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Karyn Calabrese :: An Interview + Giveaway
August 21, 2009
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. :-)
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
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Comments
28 Comments so far
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[...] Karyn Calabrese :: An Interview + Giveaway [...]
My husband inspires me. When we met, I was not only a struggling grad student, but the mom of seven kids, working two jobs and trying to get through a devastating divorce. He embraced me, my children, our problems and has gone on to be one of the proudest grandpa’s of all time.
Then he got sick. A bout of pneumonia that somehow turned into congestive heart failure, and I about lost him. That sparked an interest in healthier lifestyles for both of us. I found Raw almost by accident, and as I’ve explored this new way of eating, he’s been a willing companion. Not quite ready to give up the Omni life, but he never hesitates when I come running from the kitchen with a spoonful of something and say “You’ve got to taste this!”
So that’s who inspires me and makes every day magical for me. My husband, my Mookie Bear, my best friend.
My grandmother inspires me. She was the only person that truly believed in me. She taught me lots of life lessons, that I use to this day. She has always radiated positive and kept a smile on her face. because of her inspiration I have found my purpose in life.
What keeps me warm during Chicago’s brutal winters is Cayenne, I even use it during summer months too :) Great addition to a green juice…cool and warming
My cousin inspires me. Although she died five years ago, she still inspires me. She believed in me and my ideas and when I was out of line, she called it and steered me back in the right direction. Her struggle with cancer inspired me to keep my perspective.
I absolutely LOVE dining at Karyn’s restaurant when I visit Chicago; and I absolutely loved this interview – thanks for sharing!!
**Who inspires me to be the best that I can be = my dad. He’s one of my biggest supporters and always encourages me to stay strong and to persevere through anything in life.
Who inspires me? My children are my biggest inspiration. They are so happy and alive! They are always smiling and ready to jump on my back for a ride or roll around on the floor for some tickling. My daughter is 6 and my son is 3. Since switching to raw foods my energy has increased tremendously which is so wonderful for so many reasons, but especially bc now I feel like a little child playing with my 2 beautiful inspirations every day!
[...] This post was Twitted by RawSkinny [...]
My husband inspires me to be the best I can be because he is so balanced about things. I hate to bring my craziness in and throw him OFF balance! Haha.
My eating has evolved from living off lean cuisine and diet coke (no water, ever) to whole foods and hydrating drinks since I married him. He never pushed me to change my diet or weight and he supported me when I went vegan even though he is a meat and cheese lover. <3 you husb!
Sadly I don’t live in Chicago anymore, and when I did live there I wasn’t too interested in raw foods so I never got to try Karyn’s Raw. I did go to Karyn’s Cooked and it was great, so I’m looking forward to going back. Thanks for a great interview!
The children in my class inspire me to be the best I can be. I am their example and therefore I MUST “walk the walk”. In many ways it is “reciprocal teaching”. I teach them to use their words and my gosh, they do (“When you did xxx it made me feel…”)! Their natural curiosity rekindles my own (I ask “why” more than I have in years). Their lack of fear frees me from the walls that somehow have built up as I’ve aged. Their willingness to go with whatever I dream up inspires me to be more flexible with others in my personal life. Their silliness inspires my own. I am paid to relearn all of the things that matter most in life. (I never said it wasn’t a whole heck of a lot of work though…) ;)
I am so glad I happened to “stumble upon” Karyn’s Raw last fall. I am so lucky to have this gem so close to my DePaul University college campus is Chicago! Karyn has inspired me to include more raw foods in my vegan diet and I have never felt better. Love her!
I realize that not one person inspires me to be my best, but many people inspire me to be my best at different things.
-My husband inspires me to be selfless and forgiving.
-My parents to be generous and positive.
-Certain people inspire me to be the best designer I can be.
-And I think its my own body that inspires me to be the healthiest I can be. Our bodies speak to us, and I find that when I listen is when I am most inspired to make the healthiest choices.
Just ordered the excaliber dehydrator and waiting for it to arrive. I live in northern alberta and am going to start a month long 100% raw diet this fall. I am just waiting for me to figure out a week long menu for myself that I can use 4 times in the month. I am type 2 diabetic and am looking foward to reversing that. After the month I am hoping to remain mostly raw. Waiting to see how hard it is living where I do.
I really enjoy this newsletter and would like to thank everyone involved for all their efforts and for all the valuable information contained in them.
hey Epi thanks for the great article! I’m adding Miss Karyn to my raw greats list…
side bsr////I find it curious and alittle distrurbing that the ad running right above the comments is for A-1 steak sause
“sing for your beef” rather conflicting eh?
Hi Jody – A-1 steak sauce ~ oh it is indeed conflicting. What appears is beyond my control. I’ve been thinking about removing the flash ad and am looking for other ad options, if at all. Thanks for stopping by. :-)
CHICAGO!
I love Karen’s products and I especially her bottled young coconut water- she was the first to sell it in Chicago.
To answer your question, I have looked to my idols to inspire me – a strange pair – Prince and a young Barbra Streisand. On the exterior they seem to have nothing in common. But to me they are both uniquely talented and were both maligned when they started their career, mostly for their looks and the way they chose to dress. They were audacious and dared to be themselves without apologies. Now they’re both considered to be geniuses and icons of their time.
I have always desired to be my full-strength self in the world – to let myself shine and share my creative gifts without apologies. So far, I’m doing a pretty good job. But they have truly inspired me and still do.
Thanks for listening and great interview!
Dana Joy Altman
This may sound a little off base, but I have to say, I inspire myself. I am constantly amazed at how, if I listen to my body and promptings from the Spirit, I am led to the answers I need to be healthier and more at peace with myself, to become the best I can be. As I continue to learn about raw foods and other related topics, eating whole foods more in harmony with nature, I find myself becoming calmer, more centered, happier with myself and those I live with. I can feel the “lightness” of my body as I take in foods that support me, body and soul.
I appreciate your inspiring information and interviews, you have helped me on my journey!
Thank you for this lovely blog post. I enjoyed reading about it and I also would love to be a ballerina LOL. I plan on taking lessons soon; it is never too late to pursue a hobby.
The question you ask made me stop and think. The people who inspire and motivate me are my parents and husband. But also my faith in God drives me to be more than I think I could be.
Peace to you…
andra
My loved ones inspire me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, supportive, passionate people who have overcome many obstacles in life. I truly want to be the best I can so that I am able to give back some of the wonderful gifts of love and support they have given me.
I loved reading this! Thank you Karyn!
My brother inspires me the most. He is just a couple of years older than me, but has such a different outlook on life- I get stressed out and overwhelmed really easily, and he takes everything in his stride, no matter what comes his way. He’s also incredibly talented as well as hilarious…couldn’t ask for a better big brother!
SO many things inspire me, such as….
1) My family. My parents raised me to be compassionate to all people and animals, and I love that my current diet (high-raw veganism) reflects that.
I also see my two grandmothers – both in their mid-80s – one of them eats unhealthily, never exercises, and is in terrible health mentally and physically. The other eats well and stays very active – as a result, she is physically in great shape and mentally is as sharp as a tack! You can probably guess which grandmother I aspire to be like!
2) I am also inspired by my students. As a school social worker in Chicago’s south side, my students face so many obstacles and challenges and it makes me so appreciative of the blessings in my life. I also have a dream to set up a program to teach my students the value of healthy eating (I already try to encourage physical fitness as a Girls on the Run coach).
(I also live in Chicgo and have always wanted to try Karyn’s Restaurants…. I’ve heard fabulous things!!)
My Mom inspires me to be the best I can be. She has an absolutely amazing spirit. Almost three years ago, she broke her neck — C1 and C2, just like Christopher Reeve. Fortunately, her spinal cord injury was further down than his was, but nonetheless, she was not expected to leave the ICU. Her pain was excruciating and we were told to prepare for the worst.
Mom’s response: “Find me the best rehab center for spinal cord injuries, because the longer I lay here, the greater at risk I am for pneumonia and blood clots.”
So, off to rehab she went. And today, she is our walking miracle. She has lost most of her fine motor skills, but she doesn’t let that stop her. In fact, she’s even taken up pottery this past year and makes the most gorgeous creations!
my dad inspires me. although he has passed, his intelligence, compassion and wisdom keeps me searching for the best possible life i can lead. thanks daddy!!!!!!!
Chicago
I ate at her restaurant recently and actually preferred her desserts to the ones at Pure Food and Wine. They are much lighter and have great flavor!
What inspires me is the generosity of all the small farmers, green businesspeople, and those in the restaurant business that I work with towards my non-profit. The connections that are built through this generosity help keep the sustainable food movement vibrant with new wonderful ideas!
My children inspire me to be the best that I can be
My family inspire me to be my best. I want to set a good example for my two daughters and provide the best for them. As well as, I want to be a great partner for my husband as he is for me.
Rachel of Wife Mother Manica wins Karyn’s Green Meal Powder, Karyn’s Enzymes, and a Karyn’s tote bag.
and
Dana Joy Altman of Real Food Rehab wins a $25.00 gift certification to Karyn’s Raw Cafe!
Congratulations to you both! Enjoy your gifts.
I’d like to thank each of you for participating. I loved reading your responses to the question Who inspires you to be the best you can be?. All were inspiring.
Great interview! I particularly love the question about favorite kitchen gadgets since I think that this is something that people new to raw food diets need to learn about. I’m a fan of the dehydrator myself since it opens up so many options for creative, delicious raw food.
I’m not sure who my biggest insiration is actually. I do get inspired by people like Karyn do who found a way to make a livig by helping not only themselves and their loved ones, but the whole humanity as well…
” Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to vegetarian diet.” Einstein
So now I am inspired to do something grand, to find a purpose that will serve many, not necessary via food education, but an education of some sort, I think…