Karyn Calabrese is a long-standing pioneer in the health and holistic industry who’s journey and many accomplishments are inspiring. Based in Chicago, she runs a multifaceted business. She is one of the healthy food entrepreneurs with two successful restaurants: Karyn’s Raw Cafe - serves raw food, has a juice bar and store, Karyn’s Cooked - serves cooked vegan fare, and she also offers Karyn’s at Home - a weekly meals program delivery.
Her other endeavors include the business of beauty and self-care. Karyn is owner of a day spa, Karyn’s Inner Beauty Center, and she offers a bi-monthly detox program that serves to help heal and balance the body, mind, and spirit.
Thirty years ago she used raw foods and detoxification to heal herself of allergies, skin problems, fatigue and other ailments and never looked back.
I totally believe it. Take one look at her, she is gorgeous, and her ageless beauty shows she lives what she teaches.
In this interview, Karyn speaks about her bi-monthly detox program and classes, tells us her inspiration for committing to this holistic lifestyle, who inspires her as a chef and in business, and shares an amusing behind-the-scene kitchen story, and much more.
Enjoy the interview.
Ingrid Weithers-Barati: When did you discover veganism? Raw food?
Karyn Calabrese: I discovered veganism 35 years ago and Raw Foods 30 years ago.
IWB: What inspired you to commit to eating this way?
KC: I was initially inspired by my mother who sought alternative means to heal her cancer. My mother didn’t win her battle but I was determined not to go down the same road as the other women in my family who died young and overweight. I stayed committed to this lifestyle through the influence of my teacher, Dr. Ann Wigmore, who is the founder of the raw foods movement in our time. Eventually my body evolved naturally to crave healthy raw foods through cleansing and detoxification and the benefits of eating this way made the journey much easier.
IWB: In the beginning, was it easy for you to stay on a raw food diet?
KC: I never set out to stay on raw foods. It was a natural evolution for my body. When I first started there were not a lot of people doing this, no books or raw food restaurants like there are today. I started a support group in my home for like-minded people which eventually grew into the business I have today.
IWB: I’ve heard that some people find it challenging to maintain a raw food diet during cold winter months. How do you get through Chicago’s cold winters on a raw diet?
KC: Once your body finds balance from cleansing and detoxing, you don’t have to try as hard to stay warm (or cool in the summer). The body is more comfortable at any temperature. Remember we are animals and we are supposed to be able to navigate all types of weather in the coats we were born with.
For people just starting out I recommend adding warming spices like ginger and cayenne pepper to foods and also putting a little cayenne in socks and shoes will help.
IWB: Does your family also eat a high level raw vegan foods?
KC: Some of them do. My children were raised vegetarian then vegan and as teenagers and young adults they went on to choose their own lifestyles as all children should be allowed to do. Today my daughter is probably 65% raw and 85% vegan. I try to never judge or change people who are not ready to change, including my family. There is so much more to love about a person than the way they eat.
IWB: Who inspires you as a chef; as a business person?
KC: I am inspired by my family and my customers who respond to my food and challenge me to create new exciting foods in my restaurants. I love the food at Pure Food and Wine in New York and am inspired by their creativity. I feel we all have an innate ability to create in the kitchen. We really don’t need outside influence if we tap into our own instincts.
As a business person I am inspired by my husband.
IWB: What are some of your favorite kitchen gadgets?
KC: Dehydrator, food processor, vita-mix blender
IWB: Tell us one of your most amusing behind-the-scene kitchen stories?
KC: A few years ago I was invited to Jamaica with the top ten raw chefs around the country. When it was my turn to teach, the chef before me was being a bit of a diva and would not let me use the kitchen equipment for my presentation. I had to teach the whole class in pretend, mimicking the noises of the machines. It of course didn’t go as I had planned but people were laughing and having a good time. The lesson I learned from that experience is that in any kitchen, especially a raw foods kitchen, things aren’t always going to go as planned so you need to make the best of the circumstances you are given otherwise it won’t be fun anymore and you’ll be more likely to give up on the whole thing.
IWB: If you could ask three famous people, who aren’t raw, to Karyn’s Raw Cafe, whom would you invite?
KC:Oprah (not because of her fame, but because it would help her), President Obama (his knowledge of raw foods could help the country and maybe influence health care policy), Rush Limbaugh (not only could this help his health problems, but as someone who influences a lot of people, it could help him to be more balanced and compassionate)
IWB: You offer a 4-week bimonthly detox program and classes. What are some of your tips and suggestions on daily detoxing?
KC: I don’t believe detoxing is something people should do daily forever. I believe they should pick a period of time to devote to the detoxing process and see how their bodies react. The rest of the time they should eat comfortably and try to incorporate some healthy habits into their routine. If you try to be too strict with yourself all the time I think there’s a bigger chance you’ll give up.
IWB: Name the top 3 foods that you recommend eating frequently to aid in detoxification?
KC: Green super foods (like my Green Meal Powder) added to a smoothie or shake, fermented foods like sauerkraut, and sprouts.
IWB: I’ve read that Karyn’s is the longest standing raw foods restaurant in the Midwest. Congratulations! That is a wonderful achievement and great testament of the demand for healthy dining. Has the raw food scene evolved significantly, particularly in Chicago, since you first went into the restaurant business?
KC: Actually it’s the longest standing raw foods restaurant in the country! Something I’m very proud of, especially since we’re in the Midwest. The raw food scene has evolved tremendously in the past few years. There are many groups and other restaurants involved now. Many more people are aware of the benefits of raw foods and curious to give it a try. I believe education and non-judgment is the key to fostering the raw food movement anywhere.
IWB: If you could be or do anything else what would you be or do?
KC: I would be a professional ballerina
IWB: What one word would you use to describe yourself?
KC: Compassionate
IWB: What’s the one thing about you few people know?
KC: I really dislike talking about food and raw foodism outside of the restaurant and work related events. When people first get into this stuff, they tend to make it too much a part of their lives and it ends of defining them. I stay sane by keeping a lot of balance in my life and that means have many interests and activities that are not food related.
IWB: Are there any projects and event that you are involved in that are coming down the pipeline?
KC: My book is almost finished! Also, I’m expanding my product line and working to get it in stores around the country. I’m planning to open another cooked vegan restaurant and expand our web based business and marketing to continue to spread health and raw foods to as many people as I can.
IWB: What is your biggest joy, your accomplishment[s] that most make you proud in helping people improve their lives.
KC: I’m most proud of the success of my detox classes. When I started out 25 years ago I had 7 people in a class. Now we get between 100-300 people every other month. I’m also proud of the diversity of people who detox with me from schoolteachers to nurses, doctors, lawyers, and judges. We get people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds.
IWB: Is there anything that you’d like to add, any closing thoughts?
KC: It’s so important not to make food the whole focus of your life and to balance physical, emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Compassion for your fellow humans and service to your planet are more important than I can express. I end all things with, “If you don’t take care of your body the most magnificent machine you’ll ever be given, where will you live.” Take care. Love, Karyn
Thank you Karyn. :-)
========The GiveawayKaryn has generously offered two [2] great products - Karyn’s Green Meal Powder and Karyn’s Enzymes, and she has included a Karyn’s tote bag for one lucky Raw Epicurean reader. Thank you!
Attention Chicago-based readers!
Raw Epicurean offers one [1] 25.00 gift certificate to Karyn’s Raw Cafe. This offer is exclusive to our Chicago based readers. Please write “Chicago” or indicate that you live in the Chicago area when you comment. Thank you.
To be eligible to win one of these wonderful gifts, simply answer this question:
Who inspires you to be the best you can be?
One entry per person, please.
The drawing for this giveaway will take place Tuesday, August 25th, and I will use my favorite random number picker to choose the winning participants. The winning participants will be contacted via email and an announcement will be posted in the comment section of this post.
Thank you in advance and best of luck to all who participate.
***More about Karyn Calabrese
Visit Karyn’s website
Current events at Karyn’s Raw Cafe
Back to Top ⇑
Related posts:
- Excalibur Food Dehydrator
Karyn Calabrese is a long-standing pioneer in the health and holistic industry who’s journey and many accomplishments are inspiring. Based in Chicago, she runs a multifaceted business. She is one of the healthy food entrepreneurs with two successful restaurants: Karyn’s Raw Cafe - serves raw food, has a juice bar and store, Karyn’s Cooked - serves cooked vegan fare, and she also offers Karyn’s at Home - a weekly meals program delivery.
Her other endeavors include the business of beauty and self-care. Karyn is owner of a day spa, Karyn’s Inner Beauty Center, and she offers a bi-monthly detox program that serves to help heal and balance the body, mind, and spirit.
I totally believe it. Take one look at her, she is gorgeous, and her ageless beauty shows she lives what she teaches.
In this interview, Karyn speaks about her bi-monthly detox program and classes, tells us her inspiration for committing to this holistic lifestyle, who inspires her as a chef and in business, and shares an amusing behind-the-scene kitchen story, and much more.
Enjoy the interview.
Ingrid Weithers-Barati: When did you discover veganism? Raw food?
Karyn Calabrese: I discovered veganism 35 years ago and Raw Foods 30 years ago.
IWB: What inspired you to commit to eating this way?
KC: I was initially inspired by my mother who sought alternative means to heal her cancer. My mother didn’t win her battle but I was determined not to go down the same road as the other women in my family who died young and overweight. I stayed committed to this lifestyle through the influence of my teacher, Dr. Ann Wigmore, who is the founder of the raw foods movement in our time. Eventually my body evolved naturally to crave healthy raw foods through cleansing and detoxification and the benefits of eating this way made the journey much easier.
IWB: In the beginning, was it easy for you to stay on a raw food diet?
KC: I never set out to stay on raw foods. It was a natural evolution for my body. When I first started there were not a lot of people doing this, no books or raw food restaurants like there are today. I started a support group in my home for like-minded people which eventually grew into the business I have today.
IWB: I’ve heard that some people find it challenging to maintain a raw food diet during cold winter months. How do you get through Chicago’s cold winters on a raw diet?
KC: Once your body finds balance from cleansing and detoxing, you don’t have to try as hard to stay warm (or cool in the summer). The body is more comfortable at any temperature. Remember we are animals and we are supposed to be able to navigate all types of weather in the coats we were born with.
For people just starting out I recommend adding warming spices like ginger and cayenne pepper to foods and also putting a little cayenne in socks and shoes will help.
IWB: Does your family also eat a high level raw vegan foods?
KC: Some of them do. My children were raised vegetarian then vegan and as teenagers and young adults they went on to choose their own lifestyles as all children should be allowed to do. Today my daughter is probably 65% raw and 85% vegan. I try to never judge or change people who are not ready to change, including my family. There is so much more to love about a person than the way they eat.
IWB: Who inspires you as a chef; as a business person?
KC: I am inspired by my family and my customers who respond to my food and challenge me to create new exciting foods in my restaurants. I love the food at Pure Food and Wine in New York and am inspired by their creativity. I feel we all have an innate ability to create in the kitchen. We really don’t need outside influence if we tap into our own instincts.
As a business person I am inspired by my husband.
IWB: What are some of your favorite kitchen gadgets?
KC: Dehydrator, food processor, vita-mix blender
IWB: Tell us one of your most amusing behind-the-scene kitchen stories?
KC: A few years ago I was invited to Jamaica with the top ten raw chefs around the country. When it was my turn to teach, the chef before me was being a bit of a diva and would not let me use the kitchen equipment for my presentation. I had to teach the whole class in pretend, mimicking the noises of the machines. It of course didn’t go as I had planned but people were laughing and having a good time. The lesson I learned from that experience is that in any kitchen, especially a raw foods kitchen, things aren’t always going to go as planned so you need to make the best of the circumstances you are given otherwise it won’t be fun anymore and you’ll be more likely to give up on the whole thing.
IWB: If you could ask three famous people, who aren’t raw, to Karyn’s Raw Cafe, whom would you invite?
KC:Oprah (not because of her fame, but because it would help her), President Obama (his knowledge of raw foods could help the country and maybe influence health care policy), Rush Limbaugh (not only could this help his health problems, but as someone who influences a lot of people, it could help him to be more balanced and compassionate)
IWB: You offer a 4-week bimonthly detox program and classes. What are some of your tips and suggestions on daily detoxing?
KC: I don’t believe detoxing is something people should do daily forever. I believe they should pick a period of time to devote to the detoxing process and see how their bodies react. The rest of the time they should eat comfortably and try to incorporate some healthy habits into their routine. If you try to be too strict with yourself all the time I think there’s a bigger chance you’ll give up.
IWB: Name the top 3 foods that you recommend eating frequently to aid in detoxification?
KC: Green super foods (like my Green Meal Powder) added to a smoothie or shake, fermented foods like sauerkraut, and sprouts.
IWB: I’ve read that Karyn’s is the longest standing raw foods restaurant in the Midwest. Congratulations! That is a wonderful achievement and great testament of the demand for healthy dining. Has the raw food scene evolved significantly, particularly in Chicago, since you first went into the restaurant business?
KC: Actually it’s the longest standing raw foods restaurant in the country! Something I’m very proud of, especially since we’re in the Midwest. The raw food scene has evolved tremendously in the past few years. There are many groups and other restaurants involved now. Many more people are aware of the benefits of raw foods and curious to give it a try. I believe education and non-judgment is the key to fostering the raw food movement anywhere.
IWB: If you could be or do anything else what would you be or do?
KC: I would be a professional ballerina
IWB: What one word would you use to describe yourself?
KC: Compassionate
IWB: What’s the one thing about you few people know?
KC: I really dislike talking about food and raw foodism outside of the restaurant and work related events. When people first get into this stuff, they tend to make it too much a part of their lives and it ends of defining them. I stay sane by keeping a lot of balance in my life and that means have many interests and activities that are not food related.
IWB: Are there any projects and event that you are involved in that are coming down the pipeline?
KC: My book is almost finished! Also, I’m expanding my product line and working to get it in stores around the country. I’m planning to open another cooked vegan restaurant and expand our web based business and marketing to continue to spread health and raw foods to as many people as I can.
IWB: What is your biggest joy, your accomplishment[s] that most make you proud in helping people improve their lives.
KC: I’m most proud of the success of my detox classes. When I started out 25 years ago I had 7 people in a class. Now we get between 100-300 people every other month. I’m also proud of the diversity of people who detox with me from schoolteachers to nurses, doctors, lawyers, and judges. We get people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds.
IWB: Is there anything that you’d like to add, any closing thoughts?
KC: It’s so important not to make food the whole focus of your life and to balance physical, emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Compassion for your fellow humans and service to your planet are more important than I can express. I end all things with, “If you don’t take care of your body the most magnificent machine you’ll ever be given, where will you live.” Take care. Love, Karyn
Thank you Karyn. :-)
Karyn has generously offered two [2] great products - Karyn’s Green Meal Powder and Karyn’s Enzymes, and she has included a Karyn’s tote bag for one lucky Raw Epicurean reader. Thank you!
Attention Chicago-based readers!
Raw Epicurean offers one [1] 25.00 gift certificate to Karyn’s Raw Cafe. This offer is exclusive to our Chicago based readers. Please write “Chicago” or indicate that you live in the Chicago area when you comment. Thank you.
To be eligible to win one of these wonderful gifts, simply answer this question:
Who inspires you to be the best you can be?
One entry per person, please.
The drawing for this giveaway will take place Tuesday, August 25th, and I will use my favorite random number picker to choose the winning participants. The winning participants will be contacted via email and an announcement will be posted in the comment section of this post.
Thank you in advance and best of luck to all who participate.
More about Karyn Calabrese
Visit Karyn’s website
Current events at Karyn’s Raw Cafe
Back to Top ⇑
Related posts: