I recently committed to taking care of my body. The first step was to join a gym…which I did. I joined the local Hays County YMCA right up the street from Plum Creek in Buda. (check out my prior blog for more) The second all-important step in my body/life overhaul was to change my diet.
After some research I decided to give “a plant based diet” a go. Decision made, my first stop was to find a local farmer’s market. That is where Cross Plants and Produce comes in. It reminds me of the old local stores we had back when I visited my grandparents. The store is owned and operated by Nathan and Jennifer Cross, local residents of Kyle. Together with their two children Desmond and Sydney (who helped carry out the bags when I was there), they bring a whole new meaning to shopping local.
Jennifer has lived in the Austin area most of her adult life. She met Nathan in Washington DC where Nathan served in the Old Guard at Arlington Cemetery. While there they met and both worked for a similar plant nursery. The rest as they say is history. They brought their love of Jesus Christ and their dream of running a plant and produce shop to Kyle Texas. The great thing about Cross Plants and Produce is you don’t have to wait for the one day the farmer’s market is open and you know you’re supporting local businesses. Along with their ever changing produce, they also carry things like grass fed meat, fresh eggs, butter, ice cream, bone broth, honey, herbal teas, the list goes on and on. It’s fun to see all of nature’s colors. Nathan and Jennifer are both warm and friendly and were giving me tips and recipes for how to use some of the produce.
Here’s a photo of my veggie haul today. As of this writing I’m almost through the veggies. Nathan told me tomorrow they were getting another load of acorn squash so trust me I’m heading back for more. It makes eating healthy a lot easier than I expected!
Check out their website for more info, photos and recipes and be sure to head out to their store at 705 North Old Highway 81 in Kyle, TX. GPS won’t find the store so rather than be frustrated you can check the directions on their site.
Trust me it’s very convenient and once you find it you’ll be glad you did. It’s on the west side of I35 on Old highway 81 only one street over from the access road. So it’s between Burleson and Center Street. Tell’em Celeste sent you!
After 3 weeks on the program I’m happy to report it hasn’t been as bad as I expected. In part due to the local Hays County YMCA. In case you haven’t been there it’s right up FM1626 next to Dahlstrom Middle School about 12 minutes or so from Plum Creek. I belonged years ago when they first opened but didn’t keep it up. Coming back was a huge surprise. They’ve expanded everything! From weights and machines to a ton of classes including; yoga, Zumba, cardio Funk and cycling and senior classes, but it doesn’t end there. They also have an indoor and outdoor pool, classes on health and diet and an indoor basketball court. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised. Besides all of the offerings the essential part for me is it’s convenient. It’s open 7 days a week, 5am to 10pm. Needless to say after a quick tour, I joined.
