Tosca's Trainer Takes on Cleanorexia

After the surge of activity on the blog due to yesterday’s discussion on my new eating habits, and this word “cleanorexia” Rita, my trainer, felt compelled to make a statement. Below is a guest blog from Rita Catolino. Thank you for the outpouring of support.

Photo Credit: Kelsey-Lynn Corradetti

I feel compelled to write this in response to yesterday’s events that lead to Tosca having to explain herself on video to her followers.

I knew from the beginning that taking on Tosca as my client would be very fulfilling, challenging and exciting to say the least.  Between you and me I didn’t expect that Tosca would be as diligent and focused as she is. Don’t get me wrong, I knew she would work, and work hard she does.  I assumed, that running a family of women, losing your best friend, husband and trainer, taking over as CEO of a huge company and finding time to blog, make guest appearances and write articles would consume all of Tosca’s time, leaving little or no time for the gym, meal prep and the mental focus needed when preparing for a competition.  I KNEW she could do it, or I would have never taken her on. But, I didn’t expect her to follow every rep, step and breathe with me.  She is definitely the ideal client.  She wants this and is willing to make the sacrifices, time commitment and let me lead her with an open heart and utmost trust.  Thank you, Tosca.

Yesterday Tosca posted a food journal of what she ate on July 3^rd.  The response, negative by some, was overwhelming.  NO, this is not what she eats every day.  Yes, she had a sweet potato the night before, and a lot more protein.   Tosca writes me her food journals, and I write back with suggestions and explanations of why she should add more fat and protein, or start her day with a solid meal instead of a shake.  Or I tell her how yummy that salad sounds and make one myself. I may tell her why she needs to add a few more egg whites to her morning snack.  Yes, you heard it here first, Tosca Reno is not perfect.  She is struggling more with the nutrition aspect then the physical challenge of the weights.  The latter seems to be her therapy, while the food seems to be her foe. It doesn’t seem right coming from the Queen of The Eat Clean Diet, does it? NO, but neither is losing your soul mate, best friend and trainer.

Stress, emotions and death are handled differently by all.  Some overindulge in food (ever eaten the whole litre of ice cream out of the tub while weeping over a tragedy?) Others indulge in alcohol, drugs or meds to numb the pain.  Many forget to eat. Others cannot swallow without pain.  Tosca falls in the last category.   I am surprised how much she is actually eating, and how far she has come in the past 2 weeks.  Think of what she has been through, where she is, and where she is going.   This is not a typical contest preparation, this is not a typical woman and this is certainly not your typical situation.  We will not start depleting Tosca for a competition that is 3 months away.  We are doing the opposite right now- adding food. 

As for her training, her athletic body has started to plateau earlier then I had planned which means, program change! Starting this week, I have Tosca on a more detailed program, with less sets, reps and more weight and rest.  I know her body will respond nicely to it.  I’m eager to see the weekly changes and progress that she makes. 

As a married women of 10 years myself, I have tried to put myself in Tosca’s shoes when I took on this challenge as coach.  Would I be able to prepare, eat, and train like a champion if this were me? Or would I want to bury my head in my pillow?  I don’t know. I know that every minute is a struggle for Tosca, and the training and structure is her therapy now.  We are working together to find what is right for her right now and appreciate all of the support as we venture on this journey together.