Saturday, May 30, 2009

BEA Friday and Saturday

Well, if you've been following my Twitter you know I am COMPLETELY run off my feet after 2 very long days at the Book Expo of America. We were featuring the latest Eat-Clean Diet book... The Eat-Clean Diet for Men. We had 2 very successful book signing sessions, met lots of great people, and spread the Eating Clean message. Interestingly enough some ladies who were unfamiliar with the Eat-Clean Series couldn't believe we only had a book for men, so it was great to talk to them about the entire series. I heard some wonderful success stories, too.

Tomorow I have a VERY early call time for Fox & Friends here in NYC. Catch if you can at 7am. Here's the link to find out where it will be for you...

Here are a couple of shots from the weekend thus far.

My assistant/daughter, Kiersten, rocking her Eat-Clean Diet t-shirt and handing out our infamous green bags... everyone wanted one!


Taking a seat at our booth for a few moments. A demo of Tosca:Flexing at 49 is showing in the background.


My team at Fig & Olive in the lively Meatpacking District of NYC. We had a delicious celebratory dinner for another year of hard work for the Eat-Clean Diet series.


Now, I am in dire need of a workout!! Off to the gym to lift some serious iron... boy do I need to reenergize.

More later.

T.

Friday, May 29, 2009

EXTRA Segment

Here is my brief but fun segment from EXTRA.


Parental discretion advised... we're discussing The Eat-Clean Diet for Men and the main topic is clean eating and libido-boosting for men!

Feedback please.

Preview the book here.

I was also on Entertainment Tonight Canada last night (did anyone see it???) regarding "Tosca: Flexing at 49"... I haven't found the link yet, but hopefully they post one... and I'll put it up when they do.

Happy Friday. Off to the BEA!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

EXTRA... Fingers Crossed

Finally!!! Well, I'm almost nervous to say it BUT...

EXTRA will be airing my segment tonight.

Click here to find out when it's on in your area!!

On my way to NYC... BEA here I come!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What's On Tap

Hello bloggers,
It's been busy since the long weekend. Holiday Mondays always throw me off a little bit... not that I mind them. Today I had was rushing around for 2 interviews. Now I am packing my things for my trip to NYC tomorrow. The Book Expo of America is this weekend. I'll be doing signings on Friday and Saturday. If you are in the area, or will be at the expo please stop by for a visit. For more information please visit the BEA website here. There is a fee to get into the expo since it is for the industry, but I believe teachers and librarians get a discount. I will keep you posted on the events all weekend. Should be fun! I hope it doesn't rain all weekend!
-Tosca

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Birthday Party Pics

My internet is a little speedier today. Here are some pics from the event on Saturday night...

Dancing up a storm with my big sis, Martina... Andy and his Bad Weather Band played some great tunes!


Flexing with my fellow Dutch friend, Erica...


Taking a pic with Kelsey-Lynn, Kiersten & Rachel...


Enjoying a mini Boston Cream Pie cupcake with my husband...


Special thanks to Joanne and her fantastic crew from Nella Cucina for making the night so special and delicious!


At breakfast the next morning with my my friend Marion (from high school) & my friend Cathy (from university)... thanks for coming such a long way to celebrate with me...


Cutting the cake one more time... 50 Fit & Fabulous!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Friday's Birthday Dinner

It was a weekend full of fun. On Friday I celebrated with 15 of my closest lady friends and family members. It was a riot! Here are a couple of pics from the night. Yes, that is a marshmallow and a piece of cake! We were all being very silly. Thank you very much for all of the birthday wishes. You made my 50th so much fun! I'll put up more pics of the party later... my internet is being very slow today. Oh the joys of living in the country!

Friday, May 22, 2009

50 HAS ARRIVED!!!


Thank you so much for counting down with me! The day is finally here. I AM 50!!! Yikes and Wahoo all at once. I read so many birthday greetings today that the weight of the event hit me. There are literally hundreds of well wishers who have taken a moment out of your busy day to share a wish with me. Your messages make me feel special, treasured and incredibly happy.

Unbelievably it's May 22, 2009, fifty years of life have passed and I am here to talk about it! My mom called me this morning to wish me well and began to tell me all about the day I was born. It's hard to imagine myself so small and now here so many years and so much older and - fingers crossed - wiser! I've done it!!!

My wish for this year is that we continue to grow together discovering our best selves as we make a commitment to our health, wellness and happiness. We WILL do this together! The Sisters in Iron will stick together, moving iron with iron will and happy hearts.

All my love and celebratory hugs,
Your 50 year old Sister in Iron.
Tosca

Thursday, May 21, 2009

1 DAY... THIS IS IT!

Goodbye 40s... I will be saying a very welcome hello to the 50s tomorrow.

Thank you all for counting down with me and sharing your scary ages and birthday plans with me. Every single one of you keeps me striving for more each day. I want to show you how happy you can be in the body you have by eating clean, exercising, and taking life by the horns!

Since you shared your birthday plans with me I will share mine with you:

Tomorrow evening I will be having a Girls' Night Out dinner with a few of my closest lady friends and family members. On Saturday my husband and daughters have planned an evening pool party with more friends and family, including some friends I haven't seen in YEARS coming a long, long way. Here's hoping the pool is finished by then...lol! My house has been a disaster all week. But I am really looking forward to this weekend. You can guarantee I will be enjoying some wine and cake (like the yummy one in the pic above)!!!

Join me as I celebrate. I will keep you updated all weekend!

LOVE,
Tosca

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Only 2 Days of 40-Something Left

Happy Wednesday Bloggers,

It's midweek and 2 days away from my 50th birthday. I am LOVING the responses to the question I posted on Monday "what age are you afraid of and why"? Be sure to check out the comments section on the blog to read some of the great answers!!

I certainly am not afraid of 50, but I was afraid of 40. The gym and Eating Clean helped me overcome my fears so I could tackle 40 and come out on top!

Can you pick me out of the picture above? This pic is a crazy throwback to the '80s when my little bro, Rene (yes, the Rene of "Apricot Chicken Curry a la Rene" from the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook), was in the navy. My dad even made it into the shot! Just in case you can't figure it out, I'm the tall one on the right. Look at that bad hair! It was taken during my puffier 20-something days.

To my Canadian readers, I am filming a segment for eTalk today. It is focusing on the VIVA network show, Tosca: Flexing at 49 that will be airing in about 2 weeks. We're at the office filming away. I'll let you know when the air date is... and of course I will post the link if it is available.

So for my next age-related question during my countdown week I wanted to ask all of you fabulous men and women what you would do/have done to celebrate your 50th birthday? Then I will tell you what I'm doing... and yes it does involve food!



p.s. Don't forget! The EXTRA segment I filmed while in LA will be airing tomorrow evening. Check here for your local information.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

OOPS!!!!

THE EXTRA SEGMENT IS...

THURSDAY, MAY 21ST!!!

Sorry for the confusion!!


3 Days... EXTRA

I'll be on EXTRA tonight! Woohoo.

I don't know when exactly my segment will be on during the program, but you can find out when EXTRA is on in your area by clicking here.

Great responses to the age question in yesterday's post... keep 'em coming.

3 DAYS!

Monday, May 18, 2009

4 Days and Counting...

Wow wow wow... the day is drawing nearer. I'm really excited to enter this new age bracket and dash any stereotypes that 50 year old women are middle-aged! This is the prime of our lives and I can't believe it's almost here.

I'm interested in hearing what number you're afraid of reaching and why?

Let's tackle these age assumptions with our weights, clean eating, cardio and great attitudes.

We are fit and fabulous!

-TR

Sunday, May 17, 2009

5 Until 50!!!


Well, it's a lovely long weekend here in Canada. The sun has been out here and there, but I do wish it was just a few degrees warmer here. I even had to cover my plants because they are warning of frost tonight. What's this about global warming? I think it has skipped Ontario. :-)

I've spent most of the weekend working on the house with my husband. We are throwing a birthday bash next Saturday and have lots to do to make sure the house is ship shape. We were lugging furniture for most of that day. Phewf! I'm happy to be putting my feet up for just a few minutes.

On Friday night we trekked to Belleville to throw my daughter Kelsey-Lynn a party for her 18th birthday. We were a little behind considering she turned 18 about a month ago. Oh well. Better late than never. We had a lot of fun dancing the night away on a boat cruise with a bunch of her friends.

I am hoping tomorrow will be a nice day of relaxing. Gotta' love the long weekend!!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

6 Days and Counting... Q&A Day

6 days until my 50th birthday... oh my!!

Here are some very overdue answers to some questions that I selected from the comments section of the blog.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to check the Frequently Discussed Topics section as well as the forum, and the Q&A on the website before asking a Q on the comment page or emailing me.

Question: I have to ask, are you still answering questions via this blog? I posted a few a while ago, but have not noticed others posting as many as they use to. I am sorry if you are no longer answering Qs, but I had to ask. Thank you!

Answer: It’s just been awhile since I have answered questions. I am trying to get away from answering too many questions on the blog because I’d like it to be ¾ fun and ¼ informative as I mention in this post. Most of the answers can be found in previous posts or by visiting the forum, picking up an Oxygen or emailing me at tosca@eatcleandiet.com. Thanks!

Question: I have just a question from your book about your typical meal plan, is that really how you eat all the time, because the 2 week menu is so different from yours? What's your objective to eat so regimented?

Answer: The 2 week meal plan in the book is SIMPLY a GUIDELINE. I certainly don’t expect you to eat that exact same way all the time. It’s a way to get you started. I also wanted to show you how the recipes fit into daily life. I certainly don’t follow the same recipes every day, but I do eat clean every day. There is no question about that.

Question: I have followed the Body For Life diet in the past and had good results but the program allows a "Free Day" and I have found my self getting in the habit of binge eating once I go off track or thinking of every sat/sun as eat whatever I want day. I love your books and have all of them and really just want to focus on CLEAN EATING instead of calories but I get so caught up in the body for life mindset that if I add any extra ingredient and my meal is 300 cals instead of 200 cals I feel like I've ruined everything! Or if I add a few strawberries to a portion of already made protein and carb I feel like I messed up. Any advice for changing my thought process? I love creating healthy meals and feel like I can do that with your plan, just afraid of eating more than I should in order to lose weight.

Answer: It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with information. It’s even easier to get stuck in a rut, which it sounds like you might be in. Eating Clean does not equal weight gain especially if you are following proper portion sizes as outlined in the book. Take it slow. How about this… eat clean and track your calories every day for a week. The next week only track your calories for 5 days, then only 3 days the next week and then only 1 day until you are down to no calorie counting. This might help you break the habit and may also be enough time to show you that Eating Clean won’t leave you with extra weight around your middle.

Question: I am so tired of feeling bloated so often. I have always eaten well and for the last two plus years eaten clean. Can you recommend anything. Probiotics, whatever? I have tried some before and I am not sure if they worked or not. I have not been tested for allergies to milk or gluten, or any grains but i do feel i am sensitive to those and try not to eat them to often or in large quantities. I do usually eat spelt bread and i do eat a fair share of oats. i have reduced my fruit but still think i get my quota. If I can get personal, I do have bowel movements 2 to 3 times per day. Always on the softer side, but sometimes very stringy. I think my colon has a difficult time processing things ( just an intuitive feeling i get, but i am so in tune with my body). Help!! i know you have stated you have a sensitive stomach too. I eat so clean and sometimes I get so bloated that I look pregnant!! thank you Tosca i know I am not alone on this.

Answer: It does sound like you may have some food sensitivities. I believe this is an issue you may want to discuss with a physician who can give you individual attention and rule out any allergy/health concerns.

Question: Off subject, where do you buy most of your workout clothes? They are so great fitting and nice quality.

Answer: Okay. This isn’t a “nutrition” related question, but I am such a fan of Lululemon that I am willing to break the rules. I get a lot of workout clothes from them because I love how long they last (seriously, I’ve had Lululemon pants that look as good as new from 5 years ago). I also like Nike. P.S. I am not endorsed by either of these companies.

Question: Where can one get coconut water in Canada? Do you special order it?

Answer: I usually find mine in the grocery store in the organic foods section. Ask your grocer if they can get it in for you. You may also find it at a health-food store.

Question: I'm starting to think I need to move to Canada to see the reality TV show...will there be any way for your fans in the USofA to watch the episodes...I'd love it!

Answer: I really don’t know! I wish it was being aired in the US. I’ll keep you posted if something changes.

Question: Are the new Vitamin Water 10 (Sweetened with Truvia from Stevia) and Sobe Life Water 0 Cal (also claims to be from a natural sweetener) considered clean? Is Truvia brand sweetener clean?

Answer: Good question. Truvia is a sweetener using part of the Stevia plant. I haven’t learned enough about it yet to tell you whether or not I would recommend it. Stevia is a good option, however, the taste can be something to get used to. As usual, I'll remind you to limit your sweetener intake even if it is natural simply because it keeps you fixed to sweet things. Have these in moderation.

Question: Tosca can you recommend enzymes that do not need to be take with each meal. I am tired of being bloated. Please help me. Thank you.

Answer: As I mentioned above, this may be an issue to take up with your physician because it could indicate an allergy or other health concern.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Counting Down to 50

Hello Clean Eaters old and new,

The last decade of my life has been, well, life changing. Many of you have been along for the ride since the beginning, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this incredible experience with me.

Join me this week as I count down the last 7 days as a 40-something.

50 here I come!

Let's make it better than ever!

Your 40-something Sister in Iron for 7 more days,

Nella Cucina Pics!! Finally!!

Here are some pictures from Tuesday night's event. It was a great time. Yummy food and some equally wonderful people. I think my belly is STILL full!

Chef extraordinaire, and my friend Joanne, and me aka. "Peas and Carrots"


Making good, clean food in the Nella Cucina kitchen...

Leigh-Ann and me getting cut! Look at those crazy triceps... good for cooking and tank tops!


The group... most of them...


Raquel and me with hors d'oeuvres...


Ready to cook ladies???


In case you think I don't know how to get my hands dirty! I do. And I learned a thing or two.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Site Problems

Thanks for letting me know about the issues. It has been tested on lots of browsers, so I'm not sure what the problem is.

That said, I don't know much about websites so my team is on it as of tomorrow!

Hopefully we can get the issues cleared.

For those of you who can see it... enjoy!!

-TR

Fresh!!

My revamped Eat-Clean Diet website has JUST been launched. Check it out here!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Eating Clean Tonight

Tonight is our Eat Clean Cooking Class at Nella Cucina in Toronto. I CAN'T wait to meet some fellow Clean Eaters all while learning to cook like a pro!! Here's what's on the menu tonight:

Reception
Olives & Flatbreads
Hummus & Edamame Hummus
Caprese Salad Skewers

Hands-On Cooking
Mini Frittata Muffins with Ricotta, Rapini, and Roasted Tomatoes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Tapenade in Tortilla Cups

Soba Noodle Salad with Ginger Tamari Vinaigrette
Couscous with Dried Fruit, Almonds, and Sunflower Seeds
Grilled Red Pepper & Asparagus Salad on Arugula & Watercress with Harissa Vinaigrette

Garlic & Cumin Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri
Grilled Chicken with Preserved Lemon & Olives

Spring Orchard Granola Crisp
Oranges with Rosewater

I will share pics tomorrow!

-TR

Monday, May 11, 2009

My Little Dancer's Last Show

Last Sunday my daughter Kelsey-Lynn was performing her final show with The Quinte Ballet School of Canada in Belleville, Ontario. She looked beautiful in her costumes, and danced wonderfully!

I'm such a proud little momma.

Here are a couple of pics from her show...

The piece here was called Sleeping Beauty. Kelsey was called Flower.























Here Kelsey is dancing a piece called Rain.... it was magnificent.












This last piece was called Blades of Glass. It was hauntingly beautiful.



She's so happy!!!











Celebrating with yummy cake!












Hugs from Mommy!











Kelsey also had a one-man show in the school gallery (the Catherine Glover Gallery for the Arts). She had art using several different media including print, costume, photography and more. She filled the space with her talent. It was amazing.











My favorite photo.


Sunday, May 10, 2009

To Moms:

It's a wonderful day to be celebrating US and all we do. We're mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, friends, and Clean Eaters. To take on so many roles and wear so many hats can be exciting and overwhelming at times. I encourage you to enjoy this day (or the day you've set aside to celebrate) as your own. Don't forget... taking care of you means you can be a better mom to everyone else who needs you. Here's to us! We deserve it!

Love,
Your Fellow Mother and Sister in Iron,
Tosca

p.s. NOW GO HAVE SOME DARK CHOCOLATE!!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Tosca: Flexing at 49

FINALLY!! We have a set-in-stone date for the debut AND a name for the show. Tosca: Flexing at 49 will air Saturday June 6 at 7:00pm EST on the VIVA network in Canada.

I have included a summary of each episode, most of which won't surprise those of you who have been blogging with me from the beginning.

Here's the link and the episode summary from the Channel Canada website:

Episode 1: We meet Tosca Reno - author, entrepreneur, fitness model, mother of four daughters and a fitness and health expert. She has decided to come out of competition retirement and compete in two different fitness competitions. We follow her journey over 16 weeks as she trains and follows a very restricted diet with the goal of winning Las Vegas. Her husband and trainer, Robert Kennedy, will attempt to keep her on target as she juggles her many responsibilities. As a columnist with Oxygen magazine, Tosca receives many requests for help from readers and, in addition to everything else, has decided to help Kelly and Craig Newell with their weight and exercise challenges.

Episode 2:
Tosca has begun her rigorous training for two fitness competitions, but she is distracted by the pending departure of three of her daughters. Rachel is off to Portland, Oregon, Kiersten to the Netherlands and the Kelsey must choose which ballet school she will attend. Tosca’s training is taking a back seat.

Episode 3: Tosca is now just six weeks away from competition, and she has to focus on the training and dieting. Novice competitor, Janice Farmer, has asked Tosca to give her some coaching. Tosca agrees because she understands the challenges 42 year-old Janice is about to face, as this is the same age Tosca first entered into competition. Robert views it as just another distraction and warns Tosca that her training must come first.

Episode 4: It is almost time for the first competition. Tosca is beginning to feel like a chemistry experiment in terms of when to eat and train. She is having challenges with her outfits for the competition and continues to work with first time competitor Janice on posing techniques. Tosca decides that she too needs some posing pointers of her own; but, could last minute adjustments to her posing routine prove to impede her performance? The day of the competition arrives. Will Tosca take home the prize?

Episode 5: Tosca did not do as well as she had hoped. However, before she goes into extreme training mode, she has decided to travel with Robert to visit her daughter Kiersten in the Netherlands. Instead of a rest, she finds a distraught daughter and the Dutch food is not agreeing with her diet. Tosca returns to Toronto committed to getting back to her training. However, the distractions continue. She needs to complete the writing of a book and helps her daughter Kelsey deal with disappointment.

Episode 6: Las Vegas is approaching, and Tosca is still not focusing on her training. She has gone to the aid of Kelly and Craig Newell who are just not getting to the gym and their weight has plateaued. Her newest book is in the final stages but still requires a lot of effort to complete. One of Tosca’s dreams is to get on the cover of Oxygen magazine in a bikini. She hopes to fulfill this dream at the latest photo shoot, but the powers that be may not agree. The day of Janice’s competition has arrived and Tosca is there to give her support.

Episode 7: Tosca discovers that she did not get the cover of Oxygen wearing a bikini. Knowing she will never look this cut and ripped again, she convinces Robert to schedule a re-shoot for the cover. Tosca orders her warrior outfit for Las Vegas and is attempting to finish her book. The time arrives to leave for Vegas. All of the final preparations will happen there. At last, the pre-judging begins. Will all the training and dieting be worth it?

Episode 8: Tosca did not do as well in the prejudging as she had anticipated. Now everything is on the line for the finals. Then it is all over…did she achieve her goal? She heads back to Toronto. She reconnects with Janice Farmer and is pleased that Janice has found more confidence and is thinking about starting her own business. Tosca also checks in with Craig and Kelly Newell and finds that they have each lost approximately 22 kilos and are thrilled with their new lifestyle. Tosca’s entire family is coming home for Christmas and she is glad that her competition days are over. She is discovering new adventures and possibilities. She is beginning the next chapter of her life.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Meet My Team... Some of it

Special thanks to a few of my fabulous team members. Without them (and you) The Eat-Clean Diet would certainly not be helping as many people as it is. Thank you thank you!!!

This is me with my PR whiz the fearless Silvie Bordeaux. She is working on Oprah as I type!



Of course I need Clean Eats on my team... If you think Clean Eating at a restaurant is impossible check out these meals I got while I was in LA. Delicious and completely nutritious.


Here I am with photographer extraordinaire, Robert Reiff. We used Robert's gorgeous studio in Venice Beach, LA, to film our EXTRA segments.



This is Nancy Jambazian who did my makeup for me while in LA. She does a gorgeous job of it too.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

More Sightings... Thanks!!

Busy day today! I'm heading into the office today for a little bit to meet with my team. Then I will be visiting my friend, Franca, who is helping me get prepped for Friday's photoshoot. I'll be shooting lifestyle and training shots for Oxygen. This also means my training is intense this week and my meals are tighter.... lower carbs, etc. Basically, Cooler 1!

In the meantime, special thanks to Kathy and Angela who sent me pics of The Eat-Clean Diet books in stores near them!!

Hi Tosca,
This is at the King Sooper's Grocery store in Broomfield, CO. Love ya, Kathy:)!



Hi Tosca, I was turned on to your diet by my trainer. I just bought your book today. I took a picture of it at Target and am including it. Thanks!! Angela aka Fattie Fatterton



Any international sightings out there?? I'd love to see it.

If you see the book somewhere cool and want to share email me at tosca@eatcleandiet.com.

Have a great day everyone!

Here's to keeping it tight and reaching for our goals!!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Portland, LA and Back... Pics!!

I think I've finally recovered from a VERY busy week of traveling. Home always feels so good after a long trip. My own bed, my own food, and my own family. Ahhh! I wanted to share some photos with you from the week. Enjoy!


With food stylist extraordinaire Kirsten Buchner at my AM Northwest appearance. She helps me work TV magic!! We were all snacking away on the Breakfast Cookies, Sloppy Joes, and Chicken Nuggests from the Eat-Clean Diet for Kids book.


Selecting from the delicious breakfast menu at Besaw's in Portland. Yummy!!!


Visiting Pittock Mansion... a Portland landmark... Look at that delicious Clean Eating pantry.


Me and my husband playing on the jungle gym near the Santa Monica Pier after my KTLA appearance. You can tell by my sweat suit that I was a little tired!


My daughter, Rachel, came in to stay with us for a day. Here we are in the hotel lobby before enjoying a little bit of dessert. Yes... dessert!


Enjoying one last LA coffee at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica before heading off to the airport. They gave me the WHOLE french press. Delicious... but I was jittering all the way to the airport!!