Um, so I totally stole this recipe for my summer salad from one of my BFF’s blog. Oops. #sorrynotsorry because it was goood. See, Brittany Stockdale has really got it goin’ on with her blog, Paleo Simplicity. And I’m a fan.

Brit + I met in college (yeahhh Miami!), were sorority sis’s, + even became speechies together. She seriously is super great health inspiration (hello, gorgeous, below!), shares the best recipes, annnnd guess what? Although she’s a NYC girl for now, she’s Columbus born + bred! Yep, love her. 🙂

I had a few questions for Brit re: Paleo Simplicity, blogging, and Columbus:

What is paleo? In short, Paleo is a lifestyle designed to provide your body with the foods it needs to flourish and decrease chronic inflammation. The foods include, meat and seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fats (avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil to name a few), and herbs and spices. Paleo is not about counting calories or portions. Paleo is not a 30 day fad diet. It is not about starving yourself and it is not about eating bland and unappetizing foods.

Why paleo? After trying a lot of “fad” diets and even vegetarianism to stay “skinny,” (all of which left me unsatisfied and with a poor body image) I stumbled upon Paleo and thought, what the heck? Nine months later I am still living Paleo because it worked. I feel better than ever and I am loving the effects it has on my body and mental health more everyday!

Your go-to, food you eat everyday? Every morning I eat eggs, whether it be scrambled, over-easy, over-hard, over-medium, poached or somewhere in between. Eggs are my go to morning meal and I love them. A little hot sauce and boom I am satisfied. For lunch I eat chicken drumsticks seasoned with one of my favorite paleo products (FlavorGod – Amanda you don’t have to say that part) and my go-to dinner is definitely my Spicy Thai Basil Beef. Mike and I love it! I definitely eat it every week. When I am out, which seems to be more often than not, a big fat burger is my go-to! Can’t go wrong with a nice, juicy burger!

What was your inspiration for Paleo Simplicity? After eating Paleo and having success and generally feeling good I had a lot of people asking me about it. I just felt like I had too much to share and people seemed to want to know about it! A blog seemed like a great way to share recipes, thoughts, struggles, and tips. Two and half months later I can’t believe how much I still feel like I want to share, and the response from readers has been great.

Fave thing about blogging? My favorite thing about blogging…I would say personally it’s a new hobby for me! I always like to have goals and when I got the idea to start a blog I knew I had to reach that “goal” of actually doing it. Paleo Simplicity for me is a way to hold myself accountable to the lifestyle and I honestly feel good spreading the word! But I also love blogging because of the people I have been able to educate! It has REALLY surprised me the amount of people (some I don’t even know) that have reached out and thanked me. I can’t believe that I could actually inspire anyone to start living healthy but luckily this blog has and that is what I wanted! Even if I could just have a positive effect on a few people I would be happy!

Blogs you read / love? When I first started Paleo I was on the hunt for good Paleo blogs…here are the Paleo blogs I love: Paleo Paisan (who also is a Columbus girl, we went to high school together); , Fed and Fit, Paleo OMG and The Freckled Foodie. But the only blog I read everyday is girlaboutcolumbus.com!

What do you miss most about Columbus? Oh the list could go on forever! I miss the people and the way of life a lot! I was back recently and my husband and I got up early and were in the Short North. It was so peaceful yet bustling with happiness. There is a quaintness about Columbus yet you still feel how much the city is growing. I also love the Columbus Pride, I mean Buckeye Fans? You rock! Even if Columbus was not my home and the place I grew up, I think it has the perfect amount of “city” to make you feel like there are cool things going on, but also a good balance of relaxation.

Faves in Columbus? I love to shop at Easton, always nice to park the car and walk around. Get your exercise while you spend those dollar bills. One of my favorites for food is Martini in the Short North, I also love Aladdin’s and Schmidt’s! MMM! I have been away so long that I never have lived there as an adult so I know there are many more new and amazing restaurants that I am dying to try. As far as bars go I always like being in the Arena District (although I may be too old now) and some great bars in German Village as well!

*** Hop on over to Paleo Simplicity – you may see a familiar recipe from gac on there today (who knew my fave pancakes are paleo? 🙂