Kristen lives in Northern Arizona with her two young children & the love of her life. Her blog moonandspoonandyum.com was born of her love for photography coupled with the love of creating in the kitchen. Originally a nature, landscape, and travel photographer — it influences all that you see on her blog. Kristen is drawn to the intuitive and experimental side of recipe development and loves testing her creations on her family. A vegetarian since the age of eight, and on a gluten-free diet for over 5 years, she now can’t imagine life with gluten. While she believes diet is a very personal journey & what works best is different for everyone, she saw every aspect of her own health improve once she dropped gluten from her own journey. Her blog is a testament to the fact that you can create and enjoy all of your gluten filled faves in even tastier & healthier gluten- free forms. Her blog utilizes the whole food philosophy, and incorporates organic, non- genetically modified & refined sugar free ingredients. Kristen hopes to share her beloved creations in the form of a cookbook someday.

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Our Interview with Kristin Wood

What does “healthy” mean to you?

To me, being healthy entails listening to oneself on all levels and acting accordingly. I take a holistic approach and believe if one thing is out of balance (emotional state for instance), all else will be, too (physical, mental state). I also engage in moderation. I don’t deny myself things that I want. I feel okay indulging if I feel balanced & like I’ve also indulged in plenty of nutrient dense items as well. Your body will tell you what it needs and what feels good if you listen. I try to tune into that. I believe that too much restriction leads to over-indulgence. And, life’s short isn’t it? I’ve also either been pregnant and/or exclusively breastfeeding since 2014 (I have a 2 1/2-year-old & a 4 month old); so I definitely don’t skimp on meals & I eat whenever my body tells me that I’m hungry! I just stick to whole foods. And, of course body movement is very important as well. Even if I can’t get a proper workout in, I try to at least have a little dance party with my little ones or something to get the circulation going. However, what is most useful for me in this regard is hiking in nature. It benefits my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Nature is my sanctuary; and the roots of my creativity in regards to my blog.

What are your pantry and fridge staples?

Let’s see. We always have a variety of gluten-free flours on hand — almond, chickpea, tapioca, coconut, buckwheat, etc. Mixed greens for salads. Fresh organic produce. Lentils, chickpeas, rice, quinoa. Bananas and apples for my toddler who eats several a day! We love our cheeses, too. Oh, and spices! Lots and lots of spices!

Name one food you can’t live without.

Rice! I often just crave a simple rice bowl with lots of roasted veggies. It’s nourishing, filling, healthy and wholesome.

What is your favorite kitchen tool?

My hands. I mix everything by hand and often forgo a spatula and other tools to get things done. I like slowing down and connecting to what I’m creating. Baking is my therapy, and I couldn’t do that without my hands!

Of all your recipes, which is your “go-to”?

That’s a tough one! I make most everything on the blog on rotation pretty regularly! The one I make most often is probably various versions of my Blackberry Lemon Poppy Seed Crumble. We like our healthier fruit-filled sweets in this household! I also frequently make dals like my Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal. Pan de Yuca is a close second, and frequently requested by my toddler.

Clue us into your current or upcoming project.

There are a few different exciting things in the works currently, but working towards a cookbook is one that is a constant!