At Ara’kai, nourishment is never just about what is on the plate. It is about rhythm, awareness and the quiet ways food can support the body back into balance. In the Pantry, this philosophy shows up in everyday choices that are seasonal, considered and grounded in how we actually live.
Behind this approach is Emilie Lassen, Ara’kai Pantry’s Nutritionist. A holistic nutritionist and somatic stress release practitioner, her work is rooted in a body-first understanding of nourishment. She works with whole foods, plant-forward eating and herbs as a way to support digestion, nervous system regulation and daily rhythm rather than pushing the body toward performance.
In the Pantry, Emilie translates these principles into accessible nourishment. Food and tonics designed to feel supportive, grounding and sustainable over time.
We sat down with Emilie to talk about her relationship with food, stress and the nervous system, and how nourishment can become a steady anchor in everyday life. This journal is a window into that conversation.
My approach to nutrition is simple, respectful of nature, creative, and functional. Nutrition becomes truly exciting to me when it starts to do what it’s meant to do - support the body, soothe the nervous system, clear what’s stagnant, and create real change. I’ve seen remarkable shifts happen through diet, and most often it’s through the simple things we do every day at the pantry: organic whole foods, balanced meals, nutritionally complete combinations, and food that is genuinely delicious.
When creating or selecting food, what matters most to you in terms of ingredients, digestion and how the food feels in the body?
Ingredients and how they’re treated matter deeply to me. The way food is prepared and paired can significantly affect digestion and nutrient absorption - for example, soaking grains and legumes to improve digestibility, or pairing plant-based iron sources like lentils or leafy greens with vitamin C–rich foods such as citrus or fermented vegetables to enhance absorption.
I prioritize raw and minimally processed produce, seasonal ingredients, and working as directly with farmers as possible. Ultimately, food should feel supportive in the body - grounding, energizing without overstimulation, and easy to digest.
How do Ara’kai’s values guide your decisions when balancing nourishment, taste and simplicity?
At Ara’kai Pantry, we are plant-forward, 100% gluten-free, and we let produce be the center of every plate. Our values guide us to keep things intentional and uncomplicated - nothing added without purpose. It’s important to us that people leave feeling satisfied, inspired, and motivated to continue choosing health in a way that feels achievable and enjoyable.
What role do you believe nutrition plays in supporting a person’s daily rhythm and what do you hope people take away after experiencing Ara’kai Pantry?
Nutrition plays a essential role in supporting a person’s daily rhythm. Different foods serve different moments - some are better suited for focus and sustained energy earlier in the day, while others encourage slowing down, grounding, and restoration. I think about food as something that works with the natural flow of the day.
Ultimately, I hope people leave Ara’kai Pantry feeling cared for - both physically and emotionally. I want them to feel nourished, understood, and reassured that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. Ideally, they leave with a deeper trust in their body and a calmer, more intuitive relationship with food.
Image credit: priszci
Emilie’s perspective reminds us that nourishment does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. When food is approached with awareness, seasonality and respect for the nervous system, it becomes something steady and supportive rather than prescriptive. At Ara'kai Pantry, this way of thinking continues to shape how we nourish, one considered choice at a time.