In 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

www.kaizenfoodcompany.com

www.shredhappens.net

Social media links

Instagram

Kaizen: https://www.instagram.com/kaizenfoodco/

ShredHappens: https://www.instagram.com/shredhappens/

Facebook

Kaizen: https://www.facebook.com/KaizenFoodCo

ShredHappens: https://www.facebook.com/shredhappens

TikTok

ShredHappens: https://www.tiktok.com/@ketorecipes

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.