Episode 213: Low-Carb Dietary Innovations and Healthy Living w/ Arash Hashemi
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
Release Date: 06/25/2024
Episode 225: The Power of Saying 'No': Redefining Defiance w/ Dr. Sunita Sah
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
📌Make sure to check out the book ‘Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes’ How often have you wanted to say no, but complied to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or make others happy? Cornell psychologist and trained doctor explores the factors that keep us acquiescent and how they impact our health. As a first-generation Indian immigrant, Dr. Sah understands the burden and responsibility to remain obedient. From her personal experience and extensive research, she reveals why so many of us are hardwired for compliance and teaches us how to reclaim our agency. In her book, ...
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Episode 224: 12 Lessons from the Past 12 Months
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
Join me in this solo episode as I reflect on the past year and share some of the personal insights and growth I've experienced. This episode is inspired by the concept of taking stock of what life throws at us—good, bad, and everything in between. I'll talk about how changes, big and small, have shaped me, why cutting back on clutter (both mental and physical) can be so freeing, and the complex dance of our emotions. Key Points: Embracing Change: I'll share why changes, even the unexpected ones have brought some surprisingly good turns in my life. Simplifying Life: Hear how stripping...
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Episode 223: Achieving More by Doing Less: Overcoming Toxic Productivity w/ Israa Nasir
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
📌Make sure to check out the book 👉In this episode of 'Drama Free Healthy Living with Jess Cording,' psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir discusses the widespread issue of toxic productivity. Highlighting concepts from her book, Israa explains how excessive productivity can harm our well-being and self-worth. The conversation covers the societal pressures and emotional challenges that drive constant productivity and its connections to early life experiences. Practical strategies are shared for managing negative emotions, conducting time and energy audits, and developing a healthier...
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Episode 222: Staying Active on the Go: Travel-Friendly Workouts & Tips
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
In this solo episode, I dive into how to stay active while traveling, inspired by my recent trip to FNCE where I presented on nutrition for restful sleep. Whether you're on the road for work or pleasure, maintaining a fitness routine can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable with the right mindset and tools. I’m sharing my favorite bodyweight exercises, travel-friendly equipment, and practical tips to keep you moving no matter where you are. From quick Pilates sessions to stretching after long flights, this episode is packed with simple ways to stay fit and energized while traveling. Key...
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Episode 221: Why Canned Fish SHOULD BE A STAPLE IN YOUR DIET w/ Sara Kelly
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
📌Make sure to check out SEASON, the #1 Sardine SKU in the U.S. 👉In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living podcast, host Jess Cording sits down with Sara Kelly, Marketing Manager at Season Brand, to discuss the nutritional benefits of tinned fish. They delve into topics such as the cognitive and mood-boosting properties of tinned fish, the production process, and the company's legacy. Sarah provides insights into various products offered by Season Brand, including their most popular items and new innovations. They also address common concerns about safety, mercury levels, and...
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Episode 220: Trauma & Nervous System Recovery: Healing the Body-Mind Connection w/ Jenn Mann
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
📌Make sure to check out the book 👉In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living Podcast, host Jess Cording interviews nervous system practitioner and author Jennifer Mann. Jennifer shares her journey from being a professional ballet dancer to recovering from severe chronic illnesses using trauma-informed mind-body healing. They discuss how understanding the mind-body connection and the nervous system is crucial for healing from conditions like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Jennifer also explains the importance of polyvagal theory, the window of tolerance, and...
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Episode 219: Mindfulness for Healthcare Providers: A Tool for Balance and Resilience
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
In this episode, I discuss how mindfulness has become essential for me as a healthcare provider. While I once resisted the practice, it’s now a non-negotiable part of my day—and something I teach to my clients. Key Points: What is Mindfulness? A practice of being present, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and environment without judgment. Why It’s Important for Healthcare Providers Mindfulness helps reduce stress, increase focus, and build emotional resilience, all vital in high-stress healthcare settings. Simple Practices to Integrate: Short meditation Deep breathing ...
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Episode 218: Exploring Hopeful Skepticism with Dr. Jamil Zaki
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
Episode: 218: Exploring Hopeful Skepticism with Dr. Jamil Zaki 📌Make sure to check out Dr. Zakis’ book “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness” 👉In this episode of the Drama-Free, Healthy Living Podcast, host Jess Cording interviews Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford University psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. Dr. Zaki, author of 'Hope for Cynics', shares his insights into empathy, the differences between cynicism and skepticism, and the impacts of these mindsets on our lives. They discuss the negative effects of...
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Episode 217: Nutrition and Lifestyle for Brain Health with RD Barbie Boules
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
In this episode I chat with fellow dietitian Barbie Boules about nutrition and lifestyle to support brain health, mental fitness, longevity, stress management, mindfulness, and more. Barbie Boules is a registered dietitian, certified health coach, meditation teacher, cognitive wellness specialist, and optimal aging enthusiast. She divides her time between creating vibrant wellness programming for corporations across the U.S., and guiding women - 40 and beyond - to look and feel their best. Barbie is dedicated to helping women prioritize themselves; and experience confidence,...
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Episode 216: Navigating the Complex World of Dietetics w/ Keri Gans
Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording
📌Make sure to follow Keri via her instagram @kerigans 👉In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living podcast, host Jess Cording chats with fellow registered dietitian Keri Gans. They discuss the evolution of their field, the impact of social media, and the importance of intentional messaging. Keri shares her journey to becoming a dietitian, her views on the anti-diet movement, and the responsibility of dietitians to help individuals achieve their health goals. They also touch on the role of social media in shaping public perception and offer tips for identifying credible health...
info_outlineIn this episode of Drama Free Healthy Living, host Jess Cording speaks with Arash Hashemi, the creator of Kaizen, the world's lowest carb, highest protein rice and pasta, and the founder of the online community Shred Happens. Arash shares his inspiring journey from being a Fortune 100 finance executive weighing 350 pounds to transforming his life and health through diet, mindset, and lifestyle changes.
The discussion covers his favorite Persian dishes, the evolution of Kaizen foods, and the importance of finding sustainable, enjoyable ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Arash also talks about the mental challenges associated with weight loss and the role of social media in shaping perceptions about health and fitness. The episode emphasizes the importance of adapting to life changes and maintaining a positive, practical approach toward health goals.
🖋️ Some key points
00:41 Guest Introduction: Arash Hashemi
01:10 Arash's Health Journey
02:13 Persian Cuisine Favourites
04:11 Creating Kaizen: The Healthiest Pasta
05:29 Jess's Personal Health Adventure
08:49 Arash's Weight Loss Strategies
18:08 Mental Shifts and Small Goals
20:40 The Reality of Fitness on Social Media
21:18 Practicality in Fitness Goals
23:37 Adapting to Life's Changes
26:20 Weight Loss Surgery Considerations
28:44 The Mental Aspect of Food
30:55 Kaizen Foods: A Healthier Option
34:18 Defining Healthy Living
Arash Hashemi BIO
Arash Hashemi is the creator of Kaizen, the world’s lowest-carb and highest protein rice and pasta, and the personality and recipe developer behind @Shredhappens, an online social media community of millions.
A former Fortune 100 finance executive, Arash battled an unhealthy relationship with food for all of his adult life. In 2017 at 350 lbs., he decided to leave his flourishing finance career and devote himself to getting healthy and changing not only his diet, but mindset and lifestyle.
With no immediate plans other than losing weight and discovering health, Arash began @ShredHappens as a simple accountability tool to share recipes and chronicle his weight loss. He fell in love with creating and sharing healthier versions of his favorite foods. The Instagram account quickly grew into an engaged online community, which allowed Arash to focus solely on his passion: creating healthy recipes, often with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern spin, reflecting his Persian roots.
Despite his remarkable success, Arash missed his favorite food – pasta. He could not find an alternative that suited his new dietary lifestyle. He and his wife Madalina were determined to create an option that would satisfy his cravings and meet his needs.
After years of fine-tuning, Arash and Madalina introduced Kaizen Food Company’s pasta and rice in 2021. Kaizen is a continuous improvement philosophy, which places emphasis on small, consistent changes – like what drove the success of Arash’s health journey. Kaizen is the world’s lowest-carb, highest-protein gluten- and grain-free pasta. Made with lupini beans, Kaizen has 85% fewer carbs and three times the protein of traditional pasta.
Arash resides in Amherst, MA, with his wife Madalina and enjoys traveling the globe in search of inspiring cuisines and time with their two dogs.
🌎 Connect with Arash Hashemi
Website
Social media links
Kaizen: https://www.instagram.com/kaizenfoodco/
ShredHappens: https://www.instagram.com/shredhappens/
Kaizen: https://www.facebook.com/KaizenFoodCo
ShredHappens: https://www.facebook.com/shredhappens
TikTok
ShredHappens: https://www.tiktok.com/@ketorecipes
🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.