A Farewell to Carbs: 6 DC Carbs I'll Miss Most

When I decided to do the My Bootcamp 30 Day Transformation Paleo challenge, my first thought (after I stocked up on veggies and meat at the farmers market) was ok, I have four. more. days. of. carbs. So, what are the can't miss carbs of DC? Here's my take:

Taylor Gourmet Subs and Risotto Balls
Sure they make awesome salads (which I will be consuming by the barrel when the new Penn Quarter shop opens across from my office), but my favorite cozy go to order is a melty sub on their awesome bread with a side of risotto balls.

Taylor Gourmet Risotto Balls & Subs

The Donut Trend
Why did I decide to do this at the same time as Chef Jason Gehring opened Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Chef Tiffany MacIsaac is opening a new donut shop and I have those insane lemon donuts at Palena Market a block from my house? I can give up cupcakes... but donuts?

Lemon Donut at Palena

Evil Tiffany MacIsaac Donut from her pop up at Salt & Sundry

Baked Goods from Blind Dog Cafe 

I could go 30 days without tasting the best chocolate chip cookie in Washington, but how can I get my latte without one of their creative scones of the day or the Bacon Goat Cheese Croissant sandwich? Breathe.

Mexican Corn at El Chucho

I'll give you that not every menu item is a win at El Chucho, but they do veggies well. Especially the Mexican corn which is so creamy, cheesy and sweet corn-y that it will look like the best splurge ever when I cross that Paleo threshold.

Mexican Corn at El Chucho

Everything at Fiola

I guess the upside is that Fiola does healthy well. Maria's lunch menu always has amazing salads, veggies and fresh grilled fish that will make me feel fabulous *and look fabulous* all while staying on my challenge. The downside... no Cacio & Pepe or Bolognese for the next 30 days.  Ooh, or Jeff Faile's Manhattans... shit, why did I agree to this?

Bolognese at Fiola

Ramen at Toki Underground
So, I'm gonna assume no noodles are allowed on the #30DayTransformation. Maybe I could just get a bowl of broth, pork belly and fried egg?

Toki Underground Ramen (photo: Jenna Golden of Eat More. Drink More.)

Honorable Mentions

• The Everything Potatoes at Range
• Sunflower Flax Bread by Atwater's Bakery at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market
• Whisked pies
• French Toast at Medium Rare
• Goat Cheese Naan at Rasika
• Lasagna & Risotto at Dino
• Agnolotti at Graffiato

What else? Tweet me or tell me in the comments what you'd miss most if you were giving up carbs for 30 days.

New Year Challenge: 30 Day Paleo Program

I've been working out once a week with Grant Hill for over a year now... longer than I've stuck with any kind of exercise plan. It's always outside with gorgeous DC scenery (choose Cathedral, Georgetown, Logan Circle or the dreaded Exorcist Stairs) and whether with friends or solo, it's fast, effective and interesting. I feel and look better than I have in years.

Sandbag squats in sleet and snow? No biggie... #lies

So, when he asked me today if I was going to join his 30 Day Transformation program starting January 2, 2013 you might think I jumped at the chance. But, I'm me... so I equivocated. "I mean, Grant... I just don't think it works with my lifestyle... I mean, I really really like food and eating out... like, a lot..." He pushed back, "I really think you can do it. I'll help." I ducked, "I mean, I could... but would you, like, be checking up on me..." (He follows me on Twitter and sees my food posts so there's not a lot of room for cheating without lying.)

As I was driving home from our workout, I thought about it. I mean, this guy has gotten me into shape for surfing lessons and kept workouts interesting and introduced me to some of the coolest chicks I know. Could I give him 30 days of Paleo? I've done it before and I know it works.

So, fine. I'm in. Let's do this thing. Y'all join Grant in keeping me honest.

And if you want in too, the details are on Grant's My Bootcamp website. Strength in numbers, right?

Plus, blogging recipes... saving money by eating in... Paleo dinner parties???

Follow Grant on Twitter at @GrantHillFit and tweet him for more info on bootcamp, personal training or nutrition.... that's how I got started! Leave me your favorite Paleo recipes in the comments below and I'll try em out!