The Real Dish

 Welcome to this special episode of the Real Dish called Foodpreneurs where we take a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship with a special focus on leading innovators.  Today, I’m interviewing David Figueroa, the visionary founder of Melinda's Hot Sauces. David transformed Melinda's from a small family business into an internationally recognized brand known for its gourmet, flavor-forward approach to heat.

In this episode, we’ll explore how David’s entrepreneurial journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build a business from the ground up. From his commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors to his ability to scale a brand in a highly competitive market, David exemplifies the balance between passion and smart business strategy. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to create a successful brand, there’s so much to learn from his story.

So grab a seat at the chef’s table as we unpack his journey, the key challenges he’s overcome, and the mindset that has driven Melinda’s Sauces to become a household name!  And if anyone was wondering, my personal favorite is the black truffle hot sauce.  Let’s dig in.

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.

What does it take to build a health and wellness brand that goes the distance? In this episode, I'm interviewing Jeff and Mike Pedersen of Sports Research.  Jeff is a health industry legend who founded the company over 45 years ago after developing Sweet Sweat, an innovation that helps accelerate the thermogenic effect and improve circulation.  

Now led by his son, Mike, we dive into what it takes to lead a legacy brand with over 200 SKUs, work with family and continue championing best-in-class products that help athletes and everyday heroes in the sport of life.

Whether you're a health and fitness enthusiast, performance athlete, entrepreneur or industry expert, you'll take so many powerful nuggets away from this interview.  Grab a seat at the chef's table and let's dig in!

Make sure to use code CHEFMAREYA for 20% off your purchase of any Sports Research product, including their amazing electrolytes, Omega 3's, protein, Organic Collagen, Sweet Sweat and over 200 other products at www.sportsresearch.com.

In this episode, we dive into heart Is the carnivore diet good for your heart and more heart health questions unpacked with board certified cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.  His point of view is: "I use all natural methods to prevent, treat, and reverse heart disease and related ailments. You don't have to depend on Big Pharma meds or surgeries to treat heart disease." In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to all our hearts—literally! We're talking about how the food we eat can impact our heart health.

Whether you're a foodie looking to make healthier choices or someone who wants to better understand the link between diet and cardiovascular wellness, this episode is for you. We'll be breaking down the best and worst foods for your heart, sharing expert insights, and offering practical tips to help you make heart-healthy choices without sacrificing flavor.

So grab your favorite healthy snack, sit back, and get ready for a lively and informative discussion that will have your heart thanking you with every bite!

In this episode of "The Real Dish," I address the energy challenges women face in midlife. I share my personal journey, including overcoming a significant injury and competing in a bikini bodybuilding competition. I identify "energy vampires" like stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and negative relationships that drain vitality. I offer practical tips for boosting energy naturally, such as regular exercise, eating energizing foods, and considering supplements. Emphasizing a positive mindset and supportive relationships, I aim to empower women to reclaim their energy and pursue their passions through informed lifestyle choices and self-care practices.

Want to try Chef Mareya’s favorite energy hacks?  Here are direct links and discount codes:

Sports Research

Receive 20% off with my code: ChefMareya

Recommended products:

Creatine

D3 + K2

Whey Protein

Organic Powdered Collagen

Omega 3s

BIOptimizers

Magnesium Breakthrough

Receive 10% off all BIOptimizers products with code: MAREYA

I also recommend:

P3 Om (gut health)

Masszymes (enzymes)

Blood sugar control

Lumebox:

Receive $260 off with code CHEFMAREYA

Red light/IFR portable box

Re-energize yourself at the cellular level.  NASA proven technology.

Garden of Life:

Receive 20% off with code: GIFTOFHEALTH

Hormone Balance

Berberine

Modere

Receive $25 off your order with my code CHEFMAREYA

Biocell Liquid Collagen

Go! Pre-workout energy

Logiq Brain healthy coffee + collagen

Melinda’s Sauces:

Put some fire into your life with these delicious hot sauces!

WHAT IF THE SECRET TO HEALTH, HAPPINESS, CONFIDENCE AND YOUR DESIRED BODY IN MIDLIFE WAS JUST A SUMMIT AWAY?

WORLD CLASS EXPERTS WILL LEAD YOU TO A LASTING HIGH QUALITY LIFE INSIDE A HEALTHY BODY THAT YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT. 

SIGN UP FREE for the Midlife Makeover Summit TODAY: https://summit.hoyefit.com/

When I interviewed Elwin Robinson, the founder and CEO of Genetic Insights for episode 124, it was a real eye opener.  While we often focus on blood tests and scans to find out what is impacting our health, they don't tell the whole story.  The important information our genetic blueprint holds is key to understanding our strengths and challenges.

He was an otherwise healthy guy who experienced a MAJOR medical crisis and doctor visit after another, couldn't figure out what was wrong until he dove into his DNA and got the answers he was looking for so he could get his life back.

After hearing his story, I had to get a test for myself and what I learned SHOCKED me...things that I've never heard from my doctor or had show up in a blood test.  

Now, in full transparency, I'm sharing my results with you in this episode 128 of The Real Dish in real time - unedited.

If you'd like to have your genetic testing done, visit geneticinsights.co and use my code THEREALDISH for 25% off.  

In this episode of "The Real Dish," Chef Mareya hosts Wade Lightheart, co-founder of BiOptimizers. They discuss health, nutrition, and lifestyle, focusing on Wade's journey and mission to optimize health. Topics include stress, adaptability, and finding purpose. They highlight essential nutrients like magnesium, the impact of industrialization on nutrient depletion, and challenges in accessing accurate health information. Wade explains the role of magnesium in metabolic processes and the importance of enzyme supplementation for digestion. Chef Mareya shares her positive experiences with BiOptimizers' products. They also touch on healthy cooking and managing diet effectively. Receive 10% off at bioptimizers.com/mareya

Welcome to "The Real Dish," your go-to podcast for tips, stories, and strategies to live a healthier, happier life. I'm your host, Chef Mareya, and today we're diving into a powerful topic that can truly transform your approach to health and wellness: the importance of mindset in changing to healthy habits. I’m calling it the caramel sauce to health because it’s what tops off all the good habits and makes them sticky. We've all been there—wanting to adopt healthier habits but finding it difficult to stick with them. Whether it's eating better, exercising regularly, or managing stress, the challenge often lies not in the actions themselves but in our mindset. Today, we'll explore why mindset is so crucial and how you can cultivate a mindset that supports lasting, positive change.

FoodPreneurs: A new series on The Real Dish

As a 30+ year veteran of the food industry, and an inventor of a brand and product line, I love meeting other entrepreneurs and learning about their stories, what makes them tick and what they would do if they had to start all over again. 

With that, we're starting a new monthly series called 'FoodPreneurs' on The Real Dish where we'll dive deep into the journeys of visionary founders.  We'll explore the stories behind the brands that are changing the way we eat and think about food. From humble beginnings to groundbreaking innovations, join us as we uncover the passion, perseverance, and palate-pleasing creations of these foodpreneurs. Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the culinary world, get ready to be inspired and informed.

In our first episode of this series, I'm dishing with Martin Pamensky, CEO and President of Stanmar International - the company behind the brands Ceres juices and Simply Delish - and how a South African reinvented the instant dessert category to make America’s favorites guilt-free.

Pull up a chair at the Chef's table and let's dish.

SAVE 15%  AND USE CODE: CHEFMAREYA15 to try Simply Delish desserts.  click here and download my free recipe booklet, too:  https://simplydelish.net/chef-mareya/#