Last weekend I attended the first ever Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat at 1440 Multiversity in California.
I enjoyed every minute, and it truly was an incredible experience!
As promised, I am happy to share my experience at the Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat…
Why Did I Go?
A little over a year ago I was at my rock bottom. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and no longer recognized my life.
My health was in a place where I struggled to get out of bed, and found myself unable to be the woman, wife, and mother I wanted to be.
I found the autoimmune protocol within a couple of days of my diagnosis and decided to go all in.
Starting the autoimmune protocol is one of the most difficult things I have done. To add insult to injury, I felt lonely. However, I was desperate to feel better and get my life back.
A few weeks into starting the autoimmune protocol, I found The Paleo Mom, and all of her amazing resources.
I bought her books, stalked her website, and enrolled in her AIP Lecture Series. Her resources, particularly the AIP Lecture Series, were a game changer for me in understanding the science behind autoimmune disease and why the autoimmune protocol works
Through the autoimmune protocol, I feel better than I felt in years and am now able to do so many things I could not do this time last year.
Further, I am now able to be the woman, wife, and mom, that I dreamed of being again, but was unsure I ever could.
When Dr. Sarah announced her first annual Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat, I knew I wanted to be there!
The Location
The Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat was held at 1440 Multiversity near the Santa Cruz area of California, nestled amidst awe inspiring Redwood trees.
The campus boasts incredible scenery, miles of gorgeous hiking trails, inspiring wellness classes, wholesome cuisine, a heated infinity pool in the redwoods, a healing arts center, as well as a fitness center.
Although it rained most of the time, 1440 Multiversity provided us with oversize umbrellas to use for the duration of our stay. I enjoyed hiking in the rain and releasing my worries along the muddy redwood trails.
The Food
Being on the autoimmune protocol (AIP) makes traveling difficult. My decision to sign up for the retreat, or not, depended on whether or not AIP options would be available.
I felt thrilled when I read AIP options would be offered. Although still skeptical what the AIP options might be, I signed up for the retreat and looked forward to enjoying three AIP meals per day that I did not have to cook or clean up.
The AIP meals and options exceeded all of my expectations. Kitchen Table, the restaurant at 1440 Multiversity, went above and beyond with their AIP offerings.
My expectation? One protein option, and two to three veggie options per meal.
Reality? Multiple AIP protein options per meal, more than 4-5 AIP veggie options per meal, multiple AIP fruit options per meal, and at least one AIP bone broth or soup option per meal.
Seriously! I thought I was dreaming.
The diversity of the food offered, and flavors rocked my world in all the right ways. I tried foods I had never heard of. Most I fell in love with. A few, not so much.
I left the retreat feeling inspired to incorporate more variety and quantity of vegetables in our family’s nutrition.
As I write this, I’ve been home for a few days and have already taken our family meals to the next level as far as nutrition and variety, based on my culinary experience at 1440 Multiversity.
I hate to admit it, but I think I am officially a foodie now!
The Workshop
Dr. Sarah amazed me with her presentations, incredible knowledge, and as always, her scientific research.
I really cannot say enough about Dr. Sarah. She blew me away! She is incredibly approachable, warm, caring, giving, and makes you feel like a friend! She even invited us all to chat with her at meals, and in between sessions.
I loved geeking out all weekend over scientific research supporting the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in the support of chronic illness, healthy living, and weight loss.
While the first few workshop sessions were review for me, I personally think it is always good material to go over multiple times.
The second half of the workshop sessions were mostly new material for me, and I geeked out over it all. My favorite sessions being about the gut microbiome, healthy weight loss, and troubleshooting health issues.
Dr. Sarah truly brought it to her retreat weekend!
Example? She planned on giving 14.5 hours of workshop HERSELF, and ended up giving closer to I’m guessing 18-19 hours because of all the time she allowed for Q&A!
Another example? She stayed after sessions for pictures and book signings.
The Community
One of my favorite parts of this trip was the connection!
I went alone on this trip, and did not know a soul there when I arrived.
Upon arrival, I checked in to my room, then headed to dinner where I met a new beautiful friend on the way in. We ate multiple meals together, sat together, and enjoyed time chatting and laughing in between sessions. No doubt, we will stay in touch.
At each meal or session, I enjoyed meeting new friends, and hearing amazing stories of healing and courage.
The best part? Sharing clean eating and AIP tips, wellness victories, and struggles.
I absolutely cherished meeting so many like-minded people who are finding wellness through nutrition and lifestyle. I look forward to see them at the retreat next year, and staying in touch!
Where I Go From Here
I left the Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat with a full heart.
As I boarded the airplane to fly home to my husband and kids, I felt like a better version of myself.
I felt inspired to remind myself the importance of:
- Enjoying nature more
- Trying new foods
- Changing up meals as much as possible
- Learning more
- Building relationships in this community – we need each other!
- Raising awareness
After all, this is a journey.
Not a destination.
I am a work in progress.
The Paleo Mom Workshop and Retreat helped me get a few steps closer to where I want to be.
I cannot wait for next year for another incredible weekend of education, connection, and rejuvenation!
I hope to see you there next year!
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
What I Wish I Knew When I Started the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
FREE Back to Basics Guide to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
