How to make Whole30 work for you: an interview with @Snackhappy

 Whole30 is currently a very popular food lifestyle with a focus on eliminating foods like sugar, grains, dairy, certain oils, alcohol and legumes that can be hard for our bodies to tolerate causing inflammation and imbalances of the gut, hormones and mood while including foods that promote wellness and reduce this inflammation and imbalance.  People who have done Whole30 report increased energy, happiness, weight loss and a healthier relationship with food and decreased issues associated with fertility and leaky gut including inflammatory diseases and food allergies/intolerances, to name a few. 
 
Sounds amazing, right!? The only problem is it's a whole 30 days of change which can be very intimidating to even consider let alone hard in practice...oh, and it's 30 days without alcohol.  So how do people do it? Below is an interview with three-time Whole 30'er Snackhappy who's informative and delicious Instagram feed and charming and upbeat personality are super motivating.  Julia shares tips and lessons that make Whole30 look very doable and even alluring.  Whether you're considering Whole30 or just looking to change the way you eat for the better, the below interview will leave you intrigued and inspired!

What really inspires you to do whole30? 
I was inspired to try my first whole30 three years ago when I was just getting into cooking and eating with a paleo template. I had never tried eliminating foods for extended periods of time and I was curious to see if I had any food intolerance. After completing the first one and going through the reintroduction phase I found that I didn't have any intolerance per se but I did notice a huge shift in my energy. I was sleeping better and my skin was brighter and clearer. I've continued to use January as my reset month because December has a way of becoming all about too many treats and more alcohol than normal. I also have done the past two rounds because I had friends and family members who wanted to try it but also needed the support. Doing the month along with them gave me some purpose outside of myself to cheer others on in solidarity. 

What changes do you notice in your health/energy/skin/mood etc?
The number one thing I always gain is more sustained energy. The first thing I noticed was how I wasn't reaching for an afternoon pick me up in the form of caffeine. I wasn't drowsy an hour after eating which was the first thing I encountered when I brought back grains in the form of tacos :). The energy also translated into waking up in the morning easily, with a clear head and feeling well rested. I haven't struggled with skin issues but I do notice that my skin is just brighter all around. But honestly the best take away is a healthier relationship with food. It is a time to focus on your health and well being, slay sugar cravings and be extra intentional about what and why you are eating. It's easy to let things go and either eat when you are not hungry or turn to sugar or alcohol when stressed. I use the month to give as much good as I can to myself. 

What do you snack on during Whole 30?
So I have to say I snack way less than I used to which is funny since I go by the name"snackhappy". The program itself doesn't encourage snacking but really focuses on eating enough for three meals. That said, if you are super active and have a moderate exercise routine I would add a snack pre and maybe even post work out. Epic & RX Bars are my favorite on the go snacks to have on hand and my daughter loves Lara Bars. If I need a snack, half an avocado with some compliant hot sauce really does it for me. A big spoonful of coconut butter is also a favorite. The thing both of these foods have in common is fat. This is my number one tip because I was not eating enough fat the first go around and I was often hungry because of it. When you switch to a naturally lower carb way of eating, upping your protein alone will not help. You have to retrain your body from being a sugar burner to a fat burner for energy. I think adding healthy fats is what makes all the difference. Every meals needs to include fat (and more than just a drizzle on your salad greens): mayo, avocado, coconut oil, duck fat, olive oil, ghee, olives, sardines, smoked salmon and bone broth are all forms of healthy fat that will keep you fuller longer if added to every meal in some form. I eat an earlier dinner than most, usually around 5:30. The most tempting time to snack for me would be after dinner when sugar cravings usually pop up. I found that having a variety of herbal teas helped keep me on track. I also enjoyed drinking some kombucha in a wine glass to make me feel like I was enjoying a fun cocktail. 
Any favorite resources/cookbooks etc. and any musts before you get started? 
By far reading It Starts With Food. This book is essential and I really can't stress it enough. I would also follow @whole30 @whole30recipes and @melissa_hartwig on Instagram while on the program. All three of these pages will give tips, recipes and encouragement. It really helps to know you are not alone and the whole30 community is really a supportive place. Speaking of support I would also find at least one friend to do the month along with you. Last year I had both my parents and one friend locally, We shared recipes, texted over cravings (like when you are missing the chocolate and wine!) and shared meals together. This year I had five friends locally who wanted to do it so we also planned two dinner party style meals and went all out which made it so fun! 
My other favorite blog resources are Nom Nom Paleo, Against All Grain & The Domestic Man. I love cooking through cookbooks but if you don't want to make the commitment they all have lots of free whole30 recipes on their sites. The other thing that can help is having compliant products to stock your fridge and pantry with...follow @whole30approved for a complete list. Primal Kitchens Mayo and Salad Dressings make meals faster. Pre cut cauliflower rice is such a great time saver and you can find the fresh and frozen variety at TJ's and Whole Foods. 

What about your daughter?  Any favorite Whole 30 complaint kid friendly meals and snacks
So my daughter used to eat everything under the sun but since turning two in September she turned super picky and especially when it comes to animal protein. The foods that do work for her are sweet potato fries, avocado, cucumber, carrots, sweet peppers, peas,cauliflower rice sometimes broccoli. I always serve these with ghee or a compliant mayo as a dip. She also loves the whole30 ranch that I make from Against All Grain (on her blog). She will also eat olives, eggs either scrambled or hard boiled and plantain chips and apples and bananas with almond butter. I buy the organic hard boiled eggs from Costco which have been a life saver and the roasted plantain chips from Trader Joe's. She also eats full fat dairy so I give her grassfed full fat plain yogurt and cheese. The other thing we can both eat is chia pudding which is nice for breakfast when you don't want eggs. (I have a recipe on my site.) 
Top 3 Whole30 meals?
I love breakfast and rarely tire of eggs and a good sweet potato hash, add some compliant bacon and I'm in heaven. 
Mexican Ground Beef or Bison Lettuce wrap Tacos with guacamole and Roasted Whole Chicken with vegetables like butternut squash with a chimichurri sauce. Make more than you need so that you can have leftovers for lunch! I know this is four but Cauliflower Rice bowls with Shrimp and whatever veggies you have on hand is also a favorite. 

Any Chicago restaurants and dishes you would suggest for Whole30?
Eating out on Whole30 is really hard and I didn't do it but I understand that's not possible for everyone.  I know you can order a pretty compliant meal from Chipotle: a salad with protein and bring along or ask for olive oil and balsamic.  Anywhere else you will need to ask the server how the food is cooked because many restaurants use vegetable oil and or butter to cook.  Kitchfix is a great local resource and they do provide Wbole30 menu items.  Sweet Green would also be an easy place to order from.  


Any super easy (if not so Instagram worthy) meals that were go-to's? 

Tuna Salad isn't pretty but if I dont have leftovers for lunch this is an easy go-to served with plantain chips or over salad greens. Deviled eggs or lazy devils which is basically cutting a hard boiled eggs in half and topping it with mayo and toppings like some good kimchi. I also enjoy canned sardines with beets (buy them already cooked) and avocado. And then a mixed plate of cut veggies, ranch dressing, olives, prosciutto or smoked salmon. I call this "no cook whole30 plate". 
What does it feel like to go back on your normal diet and what is that typically?

I have been eating mostly gluten free 95% for the past three years. The 5% makes up those times when I'm out and choose to indulge in some really great pizza, bread or baked treat but this is really rare because I feel better when I stay away from gluten. I can tolerate dairy in moderation. I don't eat it daily but I enjoy some cheese and full fat yogurt a couple times a week and some Jeni's Ice Cream occasionally. 


Its been two weeks since completing whole30 and I have added in some rice and corn tortillas but I notice that it does zap my energy so I'm not having it often and especially trying to save it for dinner so I'm not tired in the afternoon. My typical day starts with a Bulletproof coffee. I use Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil, Ghee, MacaCollagen Peptides. Since starting this back in the fall I find that I don't get hungry until lunch time. The days where I am hungry before lunch I will have two eggs, greens and kimchi or sauerkraut. Lunch is usually leftovers or tuna fish over greens and then dinner is different Monday-Friday and I leave my weekends open to eat leftovers or go out. 


Thank you, Snackhappy!!  I'm excited to share this interview with Green & Plenty readers and even more excited to see what you're making next!

Gut health, health and happiness

Gut health and leaky gut in particular are hot topics.  There's a lot of research coming out that the health of our gut and balance of our gut bacteria is linked to everything from anxiety and depression, ADHD, allergies and inflammatory diseases to autoimmune diseases.  I'm focusing a lot lately on improving our gut health as a possible way to alleviate some of our health concerns.  I've figured out through trial and error that some foods don't agree with me and make me anxious, tired, irritable etc. As a dietitian and mother of 3 boys, one with anaphylactic food allergies and the other 2 with suspected food intolerances that affect their behavior, I have to consider what the food we eat does to us.
Leaky gut is a condition of increased permeability of the intestinal wall that allows toxins and other chemicals from our food into the blood that aren't supposed to leave the gut.  The resulting inflammation, imbalance of bacteria and malabsorption of nutrients in addition to these toxins getting into our blood and brains is a viscous cycle and can be related to so many mental issues and physical diseases.


I wanted to share the information and the remedies we're using to help control what we can.   We're certainly NOT perfect, but I'm really trying to make a significant and lasting change that will improve our quality of life, gut health and relationship with food.  The below suggestions are meant to work together.  And while I am a registered dietitian/integrative nutritionist, I'm not much of a science "writer" so I'll leave links throughout this post.  I hope this information might help you in some way, big or small.

Here are the signs that you may have a leaky gut:

Food intolerances
Food allergies
Mood disorders
Anxiety/depression
ADHD
Inflammatory conditions
Autoimmune disorders
GI disturbances
Fertility issues
Skin conditions
Inability to lose weight

And the possible causes of your leaky gut: 

*Poor diet: i.e. too much sugar, too many grains, overuse of vegetable oils (corn, soy, canola, sunflower etc. and not enough omega-3) and excessive processed foods
*Food allergies or intolerances
*Stress
*Antibiotic use (current, recent or past)
*Over use of NSAIDS (advil, Aleve, etc)
*Over use of alcohol
*Low fermentable fiber diet

And here are my suggestions for how to heal a leaky gut:

1.  Identify the problem and eliminate it:
Consider your lifestyle and history.  If any of the above conditions and causes apply to you, it's likely you'll benefit from making a few changes, eliminating the offending cause and adding some remedies to your life that will benefit your gut and overall wellness.  For my kids, I know that diary causes issues with behavior and too much sugar doesn't benefit anyone so I try to cut those things out or at least minimize them.

2.  Evaluate and adjust your diet accordingly:  No matter what the cause of your leaky gut, I would suggest really looking at your diet.  Even our "healthy" diets sometimes aren't so much anymore especially if you have leaky gut.  One of the things that might surprise us is that even the "organic" snacks we're feeding our families are made with vegetable oils that aren't so bad in small, occasional doses,  but they've become so ubiquitous in our diets and are replacing other healthier, anti-inflammatory fats and oils like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, butter and even lard.  Vegetable oils are produced through a lot of chemical processing, aren't innate to our diets and are generally PRO inflammatory causing our gut lining to be stressed and leak.  The same goes with too much processed foods which generally contain plenty of sugar and vegetable oils.  Grains can be hard on the gut (and especially a leaky gut) as components of the grains that are meant to stay in the gut can get into the blood stream where they cause an autoimmune and thus inflammatory response.  If  you're interested in really overhauling your diet to eliminate some of the conditions listed above, I would suggest looking into specific diets that eliminate the offending foods and focus on healing the gut and your symptoms.  Here are a few suggestions for diets to consider:

The GAPS diet,
The Autoimmune Protocol 
Whole 30
 If you're scared of these "rules" (and I don't blame you), I would suggest starting slowly which is what we're working on.  I'm doing all I can to cut out most grains (specifically wheat), vegetable oils and refined sugars from out diets and upping our intake of bone broth, collagen, gelatin, probiotics and prebiotics.  It's really just a clean up at home for now as things were getting a little out of control.  My two older sons go to school and birthday parties and I can't control what they eat all the time but I can control what I bring into our house. Check out Green and Plenty on Instagram for more recipe and snack ideas.



3.  Add gelatin/collagen/bone broth to your diet: 
The amino acids in gelatin and collagen, in particular glycine and proline, are helpful in healing the gut wall (and also great for the skin, hair and nails).   Bone broth is the most nutrient dense source of gelatin as it also contains a variety of nutrients.  Here's how to make your own bone broth and more on the many benefits. You can make any soup, chili or casserole that calls for stock or broth with bone broth too.  PS, add a little vitamin C in the form of lemon juice to your broth to maximize the skin benefits. 

Collagen and Gelatin are available in powder form and are essentially the same thing with different chemical structures.  Collagen powder is tasteless and easily dissolves in hot or cold while gelatin powder is used to make things that gel.

HOW WE ADD GELATIN/COLLAGEN/BONE BROTH TO OUR DIET:
*Bone broth daily (even just a tablespoon or two for the kids if they aren't into a whole bowl).  I try to drink at least 8oz once or twice a day.  If you don't make your own, Bonafide Provisions broth is great and has lots of gelatin as evidenced by the jiggle.

*Collagen powder (I like Vital Proteins) daily or every other day.  I add 1/2 scoop to the boys morning smoothie.  My instagram feed features great kid-friendly smoothie and snack recipes you can easily add this powder to without them knowing.  Collagen will work in any smoothie or coffee etc.  Start with 1/4 scoop and work up.

*Gelatin powder is used to make jello like products.  I make these gelatin rich gummies once a week and they boys really like them.

4.  Add high quality probiotics: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir and kimchi are easy to find at most grocery stores and are important for adding live beneficial bacteria (probiotics) to your daily diet.  It's also important to add a probiotic supplement if you have a leaky gut as it helps to repair your gut lining and is essential to restoring the right balance of bacteria in your gut.  Probiotics help with leaky gut as well as everything from improving digestion and mental health to reducing your risk of developing many chronic diseases.  You can read more in these links about what bacteria do for our guts and our health (specifically mental health).

HOW WE ADD PROBIOTICS TO OUR DIET:
Probiotic rich foods daily: Kombucha with snacks, sauerkraut with just about anything (for me, but not so much the kids), Bubbies pickles in lunches or pickle juice to drink every few days.  I'm also anxious to try the Farmhouse Culture gut shots and swear I'll eventually start making my own kombucha to save $$$$...

Probiotic Supplements daily:  There are so many probiotics on the market and it's hard to know which is right for you as everyone and every bottle is different.  I've done a lot of research and have settled (for now) on Prescript Assist probiotics.  These are soil based probiotics (found naturally in soil...see #6 below).  I take 1 Prescript Assist capsule before bed and add the contents of1/2 capsule into the morning smoothie that I split between the 3 boys.  I also give Leo, the allergy baby, Garden of Life Raw probiotics occasionally as probiotic diversity is thought to be best.

5. Add prebiotics: Compounds found in certain types of fibrous foods that can't be broken down by our guts are actually the food for good bacteria and allow them to grow and colonize the large intestine.  Some prebiotic rich foods are onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, avocados, sweet potatoes, dandelion greens, under-ripe bananas, plantains and jicama are all good sources of prebiotics that are easy to work into our diets.


6. Get dirty: Most of us don't really garden anymore, but there are actually beneficial bacteria in the soil that could really help repair and restore our gut health.  Some of that dirt on your apple could benefit your health and that of your gut so at the very least, try shopping at your local farmer's market.  It's also important to stop using antibacterial gels, soaps and cleaning products all day everyday.  Some germs truly aren't so bad.

7.  Add vitamin D:  So many of us aren't getting enough vitamin D.  This vitamin, actually technically a hormone, is needed by the cells that repair the holes in the gut lining.  Research by Dr. Steven Gundry shows that patients with autoimmune diseases who aren't getting any better while practicing the above treatments all have very low levels of Vitamin D.  This article is a great read about how and why to get more vitamin D.

gut healing blueberry gelatin gummies

Gut health is a hot topic with leaky gut being linked to everything from severe autoimmune diseases to food allergies and even anxiety and depression.  As a mother of a child with severe food allergies and one with a suspected dairy intolerance that affects his behavior, I'm focusing on healing and strengthening our guts to help alleviate some of these issues.
 The amino acids in gelatin, glycine and proline, are particularly beneficial for healing the gut and also do wonders for hair, skin, nails and the immune system.  Homemade bone broth is a great way to get gelatin into our diets (I also really like Bonafide Provisions grass fed/pasture raised broths available in the freezer section at my Whole Foods), but my kids don't always want to eat broth or soup so alternative methods of delivery are required.  These gelatin gummies have been a huge hit and they're just fun!  The flavor possibilities are endless but I particularly like this blueberry lemon recipe as it uses real fruit, not juice and the boys love them.  
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup water
zest of 1 lemon
4 Tbsp honey
1/4 cup grass fed beef gelatin
 Combine the blueberries, lemon juice, water and zest in a blender until combined.  Pour the mixture into a sauce pan and add the honey, then the gelatin stirring with a whisk while heating the mixture on low for 5-10 minutes until everything is combined and is a thin liquid consistency.  Pour the mixture into molds (I use these silicone lego molds) or a glass baking dish and refrigerate for 30 min to 1 hour.  Cut into pieces/remove from the molds and enjoy!

New Fall Outerwear: Coat Check Chicago

Fall fashion is one of the few things that gets me excited about cold weather.  And living in Chicago, outerwear is an especially important part of one's wardrobe.  A great coat or jacket is often the only thing you need to look and feel put together regardless of what you're wearing underneath.  This is why I'm especially excited to introduce you to Coat Check, a Chicago designed and manufactured line of beautiful women's outerwear using quality fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices.



Coat Check was started in 2016 by instructor of Fashion Design at Columbia College, Parson's graduate and Chicago resident Liz Williams.  After a favorite coat she had purchased needed to be replaced but she couldn't find anything similar that she loved in her price point, Liz designed and made her own.  The start of Coat Check was finally inspired by a dream to have her own line, her students, and a woman who checked and admired Liz's handmade coat at a restaurant in Chicago leaving a note in the pocket saying she was an interested buyer.

All Coat Check garments are made in Chicago and have been designed with longevity in mind using time tested tailoring techniques and ethical manufacturing practices.  The new movement in fashion calls for quality not quantity and as a huge "style uniform" believer, I love the idea of pieces that will be in rotation for many Chicago falls and winters to come.  A well designed coat that will last elevates your wardrobe, makes you feel put-together and confident each time you put it on and just makes life simpler...especially when you live in Chicago.



I'm so excited for Liz and the promise that fall brings for her and her new line.  I'm also super inspired by her courage to just go for it!  So many of us have ideas and dreams, but it's the execution that's the hard part.  When I asked her about starting her own line/business and all the logistics and details that go into that, she said she read a lot of books which left her more frightened than prepared.  It was her sister who gave her the advice to "take one day at a time and get everything you need to get done that day so you can get what you need done the next day."  She said she's literally operating on a day to day basis which keeps her from getting too scared about what's coming next month or next year.

Below is a little Q&A with Liz that I found very inspirational and honest both as a mother and aspiring entrepreneur.  

What has been your favorite part of starting/having your own line?
My favorite aspect is definitely the creative one.  I really enjoy immersing myself in the process of design through sketching, draping, and pattern-making.  The collection went through a lengthy process of proto-typing and re-work.  I'm rarely happy with the first product and enjoy seeing the pieces evolve through a series of improvements to the original design.

And the most challenging?
The most challenging aspect has been to find the right work/ life balance.  I have a part-time teaching job in the Fashion Department at Columbia College Chicago, I'm married, I'm raising two kids, and I have many strong friendships.  All of these aspects of my life require time, devotion, and attention.  It's really easy to pour myself into something but then I find the other areas start to suffer.  UnfortunatelyI think this is a problem that most modern women struggle with.  However, I think it's important that we still find time to care for ourselves... exercise, eat right, take care of own health, and simultaneously foster our own dreams and ambitions.   

Where do you find inspiration?
For Fall 2016 I was looking at a lot of vintage fashion photography, particularly that of Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga.  I'm also inspired by interior spaces.  I love the current trends toward mid-century modern interiors that offer a clean color palette.   For next season I'm looking at the 1940's silhouette's and hunting jackets.  I'm trying to bring in more color and jackets that function in multiple ways.

Has manufacturing ethically been a challenge and do you see more ethical practices catching on and taking off?
Manufacturing in the US is not dead.  It is hard to find, but possible.  It concerns me greatly that we are shipping so many of our skills overseas.  My own department at Columbia College is starting to cut back on sewing classes since so much of that work is done in other countries.  It think it's huge mistake given the fact that garment construction is still done almost entirely by people, it' not automated or robotic.  I've noticed a lot of start-ups embracing US manufacturing.  And yes - I hope it takes off!
Liz and I also discussed how she went about marketing her coats and turned out to be a little luck and a lot of trial.  She was introduced to some editors at CS and NS magazines who ran pieces on her line which really helped.  She's also reached out to many Chicago boutiques to run trunk shows which helped her get her name out there, sell coats and some of the boutiques ended up placing orders.  Finally Liz suggested trying the markets for creatives like Dose and Renegade Craft Fair.  Even if you don't sell a ton, the exposure and people you meet are worth it.

Congrats, Liz!!
You can visit Liz and try on her designs at one of her Chicago area trunk shows and events including Felt Chicago in Logan Square on October 8th.   For more on what Liz is up to and what inspires her, follow her on Instagram at Coat Check Chicago.

parsley juice: recipe and health benefits


With unique health benefits including cancer fighting compounds, parsley juice just might be the next green juice hit.  While it's been a popular addition to juices containing mostly kale, celery, spinach etc, it actually makes a great star ingredient as it contains potent antioxidants and is a good source of vitamins C, A, Folate, K and Iron.  But possibly most intriguing is the action of the volatile oils contained in parsley leaves that have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies.  For this reason, parsley is known as a "chemoprotective food" as it neutralizes particular types of carcinogens, especially those found in cigarette smoke and those formed from grilling food.


Additionally parsley is easy to grow on your own (coming back year after year if properly maintained), relatively inexpensive to buy (a little bit goes a long way), and the italian flat leaf variety has an earthy taste that I find less bitter than kale but with equally beneficial health benefits.  FYI, parsley juice shouldn't be consumed while pregnant as it's a potent diuretic that some believe can induce labor.

Parsley Juice Recipe
makes 3 one cup servings:

2 cups packed flat leaf parsley (not as bitter as the curly variety)
1/2 large cucumber peeled
juice of 2 lemons
1 cup water
a few ice cubes
Blend (I use the Nutribullet) and enjoy!

affordable modern leather side chairs


I have a love for tan leather chairs and the fresh warmth they bring to an interior.  These sculptural leather side chairs will add a modern finishing touch to your interior without breaking the bank.  Here are 4 of my favorites...







hyaluronic acid rich foods and skin benefits

Hyaluronic acid, found abundantly in young skin,  supports skin cell renewal, builds collagen and allows skin to attract and retain water.  As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid decrease causing our skin to lose elasticity, wrinkle and sag.  But there are certain foods that can help your body maintain and even replenish it's levels of hyaluronic acid (HA).  Recently, Olivia Munn posted her beauty secrets, including the hylarunic acid/skin/diet connection.  She claims her high HA diet has helped her skin look younger.  Since she looks AMAZING, I'll have what she's having!


Here's a few foods to add to your diet to help prevent and even reverse the evidence that we're not quite 26 anymore...

Bone broth:
When the bones, cartilage and ligaments of chicken, beef and other meats are slow cooked in water, the hyaluronic acid (and other valuable nutrients) is released.  Here's a link to making your own bone broth.  You can also buy bone broth and Kitchfix in Chicago makes great beef and chicken broths.  Organ meats are also high in HA.  Be careful to choose organic when eating organ meats as toxins can be found in the organs of non-organically raised animals.

Grapefruit:
Grapefruit is particularly high in naringenin, a natural compound that prohibits the effect of the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the body.  Tomatoes and oranges are also high in naringenin.

Root vegetables and other magnesium rich foods:
The villagers of Yuzurihara, a small town 2 hours north of Tokyo eat a diet high in root vegetables and researches believe it may be the hyaluronic acid stimulating magnesium that's keeping them looking and feeling great well into their 90's (despite much of the population being lifetime smokers). Magnesium is needed to stimulate the synthesis of HA in the body.  Since many of us are deficient in Magnesium due to poor diets and poor quality soil, I would suggest Magnesium salt baths in addition to eating plenty of foods high in Magnesium (like sweet potatoes, green veggies, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans etc.).

Just some food for thought...

organic, healthy and gluten free meal delivery in Chicago

Busy schedules, picky eaters, dietary restrictions and good old-fashioned exhaustion shouldn't keep you from eating nourishing, real food.  These three Chicago food delivery services are bringing affordable meal delivery to you without a major commitment, but still with plenty of taste and real ingredients.  All of the ingredients used are listed making these ideal for anyone who's paleo, gluten-free or with any other allergies or food intolerances.  See, pizza isn't your only option...

Sprig
Sprig delivers lunch and dinner (two of today's lunch options pictured below) and the prices are very reasonable!  There are veg, gluten and dairy free options as well as add-ons from juice companies and even desserts available.  The food is great and super convenient.  We've even had it delivered to the park for an impromptu picnic!

Follow Sprig on Instagram and download the Sprig app for even more temptation...

Radish
Radish gives you 7 different options to choose from each night (dinner delivery starts at 5) and each is more of a side-serving size (and price).  I like this because we can satisfy different taste buds.  The food is delivered in about 20 minutes and the app is super easy to use.  Check out Radish on Instagram for more.


Kitchfix
After enjoying our second breakfast at Kitchfix this morning (the cashew yogurt and grass-fed beef bone broth), I can say it's delicious and inspiring!  I tried a few things but wanted it all!  Everything is gluten, dairy, corn and soy free making it great for paleo and allergy diets.  The veg options looked amazing too!  They also use local produce and grass fed and pasture raised animal protein.  You can stop into Kitchfix and pick up their pre-made items or have them delivered but for delivery, you have to order at least 1 day in advance.  Kitchfix on Instagram will inspire!

 This paleo (almond crust) pizza looks amazing!!


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