Paleo orange chicken at Picnik Austin (Credit: Sarah Doliver)

I’ll admit, when my doctor first suggested I adopt a paleo lifestyle, I was nervous. Sure, I could adapt my cooking habits. Hand me a zucchini–I’ll make noodles. Toss in a butternut squash–you’ve got rice.

But what about my profound love for restaurant exploration? Would I be able to navigate the menus of up-and-coming eateries, or would my favorite hobby turn into a daunting task? Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.

During my first Whole30 journey, I remembered Picnik. The wholesome walk-up-turned-brick-and-mortar is known for its paleo offerings. They also have an entire menu of hand-selected dishes that are Whole30-compliant. And they aren’t all salad! [Read more…]

Each year from November to January we embark on an annual journey of indulgence. We revel in the company of friends and family. We bask in waves of nostalgia as songs, traditions and memories from years past wash over us. We willingly loosen our belts a notch, making room for a parade of seasonal delicacies.

But come January, we’re jarred from this holiday haze. As if a switch has flipped in our brains, we begin a desperate search for a reset button. In truth, there’s no magic bullet to instantly shedding the weight or cravings from two months of holiday cheer. Nor is there time to search for one as we confront that mound of unanswered work emails.

That’s why we live in Austin, a foodie city that understands that healthy needs to be good as well as easy. I’ve put together some of my favorite resolution-friendly restaurants for healthy but satisfying meals on the go. [Read more…]