RUBIES & RADISHES: ARSY'S FAVORITE THINGS
A little more about Arsy; devoted mother, wife, author and successful businesswoman who created the life that she wanted. What a great reminder to us all to keep following your dreams!
We have had such a pleasure working with Arsy all month and learning more from her about the Paleo Lifestyle, great recipes and tips to help keep us inspired. There was an inspiring comment that Arsy shared with us on her Instagram a few weeks ago that I wanted to make sure got a little more attention.
“If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be – Don’t accept the status quo, if it doesn’t feel right for you. Work really really hard to create a life you love and take the risks necessary to make it happen. I did all the “right” things for a long time, went to graduate school (and incurred massive debt) and got a well paying corporate job to pay it off. I always thought I would have a career that gave me the opportunity to improve the lives of other people. Once I became a mom, I also wanted a career that was flexible and allowed me to be home with my daughter. It was scary to make this happen and took (and still takes) a ridiculous amount of work. I am so so grateful for all of it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. There were lots of naysayers, advising me not to change my career in the midst of a recession, but I followed my gut and made it happen. You can make it happen too, if it’s something you want. Just go for it and start working towards it today and you’ll get there! It takes dedication, commitment and time.”
I’m not sure about you, but I want to know more about this cool chick that calls Santa Cruz, California home. So, we wanted to share a little more about Arsy; devoted mother, wife, author and successful businesswoman who created the life that she wanted. What a great reminder to us all to keep following your dreams. Create the life you want to live and it is only up to you to make that happen. Now let’s have a little fun and get to know Arsy a bit more!
Guilty pleasure:
Dried mangos! I am addicted, I don’t leave the grocery store without them.
Treat for yourself:
Massage or a lunch date with a girlfriend. Nothing like some personal time or gabbing with a close friend to refresh.
Outfit:
Maxi dresses and sandals. It’s basically my uniform.
Date night:
Dinner at our favorite farm to table restaurant, La Posta. I basically cook for a living, so not having to cook or do dishes is such a treat. I always love a nice getaway to the city too – that’s always exciting.
Go-to snack:
Epic bars are my favorite. They are a great source of quality protein to tie you over when you are on the go.
Vacation spot:
This is a tough one. I love to travel. My favorite place that I have ever been is Brazil – warm weather, stunning beaches and so much culture.
Restaurant:
Hands down - Naka Sushi. It is a family-operated, authentic, Japanese sushi restaurant in Santa Cruz. It's my two year olds favorite too, we try to have a monthly family date there.
Coffee:
Verve Coffee Roasters. Order the latte with the organic milk. I guarantee, it is the best latte you'll ever have.
Ice Cream:
Coffee ice cream all the way!
I never leave home without…
Essential oils. You never know when they will come in handy. I use them to calm down, to wake up and for minor cuts and scrapes for my toddler.
In my purse:
Phone, wallet, primal life organics chap stick and Stress Away Essential Oil.
A perfect Saturday:
I love this question!! Saturday is my favorite day of the week. On the perfect Saturday I completely unplug from my computer. Have a light breakfast at home with my husband and 2 year old daughter and then grab some coffee at Verve before we head to East Cliff for a walk along the coast. This part of the Santa Cruz coast is rustic and lively. My daughter, Indyanna loves to watch the surfers and pet all the dogs that are taking their morning walks. After that, we’ll come home for a nap. I’ll always try to catch the tail end of the farmers market and while I am out, I round up a few friends to see if they can join us for an early dinner. I try to always cook something unique that isn’t for my blog (meaning I just don’t need to have to write down take photos of it) I love cooking for people. I really can’t think of any better way to ending the perfect Saturday than with great conversation, great food and great wine.
Thank you so much Arsy! It has been a blast, I hope we can have you again!
RUBIES & RADISHES: A THANKSGIVING TREAT
To keep you enticed about introducing Paleo into your life, I’ve created these gluten-free, pumpkin muffins that burst with Fall flavors. They are loaded with healthy fats, fiber and protein that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
This month we’ve teamed up with chef, author and top ten Paleo food Blogger, Arsy Vartanian, founder of Rubies and Radishes.
I am pleased to announce our cookbook giveaway winner Sunshyne Brightly! Congratulations to you, I hope you have fun with my recipes!
To keep you enticed about introducing Paleo into your life, I’ve created these gluten-free, pumpkin muffins that burst with Fall flavors. They are loaded with healthy fats, fiber and protein that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Grab them for a light breakfast, an afternoon snack or top them with coconut whipped cream for dessert.
Enjoy!
Arsy
Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
Equipment
12 cup muffin pan
12 unbleached large baking cups
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup grass-fed butter or palm shortening (for a dairy free option)
5 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon all spice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Topping
1 teaspoon coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 F
Place liners in the muffin pan and set aside
In a bowl, combine, pumpkin, butter, eggs, vanilla and honey. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.
Sift together coconut flour, salt and spices. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Whisk to combine.
Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb the wet ingredients.
Add baking soda, stir until baking soda is mixed through.
Fill baking cups ¾ full with your batter.
Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it on top of the muffins.
Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow muffins to cool for a few minutes by either removing them from the pan and setting them on a cooling rack or leaving them in the pan and tipping them on their sides.
Enjoy!
RUBIES & RADISHES: WHAT IS PALEO?
We’ve teamed up with Arsy Vartanian, founder of one of the top ten Paleo Blogs, Rubies and Radishes. She is the Author of two very successful cookbooks; The Paleo Slow Cooker and The Paleo Foodie Cookbook, and is here to help us learn more about this method of eating real food.
Photo: Chris Parker
We’ve teamed up with Arsy Vartanian, founder of one of the top ten Paleo Blogs, Rubies and Radishes. She is the Author of two very successful cookbooks; The Paleo Slow Cooker and The Paleo Foodie Cookbook, and is here to help us learn more about this method of eating real food.
Arsy explains Paleo very simply. “It’s a lifestyle that aspires to achieve optimal health by following a diet based on what and how our Paleolithic ancestors ate. The current Paleo movement uses our ancestors as a starting point, but leverages modern science to expand from there. Essentially, it is a diet focused on consuming whole, natural foods, such as meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and healthy fats. All you have to do really is eliminate the top three food toxins – gluten, industrial/vegetable oils and sugar!”
Seems so simple, right!? There are so many interesting things to learn about Paleo, it may seem overwhelming at times. With the help of Arsy we are diving into a few topics that will help ease your mind through the learning process. Let’s find out how she has kept herself inspired and committed to this lifestyle for over five years now.
Where do we start?
For best results, I recommend starting with a Whole30 (which doesn't allow alcohol). But remember, it's a Whole30, not a Whole365. Most people experience such great benefits by following a strict 30 day approach and then they are really able to loosen the reigns after that. In the long run you want Paleo to be a sustainable way of eating, for some of us that means having occasional cocktails and fancy cheese!
You can see the program guidelines here: http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/
For someone that is thinking about converting or trying it out what are the top five tips for success you can give them?
1. Plan, plan, plan! This lifestyle requires eating fresh food. It can be overwhelming at times but once you get into the routine and make it part of your lifestyle it’s really easy to adapt to this. To be successful, it is very important to plan your meals ahead and have an idea of what you are going to eat for the week or at least the next few days. We all make the worst decisions when we are starving, rushed or on the go. Yes it takes time, but there’s something soothing and grounding about spending time focusing on taking care of yourself with good food for the week. Your body, mind and mood will appreciate the effort!
2. Cook in bulk – that’s why my first book was the Paleo Slow Cooker. It takes minimal prep, you can have meals for the rest of the week or freeze them for later. If you do a couple at the top of the week it’ll give you a variety too if you get sick of repeating foods daily.
3. Read labels. Never assume that something labeled “natural” or “organic” is healthy. Look for ingredients you don’t recognize as whole foods. If there are any ingredients you don’t recognize as food, then chances are you shouldn’t eat it.
4. Eat a satisfying meal before you go to parties so you don’t get tempted by unhealthy choices.
5. Check in: Take the time to remember why you are doing this, check in with yourself and be proud of the choices you have made. It is hard work transitioning to a real food diet.
What about dining out? Are you bound to home cooking for life??
It is completely possible to eat out and stick to your Paleo diet it just requires a little planning ahead.
Review the menu before you go. If you have an idea of what to order, you will be less tempted by the pasta and artisan pizza on the menu.
Ask questions. Gluten is one of the main things we avoid on a Paleo diet. Often things that will seem gluten-free on the menu may not be, as flour is used to thicken sauces or soy sauce is used to marinate the meat. I bet you didn’t know that the first ingredient in most soy sauce is wheat! Luckily Gluten free is also so popular now that a lot of restaurants are marking things as gluten free preemptively, but still safe to ask.
Substitute sides for more vegetables or salad.
Ask for olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of salad dressing, which is usually loaded with sugar.
Don’t be hard on yourself and give yourself a little room to enjoy the food and the company.
What keeps you committed to this lifestyle?
The health benefits I have experienced have been tremendous. I can't imagine going back to feeling how I used to - lethargic and low energy. Now, I have the energy to run my own business, cook and develop recipes, take care of my toddler and enjoy our beautiful beach town. I have eaten this way for so long, that it's become a lifestyle. I don't think about it anymore. Our entire family eats Paleo and our toddler is really thriving on a diet based around real, whole foods.
What are some of the health benefits of Paleo?
There are so many! Many people try Paleo for weight loss, but find that what keeps them committed is the increased energy and focus that they experience. In addition, Paleo is an anti-inflammatory diet, so it works to reduce the risk of modern day diseases such as autoimmune conditions, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Can you elaborate on the three food toxins and how to watch out for them?
Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye. Gluten, when it is not properly prepared (soaking, sprouting and fermenting), which it usually never is in our culture, can be really hard on the gut and digestive system. In addition, on the Paleo diet we remove all grains and legumes, at least initially. This means soy, corn, beans and peanuts (they are actually a legume not a nut).
Vegetable Oils and Industrial Seed Oil, include canola, corn, soybean, cottonseed oil and safflower oil. These oils are unnatural and heavily processed with chemical solvents and in addition they are very high in Omega-6 fatty acids, which we aim to reduce on a Paleo diet.
Processed sugar, this includes artificial sweeteners. In addition to the typical health concerns on excess sugar, many times processed sugars are made from GMO sugar beets or GMO corn. On a Paleo diet, we aim to eat high quality food with minimal processing. You can swap out the refined and processed sugars, for natural sweetners such as honey, 100% maple syrup and coconut sugar.
How much of California inspires you (i.e.location, local produce)?
Everything! I try my best to use all local produce and meat. We are so lucky in California, we have access to so much local food year round. In Santa Cruz there is an abundance of local farms. We get our meat, chicken, pork, veggies and fish all from local farmers, ranchers and fisherman. It feels really good to support local businesses and also know where my food is coming from.
What keeps you inspired in the kitchen?
Reading food magazines! Some of my favorites are Food & Wine and Bon Appétit Magazine. They always leave me with brainstorming new ideas and recipes to create.
What can we look forward to next week?
Some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes and a special Pumpkin Muffin recipe I created just for this that I am so excited to share with you. It’s great for the holidays and so delicious.
Head over to Rubies & Radishes for more details on these tasty dishes above!
MEET OUR NOVEMBER GUEST EDITOR, ARSY: THE WOMAN BEHIND RUBIES AND RADISHES
Chances are, all of you have heard of the Paleo Diet. Some of you have tried it, some of you kind of know what it’s about but not completely and others are just hearing about it now for the first time.
Chances are, all of you have heard of the Paleo Diet. Some of you have tried it, some of you kind of know what it’s about but not completely and others are just hearing about it now for the first time. The first thing I have learned and come to realize from working with Arsy is that Paleo is not just a diet, it is a lifestyle, a way of living that most would say has made major improvements in a lot of areas in their lives. It’s enticing to be inspired by feeding your body real food and I’m already on board to give it a shot!
Throughout all of November we will help you learn all you can from one of the experts herself; Arsy Vartanian, founder of one of the top ten Paleo Blogs, Rubies and Radishes and Author of two very successful cookbooks; The Paleo Slow Cooker and The Paleo Foodie Cookbook. This California native will give you a deeper look at some tips, tools and recipes you can take with you into your holiday planning this month. Stay tuned for a fun cookbook giveaway as well!
Dear Est. California Readers,
I’m thrilled to be here this month to show you how adapting a lifestyle based on real-food can be a complete game changer!
I am not your typical health-nut. I don’t run 5 miles a day, I don’t obsess over what I am going to eat and I love catching up with my girlfriends over a good margarita. In fact, I eat what I want, how much I want and work out only a few times a week. I am here to show you that this lifestyle will not only get you results, but it’s doable and fun!
I honestly wasn’t always this way. I spent much of my twenties, obsessing over counting calories, losing those last 5 lbs., over-indulging all too often and then spending the next day or two regretting the 5 slices (and no, that is not an over exaggeration!) of pizza I ate. That was on top of the bloating and food coma. Do you relate?
Much of this for me, had to do with the misinformation about healthy living. I had a deep desire to be healthy. I was following all of the mainstream advice and doing all of the “right” things – avoiding meat, filling up on whole wheat carbs, doing extensive cardio. When all the right things wouldn’t work, I would give-up, over-indulge, feel guilty, get back on the wagon, repeat.
It wasn’t until I learned about the Paleo diet, that I had an “aha” moment.
Eating healthy shouldn’t be so difficult. In the most primitive sense, we are animals and we should know what is optimal for our bodies. We (including myself) have become so confused with all the marketing hype - “low-fat”, “no-sugar”, “low-carb”, etc., - that we have lost touch with what it is that our bodies truly need to thrive.
When I realized that humans have eaten a diet of meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits and healthy fats for much of our history and haven’t struggled with the health concerns that we struggle with today, I knew the only answer to regaining my health was tossing all of the packaged, low fat, 100-calorie pack foods in my cupboards and going back to the basics of whole, unprocessed foods. And it worked. I experienced results almost immediately. Well, after the first two weeks of constantly craving all of my old favorites. After that, I felt so good – full of energy, clear skin and no more bloating. I haven’t looked back since.
The increased energy, better workouts, the flat stomach and finally losing those last 5 lbs. have been nice. But the top benefit of adapting a Paleo diet for me has been the freedom I feel – the freedom to say no to the cookies at a friends house because I genuinely don’t crave them, the freedom to eat healthy whole-foods like grass-fed butter and still look my best and the freedom to say yes to the ice-cream on occasion without feeling guilty about it..
No longer obsessing over food and calories has freed up space in my life, to enjoy this epic California beach life – relaxing in the sun, hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains and hosting dinner parties with delicious, healthy food, while I constantly hear “I can’t believe this is Paleo!”. Paleo isn’t just about what we eat, but it’s about how we live. A healthy life should be full of organic, nourishing food, time with friends and family, sunshine and being active outdoors!
I want to invite you to join me this month in ditching the packaged foods and taking charge of your health by embracing a lifestyle of real food! I’ll be sharing tips and tricks with you all month to support you along the way!
Warmly,
Arsy
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Images by Chris Parker for Established California.
