INTRODUCTION:

What a dream it was to sit down with Tosca Reno, my fitlife mentor from afar.  Although I appeared in her Eat Clean Magazine back in 2012, and had been a student of her work and an avid follower of her principles, I never had the pleasure of meeting Tosca until recently by way of this recording. 

And it was definitely worth the wait!

As the Queen of Eating Clean herself shared her personal struggles and how she’s empowering a generation of people to get in shape and live their best life, I thought, wow, people need to really meet the real Tosca.

And you will indeed!

Tosca Reno is a New York Times best selling author, founder of the Eat-Clean Diet® health revolution, health and wellness expert, transformation coach, motivational speaker, Star of a Gemini Award Winning reality TV show, physique competitor, and mother of 4.

The founder of the Eat Clean® series that kicked off a food revolution by the same name, Tosca has sold millions of copies of her books, in several languages. She has helped millions lose weight and become well, thanks to Eating Clean®, a lifestyle system designed to manage weight loss and wellness.

Once 204 pounds and officially obese, she has discovered the secret most needed to serve those suffering from the modern day problem of overweight.

Her online Strike Sugar program guides users through a 4 week detox of ultra processed foods and refined sugars. Millions have used the program to quit their sugar addiction and live life free from pain and illness.

Tosca is an experienced author, speaker, educator, transformation coach and media veteran.

I’m so thrilled to be able to share this episode full of wisdom and practical tips to get you on the right path.  So grab a seat at the Chef’s Table and let’s dig in.

Get Tosca’s 4-week ‘Strike Sugar’ program for just $99.

TIMESTAMPS:

Introduction to Tosca Reno (00:00:00)
Chef Maria introduces Tosca Reno, highlighting her influence and achievements in the health and wellness industry.

Tosca’s Journey and Impact (00:01:20)
Discussion on Tosca’s success with the Eat Clean Diet and her impact on millions seeking wellness.

Tosca’s Magazine Creation (00:03:40)
Tosca explains the inception of Clean Eating Magazine in 2003 and its significance in the fitness community.

Tosca’s Personal Transformation (00:06:15)
Tosca shares her struggles with obesity and the turning point that motivated her to change her lifestyle.

Catalyst for Change (00:08:28)
Tosca reflects on her realization during a pivotal moment that she needed to transform her health.

The Role of Mentorship (00:10:46)
Tosca discusses how her relationship with her late husband, Robert Kennedy, transformed her outlook on fitness.

Robert Kennedy’s Influence (00:11:53)
Tosca describes Robert’s impact on her life and how he helped her embrace bodybuilding.

Preparation for Competition (00:15:51)
Tosca recounts her experience preparing for her first bodybuilding competition and the challenges she faced.

Eating Clean vs. Traditional Dieting (00:21:33)
Tosca contrasts her previous dieting mindset with the benefits of clean eating and its effects on her health.

Introduction to Clean Eating (00:24:35)
Chef Maria emphasizes the benefits of clean eating and its impact on health.

Eating Five Times a Day (00:24:48)
Tosca Reno discusses adapting to a new eating routine and its initial challenges.

Mind-Body Connection (00:25:01)
Tosca shares how mental shifts align with physical changes during her transformation journey.

Thermogenesis and Self-Esteem (00:27:07)
Discussion on how physical changes affect self-esteem and brain function, especially in women.

Impact of Lifting Weights (00:28:49)
Tosca explains how strength training can balance hormones and improve well-being.

Overcoming Depression (00:30:21)
Tosca reflects on her past struggles and the courage needed to prioritize self-care.

Movement as Medicine (00:31:39)
Tosca talks about the positive effects of physical activity on mental health and hope.

Connection to Food Preparation (00:32:05)
Chef Maria and Tosca discuss the importance of intentional food preparation and its impact on health.

Learning to Cook Clean (00:33:22)
Tosca shares her love for cooking and the need to adapt traditional methods for clean eating.

Food as Information (00:34:51)
Tosca emphasizes the significance of food choices and their effects on cellular health.

Praying Over Food (00:35:29)
Tosca discusses the practice of gratitude over meals and its nutritional benefits.

Tosca’s Competition Journey (00:36:05)
Tosca recounts her experience in competitive bodybuilding and the lessons learned.

Writing and Sharing Experience (00:39:24)
Tosca explains how writing became a way to share her journey and connect with others.

Looking Ahead (00:41:26)
Tosca shares her thoughts on future projects and the importance of evolution in her work.

Lessons from Loss (00:42:18)
Tosca reflects on personal losses and the wisdom gained from challenging experiences.

Upcoming Books (00:44:15)
Tosca reveals her plans for three new books, including a memoir and updated programs.

The Importance of Authenticity (00:46:22)
Discussion on the value of genuine experiences in the fitness industry and the dangers of superficiality.

Body Positivity Movement (00:48:24)
Discussion on embracing all body types while recognizing the importance of health and wellness.

Importance of Body Care (00:49:12)
Tosca emphasizes how treating your body well is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Personal Transformation Experience (00:50:27)
Tosca shares her journey from obesity to fitness and the societal perceptions of body image.

Connecting with Tosca Reno (00:51:12)
Tosca discusses how people can connect with her and her programs for personal growth.

Aging and Longevity (00:52:18)
The speakers reflect on the importance of aging gracefully and maintaining mobility in later years.

Favorite Meal Question (00:53:49)
Tosca shares her dream meal experience, highlighting cultural and personal significance.

Inspiration for Future Generations (00:55:08)
Discussion on providing a new template for aging and inspiring the next generation.

Closing Remarks (00:56:05)
Chef Maria thanks Tosca and encourages listeners to take proactive steps towards wellness.

QUOTES:

“I had been in an abusive marriage for 17 years at the time when I chose to follow Robert’s guidance, eat clean, and train my body. Prior to that, I was depressed. Now I started making decisions to prioritize myself because I had three daughters at the time, and I didn’t want to leave a message that I was just somebody’s trash on the bottom of their shoes.” – Tosca Reno

‘Your body is your gift. This body is what you were given to go through this whole life with, so how you treat it is of the ultimate importance.’ – Tosca Reno

‘Having been an overweight person at one time and now not being overweight and feeling amazing in my skin, that’s who I’m going to be.’ – Tosca Reno

NEWSLETTER:

Subject: Discover the Transformative Power of Clean Eating with Tosca Reno! 🌟

Hey there!

I’m beyond excited to share this week’s podcast episode with you. It’s a conversation that’s close to my heart, featuring none other than the incredible Tosca Reno. If you’ve ever felt the need for a health and wellness overhaul, this episode is a must-listen!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered:

• Tosca’s Transformation: From weighing 204 pounds to becoming a fitness icon, Tosca’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace clean eating and strength training.
• Clean Eating Insights: Learn about the principles of clean eating and how it can revolutionize your health. Tosca’s approach isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about nourishing your body with the right foods.
• Mind-Body Connection: Discover how the mind must catch up with the physical changes in your body. Tosca talks about the mental shift that happens when you start trusting the process of clean eating and exercise.
• Empowerment Through Fitness: Tosca’s story of overcoming personal struggles and finding empowerment through fitness is truly motivating. She emphasizes the importance of movement as a source of hope and healing.
• Food as Information: Understand how the nutrients we consume affect our cellular function and overall health. Tosca encourages a mindful approach to food preparation and consumption.
• Personal Journey and Writing: Tosca shares her experiences in the fitness industry, including competing in bodybuilding shows and writing for fitness magazines. Her writing has inspired countless individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
• Future Projects: Get a sneak peek into Tosca’s upcoming books, including a program on breaking up with sugar, an updated clean eating guide, and a memoir detailing her life experiences.
• Cultural Conversations on Body Image: We discuss societal attitudes toward body image and health, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility in achieving wellness goals.

Curious to hear more? Tune in to this episode and let Tosca’s wisdom and practical tips guide you on your journey to a healthier, happier you. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Thank you for being a part of our community. Your support means the world to me. If you enjoy the episode, please share it with friends and leave a review. Let’s spread the message of real-life wellness together!

Until next time, remember: you are the chef of your own kitchen. Feed your life well, make good decisions, and prioritize your well-being.

Warmly, Chef Maria

P.S. Have any questions or thoughts about the episode? Hit reply and let’s chat! 🌿✨