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PODCAST · health

The Real Dish

by Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie

Welcome to The Real Dish, hosted by food and health industry expert, Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie where we dive into all things to help you thrive so you can go out and CRUSH your big goals. It's all about living a real, abundant, juicy life so we peel back the onion on the latest trends, spill the tea on diet myths and dish up real fit food for thought you can sink your teeth into. So, pull up a chair at the chef's table and let's dig in.

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Episodes

  1. EP 165 - Hype, Hope, or the Next Frontier? Dr. Aleksandra Gajer Breaks Down Peptides

    Peptides seem to be everywhere—from conversations about muscle and metabolism to skin health, recovery, hormones, and longevity. But what are they, really? Are they the breakthrough everyone claims they are, or just the latest wellness buzzword? In this episode of The Real Dish, Chef Mareya sits...

  2. EP 164 - The Second Chapter: A Midlife Reinvention Blueprint for Women 40+

    What if midlife isn't the beginning of the end—but the beginning of the most meaningful chapter of your life? In this episode of The Real Dish, Mareya invites you to pick up the pen and become the author of your next chapter. Whether you're navigating menopause, an empty nest, a career pivot,...

  3. EP 163 - Heartbreak Means You're Alive: Why Mourning Can Light a Fresh Fire

    What if heartbreak isn't something to avoid—but proof that you've truly loved something? After Egypt's unforgettable World Cup run, I found myself experiencing every emotion imaginable: pride, hope, joy... and ultimately, heartbreak. As an Egyptian living thousands of miles from where I was born,...

  4. EP 162 - The SUPERWELL Blueprint | 8 Science-Backed Habits to Age Better with Lauren Pronger

    What if the secret to healthy aging isn't another supplement, expensive gadget, or restrictive diet—but the small, consistent habits you practice every day? In this episode of The Real Dish, Mareya Ibrahim sits down with wellness entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of SUPERWELL and Well...

  5. EP 161 - Why Strong Crushes Skinny Everyday

    What is going on with the return of the super-skinny celebrity trend we thought we left back in the '90s? From red carpets to social media feeds, a new wave of dramatic weight loss has many women wondering if we're headed back to the era of heroin chic, crash diets, and impossible beauty…

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  6. EP 159 - The Midlife Audit: Reinvention and Embracing Change

    Welcome to the season of life where you stop living on autopilot. In this episode of The Real Dish, Mareya dives into the Midlife Audit—a simple but transformative process for evaluating where you are, where you've been, and where you want to go next. We'll unpack the signs that it's time for a...

  7. EP 157 - Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Life: The Missing Link to Energy, Metabolism & Longevity

    We spend so much time chasing protein, cutting carbs, and counting calories—but what if the real key to energy, metabolism, and longevity has been living inside your gut this whole time? Hot take: it's not that your metabolism is broken—it's that your microbiome is underfed. In this episode of…

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  8. EP 156 - Food = Power: On Nutrition, Culture, and Real Wellness in the Digital Age

    I've spent over 30 years in the food industry, but my relationship with what's on my plate started long before that, in the markets of Alexandria, Egypt. In this special episode, I'm sharing a conversation I had with Abby of One Potato, where we peel back the layers on something I believe in with...

  9. EP 155 - How to name, where to find, what to pick and how to enjoy - food

    What do lasagna, punch, and your midnight cookie cravings have in common? More than you'd ever guess. Today, I'm serving up something totally different—a mashup episode that takes us from the surprising origins of the words on your dinner plate to the hidden spots where travelers find real food...

  10. EP 154 - Passport to Flavor: What its like cooking on a private yacht with Chef Abby Cheshire

    If you've ever dreamt of eating your way around the world—but without the jet lag, lost luggage, or questionable airplane food—today's episode is your passport. My guest today is Abby Cheshire, a private yacht chef, culinary arts teacher, and global flavor hunter who somehow manages to cook...

  11. EP 153 - 57 Good Steps To a Great Fitlife

    It's my birthday and I'm turning 57. And instead of giving you a highlight reel or a greatest-hits list, I want to give you something far more honest. Everything meaningful in my life— my health, my career, my faith, the brands I've built, the places I've traveled, the TV shows I've cooked on—…

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  12. EP 152 - I Went to Italy's White Truffle Festival. Here's What I Learned

    I just stepped out of the intoxicating, earthy air of the White Truffle Festival in Alba, Italy, and my entire perspective on this culinary unicorn has changed. What if everything you thought you knew about truffles—their flavor, their cost, even that bottle of truffle oil in your pantry—was...

  13. EP 151 - Redefining Social Drinking: A Zero-Proof Lifestyle with Sam Moore

    Welcome to another episode of The Real Dish. I'm your hostess with the mostess, Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie and I have a question for you. What happens when you take alcohol out of the equation? Do the celebrations stop… or do they actually get more meaningful? In this episode 151, we're…

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  14. EP 150 - Eating Well Without the Weight of Perfection

    September is Mental Health Awareness Month, today we're diving into something that affects way more people than you might realize—our relationship with food. Now, if you love food like I do but also care about your health and fitness, you've probably felt this at some point: Am I enjoying this…

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  15. EP 149 - The One Decision That Will Change Your Wellness Journey

    https://chefmareya.mykajabi.com/offers/utUwBjkr You make over 35,000 decisions every single day—from whether to hit snooze to what you eat for lunch to how you respond to that passive-aggressive email. But there's one decision that rises above all the others, and it can set the tone for your…

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  16. EP 148 - Stress-Free Aging: EU Rituals to Ditch Hustle Culture

    Welcome back to a new season of The Real Dish! I'm your hostess with the mostess, Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie and I'm here to dish up real food for thought on how to live well and thrive - especially in midlife. If you described the way most people live in the U.S. to someone in the south of…

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  17. EP 147: Why removing artificial colors isn't enough: The top 10 issues in food that deserve our attention

    The FDA is finally banning a few food dyes... but why are we still swallowing chemicals that Europe kicked to the curb over a decade ago? Your protein bar, your salad dressing, even your kid's cereal — they're all hiding ingredients that mess with your brain, hormones, and gut... and you probably...

  18. EP 146 - What supplements do I REALLY need and why is liposomal encapsulation one to watch - with Dr. Thomas Levy

    Welcome back to The Real Dish, where we serve up the truth about food, health, and everything in between. I'm your host, Chef Mareya, and today, we're diving headfirst into the overflowing world of supplements—because let's be real, the options are endless, and the confusion? Next level. Are…

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  19. EP 145 - Top 10 TikTok Food Myths Debunked

    Hey fitfam, welcome back to The Real Dish—where we keep it real about food, wellness, and living your best, most nourished life. I'm Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie, and today we're diving into the sometimes ridiculous, often confusing world of TikTok food myths. We've all seen those 15-second videos...

  20. EP 144: Emotional Eating & Hormones: Craving Control in Real Life

    Today we're diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us: Emotional Eating and Hormones: How to Control Cravings in Real Life. So, if you've ever found yourself elbow-deep in a bag of chips or searching for chocolate at 9 PM — and then wondering, "Why did I even do that?" — this episode…

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  21. EP 143: Why Intuitive Eating Might Not Be Your Best Bet for Health and Muscle in Midlife

    Today, we're diving into a controversial topic: intuitive eating. You've probably heard that intuitive eating is the ultimate way to build a healthy relationship with food. But does it really work for midlife women who want to manage their hormones, optimize their health, and build muscle? The...

  22. EP 142: How to Eat to Build Muscle and Burn Fat After 40

    Welcome to The Real Dish with Chef Mareya. Today we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart—"How to Eat to Build Muscle and Burn Fat After 40." Now, as we age, our bodies change, and so do our nutritional needs. It's not just about shedding a few extra pounds; it's about fueling our…

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  23. EP 141: Cooking Up Confidence and Vitality: Why your future is on the end of your fork

    In today's episode, we're diving into our Fit Foodie February series. I'm thrilled to bring you "Cooking Up Confidence and Vitality." In this episode, we're going to explore how the food we eat can boost our energy, sharpen our minds, and build the kind of confidence that transforms our lives....

  24. EP 140 - Protein questions answered: How Much and What Kind of Protein to Thrive?

    Welcome back to The Real Dish! I'm your hostess with the mostest, Chef Mareya, and today, we're diving into one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in nutrition: protein. It's the holy grail of fitness enthusiasts, the buzzword in every diet plan, and the number one nutrient we're…

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  25. EP 139 - HRT or Natural? Navigating Menopause Your Way

    Welcome back to The Real Dish—the place where we serve up no-fluff conversations about health, wellness, and all the juicy details women want to know but might not talk about enough. I'm Chef Mareya, and today we're diving headfirst into a topic that's been the center of many debates, doctor...

  26. EP 138 - Detox without the Drama: How to easily release toxins every day for a healthier life

    Detox Without the Drama" Welcome to The Real Dish! I'm Chef Mareya, your guide to practical, no-nonsense conversations about health, wellness, and living your best life. Today, we're tackling a hot topic: detoxing. But let's get real—most detox plans are dramatic, extreme, and, frankly,...

  27. EP 137 - The Middle Age Revival with Mimi Ison

    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...

  28. EP 136 - A Woman's Health Mashup: highlights from The Real Dish

    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...

  29. Ep 135: Breaking Barriers at 72 with Bodybuilder Renee Landers

    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...

  30. Ep 134 - FOODPRENEURS: In the HOT seat with David Figueroa, Founder of Melinda's Sauces

    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...

  31. EP 133 - How the Queen of Eating Clean is re-shaping a generation: Dishing with Tosca Reno

    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.…

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  32. EP 132 - FOR THE SPORT OF LIFE: THE FAMILY LEGACY BEHIND SPORTS RESEARCH

    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...

  33. EP 131 - Is the carnivore diet good for you? With board certified cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson

    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...

  34. EP 130 - How to uplevel your energy and keep the energy vampires away

    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...

  35. EP 129 - The Midlife Makeover Summit

    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:...

  36. EP 128: SHOCKED AT WHAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT MY HEALTH FROM MY GENETIC TEST

    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…

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  37. EP 127 - How to BIOptimize your health, With Wade LightHeart, co-founder, BIOptimizers

    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...

  38. EP 126 - The Sticky Caramel Mindset - Why it's the secret sauce to health goal success

    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...

  39. EP 125 - NEW SERIES -FoodPreneurs - The story behind Simply Delish with founder Martin Pamensky

    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…

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  40. EP 124 - Your GENES hold the keys The story your genetic blueprint can reveal about your optimal health

    Your GENES hold the keys: The story your genetic blueprint can reveal about your optimal health When Elwin Robinson developed severe health issues in 2019 that robbed his joy and well-being - despite owning health businesses and living a lifestyle anyone would describe as clean - he was stymied....

  41. EP 123 - Stress is Eating You Alive: How to keep cortisol from aging you prematurely and ruining your life

    Stress – it's something we all experience at one point or another in our lives. But did you know that chronic stress can wreak havoc on both our physical and mental health? Today, we'll explore why controlling stress and cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, is crucial for overall…

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  42. EP 122: Mastering fat and weight loss without semaglutides (aka Ozempic)

    Nowadays, there's a LOT of sizzling conversation semaglutides, aka Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are actually intended for people with Type 2 diabetes to help manage blood glucose levels. At the time of this recording, they are not FDA approved for weight loss, but because they have an...

  43. EP 121: Why HGH helps us age better and how to replenish it safely

    The decline of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) starts immediately after you finish puberty, sometimes by as much as 50% by 35, and it continues to decrease every year thereafter, significantly impacting optimal bodily function including longevity, muscle building and brain health. In this episode…

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  44. EP 120 - The dangers of mercury: How to avoid it and protect your brain from it

    Mercury is a naturally occurring element that exists in various forms, including elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds like methylmercury. While mercury has industrial applications and is used in products like thermometers and fluorescent lights, its…

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  45. EP 119 - Deep Dive Into Algae -The benefits of fish-free omega 3's

    Welcome to Recipes For Your Best Life where we explore the fascinating world of nutrition and making shift happen in your health for good I'm your host, Chef Mareya and in today's episode, we're turning our focus to a seemingly humble organism that packs a powerful punch when it comes to health...

  46. EP 118 - Feed your brain: How to boost mental health with better food and hydration

    Our brains are incredible organs, responsible for everything from thoughts and emotions to complex problem-solving. But how often do we consider the impact of our daily food choices on this powerhouse within our skulls? Studies show 1 in 4 people globally has a mental or brain-related disorder,...

  47. EP 117 - Unbreakable Strength: How muscle saves this trainer's life

    I'm so excited for you to hear this episode because it's exactly the kind of story we all love - one where someone meets a life-threatening challenge and comes out better on the other side. But there's much more to Jared Maynard story and it has to do with the importance of being in the right…

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  48. EP 116 - How to meal prep for success: Change your life, your wallet and your waistline

    When you have 7 mouths to feed, thinking about food is a full-time endeavor. Even though it's a big part of my career, making from-scratch sauces and foraging for ingredients is not part of my daily routine – especially with voracious teenagers and athletes in the family. Forget about 30-minute...

  49. EP 115 - Armor Up Your Immune System with Food

    We've heard it, and it's engrained in us. Food is medicine. But really, let's dive deep down into this idea. How did they deal with disease thousands of years ago, before conventional medicine and antibiotics? The answer was in nature. Ancient civilizations became masters of using plants and…

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  50. EP 114 - Forever Chemicals: How to avoid becoming the walking dead

    Could we be moving towards a real life species of the walking dead where chemicals are creating a new, toxic-laden humankind? They are born out of technology. They are here, and they are everywhere. The problems with forever chemicals have been known for quite some time, and their impact on…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to The Real Dish, hosted by food and health industry expert, Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie where we dive into all things to help you thrive so you can go out and CRUSH your big goals. It's all about living a real, abundant, juicy life so we peel back the onion on the latest trends, spill the tea on diet myths and dish up real fit food for thought you can sink your teeth into. So, pull up a chair at the chef's table and let's dig in.

HOSTED BY

Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Real Dish have?

The Real Dish currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Real Dish about?

Welcome to The Real Dish, hosted by food and health industry expert, Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie where we dive into all things to help you thrive so you can go out and CRUSH your big goals. It's all about living a real, abundant, juicy life so we peel back the onion on the latest trends, spill the...

How often does The Real Dish release new episodes?

The Real Dish has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Real Dish?

You can listen to The Real Dish on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Real Dish?

The Real Dish is created and hosted by Chef Mareya, The Fit Foodie.
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