How did you come up with the concept of Lucky Fish?
Iron deficiency is a major global issue, and I found that the current solutions just weren't working. For example, cast iron pots release iron, but are difficult to use, expensive, and inconsistent. Our thought was to reverse engineer the process, and add cast iron to food directly in a controlled, consistent and safe manner.
 
What was your motivation?
I spent time volunteering in the refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya and became very frustrated with the lack of sustainability in the way solutions for malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies were designed. Everything just seemed too complicated, and I strongly believed we needed a simple solution for the complicated issue of iron deficiency. We believe the private sector has a critical role to play in solving the world's largest issues, and so we created Lucky Iron Fish. As a social enterprise, we're proud to do well by doing good.
 
Why a Lucky Iron Fish?
Lucky Iron Fish is a symbol of good luck, health, and happiness in Cambodian local folklore. A fish-shaped iron ingot helped villagers Cambodia to adopt the solution and significantly increase their blood iron levels. Today, the fish is helping thousands of people maintain healthy iron levels around the world.
 
Can you tell us why iron deficiency is a health issue and for who and why?
Iron is the most essential nutrient as it creates hemoglobin in your blood that carries oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency causes a number of issues, including weakness, dizziness, bleeding and death. Women and young children are the groups that are the most vulnerable to anemia, so it's really important that we designed a solution targeting those populations that are most at risk.

What I find about most places, especially when it comes to a wellness vacation is  - it's the team that can make or break the experience. You can have a great location, lots of expensive equipment and the latest trendy classes, but it's the staff that makes the difference between m-e-h and AWESOME!

Michael Friberg is the owner of Ecobaren, a plant-based, organic and raw food restaurant that opened in Stockholm in 2011. He is also a tremendously gracious, well-informed host who welcomed us into his world of living well through food which we are happy to share with our WTJ readers.

How did you get your start in raw & organic? 
Who was the major influencer in your life and why?
It was my grandmother who introduced me in to the World of cooking with her love and passion for food and local ingredients on Gotland in the Baltic sea.
 
Describe the raw food scene in Stockholm.
It´s blooming with a handful of raw food cafe´s opening in the last 2 years, Ecobaren is still the only one that´s open in the evenings.
 
How would you describe the difference in terminology between vegan, raw and plant based?
Naming the raw food dishes is sometimes difficult because it confuses our customers and that's why we have a legend and some helpful definitions on our menu. We are always happy to answer customers questions of course as well.
 
What's your most popular dish?
Raw food lasagna with zucchini,cashew cheese, tomato sauce and marinated chanterelles.
 
Can you share a super easy recipe for our readers?
A super-easy but surprisingly delicious recipe is a banana ice cream.Freeze ripe bananas in chunks.Thaw them a few minutes and then blend into a soft serve ice cream in a blender.
 
Why raw and plant-based food? What's driving consumer interest?
Vegetables is tasty and nutritious, good for us and the planet. Prepared right, there is no need for animal products on the plate. We see a great increase in customer with food allergies,or those who choose to eat gluten-, lactose free,organic and more plant based food.
 
What do you forecast in terms of food production and labeling?
The Swedes are very concuss about these matters and there are ongoing debates on GMO labeling etc.We hope for a global labeling system for GMO Products.
 

Wellness + travel is a growing industry - where do you see food fitting in?
Food is one of the most important thing you can change to feel better and to be in better shape for a long rich life. When you travel it´s so exiting to explore new dishes and local foods.

Mindy is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, Family Getaways and Explorer magazines and she loves writing about travel related to health and wellness, local culture, art, good food and adventure. As editor, Mindy has interviewed me for  wellness tourism articles.  I thought it would be great fun, with all her experience as an editor and traveler and passion for wellness, to turn the tables and ask her a few questions for the Wellness Travel Journal.

WTJ: Why do you love travel?

I know people who love to travel because they are adrenaline junkies — they need constant thrill to stay stimulated. I’m not like that, but I know that I need to push myself outside of my comfort zone in order to grow. Driving solo in Namibia, bungee jumping in New Zealand, trekking in Nepal and going off-the-beaten-path in India were all experiences where I learned as much about myself as I did about the country’s people and culture. Exploring is great for international relations, but it has also strengthened my relationship with myself.

WTJ:  What got you started in this industry? Describe your journey.

Though I have traveled all my life, I had no idea that working in the travel industry — and getting to explore the world — could be a job. Unfortunately, the industry’s many opportunities are not taught in schools. I found my way to the travel industry through my love of journalism — after many years of writing about music and tutoring English composition, I found an internship and later a job at TravelAge West, the No. 1 magazine for travel agents in the West. Fortunately, my job responsibilities have steadily evolved to maintain my interest. But editing and writing for our magazine is still a thrill. Since we cover what’s new at classic destinations and profile under-the-radar travel products and destinations, I am always learning about something new.

WTJ:  What gives you a sense of purpose? 

Many things! I’m passionate about promoting other millennials who are working in this industry, especially savvy young travel agents who are redefining the mainstream concept of a travel agent. Travel agents are poorly understood by mainstream consumers, which is a shame because people would be taking better vacations if they had a good travel agent. Plus, there are so many millennials who would be much happier to have a job that allowed for travel — and I’m not talking about depressing two-day domestic trips composed entirely of meetings either. Also, forgive me for sounding righteous or preachy but travel may be the best (and undoubtedly the most fun) way to become more empathetic. I am driven to share my experiences and to communicate that, no matter where we live or what we look like, we are all humans. We are not as different as we think. I recently got to write about my first-hand experiences in Nepal. (You can read Mindy's article here ) as well as interview folks who know what’s going on in Nepal — I hope it helps the country in some way, whether that be directly through travel or something as small as getting someone to think differently. Plus, traveling makes people happy. Leaving your comfort zone and routine, learning new skills, meeting new people and stimulating your mind are essential aspects of maintaining wellness. Inspiring others to travel is exciting.

WTJ:  What travel rituals do you have?

Before and after most trips, I am hyper-aware of everything going into my body. Strengthening my immune system is key: I chug green juice, take cayenne-ginger-oregano oil-lemon shots, exercise and hibernate. Adrenaline keeps me going during trips, when I don’t get to sleep and eat the way I normally do at home, so it’s important that I refresh my fatigued body and focus my time at home for health and wellness.

WTJ:  What do you never leave home without?

My cell phone plays many roles. It’s a recording device during interviews; I use the notepad feature to take notes; I listen to music to calm me in bustling environments or when I want to sleep; and I take countless videos and photos for my Instagram accounts (@mindypoder and @travelagewest). But in terms of maintaining wellness, I bring probiotics, omega-3s, my own superfood trail mix, antibacterial aromatherapy sprays, peppermint essential oil, my travel yoga mat and running shoes.

WTJ:  What's your most effective strategy for stress management?

In life and in travel, nothing gets me back to a centered state like yoga does. I have a thin purple yoga mat that folds neatly into my luggage that I never travel without.

WTJ:  What advice can you give to other people who love to travel?

Think about what skill you’re good at — it can probably be applied to some sort of position in the greater travel industry. Lots of jobs in this industry have travel perks, especially PR and sales positions for tour operators, destination marketing companies, cruise lines and hotel brands. 
Of course, traveling the world is an essential component to being a good travel agent — plus there’s a need for young people to join that industry. Entrepreneurial folks who love to explore the world and work with people should consider a career as a travel agent.

WTJ:  What about to aspiring travel writers and bloggers?

Travel and write regularly, brand yourself, network at events, attend press trips, be a pleasure to work with (!), write and photograph excellently, understand the audience you’re writing for and keep at it.

WTJ:  What are you travel plans for this year?

So far I’ve tackled some bucket list items: Mexico City art and food, Nepal trekking and culture and a family vacation exploring our roots in Russia and Poland.

Next week, I’m heading to Western Australia to take selfies with quokkas in Rottnest Island and to swim the whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef. I’m very interested in maintaining wellness through travel, so I love to include active experiences in nature whenever possible. I’m excited to take my love of wellness to the next level with a stay at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa which offers hiking, 100+ exercise classes and more than 20 different mind-body-spirit classes. I’ll even get to enjoy the great outdoors at the Family Travel Association Summit in Montana, where I’ll be representing our family travel magazine, Family Getaways. I’m also saving a spot on my calendar for South America though nothing has been confirmed. At the end of the day, the No. 1 medicine is laughing and bonding with loved ones, so I’ll be squeezing in some vacations. The ones on the books are to Maui and Marfa, Texas and New Orleans for a best friend’s wedding and bachelorette.  

WTJ:  Where would you love to go that you haven't been?/Why

Bali appeals to me because it has a strong tradition of yoga and a reputation for wellness travel.

WTJ:  What destination are you yearning to return to and why?

I hope to return to Nepal to trek Everest Base Camp for the personal challenge, the therapeutic nature immersion and because one of the best ways we can help that country recover is by visiting it.

You can find Mindy and her travel insights below.
www.travelagewest.com
https://www.facebook.com/TravelAgeWest
Twitter: @travelagewest | @mindypoder 

Camille Hoheb of Wellness Travel Journal, fascinated by her recent visit to Plant Food & Wine delves a little deeper with an interview with Matthew Kenney, owner and plant-based food visionary.

What does "crafting the future of food" exactly mean? Is it better health, better communities, being socially responsible? 
We are committed to sharing our unique knowledge of food preparation and craft to educate others about the benefits of plant-based cuisine and the optimal health that comes along with nutritious, organic, pure foods. This includes teaching our innovative technique in our academies, and making it more accessible through our restaurants and cafes, product development and private chef placement. 

Why raw and vegetarian? What's driving consumer interest? 
Having adopted a plant-based lifestyle later in life, I was amazed to experience the ultimate nutrition, health, and well being that comes from eating a plant-based diet. This is a very exciting time in the category as more and more people are seeking plant-based, vegan cuisine. Offering elevated, nutritious and beautiful cuisine is at the crux of everything we do and I'm pleased to bring this to Venice and to other part of the world. We are opening our food academies in incredible destinations including Miami and Thailand - where an active lifestyle and health are top of mind.

What do you forecast in terms of food production and labeling? 
Thanks to growing consumer interest the public is becoming more and more aware of labeling laws and concerns associated with highly processed foods. Standing for organic, minimally processed, nutritious, naturally sweetened plant-based cuisine, and supporting local growers and farmers, allows Plant Food and Wine to be part of the solution in offering healthy food alternatives in Los Angeles and our other restaurants and learning centers.

Wellness + travel is a growing industry - where do you see food fitting in?
Food continues to be a huge consideration for tourism, experiencing a destination's cuisine can allow people to connect to a new place in a magical way. Our culinary academies have a huge international draw, students travel from all over the world to attend Matthew Kenney Culinary. In fact, we've graduated students from over 30 countries. We recognize that food tourism is a growing industry, this month we're opened a new Academy in the Evason Resort in  Hua Hin, Thailand, targeting those engaging in culinary tourism. We're also in the process of working with several other partners around the world to reach tourists seeking culinary experiences while traveling.

Let's get a little more personal about you and how your got started in this field. 
I started to gain an interest in eating healthy cuisine pretty young, which lead to an interest in cooking for myself and ultimately inspired me to enroll in culinary school.  After years as a classically trained chef and a poor dining experience in a raw vegan restaurant I got inspired to make plant-based cuisine sexy, approachable, and flavorful so I reinvented my career more than a decade ago.  

Who was the major influencer in your life and why? 
My parents raised me in a beautiful town in Maine. We were in harmony with nature, the seasons and maintained a garden. My parents ensured that I began working at a young age.  This serene upbringing and their work ethic and values certainly inspired me to create this company and continue to guide me.  

What is your favorite kitchen tool and why? 
A sharp knife, I think it's the most critical part of any kitchen. 

What's your favorite destination and why? 
Wherever my partner Liz Arch is hosting her next yoga retreat.  I love the balance of her daily movement practice, local cuisine and exotic adventure travel.  We went to Bali in 2014, Galapagos in 2015 and are doing an African Safari in 2016.

What you never leave home without when you travel?  
Fortunately or unfortunately, my iPhone. I love taking pictures and staying connected to work.

About Matthew Kenney Cuisine
Founded in 2009 Matthew Kenney Cuisine is an integrated, California-based lifestyle company, providing consumers with innovative, high-quality products and services in the culinary arts, health and wellness industries. The company is comprised of education, hospitality, media, products and services business sectors, each striving to change the way the world makes its food choices. Aligned with a world rapidly embracing the need for a healthier diet and an increase in plant-based food consumption, Matthew Kenney Cuisine is crafting the future of food®.

Matthew Kenney Cuisine owns and operates multiple plant-based restaurants in the US including: The Gothic (Belfast, ME) MAKE OUT (Culver City, CA) and forthcoming White Lotus (Miami, FL). More information is available online: MatthewKenneyCuisine.com

WTJ:  What inspired you to become a chef?
I have always loved food and cooking, but I also have great passion for art (painting) and jazz music. Mixing all interests is fantastic -  not only to create experiences for others, but also to  inspire others. Everyone needs to eat and come together around the dinner table.

WTJ: What is Your #1 must-have while on vacation is...
I can not travel without my personal computer. Other than that, I decide when  I'm on the spot ... I love adventure, experience different cultures. I never eat in public places, without asking the locals and finding truly local restaurants. I want to experience my travels and what I do with a good travel companion. 

WTJ: What is your #1 must have item in the kitchen?
I t can not do without a good knife!

WTJ: What was your favorite childhood dish?
When I was little, did my mother often prepared a favourite dish ... It consisted of milk creamed pasta and a pot of sausage party for "Falukorv" ... absolutely wonderful!
 
WTJ:  What is your favorite food now?
(LOL) You can not ask a chef on favorite foods! When I am at home, I often make vegetable ragout made from root vegetables, thinly shredded cabbage, beans, mushrooms with a little cold pressed olive oil, a little rock salt and a piece of lightly fried fish on the side.
 
WTJ: Your packing ritual... 
I pack that best under pressure, because then I pack only what is really necessary and by the way I never get stressed out by a trip.   If I forget something, then I enjoy finding it  local purchasing ... I never get stressed out by the trip.

WTJ: Your best travel advice...
It's the same for what when I  visit a new place. I usually jog around the district to get an overview, gladly study a map and the lay of the land. 

WTJ: Where would you like to visit?
My next trip will be a mission in Abu Dhabi, then London and a lecture at Le Cordon Bleu School, then France, Austria and Italy but i really will try to visit India!!

WTJ: Your Favorite Quote?
See the quote on my backside of the book... :-)

WTJ:  What inspired you to become a tourism professional?
I studied and worked abroad for several years and got to meet end experience so many new and interesting people and cultures. My travels inspired me and I realized that I wanted to work internationally. Getting people to discover my beautiful hometown really make me proud.

My #1 must-have while on vacation is...Good company. And food. And sleep in’s J  
I don't travel without... my IPhone! For travel documents, photos, social media, contacts.. how did we manage before?!

My packing ritual... I am really a very good packer.  I always manage to fit a little bit more than you think possible. Which is good when you‘ve been away, end up shopping a lot and forgot to bring that extra bag you thought of.

The best advice I ever got was...When it comes to visit a new sight or attraction – never explore without a guide. The experience will be so much better if you get some history and story behind it to make it come alive.   

This year I'm going to... India. 

Favorite Quote.... ”The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”  by E.E. Cummings

To read our WTJ interview with Josefin on Stockholm, click here.

WTJ: Please tell our readers about Poland Culinary Vacations.
Sarna: I specialize in organizing customized, fully-escorted, week-long culinary, cultural, wellness and wine vacations for small groups in various regions of Poland thru Poland Culinary Vacations, Inc.

WTJ: How did you get started in this wonderful niche?
Sarna: Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of my love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine. 

WTJ: What do you enjoy the most about your profession?
I love meeting and traveling with my guests and being the host to my guests in my beautiful home country of Poland and help them experience Polish hospitality, food, culture and traditions!

WTJ: Below are some fun fill-in-the-blank questions to help our readers get to know you a bit better.

My #1 must-have while on vacation is...a good book

I don't travel without...my IPhone to stay connected and organized

My packing ritual... Make a list, start at least two days before leaving on a trip and pack only the essentials.

The best advice I ever got was... trust but verify

This year I'm going to... Florida Keys

Favorite Quote.... Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer! (I also love the quote: Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson)

To learn more about Sarna, you'r invited to visit her site!

This post is about Adriana's search for a more meaningful profession and career transition. She started researching wellness travel last year. Interested to know more about my personal experience with wellness travel, Adriana recently asked for an interview which you can read here. Her new blog features her own account of "How I Discovered Wellness Travel." I thought it would interesting for WTJ readers to not only read Adriana's own blog account but also learn more about her inspiring journey through an interview.  
  
WTJ: In your new blog you wrote, "I'm so glad that I'm now 100% focused in working in the wellness travel industry. " Can you tell our readers why?

AG: I finally get to focus on my two passions: travel and therapy. After some research I realized that my passion is considered to be called "wellness travel." I believe travel could be quite therapeutic in helping improve one's wellbeing both mentally and physically which in essence is what wellness travel is about. I have always loved to travel to learn about new cultures, and therapy/psychology topics are things I like to read about to learn how to improve one's mental state. In my personal life travel has always helped me put things in perspective when I've gone through a tough time.

WTJ: What was the motivation behind the career change?

AG: I have worked in the PR and marketing industry, in Washington, DC, for over ten years and I always felt something was missing.Most of my clients were either government or nonprofits. I would work on certain PR/marketing campaigns and would get some decent results but felt I wasn't making a big enough impact or difference. Everything I did was done fast just to get some quick results to impress perspective clients. I didn't even know if I was truly changing the target audience's behavior. All I knew was that the bigger the number the happier the client would be. There was never any real strategy it was just about boosting numbers and getting more money.

My philosophy has always been to work on something that has some type of meaning and helps make a difference in someone's life. I know that with wellness travel you're enriching people's lives so that they could live a better and healthier life. 

WTJ: What research did you do and what lead you to WTW? 

AG: I started researching groups on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and the Internet to see if anybody could help me better understand how to organize therapeutic retreats for people going through a tough time. I had an idea of organizing those therapeutic retreats in my home state of New Mexico for people from Washington, DC, where I currently live. I know people from DC are pretty stressed out all the time. After my research and reaching out to several groups I found Camille Hoheb who opened my eyes to the amazing growing wellness travel industry. As soon as I read about WTW's mission I knew that's what I wanted to get into because it somehow had my two passions in the mix: travel and therapy. I didn't even know one could actually build a career in the wellness travel industry. It's also good to know that my concept about therapeutic retreats is something that interests others and it wasn't just a cool idea I had. I'm now in the process of getting away from the PR and marketing world to join the wellness travel industry.

WTJ: What are your transferrable skills?

AG: I have a strong background in communications which comes in handy when trying to market a service or product. I know the steps to creating an effective communications strategy that could be tailored to any topic, service or product.
-project management

-social media

-marketing

-travel blogging

-people management

-communications

-PR for hospitality industry

-bilingual (Spanish)

-event management 

WTJ: What do you do now in wellness travel?

AG: I have a blog in which I write about wellness, travel, lifestyle, and self development. I'm part of several wellness and meditation groups in Washington, DC. I'm also invited by small-town tourism offices in the Washington, DC metro area to visit their towns. I produce videos both in English and Spanish and write about how the town helped improve my sense of well-being. For example, the last trip to Abingdon, Virginia helped spark my creativity which had been lacking for some time. 

WTJ: What excites you the most about wellness tourism?

AG: It's multi-faceted about incorporating seven aspects of wellbeing such as emotional and intellectual. It's all about enriching the mind, body, and spirit. I think it's the best medicine anyone could have. Traveling with a purpose to improve both your physical and mental state will be something that stays with you forever.
 
WTJ: What advice would you give others?

AG: Travel with a purpose. I think the quote from French novelist Celine sums it up quite well. "Travel is useful. It exercises the imagination. All the rest is disappointment and fatigue." There's a whole new healthy world out there waiting to make you feel better so there's no need to settle for unhappiness.  You never know when the "cool idea" or a "passion" you have is actually part of a credible and respectable booming industry.  Always keep trying. 

WTJ: On a Last Note to Our Readers.....

Let me also mention a few things.  I didn't ask for any type of testimonial from Adriana and boy, am I am humbled at what she wrote! 
I am impressed with Adriana's comment about traveling with a purpose . She nailed it! This is a key point in the new report, Wellness Travel: Shaping America's Health & Economy.  Studies prove that goals, life meaning and purpose extend longevity and quality of life. 

Congratulations to Adriana on her new career path! I am so happy she took the time to write in and found WTW and WTJ useful and inspiring. For all of you who have been thinking of making a change - any change - in the words of Nike: Just Do It!  

I wish all of you reading this article much happiness, health and success.