Cultivating Wellness and Wisdom Through a Raw, Vegan Lifestyle

Introduction

Born into a family with a history of health issues and premature deaths, Karyn Cabrese was no stranger to sickness.

"All the women in my family died overweight and very young," Karyn once said in an interview. She had witnessed her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother all pass away by the time they reached their fifties. Her own childhood was marred with severe allergies and chronic digestive issues.
But in the late 1960s, when Karyn was a teenager, her life took a decisive turn. Unbeknownst to her, this would set her on the path to transform her health, become a serial entrepreneur, and educate millions of people around the world about a raw, vegan diet.
A young Karyn Calabrese sitting relaxed in a garden, exemplifying grace
Epiphany in the Kitchen
One evening, while making soup for her family, Karyn felt her stomach churning at the sight of the chicken bones and skin floating on the soup’s surface. "I looked at the pot and just saw death," she recounted.
This marked her last day as a meat eater. Karyn decided to become vegetarian on the spot. Soon, she saved up to buy her first wheatgrass juicer and began growing wheatgrass at home, marking the start of her journey into raw foods.

By the mid-1970s, she was fully into raw veganism, inspired by pioneers like Dr. Ann Wigmore.

Philosophy on Health
Karyn’s approach to health became holistic, emphasizing the interconnectivity of physical and emotional well-being.

She wholeheartedly believed in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, provided it’s given the right tools. “We are not just
what we eat; we are what we absorb, what we digest,” she often tells her students during workshops.

Karyn eliminated processed foods completely from her diet and embraced organic, raw ingredients. The effects on her health were nothing short of miraculous – her skin cleared up, digestive issues and allergies disappeared, and she felt happier than she ever had before.
Karyn Calabrese in her kitchen, preparing healthy raw, vegan meals
Karyn also loves to talk about the psychological aspect of wellness, how emotional resilience and forgiveness play critical roles in overall health. “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die,” she says.
Business Ventures

Karyn’s initial foray into the business world began in 1990 when she opened her first raw vegan restaurant in Chicago. “It was a leap into the unknown,” she admits, “but one I felt compelled to take.”

Her restaurant was more than a dining establishment; it was a place of learning and transformation, providing not only food but also education about a healthier lifestyle.

Soon, she opened a wellness spa on the outskirts of Chicago, a sanctuary for those seeking to reset their lives.

“At 77, I know most of my friends aren't alive anymore,” Karyn explains. “The rest are just golfing and enjoying their life in a different way. For me, part of staying young is being vital and being relevant to the world.”

Advocacy & Impact

Today, Karyn is the owner and operator of three successful raw vegan restaurants, a spa, and a culinary school in Chicago.

With over 50 years as a vegan and more than 40 years as a raw vegan, Karyn has been a trailblazer in the wellness community, inspiring millions, including celebrity clients, through her lifestyle as well as her insightful book, “Soak Your Nuts.”

She has also touched the lives of over 100,000+ individuals through her coaching and wellness programs.

Karyn’s remarkable journey and expertise have garnered significant attention, leading her to be featured on national television shows, including two appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and a memorable segment on the Steve Harvey Show.

Conclusion

Karyn Calabrese’s story is a tale of resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of
health and longevity.

Karyn Calabrese aging gracefully, living proof of the benefits of a raw vegan diet

At 77, she continues to challenge the stereotypes of aging, proving that health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of vitality. “I want my legacy to be that of action—of choosing to live fully in every moment,” Karyn says with a smile.

Resources:

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A Plant-Based Lifestyle has helped with:

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