I planned to be back downtown early so I could hear Sarah Fragoso, author of Everyday Paleo, speak at Paleo F(X). I wasn’t as familiar with her work as I was with some other authors, but I’d heard she was an excellent presenter—and she exceeded every expectation.
Her talk, “How to Undo the Paleo Diet,” was exactly what I needed. Fragoso challenged the rigid “diet” mindset and reminded us that Paleo is a lifestyle and a way of thinking, not a temporary eating plan. She urged listeners to stop obsessing over whether every bite is “Paleo” and to embrace a broader, sustainable approach that goes beyond food rules. Her practical, grounded delivery made me want to go home, plant a garden, raise chickens, and fully embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle. She’s approachable and real, and her weekly podcast with Jason Seib is now on my subscription list.
After that session I caught Diane Sanfilippo from Balanced Bites, author of The 21-Day Sugar Detox. Her talk focused on when and how to reintroduce non-Paleo foods thoughtfully. She discussed full-fat grass-fed dairy, white potatoes, and certain nightshades for people following an autoimmune protocol. One memorable point: overindulging in white starchy carbs, like too many white potatoes, can contribute to stubborn back-of-the-bra fat for some people—something I plan to test in my own nutrition routine.
I also attended a panel on disordered eating and heard Amy Kubal speak. Her presentation was raw and emotional, and it felt like one of those talks you had to witness in person to fully appreciate.
The Expo floor was a highlight. I picked up a bag full of samples and discovered kombucha that didn’t taste like vinegar—Kosmic Kombucha was surprisingly pleasant and I brought home a few bottles. I tried a new bar approved by Whole30, which meant no added or hidden sugars. One booth I loved was Barefoot Provisions; they handed out lots of samples, and I found a cookie that actually tasted good—perfect for refueling after a long trail run.
I finally met the Primal Pacs team and grabbed some jerky and fruit packs for upcoming climbs in Colorado. Their samples were flavorful and convenient for outdoor adventures. I also sampled Bulletproof coffee—coffee blended with butter. It was surprisingly smooth, sustained my energy, and felt like a good alternative to an afternoon soda when I needed a pick-me-up.
Lunch at the event was excellent. I enjoyed every bite and took in the lively scenes around me as people connected over food, fitness, and lifestyle choices.
The conference offered a mix of practical nutrition guidance, inspiring speakers, and quality products that fit a Paleo or Whole30 lifestyle. From thoughtful reintroduction strategies to new snack options and beverage discoveries, Paleo F(X) delivered useful takeaways for anyone interested in sustainable, real-food living.
There’s much more I could share about Paleo F(X)—workshops, conversations, and small discoveries—but I’m out of time. With the growing season starting and plenty of outdoor workouts on the calendar, I now have plenty to experiment with and talk about. I left my Paleo heart in Austin, and I’ll be back next year.