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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"
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.
Join us for an immersive and transformative mini retreat as we welcome back our friends from Ikaria, Greece, Georgios and Eleni Karimalis. Experience a day in the life of an Ikarian and uncover the secrets of their renowned longevity lifestyle. Our day begins at 9:00 am with a warm welcome and a refreshing cup of Ikarian tea, setting the tone for a day filled with vitality and learning.
Kickstart your morning with the invigorating Ikarian Morning Exercise Routine, designed to energize and awaken your body. Following this, delve into the art of creating a traditional Ikarian breakfast, guided by our esteemed guests.
As we approach midday, explore the Kids' Food Basket Farm and learn how farming in West Michigan compares to farming in Ikaria. We will have an enlightening session on farming, food, and sustainability. Discover the sustainable practices that contribute to the Ikarian way of life.
In the afternoon, engage in an interactive workshop where you'll assist in creating a traditional Ikarian dinner. Georgios and Eleni will lead the session, encouraging participation, questions, tasting, and movement breaks throughout the process.
Our day winds down with a celebratory traditional Ikarian dinner, and we raise a toast with a heartfelt "YAMAS" in gratitude for this enriching experience. We will gather for a spirited Greek Circle Dance as we conclude our time together by 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making the Secrets of Longevity Simple!
Summary of Benefits:
Georgios Karimalis, renowned for his extensive research on Ikarian nutrition and lifestyle, has shared his findings at numerous global conferences. His expertise in organic viticulture, agriculture, and sustainability at the Karimalis Vineyard makes him a mentor in healthy living and proper nutrition connected to longevity.
Eleni Karimalis, an expert in Ikarian gastronomy and plant-based Mediterranean cuisine, has showcased her culinary skills on Greek television and in documentaries worldwide.
Their award-winning vineyard, cooking school, longevity lifestyle retreats, and farm-to-table restaurant in Ikaria are celebrated globally.
Ikarians are renowned for their exceptional longevity, with one in three making it to their 90s, free of dementia and many chronic diseases. This retreat is designed to benefit anyone interested in learning about the culture, food, and lifestyle of Ikaria, a "Blue Zone" Island known for its high percentage of centenarians. Embrace the lifestyle, which promotes a quality life filled with balance and well-being. This retreat offers a chance to reset and live with more balance, free from the intensity and anxiety of daily life.
Participants will immerse themselves in the culture and nutrition of Ikaria, gaining insights into their daily lives. Spend quality time with Georgios and Eleni Karimalis through cooking classes, workshops, and lifestyle tips on well-being and longevity.
Beyond learning about the refreshing Ikarian way of life, attendees will build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. The retreat emphasizes purposeful living and deep connections, creating a supportive network for a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
The Karimalis' from Ikaria, Greece!
Cooking and Longevity Lifestyle
One-Day Reteat
Held at Kids' Food Basket, Grand Rapids, MI
$250 (11 hours) 9am - 8pm
I am excited to be hosting this event at
Kids' Food Basket in Grand Rapids, Michigan this year!
A portion of the proceeds from this event will be given back to Kids' Food Basket.
They do amazing work addressing the impacts of hunger in our communities, especially with children.
Thomas Edison
· 9:00 am Welcome Guests with Ikarian Herbal Tea - Learn the Benefits of Greek Herbs
§ Herbs like lemon verbena, oregano, mint, sage, rosemary, and thyme to name a few.
· 10:00 am Morning Exercise/Movement – Traditional Morning Routine
§ Movements to improve circulation, digestion, sleep, clarity, mood, and more.
· 10:30 am Create Traditional Ikarian Breakfast
§ The choices we make to break the fast matter – what you eat and when is key.
· 12:30 pm Explore Farming, Food, Sustainability - Karimalis Farm & Vineyard
§ Walk through KFB Barn Patio, Greenhouse, and Farm Fields – moving in nature.
· 2:00 pm Ikarian Longevity Traditional Workshop – Create Dinner
§ Attendees will participate in the cooking. Questions and notetaking are encouraged.
· 5:30 pm Enjoy Family Style the Delicious Dinner & Raise a Toast of Thanks
§ Fresh, local produce, prepared in a way that is delicious and nutrient rich.
· 7:30 pm Celebratory Greek Circle Dance Concludes Our Time Together
· 8:00 pm Good Night – Thank you!
The Karimalis' from Ikaria, Greece!
Cooking and Longevity Lifestyle
One-Day Reteat
Held at Kids' Food Basket, Grand Rapids, MI
$250 (11 hours) 9am - 8pm
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!
Healthy living can be delicious, affordable, nutritious, and easy!
Please reach us at Jacquie@ImagineYourJourney.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! Grand Rapids, Michigan, has MANY options for lodging, with a variety of features and prices. If you have specific needs, requirements or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather forecast that day. We will be taking breaks in the fresh air and walking the Kids' Food Basket farm - weather permitting.
Bring shoes for both indoor and outdoor activities. You may want to bring a change of clothing for our dinner together, nothing fancy or anything, just a suggestion.
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!
Something to sit on when seated on the floor (e.g. a yoga or exercise mat, blanket, cushion, or towel are examples). We will have some extras on-site if you do not have one.
If possible, we ask that you do NOT eat breakfast before attending this event. The day is designed to be as much like the retreats they lead on their property in Ikaria as possible. The "welcome tea" that we will share, with herbs from Greece, is the start of the "magic" that happens when certain ingredients and activities that will happen throughout our day. We will be "breaking the fast" together after morning tea, and morning exercise.
The movement, activities, and exercise are possible for everyone. Georgios is an excellent leader in this area and can give modifications to anyone who needs them. We won't be doing anything "crazy or strenuous". We will be doing simple things (movements and stretches) that prepare you for an active day.
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