So get this, my cookbook manuscript is due today. That’s why you’re not getting a recipe. I don’t have time cook, just to eat and type. And when I say eat, I mean eat anything that take 10 minutes or less to prepare. So I asked some of you on Facebook to tell me what sort of questions you had. Nothing specific, just questions in general. So these are super general. Ready, LET’S GO!!
Let’s start with food!!
Give me easy, quick meals! I need easy, fast meals! Will you tell me what is easy to make in less than 10 minutes?! What the hell am I suppose to eat other than eggs for breakfast?!
- Want to know what I do in a pinch? I put a pork or beef roast into in a crockpot with some water or broth and some salt and pepper and cook it overnight. Then I eat it when I wake up. Then I eat leftovers for lunch. And more leftovers for dinner. Like today, I ate shredded crockpot pork for breakfast, then half a sweet potato and shredded pork for lunch, and a half a sweet potato, shredded pork, and plantain chips for dinner. BOOM. Stop thinking every meal should be incredibly fancy. A meal is a meal. Whether it’s morning or night. So eat meat for breakfast, eat breakfast sausage, eat some squash, eat brussel sprouts, eat avocado, eat sausages. A meal is a meal people.
- Check out the Caveman Feast Ebook that has over 200 recipes in it, many of which that are INCREDIBLY EASY, especially when it comes to crockpot recipes. George from the Civilized Caveman gives you a crap ton of recipes to choose from. The more recipes you have on hand, the easier cooking will be. I promise you.
Paleo snack foods:
- Meat- I always snack on protein first because it makes us feel more satisfied than anything else.
- Plantain and sweet potato chips. they’re amazing. Want to know how to get plantain chips crispy? Guess you’ll have to buy my cookbook come April!! hehehehehehehehe ha he.
- Nut butter packets or coconut butter packets. Cacoa Bliss packets are like THE BEST THING EVER.
- Beef jerky.
- Trail mix or a nut-free seed mix.
- Dried fruit. Such as larabars.
- More meat.
- Check the labels. A lot of those coconut milk ice creams have a ton of sh*t in them, so be careful. If you feel like crap after, it most likely is a crappy brand. I like making my own, then I feel like heaven. Sweet heaven.
- I put it away. I cut myself off. Not all the time, but most of the time I just had a spoonful then put it away. I feel full within minutes and forget about wanting to shove my face with more food.
- I try not to have kombucha every single day, but I have them probably 3-5x a week, which is pretty close to every day. It does have a bit of sugar, so if you’re trying to cut that out completely, then I wouldn’t have it quite as often. I drink GT’s, usually the original or gingerade flavor. It’s the bestest around.
- Yes I’ve done zone. No I do not do it now. And no I will never zone my recipes on my blog. Do you know how time consuming that is? It wastes at least 10-15 minutes or more of my life (especially since I suck at math) and that time I will never get back. Sorry about that, you gotta do the math yourself.
- I get an Americano and bring my own canned coconut milk. Just ask for them to leave room and you can pour it in yourself.
- After I eat everything in the world in one day, I get back on track as soon as possible. That may be the next meal, that may be the next day. But as soon as I can, I cut out sugar completely and eat full meals. And eat more meat than anything. I always feel satisfied and less like snacking when I’m shoving my face with meat. Stop being dirty. As for sugar, just cut the cord. Try the 21 Day Sugar Detox and learn to live without it!
- All I know is it tastes better than regular honey. I don’t know science stuff. Nor care.
- First, I eat the veggies/fruit/meat they have to offer OR I bring my own food. If they ask questions, I tell them I have celiacs disease or really bad food allergies. If they ask questions, I tell them that I instantly throw up or are sick to my stomach. That usually shuts people up. If people begin to ask questions about why I eat the way I do, in a defensive/judgmental way, I just say I feel way better when I don’t eat grains or dairy. Then I stop being friends with them because why would a friend be judgmental about another friend having healthy behaviors? Probably because it makes them feel more insecure, like you’re judging them when you aren’t. If they have legitimate questions, I’ll answer them the best I can or send them to a helpful book. Easy peasy.
- I told you already, I’ll be posting Thanksgiving recipes for the two weeks. Don’t freak out. I’m here for you.
What do you do for a living?
- I’m a CrossFit coach. I work at one amazing gym with amazing people. The rest of my time is spent in the kitchen or on the computer working on my cookbook or blog.
Do you take supplements? What fish oil do you take? What do you do pre/post workout?
- As of now, I do not take any supplements or fish oil. I cut out fish oil because I found some information out there saying that it can cause acne, which I would like to not have. As for supplements and pre/post workout food or drink, I rarely take anything. I like not eating or drinking after a workout, I’d rather just have a full meal after my workout. It just makes me feel better and doesn’t spike my insulin quite as much.
How do you “jump in” to Crossfit? It seems so intimidating going for the first time but I REALLY want to try…just without being the embarrassing newbie.
- Don’t be scared or intimidated. Go to a CrossFit gym and figure out if you fit there. You want to find a place that you feel welcome and feel like you are able to learn a lot with the coaches you have. Just know that all the newbies in your classes will feel the EXACT same as you do, so no one is ever judging you, they are just wondering if you are judging them. Just walk in, say hello to someone, and before you know it, you will feel right at home!
How do you get back on the CrossFit train after you’ve fallen off?
- Go to the gym. Feel like crap. Then feel better.
Random stuff!
Where do you get your scarves?
- Anywhere and everywhere. Lululemon, World Market, Target, Old Navy
Will your cookbook be similar to your blog? With curse words and all?
- Oh hells yeah! I don’t say f*ck in it, trying to keep it a bit under control. But I tell random stories similar to my blog and have random tid-bits throughout.
Where do you buy clothes?
- Lululemon for spandex. Old navy for workout clothes, jeans, and tshirts. JCPenney for boots. TJMaxx and Ross for random sh*t. New Balance for workout shoes. CrossFit tanks for shirts. I buy my headbands at Lululemon, Lucy, and my own apparel.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be, non-paleo or paleo?
- Bacon wrapped dates.
How do you recover after a night out with drinks?
- I eat something with cheese, something with corn tortillas, and chug orange juice. Then I shower. A shower makes everything better.
Would you marry a vegan?
No.
**If I didn’t answer your questions, it’s because I barely no my own name at this point. And have to be up at 4am tomorrow, so I’ve stopped functioning very well. Once my cookbook is all finished, you’ll have my full attention.

















Yay good luck with finishing the book! And thanks for staying strong and putting the kibosh on that Zone shizzle. Nobody wants to read that.
Cacao bliss – I completely agree! I’m living in Denmark and my best friend just sent me a care package from the States with some of those packets in there. They are amazeballs.
So this is going to come across as strange, but then again, you’re probably no stranger to strange (what a mouthful, and that’s what she said…I digress).
I read your blog all the time because your “rants” crack me up. I like funny in a blog, and you definitely fit the bill. As such, I’ve selected you for an Inspiring Blogger Award, which you can take or leave, but I wanted to let you know either way. Thank you for the realness and the laughs. Good luck with the cookbook.
I Have just recently started following your blog, my husband has been following Paleo for about 6 months already. I was hesitant at first and one of the first blogs that I came across when I decided to do a little of my own research was yours…. I count myself very lucky for doing that. I love the way you write and your approach to Paleo living, suits me perfectly… I look forward to all your posts and always feel better and inspired to carry on. I am about 10kgs overweight and battle with my weight continuously.. Even though I have no idea what a crockpot is and most probably don’t even get half the ingredients you mention, I am still going to start trying out your recipes. They look delicious. Good luck with your cookbook, I will definately buy one as soon as it becomes available here in South Africa. Thanks again for a wonderful and inspiring blog… Regards Kim
Wow! You’re awesome! Any chick that can tell it like it is and trash talk should be up for a nobel peace prize. And you’re hot. I just think I love you. Just kidding. I’ve used some of your recipes before and directed a LOT of people to your site. It’s one of the best out there. Too often, people just try and make paleo complicated and that’s not the intention to begin with. Thanks for your inspiring work and keep it up! If you ever get to Texas, we’ll show you how we sub in some venison in some of your dishes………Lots of crossfitters in Texas too. Competitions are prevelant. Thanks again! Rafe
LOL. You are awesome. Best question/answer. “Would you marry a vegan” – NO.
I cannot wait for your cook book and enjoy looking at your blog everyday.
Have a great day!
Congrats on finishing the book!
I can’t wait to buy it! I’m glad it’s an actual cookbook that you can open up on the counter while you cook. My iPhone gets all messy while I cook and the words are so tiny lol
I love reading your posts first thing in the morning. it sets the mood (the mood being “silly”) for the rest of the day.
I also love how much of a potty mouth you have. it feels good to read things how I might really think them. “damn, this shit is good.” or “don’t f with the power of this delicious recipe.” you know, sentence enhancers !
Juli, your curse words, sarcasm, and rants show that you are being real. You’re just like the rest of us. I talk the same way, so to read you blog in the morning brings entertainment to the start of my day. So thank you so much for running this blog. I can’t wait to purchase your cookbook; I’m sure it’s the bomb.
On another note. Under your food catagory, your mentioned, ” 3.Nut butter packets or coconut butter packets. Cacoa Bliss packets are like THE BEST THING EVER.”
What are Nut Butter and Cacoa Bliss packets? And where can I purchase them?
Ciao, and good luck with your finishing touches on your cookbook!
http://www.artisanafoods.com/raw-organic-coconut-butter-single-serving
They have coconut butter, and cacao bliss, and all kinds of nut butters as well. You can order them online from the company or get them at a health food type store (I get mine from Natural Grocers). Keep em in your purse or backpack or glove compartment for emergency snacks.
The packets are best because it’s automatic portion control – give me a jar of coconut butter and it is goooooooooone…. So good!
Sarah,
Thank you for the wonderful and sure to be tasty information!
Have you ever eaten Justin’s Nut Butter squeeze packets before?
If so, what do you think of them? And would they qualify as a Paleo treat? (I am fairly new to Paleo)
I came across the website when I was searching for Cocoa Bliss.
Thanks for you input!
I’m also fairly new to paleo, but I think Justin’s packs are considered paleo if you get the almond ones – not the peanut ones.
Great post Juli. I cannot wait for your cookbook to come out :)
Can you recommend any beef jerky that’s organic/grass fed? Running to look up these cacao bliss packets now!!
@Cheryl
Not to toot my own horn… but we make the best darn Grass-fed beef jerky on the planet. Jamiesjerky.com
We also make All Natural Turkey Jerky if you want a change of pace. :)
@Cheryl – Steve’s Original sells grass fed jerky that’s quite good, though expensive at least for me.
Juli, great post – thank you for not zoning..math and food do not mix. +1 for Lulu, their sweats are the best. Is your version of the americano comparable to bulletproof coffee?
kind of, but i’ve never tasted bulletproof coffee
Good luck, sending lots of thoughts and quick typing fingers your way!
Bacon wrapped dates are soooo good!!! Try putting an almond in them & putting just a little honey on the top…..mind blown!!! AMAZING!!
Love your blog!! I can’t wait for your cookbook to come out! Are you going to make it available for digital copies through Kindle?
About starting crossfit – I first walked into a crossfit gym this past August after getting seriously concerned about the lack of strength in my legs. I also could no longer control my weight with diet alone, which I had been doing low carb/paleo on and off for several years. Then I found your blog Juli and saw these posts with pictures of you lifting weights and decided to try it.
I literally went from couch to crossfit. I was never an athlete in any school I ever attended. I was in the band and orchestra. I got out of gym class to practice music. I hated running. Still do! But crossfit is addicting and it gets results. In three months going three days per week (at 5am, yikes!) I am down one size and have a ton more muscle tone. I friggin LOVE the lifting. I suffer through the conditioning, but I live for the lifting. If you are on the fence about trying it, just go try it. If I can do it, anyone can.
And thanks Juli for the awesome recipes and for bringing crossfit into my life.
Heather,
I am on the waitlist to get into a Crossfit Foundations Course at a gym near where I live. I am currently significantly overweight. I had surgery about 13 months ago, then went through months of physical therapy after the cast was taken off. This started a cycle of gaining weight. All of this was put on in a year.
Once I get into the Foundations course, will it be difficult for me to get acclimated into Crossfit?
Danielle,
When I started crossfit, I was really overweight and extremely out of shape. I made a commitment to do it for a month and the first week I wanted to quit so bad bc I was really intimidated. BUT that was all in my head. I’ve lost 60lbs doing it and I’m addicted.
The coaches will modifiy the workouts for you if you can’t do them prescribed. Check out this website (http://www.thereformedbroker.com/2012/10/21/the-ten-things-that-happen-when-you-begin-crossfit/) It puts things in perspective
Mallory,
Thank you for your response! That is basically how I feel. I don’t want to be overweight and out of shape anymore. I hate being this way. My surgery last year really threw me off. In order to get to a happy place I honestly want to lose 90 pounds of fat, and put on a lot of muscle.
However, I am intimidated. I have attended a few free crossfit classes offered on Sundays where we do minimal workouts to introduce newcomers and give them a feel of crossfit. I know it is all in my head, but since I am overweight I feel out of place around all of the really fit crossfitters. I just hope that it is an accepting environment, supportive, and non-judgemental environment.
About 1.5 weeks ago I started a 2 Week Body Cleanse from WH, and this past Sunday I started the 21 Day Sugar Detox (Balanced Bites), to kind of kick start my diet, and help transition to a full on Paleo lifestyle.
Hi Danielle,
I remember the warmup for my first elements class. I thought that I was going to die. And that was just the 15 minute warmup. :/ There have been days where I was “in the quitting chair” and days where I cried on the drive home. Then there are days where the whole class is cheering me on to deadlift 125#!!
I started at 200 pounds (I’m 5’9″) and I decided that my “goal weight” was 160 or so. Now I know that the number on the scale does not equal healthy or not healthy. I might not lose one pound BUT I will lose inches and gain tone and strength. And I have. Before you start, take measurements of bust, waist, arm, and leg so you have something to compare to.
After I finished my elements classes (there were three), I would say that it took me about 8 or so classes to really get the hang of the lifting BUT I still find myself asking questions and watching the coaches for proper form. They have a whole other language, these crossfitters… I found it helpful to look up online what all those abbreviations mean. :)
Be careful about scaling your workouts like Mallory said! If you don’t, you could hurt yourself. My husband’s first time at a different gym than where I am a member had him run for a warmup and then run more during the workout. The coach should have let him row instead. My hubby could barely walk the next day and was so angry.
Good luck with your class! I hope your crossfit gym is as warm and welcoming as mine is!!
Heather T,
Thank you so much for your input. I so thankful for the friendly readers of paleOMG. To be frank, as of this morning, I am 5’8″ and 220 pounds. I gained 60 pounds in one year after my injury was diagnosed before my surgery.
I want to get my weight down to between 130 and 140 this year. Of course, as you mentioned I will take my muscle into consideration. I want to be fit and athletic, not corpse looking (not a good look).
And I understand scaling the workout so I don’t get hurt. Even after the free intro class (scaled down) I attended Sunday, I am still sore behind my knees from the running.
Once again, I truly appreciate your input. It really helps to hear how others have gone through what I am going through right now. :)
Danielle,
I totally understand where you are! I gained at least 60 with my last pregnancy. When I came home with my daughter (whose middle name is Danielle, by the way), I was at 230. Then six weeks later I got laid off from my job and did a lot of comfort eating. No grain, no sugar helped me get 30 pounds off, but it took about a year! Now the crossfit mentality of “build muscle to burn the fat” is ingrained into my brain. And proper nutrition is key to this process. Really dial into Paleo and you will get results.
Such a great post! Love the question answer sesh! Counting down the days until the cookbook comes out– until then, these Q&A post are great!
I checked out the Cacao Bliss packets, to see if we could get them here in the UK, and they have agave in them. Just wanted to point that out to anyone who’s strict paleo and not into hits of fructose. Stick with the meat, man. Mmm, meat…
I pretty much just made a shopping list from this post haha! I love that your answers are real. No sugar coating that’s for sure.
LOVE this post!! And thanks for the info – just bought a headband so I can be just like you :)
Hey Juli,
Great post! Love this kind of fun information from you – also, just made the Chocolate Zucchini Bread (sorry I refuse to use the “M” word) and wow – it was AMAZING. Had to stop myself from immediately making another batch with Enjoy Life chips on top… but let’s face it, that’s going to happen.
I wanted to share my experiences with my acne – 4 months of paleo and it hadn’t gone away. I don’t have your dedication to change my diet, but I’ve recently had great success with how I take care of my skin. I’m not sure what your routine is, but thought it might be helpful to share since I’ve had such amazing success.
Every night, I clean my face with the OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) – I just refined my oil mix to be about 60% castor oil, 20% jojoba oil, 20% grapeseed oil, and then I added in 5 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of lavender. This also takes off my makeup, and smells heavenly! Every morning when I wake up, I wash my face with raw, organic honey (check out CrunchyBetty for her info on the 30 day honey challenge). Seriously, the honey has worked WONDERS on my skin. Then I just switched to a more natural type of makeup: Afterglow cosmetics. Seriously, my skin hasn’t been this clear in the last 13 years. I’m so stoked. Wanted to share because I know you and your commenters are always curious about acne care.
That’s all! Can’t wait to get the cookbook – let us know as soon as it’s available for preorder!!
I’m totally going to try the honey thing!! Thanks for the recommendation!
Love your blog, can’t wait to buy your cookbook!
Just wanted to pass on that this morning I put leftover, roasted butternut squash in my smoothie (along with spinach and half frozen banana) and it was like drinking pumpkin pie! Delicious! I’m sure you could perfect it, but for someone who doesn’t make anything in the kitchen without a recipe this was a walk on the wild side. ;)
Awesome.
Just found you a couple days ago and so glad I did. You’re very entertaining and real! Knowing you’re in Denver as well makes you that much more inspiring. I just started New Rules of Lifting for Women program since becoming lazy in the gym the past couple years. I do much better with some direction. I’ve also become lazy in the kitchen and I get bored with food, I do however love the crockpot. I have a plan now. Take some new recipes from you during the week, then shop and cook on Sunday!
I love what you said about people judging you about your food habits! I say the same thing that I have a gluten senstivity and that milk doenst agree with me, been doing it for 21/2 years. Met my finance and now thats how he eats and he is just as obsessed with crossfit as me. We make a great team and when people choose to make fun of how we eat I kinda laugh cause we look and feel great!!!!!! Thanks for your blog and I cannot wait for your cookbook.
You’re recipes are all amazing and you’re posts are hysterical. I have to ask though I am currently a sophomore in college! I have been doing Crossfit for 2 Years and I really wanna get a little more slimmer/lose my slight belly. What would u recommend food wise for me?
Thanks in advance! Can’t wait for the cookbook!
Craig
paleo!! just stay away from the paleo sweets and baked goods and try to stick with clean and lean meats with healthy fats and lots of veggies!
You’re the best Juli!! Anytime someone asks about Paleo, I always point them to your blog. You are transforming how people view healthy eating!!! GREAT STUFF!!! Can’t wait for the cookbook.
thank you so so much Jana!
Hi, will your book be available in the UK? I’m hoping the answer is yes…….
i’m almost positive it will be!! i’ll keep you updated!
Not only do I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEE your blog but I love how down to earth & honest you are. Your random rants literally crack me up. Thanks for putting a little spice to my healthy eating lifestyle. Your blog is the best! Good luck with the cookbook..i can’t wait to buy it!
Stumbling on to your wonderful website is what the Internet so cool! Thanks for existing. ;)
The internet is so great. Having total strangers helping each other make positive changes in their lives makes Juli’s blog even more fantastic.
Juli
I am very interested in the Paleo diet but admit, haven’t tried doing it yet. I eat pretty clean but haven’t taken that last step. My question and I apologize if I missed it. What is the name of our cookbook and when is it due out? Would love to put it on my Xmas list.
no worries!! the name is yet to be decided and it will be published in April. We plan on doing preorders come december!
I love your site! My husband and I are both weaning out the trash and moving towards Paleo.
BTW, raw honey or non raw honey :) Buy local! My parents keep bees, and if you buy your honey in bulk from costco type places it comes from places where either the bees are getting their pollen from GMO type plants. No bueno!
When I first read the last question in your sesh, I thought it said “would you marry a virgin?” Except it said vegan. Heh.
I wouldn’t marry a vegan either.
Now that I have recovered from last nights video, btw I cant even remember what the hell you were cooking but my abs hate me for watching it, brought tears to my eyes. Next video can you please break out to “Bands a make her dance”? clean or dirty version your choice. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE “dance a make me laugh”!!!-H
Just found you today! Went to Crossfit for the first time yesterday and my trainer recommended your blog…..
I’ve eaten “clean” before, but Paleo is different and I’m hoping to be able to adapt.
Did I mention that everything HURTS after Crossfit yesterday? Holy sh*t!!! My teenage boys asked me why i was walking downstairs backwards this morning! And you know that feeling when you fall onto the toilet cuz you can’t make it those last six inches….
ya- thats me today!
Is your cookbook going to be available as an eBook?
yes it will be!
YAY!