cider.

Gluten free at Miel

Miel

Sylvan Park $$$

Better make a reso at this smancy joint. My sister recently went there for V-day and said it was great. They emphasize farm to table, local sustainable food. They also ask each diner if they have any food allergies before taking the orders! It is a little high end but great for that special occasion. They even have periodic farm dinners! The menu reads like a native tribe hunt: wild boar, quail eggs, Muscovy duck, paddle fish roe, fresh spring water trout, ect. It sounds like heaven to me!

East Nashville $$
Is very is a tapas bar turned full service restaurant. It is in a charming old Victorian close to five points. They are focused on local food and are very aware of food sensitivities. Be sure to check with the staff about grass fed and organic options. They even have a backyard garden where they grow some of their own produce.
You don’t have to be a hippie to shop at Whole Foods.photo credit
 
Whole Foods Market $$
What may surprise you is that a lot of the prepared food is not organic, local or gluten free. Read the labels carefully to avoid soy sauce and or bread crumbs, not to mention the over use of GMO canola oil. What my Dad found out is that you can go to the seafood department and get them to steam you some wild shrimp or scallops then you can go to the salad bar and get some greens to go with it. Make sure and use the olive oil and vinegar instead of the pre-made salad dressing with soybean oil/canola. I like to get some cold cuts from Applegate organics and make some lettuce wraps with guacamole.
I-Phone Apps to Find Good Eats:

The Yelp Application or web sight is easy to use with good maps and directions. You can search for organic, grass fed and gluten free to find healthy places on the go.

Find Me Gluten Free Application is a another one that you can use to find gluten free places on the go.

Gluten Free Card is another application that has celiac information you can show to your server in over 20 Languages.

What are some of your favorite Nashville gluten free/ Paleo eats?

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com

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October 6, 2012   Paleo Home Tour, success stories, travel tips

Paleo Home Tour: Grain Free Real Food Couple

Last night I visited my little sister and her boyfriend at his house in Nashville, TN. It was great to see a young couple living real food, Paleo principles in their daily life. They cooked dinner for me and it was gourmet! They also took me on a garden and home tour. They made this awesome meal where they had the clever idea of baking sweet potatoes and then using the hollow skins as buns. It was so tasty and a nice change of pace!

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They have a great garden in the back where they grow lots of yummy vegetables. The season was ending but there was still one sweet potato on the ground. The squash on my plate was from the garden and topped with grass fed butter.

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Ellen and Micah were already eating paleo when they met earlier this year. They share a lot of the same interests like healthy cooking, farming, fermentation and travel. You can read my little sister’s story about getting healthy here.

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Ellen and Michah in the kitchen

They also found some gluten free Paleo cider. Micah told a funny story about how the cashier at the liquor store agreed about how getting rid of gluten reduced gut inflammation.The cashier remarked “you gotta do it, man” What an educated cashier!

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Micah is a grill master and he made blended lamb and bison burgers which were so moist and still pink inside.

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Some cool artwork on the wall!

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Micah’s Aquaponics farm is coming along! He wants to create a food forest on his property to create his own sustenance. He even has fruit trees planted all over his front yard.

20121006-061340.jpg Ellen also has a great herb garden in the back with cilantro, sage and rosemary.

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They even have a fermentation nook where they make kombucha, sauerkraut and other preserved veggies.

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Some suggested reading I found. I loved the tiny house book! It had great photos of boats, trailers and treehouses where people are living minimalist lifestyles. So cool!

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The three of us chatted and talked a lot about Paleo topics like the tiny house movement and how to perfect Paleo pizza dough. Micah claims to have found the perfect combination of ingredients.  Maybe I can get him to share his recipe. We also hypothesized about how to make awesome Paleo fudge. Then I was enlightened about the ease benefits of making lacto-fermented mayo. Then they gave me some 85% dark chocolate and bubble water as a night cap. What a fun evening!

Do you want to be healthy like Ellen and Micah?

Are you looking for more grain free recipes and tips? Sign up for grain free class taught by Dr. Jill Tieman. Click here to buy the entire 12 week course of the Go Grain-Free class for only $149. Plus, if you use the coupon code “NOGRAINS”, you can get an additional $20 off, for a total of only $129.

Awesome grain gree tortillas from Dr jill's class

Keep in mind that going grain free also helps with a lot of other problems such as skin rashes like acne and eczema. It also may help with just about any autoimmune condition like MS or rheumatoid arthritis in addition to Crohn’s, celiac’s and ulcerative colitis. It helped Dr. Jill tremendously with her sinus /allergy problems as well as her son’s food sensivities.

Only $11 per class!

See More Grain Free Banana Muffins from realfoodforager.com on Vimeo.

Hurry the coupon expires Oct 6. There are over 150 printable recipes and 80 video tutorials included in the 12 week course.

Remember, if you purchase this class, you will have lifetime access to all the materials and videos.

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks

Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com

More Posts - Website

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