CrossFit: Dolce Diet's Lindsey Valenzuela Captures 1st at OC Throwdown

lindseypodium

CrossFit: Dolce Diet’s Lindsey Valenzuela Captures 1st at Orange County Throwdown

lindsey2Congratulations to Dolce Diet client Lindsey Valenzuela for capturing the OCT title for the third year in a row!

WOW!!!! This weekend was a complete blast, learning experience, refresher, and the most fun I have had competing in a long time!! I went into the OCT wanting to just have fun, hang out with my friends, and compete against some great athletes. I have to say I’m over joyed to have won the oct again and making it a 3peat. Thank you to all the fans who came out and cheered all of us athletes competing, the volunteers, judges, medics, and everyone who made oct happen! -Lindsey Valenzuela

Follow Lindsey on Instagram
lindsey1


3w2s-dolce-diet-weight-cut

January 12, 2015

Cooking With Mushrooms: Types, Textures & Tastes

620-mushrooms-j.jpeg

Cooking With Mushrooms: Types, Textures & Tastes

by Samantha Coogan-Wilkinson, MS, RDN, LD

Our recipes use a lot of different types of mushrooms, so we’ve listed the most common ones and what characteristics differentiates one from another.

Chanterelle

chanterelle
• Fruity aroma
• Range from yellow, orange, and brown to pale white or black
• Funnel-shaped caps with wrinkles (be sure to wash quickly and carefully)


White

white-mushrooms
• Most common type of mushroom
• Tiny variety are called button, and have the mildest flavor
• Creamy white to pale tan
• Firm texture


Oyster

Oyster mushrooms on a white background
• Trumpet-shaped with a velvety texture
• Brown, gray, or reddish caps on gray-white stems
• Peppery flavor that becomes very mild when cooked
• Younger, smaller types are best


Portobello

portobello
• Up to 6 inches across
• Taste and texture very similar to steak
• Often used as a meat substitute


Shiitake

shiitake
• Tan to dark-brown umbrella-like caps
• Smoky flavor and taste best when cooked
• Retains flavor well
• Work well in stir-fries
• Stems are too tough to eat but can be used to flavor stocks and sauces


Crimini

Cremini
• Firmer texture than white mushrooms
• Are merely immature Portobello’s
• Pale tan to rich brown
• Stems are edible


border-buy-now-The-Dolce-Diet-Living-Lean-Cookbook-620x300
buy-now-the-dolce-diet-living-lean

November 18, 2014

THE MIKE DOLCE SHOW – Ep. 96 The Gym Rant & Your Questions Answered


In this episode of the Mike Dolce Show fitness podcast, Mike discusses the Dolce Diet Coach’s Certification course and upcoming seminar, top CrossFitter Lindsey Valenzuela’s meal plan, 3 Weeks to Shredded for the high school athlete, techniques for gaining lean muscle, how to inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle, the weight cut for boxing, and more!

Mike Dolce is the 2013 World MMA Awards Trainer of the Year, 2014 NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee and 2014 Men’s Fitness Top 30 Game Changer for fitness. As the founder of The Dolce Diet & creator of UFC FIT, Mike Dolce is known the world over for his work managing the weight cuts of UFC athletes like Johny Hendricks, Ronda Rousey, Gilbert Melendez, Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves and more!

His #1 international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean and The Dolce Diet: Living Lean Cookbook. For more information on Mike’s books, MMA weight cuts, weight management, gaining muscle, weight loss, overall healthy living, UFC FIT and so much more, visit TheDolceDiet.com, TheMikeDolceShow.com and UFCFIT.com.
mike-dolce-show-app-download-itunes


3w2s-dolce-diet-weight-cut

November 4, 2014

THE MIKE DOLCE SHOW – Ep. 93 Robb Wolfe


The Mike Dolce Show fitness podcast answers your wellness questions! In today’s episode, Mike talks to Robb Wolfe, New York Times Best Selling author of The Paleo Solution – The Original Human Diet, and co-owner of NorCal Strength & Conditioning. Together, they answer your questions!
Mike Dolce is the 2013 World MMA Awards Trainer of the Year, 2014 NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee and 2014 Men’s Fitness Top 30 Game Changer for fitness. As the founder of The Dolce Diet & creator of UFC FIT, Mike Dolce is known the world over for his work managing the weight cuts of UFC athletes like Johny Hendricks, Ronda Rousey, Gilbert Melendez, Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves and more!
His #1 international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean and The Dolce Diet: Living Lean Cookbook. For more information on Mike’s books, MMA weight cuts, weight management, gaining muscle, weight loss, overall healthy living, UFC FIT and so much more, visit TheDolceDiet.com, TheMikeDolceShow.com and UFCFIT.com.
mike-dolce-show-app-download-itunes


3w2s-dolce-diet-weight-cut

October 20, 2014

Video: Dolce Diet Secret to Getting Shredded!

2013 Trainer Of The Year, Mike Dolce, breaks down his diet formula for dropping fighters 30 lbs in short periods of time, while getting them shredded but healthy, so they can compete at their full potential.


lose weight fast


3w2s-dolce-diet-weight-cut

October 6, 2014

Dolce Diet Father's Day Menu

Father’s Day “Manly” Menu

Father’s Day is almost here. Sure you got Dad gifts, but what’s on the menu for the big day? Our hearty & healthy Dolce Diet Father’s Day menu’s got you covered!


Appetizer

pepper-bites

Red and Green Bell Pepper Bites
Low-fat and low-sodium!

Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
1 medium green bell pepper
1 medium red bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced almonds
4 ounces non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon no-salt lemon pepper seasoning blend
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions:
1. Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise; discard the stems, ribs and seeds.
2. Cut each half into six pieces. Arrange the pieces with the skin side down on a decorative serving platter. Set aside.
3. In a medium skillet, dry-roast the almonds over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the almonds to a small plate and reserve for garnishing.
5. Process the remaining almonds in a food processor or blender for 15 to 20 seconds, or until finely ground.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon pepper seasoning blend, and lemon juice with spoon until creamy. Add the ground almonds until combined.
7. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a wide star or round tip. Or snip the corner off a resealable plastic bag (a plastic freezer bag works well) and spoon in the mixture.
8. Pipe about 1 teaspoon of the mixture onto each bell pepper piece. Garnish with the sliced almonds.


seared-tuna

Manly Main Course

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks (from Living Lean Cookbook)

Serves 2-4
FUN FACT:
(in a 4 oz serving of Ahi Tuna): 121 calories, 1.012 g total fat (350 mg Omega-3’s), 28 g protein

Omega-3’s are essential for heart health due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Add that with a nice serving of protein and Dad’s heart muscles are set!
Ingredients:
1 lb. sashimi grade yellow fin tuna, cut into serving portions
sea salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup oat bran or buckwheat
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
3 tbsp. grape seed oil
Directions:
1. Roll tuna in oat bran or buckwheat and then sprinkle with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning
2. Drizzle grapeseed oil in large pan and put on high heat
3. Place the tuna in the pan, searing it on all sides (about 30-40 seconds per side)
4. Remove from pan and plate
5. Pair with your favorite sides or put on top of leafy green salad and enjoy!


salad-fruit

Dad’s Dessert

Citrus and Kiwifruit Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Pistachios

Serves 4
Ingredients:
3 kiwis, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup)
4 oranges, peeled and sliced (about 2 cups)
2 red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (about 1 pomegranate)
2 tbsp coarsely chopped pistachios
Directions:
1. Divide kiwifruit and oranges evenly among 6 serving bowls
2. Top evenly with grapefruit and pomegranate seeds
3. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tsp pistachios


blackberry-lemonade

Beverages

Blackberry Lemonade

Makes 7 6-oz servings
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp. agave syrup
4 cups cold water
Directions:
1. Combine blackberries, lemon juice and agave syrup in blender, process until smooth
2. Press mixture through sieve into a pitcher, discard solids
3. Stir in water and serve over ice
4. Optional: to create an adult beverage, add 1 oz of tequila OR white rum (Note: 1 oz of hard liquor = 100 calories)

June 11, 2014

Me Vs. The Supermarket

Me vs. the Supermarket

by Sara Mae, guest blogger

It’s intimidating. We feel it every time we need to restock our family’s pantry. Walking into the grocery store, list in hand, feeling the need to rise above the thumb of the big food companies that are pressing down on every aisle we need to be in. Why is it that 99% of each food aisle has poorly marked labels? Sure, they are bright and the pictures of the contents look mouthwatering, but what is inside?

Since 2007, I’ve made REAL food an important part of my life; fruits and vegetables in their purest form providing the nourishment that they were created for. If it was available and not outrageously priced, I’d spring for the organic varieties. It wasn’t until last year that I started to pay attention to WHERE my food comes from, as well as what goes into making it, even if it IS considered “healthy.”
Do chickens really need to be injected with steroids to make their breasts bigger and juicier? If I’m hungry for more chicken breast, I can eat two steroid-free breasts. Oh, and forget about buying salmon at the grocery store. Atlantic Salmon? If you look closely at most signs, in small print it will say farm-raised. I wonder how an Atlantic Salmon can be farm-raised and still be considered Atlantic.
The FDA has not stepped forward to push food manufacturers to label their products when they contain GMO’s (genetically-modified organisms). These are foods that have had their DNA modified, mostly to be more appealing to consumers, and to lessen the cost of production. This is why I feel it’s my duty as a consumer to read labels, fine print, and do my research about where my food comes from.
It takes me at least two hours to get my grocery shopping done on a weekly basis. This includes stalking the aisles looking for the most natural, non-preservative containing products that I need for my meal plans. I have small children and a husband at home. I care very much about what I am putting into their bodies. I am doing my part to promote and support our local farmers as much as possible, but I can’t help but feeling like I’m a tribute in the Hunger Games when I walk into a super market. Somewhere in this well-organized place is a tomato that hasn’t been grown to be perfectly round and bright red, and that’s the one I want.
“May the odds, be ever in your favor…”

About the Author

I’m a wife and mom in my 30’s with with 2 kids; a sports-fanatic 6 year old son, and a feisty, princess/I can do anything my brother can do/mommy-wannabe 4 year old daughter. I’m also my husband’s biggest fan and best friend. In my teenage and young adult life, I was fit and trim, and could eat and drink anything I wanted. I also could handle a 10pm workout because I didn’t have anybody to look after but myself. For the last 6 years (you do the math on that one), since my metabolism took a nose dive, I’ve struggled with gaining and losing the same 10-15 pounds. Up until I started following the The Dolce Diet, I thought that’s just how my body was going to stay. I’m in my 30’s, I’ve had two kids…I suppose I could be comfortable with a permanent roll over my jeans. Now I know I don’t have to settle for that. I pushed my body to the limit this summer (June through August 2013) using UFC FIT and have never felt better. I stuck to the program religiously and lost more than 20 inches from my body. I plan healthy, whole food meals for my family. I’m also an avid couponer and try to get those same healthy, organic food options at the best price possible.


buy-now-the-dolce-diet-living-lean

April 29, 2014

THE MIKE DOLCE SHOW – Ep. 74 How to Get Big Calves & Your Questions Answered


Mike answers your questions and makes a couple of surprise phone calls to listeners!
The founder of The Dolce Diet & creator of UFC FIT, Mike Dolce is known the world over for his work managing the weight cuts of UFC athletes like Johny Hendricks, Gilbert Melendez, Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves, Chael Sonnen, Nik Lentz, Jake Ellenberger and more!
His #1 international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean, & The Dolce Diet: Living Lean Cookbook. For more information on Mike’s books, MMA weight cuts, weight management, gaining muscle, weight loss, overall healthy living, UFC FIT and so much more, visit TheDolceDiet.com & TheMikeDolceShow.com & UFCFIT.com.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PODCAST APP & SUBSCRIBE TODAY!


mike-dolce-show-app-download-itunes

January 25, 2014

THE MIKE DOLCE SHOW: Ep. 73 Wedding Weight Loss & Your Questions Answered


Mike answers your questions and makes a couple of surprise phone calls to listeners!
The founder of The Dolce Diet & creator of UFC FIT, Mike Dolce is known the world over for his work managing the weight cuts of UFC athletes like Johny Hendricks, Gilbert Melendez, Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves, Chael Sonnen, Nik Lentz, Jake Ellenberger and more!
His #1 international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean, & The Dolce Diet: Living Lean Cookbook. For more information on Mike’s books, MMA weight cuts, weight management, gaining muscle, weight loss, overall healthy living, UFC FIT and so much more, visit TheDolceDiet.com & TheMikeDolceShow.com & UFCFIT.com.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PODCAST APP & SUBSCRIBE TODAY!


mike-dolce-show-app-download-itunes

January 20, 2014