As I continue to transform my life, I wanted to share some of the local Austin, Texas merchants and service providers I am using to help with the transformation. Many of the listed providers are available nationwide so give a click and learn how each can help you with your own healthy journey.
Fitness Training
Austin fitness trainer Ashli McKee – I began working with Ashli in the early summer and have seen great results to-date. I really like Ashli’s themed-workouts (although I never want to see a pumpkin again!) and her pre-planning is awesome. She always comes prepared with a plan for our session and also has provided research about the fitness topics I am interested in. Ashli also offers several group classes in central Austin. (website)
Nutrition Coaching
Austin nutritionist Linda Wagner – I plan to eventually write a recap of my work with Linda but suffice to say, if she helped fix me, she can help fix anyone. I began my healthy transformation with Linda and she taught me the importance of healthy eating and the tools to always be prepared. Before I met Linda, I never, ever ate any fruit or veggies or cared about my health. Today over 85% of my intake is all raw fruits and vegetables, I am down over 100lbs and have started participating in races. Linda has an office here in Austin for locals and works with remote clients via phone/Skype. (website)
Life Coaching
I’ve been working with Austin life coach Dr. Lisa Leit for the past few months and picked up some key learnings. Lisa describes her service as, “helping people connect to their core competencies to overcome obstacles to move forward in their lives and relationships”. Lisa isn’t a therapist which is great – she is more practical and action-focused. Lisa has an office here in Austin and works with remote clients via phone. (website)
Smoothies, Juices & Acai Bowls
Blenders & Bowls – they have great variety of smoothies (they call them blenders) and acai bowls. I am totally hooked on the acai bowls. B&B is across the street from the Austin convention center so if you are in town for a conference, Blenders & Bowls is a must stop. The owners are friendly and there is something zen-like about their shop inside a yoga studio. They also do remote catering with their food truck. You can read a recap of my first experience here. (website)
JuiceLand – I like the green juices at JuiceLand. They have several locations around Austin and the staff is knowledgeable about how juice can help increase your nutrition level. Their prices seem to be the most reasonable in Austin for green juices. They also make smoothies and have a large variety of “add-ins” for both the smoothies and juices. (website)
Supermarkets
I like Whole Foods, Central Market and Wheatsville Co-op. Overall I prefer Whole Foods but many times Central Market has better prices on produce. Both CM and WF have cafes including a great salad bar. Wheatsville is a great place to find those one-off items that the larger supermarkets don’t stock.
Take Out
I’ve been to Snap Kitchen a couple of times and like their salad bar. They have a large selection of pre-packaged healthy meals (all made fresh in store) and fresh juices (the juices are very expensive so go to JuiceLand instead). You can call ahead and they will bring your meal to your car when you arrive. (website)
Restaurants
If you want to eat healthy here in Austin, you must try these restaurants that were recommended to me: Casa de Luz, Mother’s Cafe, Counter Culture and Beet’s Cafe.
Farmer’s Markets
There are several great Farmer’s Markets in Austin. The Austin Farmers Market has three locations: downtown, the Triangle (46th and Lamar) and Sunset Valley. The Barton Creek Farmers Market has two locations: at the barton creek mall and at the highland mall. All of the farmer’s markets I’ve listed are on the weekend except the Triangle location which is on Wednesdays.
Sneakers & Sports Apparel
Luke’s Locker – I like Luke’s for sneakers and sports clothing. The staff that worked with me were very knowledgeable and helped me find the perfect sneakers for my 5k race. Luke’s Locker has a huge selection of sneakers in both sizes and widths. You can read my full review of Luke’s here. (website)
FitSteady – I met Ashli through FitSteady. They provide a matching service to help you get hooked up with a great fitness trainer who will help you reach your own personal goals. FitSteady’s founder, Melanie Weinberger, is on a mission to help all of us get fit and healthy. Currently the service is only available in Austin. (website)
Please leave a comment if you have suggestions on healthy shops and services here in Austin!
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What a nice thing to do Allen! Imagine if more people said thanks to those who help them. And I like how you note which ones are only Austin and which are good for us outside of Austin.