Welcome to Kristin’s Paleo Kitchen.
Hi everyone, I am Kristin Sullinger, the recipe developer, photographer, and creator behind Kristin’s Paleo Kitchen. In 2015, I found out that I had a severe gluten allergy that had been lying dormant in my body for most of my life. I was dealing with horrible pain, inflammation, brain fog, and exhaustion in my body.
My Search for Answers
For months, I spent countless hours going to doctor’s appointments and trying to understand what was happening to my body. Blood tests, x-rays, and anything else that might pinpoint the cause of my symptoms became a part of my routines. Getting answers was all that mattered, and I was willing to try whatever it took.
Eventually, I was referred to a rheumatologist and diagnosed with osteoarthritis. At that point, the only solution I was offered was pain medication. I knew I didn’t want to depend on medication to manage my symptoms. That realization pushed me to explore other options, That is when I began to learn about how the foods we eat can have a powerful impact on our bodies.
How Food Changed Everything
I was determined to make my new dietary lifestyle work and finally live my life feeling as good as I could. After researching different types of anti-inflammatory “diets”, I discovered The Whole30 program and decided to give it a try. Within days, I began to feel better. The swelling in my hands went down and my joint pain began to feel better. My brain fog was beginning to go away, along with my stomach problems. Finally I was getting a better nights sleep. After I finished two rounds of the Whole30, I knew I needed to continue eating an anti-inflammatory diet. That is when I came across eating paleo. I knew this would be the best option for myself and dove right in.
Going Paleo for Good
Since 2019 I have been following a paleo diet. Yes, I have veered off it many times, but always seem to go back. Eating paleo is what makes my body feel better. In 2024 I started having bad reactions to dairy on the small occasions that I would have it. The time came that my body could no longer handle dairy and I developed a dairy allergy. That is when I knew that it was time for me to go fully paleo. For good! My body was starting to have reactions to all of the inflammatory foods and at this point the pain had been back and was running all through my body. After about 10 years of doctor appointments, bloodwork, and trying to find out “what was wrong with me”, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and osteoporosis. Those diagnoses only strengthened my commitment to eating paleo and caring for my body through the foods I eat.
Why I started Kristin’s Paleo Kitchen
I have been writing recipes for over 20 years and now I have spent time altering them all to be paleo, while continuing to do recipe development on new recipes. Following a paleo diet can be challenging at times, especially when you have to give up certain foods. That is why I was determined to create recipes based on all of the foods I have always loved. I continue to educate myself on how food can heal the body and how certain diets can help people with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, food and skin allergies, and more.
A Little More about Me
Now a little bit more about me. I was born in a small town in Vermont and moved to Southwest Florida when I was ten years old. Growing up I loved spending my days going to the beach and boating.
I moved away from Southwest Florida to the Tampa area in my early 20’s. In 1999, I met my now husband Gary, and we were married in 2000. We moved a few times with Gary’s career, spending time in both Arizona and Texas. During that time we welcomed three daughters: Sophie, Grace, and Gabriella. Although my girls are adults now, being a mom is the absolute best. I have built in besties for life! I am also doggie mom to two of the sweetest girls, Kona and Murphy.
In 2009, we made the move back home to Southwest Florida. We could not wait to fill our days at the beach and our nights watching the most incredible sunsets.
Beach Days, Sunsets, and Entertaining
In my free time, I’m usually out in the garden or heading to the beach. I love a good beach day, a long walk along the water, and catching the sunset whenever I can. Entertaining is one of my biggest passions, so our home is often full of family and friends. And when things slow down, you’ll find me out on the patio with a glass of wine or a fun cocktail.
I have spent countless hours creating my own paleo recipes and decided it was time to share them with you. Welcome to Kristin’s Paleo Kitchen, recipes from my kitchen to yours!
