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eXPERIENCE THE iKARIAN bLUE zONE
"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food."
Hippocrates
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Thrive Like an Ikarian – A Longevity & Lifestyle
Georgios Karimalis
Georgios Karimalis
Georgios Karimalis
Eleni Karimalis
Georgios Karimalis
Georgios Karimalis
Ancient Ikarian Wisdom
Well-known globally for their award-winning vineyard (wines), cooking school, longevity lifestyle retreats and farm-to-table restaurant in Ikaria Greece.
They have appeared in documentaries and cookbooks, including the Blue Zones by National Geographic, and a variety of other publications.
To explore more about them, visit their website at:
"Today, Ikarians are almost entirely free of dementia and some of the chronic diseases that plague Americans. One in three make it to their 90s. A combination of factors explains it, including geography, culture, diet, lifestyle and outlook"
Why Is Ikaria Unique?
The idyllic island of Ikaria, Greece, stands as a testament to the principles of the blue zones, regions where people enjoy extraordinarily long and healthy lives.
Ikarians live significantly longer than the average population, with many reaching their nineties and even surpassing the century mark.
Purchase Ticket - Lessons from Ikaria Keynote & Panel
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Living the Blue Zone Life: Lessons from Ikaria, Greece
Discover the Secrets of Longevity from One of the World’s Healthiest Places
Join us for a rare opportunity to meet Georgios and Eleni Karimalis, visiting from Ikaria, Greece, one of only five Blue Zones® in the world. People here live longer, healthier lives—often into their 90s and beyond—thanks to a unique combination of lifestyle, food, purpose, and community.
In this 90-minute presentation and panel discussion, Georgios and Eleni will share the science and soul behind Ikarian longevity, weaving personal stories, insights from their biodynamic farm and guesthouse, and the cultural rhythms of island life.
You'll learn:
- Why Ikarians live longer—and better
- How microclimate, wine, movement, and meaning play a role
- What "Ikarian time" really means (and how it lowers stress!)
- How we can bring Blue Zone principles to life here in the U.S.
Whether you attend in person or virtually, you’ll leave with meaningful ways to nourish your body, mind, and spirit—at every stage of life.
Join Us - October 21, 2025
The Karimalis' from Ikaria, Greece!
Groundwork
Alluvion Theatre
Traverse City, Michigan
$50 In-Person 5:30 - 7:00 pm
or
$10 Virtual
Purchase Ticket - Culinary Journey to Well-Being
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
"Embracing the Wisdom of Ikarian Longevity: A Culinary Journey to Well-being"
Step into the world of Ikaria Greece, where time seems to slow down, and life flows in harmony with nature. Experience on a transformative journey through a Traditional Cooking and Longevity Workshop, steeped in the art and science of the renowned Ikarian blue zone.
Georgios and Eleni Karimalis will provide you with an experience of a lifetime share the secrets of their lifestyle. The essence of Ikarian wisdom comes to life through the preparation recipes drawn from the island’s predominantly plant-based cuisine. Delve into the alchemy of flavors, guided by the culinary traditions that have gifted Ikarians with vitality and longevity. Unearth the science behind each ingredient, as we unlock the hidden treasures of this ancient art.
Eat well. Live long. Feel better.Join us this October in Traverse City for the 4th Annual Traditional Ikarian Cooking & Longevity Workshop—a delicious, immersive, and soul-nourishing experience led by our cherished guests from Ikaria, Greece, one of the original Blue Zones known for extraordinary health and longevity.
What to Expect:
- Hands-on traditional Ikarian cooking demonstrations
- Tastings of anti-inflammatory, plant-based Mediterranean meals
- Cultural stories & insights from Ikaria, Greece
- Wellness & longevity principles rooted in science and tradition
- Recipes and tools to bring the Ikarian lifestyle home with you
Why it Matters:
Ikarian cuisine is more than delicious—it's been linked to:
- Reduced inflammation
- Better gut health
- Lower risk of heart disease & dementia
- Increased energy & longevity
Whether you want to manage an existing health concern, prevent chronic disease, or simply reconnect with vibrant, joyful living—this event is for you.
Bring a friend!
Come with a partner, sister, friend, or foodie soul mate. This is a shared experience you’ll never forget—and your ticket includes tastings, workshop materials, and a seat at the table where food truly becomes medicine.
Join Us - October 22, 2025
The Karimalis' from Ikaria, Greece!
Groundwork
ESPERANCE Teaching Kitchen
Traverse City, Michigan
$200 ** 2:00 - 8:00 pm
Learn the Keys to Ikarian Health and Longevity
Diet and Nutrition
The ancient Ikarian diet, renowned as the most pure and original Mediterranean diet, offers a holistic approach to nourishment and healing. This mostly plant-based diet emphasizes the use of fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits such as citrus and figs, all rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Honey, harvested from Ikarian bees, is a natural sweetener brimming with health benefits.
Ikarians also craft cheese from sheep and goat's milk, providing a delicious source of protein and probiotics. Fermented foods like Greek yogurt and kefir contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, crucial for overall well-being. Sourdough bread, made through natural fermentation, supports digestive health by enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting beneficial gut bacteria.
For those interested in a diet that includes some fish and eggs, the Ikarian way of eating balances these with the abundant plant-based foods, offering a harmonious blend that supports longevity and vitality. Embrace this timeless diet to nourish your body, heal your gut, and enhance your overall health.
Herbal Teas and Natural Remedies
The daily consumption of herbal teas made from locally grown and foraged herbs such as oregano, sage, and rosemary plays a significant role in the Ikarian diet. These teas act as mild diuretics, aiding in blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of these herbs further enhance their health benefits, contributing to the overall wellness of the Ikarian population.
Natural Movement and Physical Activity
Life in Ikaria is inherently active. The island’s rugged terrain encourages regular, low-intensity physical activity as residents frequently walk and hike to go about their daily tasks. This constant movement is a natural part of their lifestyle, promoting cardiovascular health and physical fitness without the need for structured exercise routines.
Social Connections and Community
Ikarians maintain strong social ties, regularly participating in community activities and gatherings. These social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and enhance mental health. The sense of belonging and purpose derived from these interactions is a crucial element of their overall well-being.
Purposeful Living
Living with a sense of purpose, known as "ikigai" in other Blue Zones, is evident in Ikaria. Residents engage in meaningful activities and maintain a positive outlook on life. This sense of purpose helps to reduce stress and improve mental health, contributing to their long and fulfilling lives.
These key elements—diet, natural remedies, physical activity, social connections, and purposeful living—combine to create the unique longevity phenomenon observed in Ikaria. By incorporating these principles into your own life, you can move towards greater health and longevity, inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Ikarians.
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities Traverse City, M
Gathering to share ideas, make new connections, rekindle old connections, and keep our mission moving forward is an essential pillar of Groundwork. We convene experts in culinary medicine to propel a new food culture.
The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.
Thomas Edison
Testimony of Excellence - Karimalis Ikaria Retreat
I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Ikaria to attend a week-long retreat with Georgios, Eleni, and their beautiful family at the Karimalis Vineyard in April 2024! I am forever changed by this experience and the people - I will be back!
Visual Inspiration from Ikaria - Yamas! ("To Your Health")
Small steps lead to big changes - invest in YOU!
"Live Longer, Better" - Blue Zones
Healthy living can be delicious, affordable, nutritious, and easy!
Imagine Your Journey
2025 Greek Event Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at Jacquie@ImagineYourJourney.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! Traverse City, Michigan has a wide variety of places to stay. If you will be needing overnight accommodations, book early! This is peak color season in Michigan's wine country.
Dress comfortably and be prepared for any type of weather, especially if you plan to walk around town before or after the event.
If you are attending the cooking and longevity workshop, please wear comfortable shoes for participating in the hands-on segments of cooking. Bring an apron if you would like.
Notebook and pen to jot notes, if you so desire. The recipes will all be sent to you via email after the event so you do not have to worry about writing down the recipes, but you may want to make notes on the techniques used by them because those are some of the secrets that make their diet and food so special!
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