The stars were aligned earlier this month when I had a business trip scheduled for the Raleigh Durham area the same week as Dr. Eric Westman’s monthly low-carb support group. Not only that, but I was staying at the same hotel, Hilton Durham near Duke University, where the meeting is held.
On top of these coincidences, my favorite cookbook author, Kristie Sullivan, was the guest this month. Can you say excited! I made sure to pack my copy of her Keto Living Day by Day book for signing and headed to Durham!
Pre-Meeting Events
The optional dinner buffet starts about an hour before the meeting time and I knew Kristie would be available to sign her cookbooks before or after the event. When I arrived at the foyer outside the meeting room (ballroom), Kristie and her husband had a table set up where people could meet her, buy her latest cookbook (Keto Gatherings which was released that day), get any of her books signed and a photo if desired.
Book Signing
I quickly joined the queue with my cookbook in hand. Unfortunately the latest one was delivered on time but in California.
Other ladies in line were in the same boat only because Amazon hadn’t been to their house yet that day. Others just bought a copy there.
Kristie took the time to talk to each person, personalizing the inscription and taking photos if requested. While in line I met a mom and daughter who kindly asked me to join their table inside for the meeting. They have each lost over 50 pounds on Dr. Westman’s plan.
Soon enough it was my turn and after signing my book…
I was able to have my picture snapped with her.
I could have left right there and been as happy as a clam, but there was more to come!
Dinner Buffet
After setting my things down at the table, I joined the buffet line. Unfortunately the hotel had a hard time keeping up with the demand and pickings were slim in the meats both times I went through the line! I did get to see it on the plates of others and they all enjoyed it.
This was my first time enjoying a keto buffet and it was so freeing not to worry about what to eat. The offerings were burgers, bacon, chicken in a cream sauce (I heard that sauce was fantastic), broccoli, salad bar and maybe another vegetable. Sorry, I forgot to take photos!
Inside the meeting we had water or ice tea to drink. Dessert was courtesy of Kristie’s team.
It was her candy bar cake which even in thin slices was pretty rich and satisfying.
I couldn’t even finish my serving but very good!
The buffet is $18 and they typically collect payment during the meeting one table at a time. For some reason they skipped me when collecting payments for my table and afterwards I tried to pay but there was no one there to take it.
December Low-Carb Support Group Meeting
The meetings are streamed live on Facebook and then available on the HealCare youtube channel later.
Amber Whitely is a HealCare employee (who I was happy to meet as I interacted with her in getting started as a patient) and the emcee of the event.
I didn’t take notes but the meeting included testimonials from three people about what the ketogenic diet has done for them health-wise. Yes, they all lost a lot of weight but most importantly they regained good health.
During Kristie’s segment, she and Dr. Westman made a ranch dressing mix that could be gifted. The recipe and template for the gift tags are on the Heal Clinic’s website. She also got him to wear a cute holiday head accessory.
Dr. Westman also shared information about his investment offering for HealCare. You can see that URL along with others on the slide above.
There was a raffle drawing for many prizes (including some for the streaming viewers) but alas I didn’t win one. Everyone in attendance (I would guest 120-150 people) got a ticket. It was great fun watching!
When leaving, we got a little gift of ranch dressing mix, sausage balls from Kristie’s book (very good!) and samples of Adapt bars and coffee shots. I think I actually did win!
I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to attend this meeting in person again but you can bet I’ll be watching. Have you attended any keto or low-carb community meetings?
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