Guest blog post by Ryan Orrico.

This post inspired by David Wolfe’s work on Raw Chocolate!

“Every study on chocolate is pointing to the same conclusion: there is something in chocolate that is really good for us. That something is the raw cacao bean, the nut that all chocolate is made from. The cacao bean has always been and will always be Nature’s #1 weight loss and high-energy food. Cacao beans are probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food.”

– David Wolfe, co-author of Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About The World’s Greatest Food.

Valentine’s Day just passed and we can assume that copious amounts of the world’s most popular food were consumed..  most of it in a state that provides none of the magical benefits that chocolate can bring.

When chocolate is processed into the different forms of milk chocolate we’re all familiar with, all of the magic is lost.  Sugars, fats and a bunch of other junk is added and the natural power of the chocolate is, essentially, cooked out.

I’d like to point out that when I refer to chocolate in this article, I’m talking about real, raw chocolate (cacao).  NOT processed milk chocolate that’s often found in candy bars.

But, we’re here because we want to look better naked right?  Well I have great news!  Chocolate doesn’t only taste great, but it can be used to actually ENHANCE your weight loss!

I’m speaking from personal experience as I’ve lost just over 60 pounds in the past year consuming what some would consider “large” amounts of chocolate every day.

Here’s some of the awesome properties RAW chocolate will deliver:

Read More »

My good friend and quite possibly the best strength and conditioning coach in the world, Mike Boyle, invented this exercise…  and it has since become my new favorite exercise! I’ve been doing it with all of my clients… (and myself!)

Try doing it for time…  or doing 15-20 repetitions.  Or going right into another movement like a Mini-Pike or Mountain Climber!

The keys to proper execution:

1.  Body stays aligned.  Hips not too low or not too high.

2.  Abs stay tight.

3.  Go as far in each direction as possible while maintaining proper posture.

4.  Breathe!

5.  Enjoy!

(it was also seen on Tony Gentilcore’s blog w/ the use of a Slideboard)

Click here to learn more about my Diamond Coaching Club

Are there any topics you’d like to see me cover in upcoming blog posts? Do you like videos? Workouts? Exercise ideas? Let me know by leaving a comment on the blog post!

This post is a gift to Valerie for her birthday..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAL
Love your RCR Girls!!

Happy Happy Birthday dear Valerie! Just wanted to say how blessed I am to have known you as my ‘personal fitness trainer’ and friend now for a little over a year now…I am finally in a place where I know what to do with my fitness and health and I have you to thank for it!  I hope this year brings another year of ‘everything you want it to be’!!  Love ya, xxMary Bess

********************************************************************************************
Val, Happy Birthday!!!!  You have done so much for me I don’t know where to start!!  The most important thing I have learned from you is to simplify!!!  I always hear your voice, “you’re only one work out away from a good mood” or “you’re only one meal away from a RCR girl”.   Now when I fall off the wagon I just get back up, dust myself off and start again.  Thank you for all of you love and passion!!  I  am forever grateful!! Love, Cynthia

*******************************************************************************************

Here are some of the highlights of what Val has taught me:

The most important part of “Red Carpet Ready” is the word “Ready” :  being prepared and “ready” by purging your kitchen, buying and stocking clean foods,  lining up your water bottles,  and being armed with an arsenal of workouts is key.

Always have a “plan B” or a “plan C” available to stay in the game when life throws you a curve:   have a short, intense workout plan available if your exercise time gets cut short, have a plan for if you get injured and have to change the workout all together, take RCR friendly snacks to go in the car or the plane…etc.

“Progress not perfection” this is the story of my life…I so rarely have a perfect day, but Val always says concentrate on making one or two things better everyday and the rest of it will fall into place….even if the plan is to stay more hydrated and to steam veggies early in the day, that is considered progress if you follow through and do it.  Pushing 2 or 3 extra reps per workout is progress….strategizing your way out of a binge of bad food is progress…it all counts!

Lastly do everything you can to stay in the game.  If you “fall off the wagon” all it takes is one work out, or one meal to feel connected again…you’re only one workout away from a good mood…the same holds for getting back on track with the next meal.

The list is long but this is what always stands out to me after an entire year of doing all I can to stay RCR.  No other plan or program has ever been this worthwhile, fun or effective! Happy Birthday Valerie!! Love Dawn!!

Read More »