Oh HEY. Brand-spanking-new series time!! I don’t know about you guys, but I looooove when people share this kind of stuff, and trying out fun new things! Inspired by my friend Anya, each month (or two) I’m going to be sharing with you guys my absolute FAVORITE things I did, read, ate (duh), experienced, and LOVED, plus some awesome, exclusive discount codes and promotions, just for you! Because you guys are the freaking best, and I want to share with you! Sound good? Cool! Let’s go with my Summer Favorites!
But first, food! Obviously.
Farmhouse Culture Gut Shot: I’ve FINALLY been able to find these on the east coast in my Mom’s Organic Market, and I nearly had a total freakout in the store when I did. I first tried the Gut Shot at Expo East this year, and it was my favorite new product of the entire expo! Good gut bugs for the day? check. Apparently, the Germans drink sauerkraut juice to help with hangovers…just sayin’. Labor day weekend is coming up, haha!
Rootz Nutrition Paleo Pre-Workout and Protein Superfoods: I’m always hesitant to try out pre and post-workout supplements like protein and preworkout, because they usually contain all kinds of junky ingredients…and whey. Do you know how hard it is to find a well-sourced, real food, dairy-free protein that actually tastes good? Well, up until this point, I thought it was dang near impossible. Both the Rootz post-workout protein and preworkout are freaking delicious (probably the best tasting I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried a lot of proteins!), and made from only whole foods. Chocolate Banana Nut Protein? Get me on that. The protein blend of egg whites, sacha inchi protein, and hemp protein PLUS an electrolyte blend, green detox blend, and a superfood blend? Uhh…YES. Use the code “realfoodwithdana” for 10% off your order!
Chameleon Cold Brew Caramel: This has been my lifeblood this summer. You just try getting up to swim coach every morning without some strong coffee in hand, and then come talk to me. Plus, no need to make my own iced coffee in the morning anymore, or drop a whole paycheck at Starbucks! Blend it in with some Rootz protein for a mocha banana smoothie? Ohhh, now you’re talking. I usually stock up at Target, but they also have it on Amazon!
LEAP smoothies: These whole food smoothie packs have been a lifesaver for me this summer, when I’ve been swimming up to my ears (literally, haha) in swim coaching, lessons, clients, and projects for you guys, with barely any time to cook anything, especially after workouts. I needed food, and I needed it fast. Not only are these made with whole fruits and vegetables with a boost of protein, there are no added junky ingredients like those weird “weight loss shakes” and programs you’ll see all over the place. Click this link for a free trial of 3 smoothie packs, and use the code “realfood” for 10% off plus FREE shipping on your next order!
True Made Foods BBQ sauce: oh, the praises I could (and do!) sing of these sauces. All made with whole, real ingredients (vegetables in my BBQ sauce? What?!) that actually taste freaking fantastic. My favorite is the BBQ sauce, which I’ve put on everything from grilled salmon, to chicken thighs, to pulled pork, to dipping sweet potato fries in it. Ummm amazing. They also make a kicka** ketchup and a “Veracha” hot sauce too, which are bomb!
Paulman Acre Hot Sauces: Speaking of hot sauces, WOW. These babies are small-batch, hand-crafted, with only the best ingredients, and are so freaking versatile it’s insane. You’ve got hot sauces for southwestern dishes, italian dishes, thai dishes, you name it, they’ve got it. Just watch out for the “Don’t Pear the Reaper” sauce…a note from the owner: “It is VERY hot. If you don’t eat extreme heat, give it to your worst enemy and tell them it’s a peace offering, ha!”
For the athletes…
Compex Electronic Muscle Stimulator: I’ve been training a lot more in the past couple months, and between crossfit and barbell/lifting, my body is constantly sore. A good kind of sore, like I’m kicking my own butt and getting stronger, but still. This e-stim has been AMAZING in helping me recover faster and work on my sore muscles! Plus, I found it discounted on Amazon! If you want a less intense option, I have this one too.
WOD Welder Hand Cream: If you lift a lot, you know hand care is essential. And being in the pool all the time has made my hands so soft that they’ve ripped more times than I liked this summer…#strugglebus. This stuff has been amazing in helping me get back on the bar faster!
Who doesn’t like free things?
the Whole30 Restaurant Survival Guide: I know a lot of people are gearing up for a September Whole30, so if you didn’t know already, I have a free PDF of my best tips and tricks for dining out, Whole30-style! Just subscribe to the Real Food with Dana community newsletter and I’ll send you a copy fo free!
For the DMV locals…new restaurant finds!
Rise Gluten-Free Bakery DC: An entirely gluten-free bakery in DC? Heck to the YES. This cinnamon roll says it all. Treat. yo. self.
Modern Market Bethesda: FINALLY my restaurant love from Colorado is out in the DC area! I’ve casually been three times in the past week since it opened, it’s fine. Gluten-free options galore, and delicious to boot!
Other favorites…
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child: Um, you should know at this point that I can quote the Harry Potter movies (and books) like it’s my job. Enough said.
Cassy Joy’s Fed & Fit Book: My favorite new cookbook this month! Filled with amazing recipes and Cassy’s 4 pillars to your best health, plus fun workout ideas with Juli from PaleOMG! Check out my review and a recipe from the cookbook HERE.
Did you miss these recipes?
Maple Spiced Paleo Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries: Healthy, easy summer dessert? Check. Gut-healing boost of Vital Proteins gelatin? Check, check.
One-Pan Greek Shrimp & Summer Veggie Skillet: Bring on the one-pan, simple summer meals with huge flavor! When kitchen time falls by the wayside in favor of being in the sun, this is the perfect dinner to whip up for a fast, delicious dinner!
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Garlic Scape Pesto: Does bacon-wrapped anything really need an intro? Didn’t think so. Go try it!
Let me know what you think of this new series, and if you’d like to see more like this!
