This Woman Is Here to Show You How Stupid Easy It Is to Go Paleo

Jan 06, 2015

CrossFit isn’t just for dudes, and author Stephanie Gaudreau is living proof. Author of the new book, The Performance Paleo Cookbook, a guide for athletes to support their bodies with proper nutrition, Steph is the kind of DIY queen we love. Not only is she kicking ass in her box (seriously, she deadlifts 320 lbs), but she also keeps the super popular website, blog and Instagram, Stupid Easy Paleo. We were super amped when Stephanie agreed to share her workout tips, advice for aspiring bloggers and words of encouragement for Paleo newbies.

Stereotypically, CrossFit classes are filled with enormous dudes who yell at you. What can you tell female readers who might be a little nervous to give it a shot, to entice them in?

CrossFit is by and large about community, and when someone is cheering you on to finish that last set of pull ups, I can see why it could be construed as enormous dudes yelling at you. At most gyms, you put on your headphones and want nobody to bother you, but at CrossFit, it’s about community. I’d definitely say to shop around and find a gym that you feel comfortable at. See if they have a class for beginners or an on-ramp program that’ll teach you all the fundamentals before you get thrown into a regular class. And of course, there’s always the buddy system. Going with a friend can make it far less intimidating.

One of my favorite things about CrossFit is the emphasis on getting strong, as opposed to getting thin. Can you tell us a little about the changes your body has gone through doing CrossFit?

When I started CrossFit in 2010, I was transitioning off a decade of racing bikes, running long distances and doing triathlons. I did a ton of cardio, but I was super weak. In fact, I couldn’t even jump onto a 16″ box when I first started CrossFit. A lot has changed since then, and I’ve increased my strength like crazy. With that, I’ve gained back the muscle I lost while I was doing endurance racing, which is a great thing. Increasing your muscle mass is an important factor in a healthy metabolism and supporting fat loss. Women lack the testosterone levels to get bulky — training by lifting low rep, heavy weights will not make you get huge.

Obviously diet plays a big part in those changes, and you eat to perform — what’s it like eating with friends, with such a strict regimen happening?

The thing is, we have an average of 21 meals a week to make really great choices. If I’m out with friends at a restaurant, I usually make a few easy swaps (like switching a burger bun for a lettuce wrap), but I don’t sweat the small stuff. I cook most of my meals at home and have a lot of control over making healthy choices. If it’s a special occasion, I tend to have something that’s not on plan, but I know I’ll get back to normal once I get home. It works out well.

Your photography is bonkers good, and all your food looks delicious. What is your favorite recipe in The Performance Paleo Cookbook?

That’s SOOO hard to choose just one! My favorite is probably the Tender Asian-Marinated Flank Steak because the flavor is just SO good. The Cherry Cashew Protein Bars come in as a close second because people have been asking me for a dairy-free, egg-free protein bar for a while. Wish granted.

For those who are just starting out their own food blog, are there any tips or pointers you could offer?

Good question. You know, the secret is to take your time and develop your own style. Experiment, make mistakes and learn from them while you’re small and not as many people will notice. Nowadays, it’s so easy to start a blog, but I see people wanting to get big overnight. The truth is that it takes time to figure things out and have the staying power to last. Post consistently, truly come from a place of wanting to help people and provide amazing, free content to start.

For those just starting to go Paleo, perhaps as a New Year’s Resolution, what tips could you offer on staying consistent with it?

As far as staying consistent, it takes a shift in mindset. Instead of approaching Paleo as, “Wow, look at all my favorite foods that I have to give up. This sucks,” think of it as, “I’m going to nourish my body from the inside out with all these amazing, nutritious foods.” If you change your mindset and your habits, you can do anything long term.

I love this post you did about the goals for being Paleo and what it means. If you were going to give a super brief pitch for someone on the fence about going Paleo and starting CrossFit, what would it be?

You owe it to yourself to find out how good you can really feel and how strong you can really be. What do you really have to lose?

Want to know more? See if you live in one of the lucky cities Steph will be visiting on her book tour, or check out her site for more info on her book and how to order it.

20 Easy No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts To Give Your Oven A Break

Whether your kitchen is equipped with a teeny 18-inch range or magnificent double ovens (can we come over???), somehow it always seems to be operating at capacity come the holidays. While some things are non-negotiable when it comes to getting a bit of heat, dessert doesn't have to be one of them. This collection of 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts will save the day, allowing you to serve up something sweet without breaking a sweat. That way, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. From tasty cakes to pretty pies, you'll love all the no-bake options available to choose from.

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate lovers won't be able to get enough of this delicious ice cream cake. It balances salty and sweet *perfectly* and on top of the fact that it tastes great, it looks just as amazing. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Oreo Turkey Pops

This is a great easy Thanksgiving dessert to get your guests involved in. Simply set up an activity station to kick off the festivities, and by the end of the night, their Oreo turkeys will be ready to shake their tail feathers. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Ice Cream Tart with Speculoos Crust

We totally recommend that you keep a few of these tarts in your freezer at all times. Simply pop them out of their molds and top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle of pecans as needed. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse

Ease your day-of Thanksgiving dessert prep with this delish prepared-ahead mousse. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

The contrasting textures offered by a chewy coconut crust, silky pumpkin filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make for one decadent pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Diethood

Pumpkin Mousse Ice Box Cake

It’s almost hard to believe that this gorgeous layered creation requires no baking at all. (via Diethood)

The Real Food Dietitians

4-Ingredient Scotcheroo Bites

The only thing you'll need to fire up for this easy Thanksgiving dessert is your stovetop, to make the melty chocolate topping. Otherwise, this recipe is super painless and oh-so tasty. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Shared Appetite

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle

You'll need to pull out your skillet for this (mostly no-bake) easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Trust that the sautéed cinnamon-sugar apples that result will be totally worth it. (via Shared Appetite)

Slim Pickin's Kitchen

Bailey's & Coffee No-Bake Pots de Crème

With only five ingredients, these spiked custard cups can be thrown together in a jiffy. (via Slim Pickin's Kitchen)

White on Rice Couple

Fluffy Cranberry Pie

The pretty pink hue of this pie is bound to elicit a few oohs and aahs from Thanksgiving party-goers. Thankfully, the flavor lives up to the hype! (via White on Rice Couple)

The Edgy Veg

Vegan No-Bake Cookies

Packed with oats, nut butter, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, these no-bake cookies are a great healthy option for your easy Thanksgiving desserts. (via The Edgy Veg)

Life With the Crust Cut Off

No-Bake Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecakes

Five minutes of prep, four flavor-packed ingredients. We're sold. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)

Life, Love and Sugar

Caramel Apple Trifles

Fans of cinnamon and caramel — and let’s face it, everyone else for that matter — will swoon over these eight-layer trifles. This is already one beautiful dish, but the fact it's a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert makes us love it even more. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Forks Over Knives

Vegan Cranberry Pear Tart

An abundance of fruit and nuts goes into making this beautiful, just-sweet-enough fall tart. (via Forks Over Knives)

Belle Vie

Caramel Apple Cookie Dough Bars

Cookie dough fanatics will go wild for these bars flecked with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon chips. (via Belle Vie)

Earthly Provisions

No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough Bites

With a total of 7 ingredients and 10 minutes to make 'em, these bite-sized cookie dough balls make the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will be reaching for over and over again. (via Earthly Provisions)

The Recipe Rebel

Caramel Apple-Golden Oreo Icebox Cake

What’s not to love about cream-filled cookies, cheesecake, and caramel apple goodness coming together in one easy make-ahead dessert? (via The Recipe Rebel)

Dessert for Two

Easy Pumpkin Tiramisu

For something that sounds and looks so fancy, tiramisu is actually a snap to prepare. We’re talking only fifteen minutes of prep (plus a few hours to chill). (via Dessert for Two)

Sweet + Savory

Chai Latte No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Not only are these chai-spiced treats no-bake, but lining your muffin tin makes them also practically cleanup-free. (via Sweet + Savory)

Vanilla and Bean

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

This easy Thanksgiving dessert looks so stunning, it'll fool everyone into thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (via Vanilla and Bean)

We hope these easy Thanksgiving desserts have saved you some time in your holiday plans this year! Make sure to join our newsletter for more recipe inspiration and check out the B+C Baking Bundle of online courses for more ideas!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

Elizabeth Banks Talks Potential ‘Pitch Perfect 4’

We’re deep in the reboot, prequel, and sequel era. Hunger Games: Sunrise On the Reaping, the One Tree Hill sequel series, Princess Diaries 3, and more have been announced (or in OTH’s case, leaked) — which most fans have greeted with open arms. With lots of chatter about our favorite iconic characters making a comeback, there have been quite a few eyeballs on a certain timeless movie that’s already garnered two sequels: Pitch Perfect. Here's what actress and producer Elizabeth Banks had to say about a potential Pitch Perfect 4.

With the 13th anniversary of the first movie on September 28th, Banks (who’s also the new Chief Creative Officer for luxury canned wine brand Archer Roose) told Brit + Co that the cast knew the film was meant to last. “We knew that we were making something... I don't want to say cult [but] we knew it was truly funny and was truly about underdogs and had great characters — it tends to stick around,” she says. And trust us when we say that ‘aca-scuse’ me still makes its way into daily conversations.

Banks continues that the trilogy is “about coming of age, [which] really speaks to teenagers who feel not seen.” She jokes that, “acapella was for losers,” similar to the "loser" trope that infiltrated successful early 2000’s films like Bring It On, which makes it a project so many viewers are able to connect to. “I will say once I saw the reception to the movie early on, I think we knew that we had something that was very special.” If you don’t know the “Riff Off” by heart, you’re lying.

As rumors continue to swirl about a possible Pitch Perfect 4, we had to get to the bottom of whether or not she’d be up to reprising her role as Gail, the comedic acapella host.

“We're always looking for ways to give the fans something,” she says. “I think we would never want to be accused of a money grab.” And in a time where Hollywood continues to revisit past successes, the industry is no stranger to flop sequels — remember Fantastic Beasts (either movie after the original), Joker: Folie à Deux, Legally Blonde 2, or Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?

And while the Pitch Perfect cast would love to make a fourth film in theory, it would need to be just right. “It's okay that it just lives and is its thing. I love that people want it, but I want to make sure that it delivers,” Banks tells Brit + Co. “There [are] three great movies, and we know these characters inside and out. If the idea isn't amazing, I don't want the audience to be disappointed.”

The Cocaine Bear star added that she is always trying to make “a deposit on the brand” and “never wants to make a withdrawal” — meaning that the franchise is continually so highly-praised that there’s no need to take away from it unnecessarily.

Universal Pictures

Banks jokes that fans “just want the same thing again” (AKA the nostalgia and comedy coming from the original movie). Her former costar, Anna Kendrick, recently told People that she “would love” to work on a Pitch Perfect set again, but believes that “Rebel Wilson is really like the steam engine of everything.” So it seems to be a never say never situation, if you can aca-believe it.

What would you want to see in Pitch Perfect 4?! Let us know on Facebook.

movies entertainment pop culture interview celebrity

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

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Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.