The Real Dish

Today we’re diving deep into a powerful shift that’s redefining midlife as a time of growth, strength, and vibrant living.  I'm interviewing Mimi Ison, known as HeyMiddleAge on social media, whose grown a huge following as she shares all of her experiences navigating midlife and embracing things like boxing, shuffling, jumping rope and natural beauty. And she's doing it WELL. I'd like to think that the days of outdated stereotypes are behind us. The conversation around midlife women is changing, and it's louder, prouder, and more empowering than ever. We’re talking about women who are not just surviving these years but thriving, embracing health, wellness, career transitions, passions, and powerful community connections. So, grab a smoothie or cup of tea, or lace up those walking shoes and get your sweat on, and join us as we explore the stories, strategies, and supercharged mindsets that are breaking boundaries and celebrating midlife for what it truly is: a time of unstoppable energy, wisdom, and renewal. Grab a seat at the Chef's Table and let's dig in.

Welcome back to The Real Dish Show! I'm your host, Chef Mareya, and today we've got a special treat for you. In this episode, we're diving into some of the best highlights from past discussions on women's health. We'll cover everything from balancing hormones and boosting energy to maintaining a healthy weight and feeling your best at any age. Our guests, Dustin Baker and Renee, join us to share their insights on hormone management, nutrient absorption, and the importance of consistency in your health journey. Plus, you'll hear inspiring tips for achieving your fitness goals, whether you're 45 or 69. So grab a seat at the Chef's table, maybe even a pen and paper, and let's dig into these essential keys for living well at every stage of life. Don't miss out—this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you take control of your health journey!

Renee Landers, a 72-year-old bodybuilder, is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of health at any age. Defying conventional expectations, Renee began her fitness journey later in life after a back surgery and quickly became an inspiration in the bodybuilding community. Her chiseled physique and unwavering strength are the results of years of rigorous training, a disciplined diet, and a commitment to maintaining her mental and physical well-being.

Throughout her career, Renee has competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions, often placing in top categories, proving that age is no barrier to achieving peak physical condition. Beyond the stage, she is a passionate advocate for fitness at every age and stage, sharing her story to motivate others to stay active and embrace a healthy lifestyle. She bubbles with the energy and vitality of a 20 year old! Renee regularly speaks on the benefits of weight training, proper nutrition, and mental fortitude, empowering older adults to prioritize their health.

Her remarkable journey has earned her recognition not just as an athlete, but as a role model for people of all ages looking to improve their lives through fitness and self-care.  I can't wait for you to hear this episode and get learn there is no barrier when you put your mind and action to your fitlife goals. 

In this episode, we'll dive into:

- How to turn life's challenges into your biggest opportunity for growth

- Getting your mindset right so the rest of the recipe for achieving your dreams can follow

- How to persevere when people are critical and dealing with family and friends who don't see your vision

- How to start and stick with your fitlife journey at any age or stage

Let's dig in.

Find Renee on Instagram @Reneefitat70 and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Reneefitat70

 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.