Kelley Scanlin- June 4, 2024
Inflammation to Innovation
II decided to overhaul my diet. I embarked on a 30-day journey to eliminate all inflammatory foods—this meant giving up some of my favorite things like bread, wine, and sugar. My body became an experiment, and the results were surprising. After systematically reintroducing foods, I discovered that wheat, gluten, and oats were the biggest culprits behind my inflammation. This revelation was a game-changer, especially because it ruled out my favorite meal of the day: breakfast.
Breakfast had always been a comforting ritual for me, with granola and cereal topping the list. Desperate to find an alternative, I started experimenting in my kitchen, creating breakfast foods made from nuts and seeds. Through extensive research and guidance from a dietician, I learned about the benefits of soaking and drying nuts and seeds—a process known as sprouting. This method enhances their nutritional value and makes them easier to digest.
Excited about my new creations, I decided to share them with others. Ojai, being a resort town, had a bustling local farmer's market—a perfect venue to introduce my healthy, homemade granola. I pitched a tent every Sunday, with the help of my parents and my kids, and thus, "Ojai Granola Girl" was born. We spent countless weekends educating customers about the health benefits of eating sprouted nuts and seeds, and our little venture slowly gained traction.
The journey was not without its challenges, but each hurdle reinforced my commitment to providing healthy, delicious food. Our farmer's market stand became a gathering place for people curious about improving their diet and those seeking to understand the benefits of sprouting.This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would eventually become Lark Ellen Farm.
Today, our mission remains rooted in those early days at the farmer's market: to create nutritious, high-quality food that supports a healthy lifestyle. We continue to innovate and expand, but our core values of family, health, and community remain unchanged.
Findng Causes of Inflammation
I decided to overhaul my diet. I embarked on a 30-day journey to eliminate all inflammatory foods—this meant giving up some of my favorite things like bread, wine, and sugar. My body became an experiment, and the results were surprising. After systematically reintroducing foods, I discovered that wheat, gluten, and oats were the biggest culprits behind my inflammation. This revelation was a game-changer, especially because it ruled out my favorite meal of the day: breakfast.
Breakfast had always been a comforting ritual for me, with granola and cereal topping the list. Desperate to find an alternative, I started experimenting in my kitchen, creating breakfast foods made from nuts and seeds. Through extensive research and guidance from a dietician, I learned about the benefits of soaking and drying nuts and seeds—a process known as sprouting. This method enhances their nutritional value and makes them easier to digest.
Farmer's Market Debut
Excited about my new creations, I decided to share them with others. Ojai, being a resort town, had a bustling local farmer's market—a perfect venue to introduce my healthy, homemade granola. I pitched a tent every Sunday, with the help of my parents and my kids, and thus, "Ojai Granola Girl" was born. We spent countless weekends educating customers about the health benefits of eating sprouted nuts and seeds, and our little venture slowly gained traction.
The journey was not without its challenges, but each hurdle reinforced my commitment to providing healthy, delicious food. Our farmer's market stand became a gathering place for people curious about improving their diet and those seeking to understand the benefits of sprouting.This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would eventually become Lark Ellen Farm.
Today, our mission remains rooted in those early days at the farmer's market: to create nutritious, high-quality food that supports a healthy lifestyle. We continue to innovate and expand, but our core values of family, health, and community remain unchanged.