A simple salad made with ripe heirloom tomatoes, garden fresh cucumbers and creamy goat cheese is drizzled with olive oil and a plenty of fresh basil.
There is nothing better than a good book. You know the type: the one stay up way too late to read and can’t put down. The one you literally finish from front to back in a matter of days reading every single word.
Fitness Confidential is one of those books. In fact, I finished it a few weeks ago and still think about it to this day. Written by Vinnie Tortorich, an LA-based personal trainer who has worked with celebrities, stay-at-home moms, pregnant women, CEO’s and everything in between, he provides everything you look for in a fitness book: inspiration, honesty, zero bullsh*t and a hefty dose of humor.
It’s one thing to read about a beautiful Hollywood trainer who has been fit their entire life, makes tons of money and has very few life obstacles to overcome. Diagnosed with leukemia in July 2007, Vinnie not only fought cancer and survived countless rounds of chemo but he simultaneously trained and competed in marathon cycling events. Let me be clear, we’re not talking an Irish Jig 5K or half marathon my friends, I’m talking 12 and 24 hour cycling races. In the desert. Against wind storms and 90 degree heat.
And I got tired walking on the treadmill earlier this week….
As someone who has battled her own weight loss struggles, I love the underlying motivation behind Fitness Confidential. Vinnie is known as “America’s Angriest Trainer” because he feels the diet industry is capitalizing on selling Americans false hope, false promises and lies about how to get fit and lose weight. Whether it’s a fancy protein bar that you eat that makes you feel like the athlete on the wrapper or the bag of candy you ate with all of the points you saved up earlier in the week, these are just a few examples of how large companies are making money off of keeping Americans fat, sick and nearly dead. (Good movie, btw!)
Here’s the deal: this book is a light read. Vinnie is hilarious and extremely sarcastic which is why I couldn’t put the book down. The book doesn’t make you feel badly, it makes you feel empowered. If you’re looking for a motivational, inspiring and memorable read, I highly suggest you read Fitness Confidential.
Oh and this salad? It is not only a delightful way to enjoy tomato and cucumber season but it embodies Vinnie’s diet plan which includes plenty of FAT! Yes, fat! Because guess what happens when you eat a a fat free salad with fat free cheese? You are hungry 20 minutes later and your body isn’t able to fully digest the nutrients in the vegetables. Fat is your friend and that’s just one of the many reasons I loved this book.
Your fork is waiting.
Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 heirloom tomatoes any variety - sliced
- 2 medium cucumbers sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange tomato and cucumber slices on a large platter and top with goat cheese crumbles and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time to create this recipe and received a complimentary copy of Fitness Confidential to review. As always, all thoughts are 100% my own.
Jenny Ham
I like that they can make the reading fun entertainment keeps you reading it…
Denise Donaldson
how he stayed fit through his illness
Michelle McCulloch
Its a book about overcoming an obsticle like losing weight..whats not to love.
Dawn Reid
This sounds like it would really help me motivate myself and make a difference.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
AmyBond
The diet industry is horrible when it comes to lying to us! The junk they are selling us is what is causing the problems, can’t wait to read this book and see his take on it. This salad looks amazing, too! Will be making this!
Richard Hicks
I think that just because this guy has worked with celebrities he must know what he is talking about!
brich22 at earthlink dot net
Elle
It would be exciting to delve deeper into the fitness industry.
Stephen
The inspirational story
Mary Cloud
I like how he exposes the truth about all the lose weight products that promise results but don’t work
annabella @ centurytel dot net
Christy Maurer
i love how inspiring he sounds. I’d love to read more about his story and how he battled leukemia.
Vikki Billings
I am interested in reading his book and getting some motivation, I have arthritis in my knees and my spine and have pain every minute of everyday. I need to take some weight off but it hurts so much to be active. I really need to find someone that can motivate me with their story.
Patty Hancock
My husband and son are both fitness fanatics and train in running and the gym daily. I would like this for them to read and also for myself for motivation.
Dawn Cook (vonzombie)
this book looks good, i need something fun and entertaining to get me motivated to work out and i need the behind diets
Nicole Millheim
Wow, I really like the sound of this book..he tackles weight problems and the problem with americans weight. I am going to order this book
susan smoaks
i would love to read this because i find that everything boils down to money and of course people will capitalize on the overweight trying to get thing quick
Miz Vickik
I like how this presents things in an honest and realistic way and not a fake “quick fix.”
Angela Kinder
I think the thing I would most be interested in is the humor. Some fitness books are boring and not motivational, and zero humor. Humor makes me want to join in the fitness because it’s fun!
Mihaela D.
The book looks very interesting and I would love to read it :)
kolpin
i like personal, inspirational stories to help get me off my butt!
rafflecopter: daniel
tallcapp
I like that the book seems to encompass the whole healthy you, not just exercise.
Lori Walker
the recipes and the movitvational part interest me
Lisa Garner
I love that he’s approaching his book with humor and this makes it more appealing to me.
Emily Morelli
I am interested to read Fitness Confidential because it sounds like a fun read and motivational too!
Marilyn Wons
What interests me the most about “Fitness Confidential” is the honest approach this book takes about the subject of diets.
Karen Matlock
I like how MAD Vinnie is! :)
Jill L
Would love to hear the zero bs from such an inspiration.
Deb S
This sounds like a great way to get healthy and be inspired at the same time.
Eileen Burke
I am interested in reading about how the author stayed motivated to train while undergoing chemo, incredible.
Molly Capel
You had me a angriest trainer. lol
dani marie
i think the book will motivate me and light a fire under my butt.
Shannon
I like humor and exercise isn’t my favorite topic so I’m sure that makes the book more interesting to read.
christina givens
how to stay fit when your are unwell
angela cisco
i find it refreshing when someone doesn’t sugar coat things for me and the honesty in this books sounds refreshing. I have struggled with my weight and tried many of the products being pushed.
Claire
new approach to healthy mind body & stomach
Terry Cross
I’m trying to lose weight and get fit but it’s so confusing with all the hype out there. This book would be helpful to get me on the right track
Susan Smith
I’ve been trying to loos weight for months now and I’m interested in how this book can motivate me
Christine
this can motivate me
Brittney House
It’s a good inspiration with a little humor mixed in.
Daniel M
Vinnie is hilarious and extremely sarcastic – sold me right there, sarcasm is always fun
shaunie
I like that it is straight-forward and can provide advice from experience
Jill Myrick
I would love to read this book because for me I think that it would definitely debunk a lot of what I think I know about nutrition and various products.
And hopefully put me on the path I need to be on.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
ky2here
I’m a jogger and a 5K can be a challenge. My boss runs marathons. She tells me it’s mental, not physical and I’ve tried to train with her but cannot. I’m interested in his perspective of metaphysics and how those connections make or break athletic performance.
Paula Tavernie
Im interested most in the motivation part! I am the type that really needs to be motivated!
Sara Floyd
It looks like an interesting read, with humor in the book
rebecca shockley
That he is the “angriest trainer” and the reasons why, there all true!!!
Claire
I’m interested in his backstory. It seems very inspirational!
Jimmy
I like that it gives a realistic view on dieting.
Vera P.
I like that it is written in a motivational tone instead of making you feel guilty. I’m currently going through a weight loss journey and I’d love to read this.
Mary Beth Hunt
I just need to get motivated to get off the couch TODAY. not TOMORROW. because I’ve been waiting for tomorrow and I’m still on the couch……
katherine
i like that its funny and entertaining
Tara
It sounds very motivating! I need that!!!!
kathy dalton
i AM STRUGGLING WITH MY OVER 50 WEIGHT LOSS PLAN. i LOVED THE REVIEW OF THIS BOOK BECAUSE IN LIFE THERE ARE SO MANY OBSTACLES
Courtnie
He seems like a really inspirational person. I’d love to read his book and get motivated.
Jenna D
I like that Vinnie seems to really care about your health and not just about commercializing himself, I would love to read the book.
Denise S
I’ve been very interested in learning healthier eating lately and this would motivate me even more.
Stephanie Larison
I love this! We’re trying to eat better as a family, so making a healthy life style change is really important so I’ve been buying so many fresh veggies. This looks like it would have a lot of ideas for those.
Susan Chester
I am happy that fat is allowed in this fitness plan.
McKim
I’ve been diagnosed as diabetic, and need some motivation to exercise and diet.
Aubrey
I am interested in the recipes
Maggie Smith
I like a no-nonsense approach to fitness and this book sounds like it fits the bill! Thanks!
Birdie Skolfield
new approach to healthy mind body & stomach
steph
i like reading healthy recipes!
Karen Lynch
Healthy recipes and putting choices for meals together
Jennifer Marie
I too would like that it is a light read. That would keep me interested and help me to be interested in making changes.
Barbara Montag
I like how down to earth this book is.
I’m already intrigued by this great recipe.
Thank you.
Starr Greenwell
I would find it very interesting because it comes from a serious and honest perspective.
Christina Cramer
I think what could be interesting about Fitness Confidential is hearing his thoughts on diet-America from another perspective. I’m an insane follower of Jillian Michaels so I’ve heard a lot of this before, but I like hearing what other trainers have to say.
Emily
I’m intrigued that he uses fat. I like that. I think your body needs it.
joni
Always need new and good advice on fitness and exercise.
Morgan
Motivation.
Louise
This salad looks SO yummy! Can’t wait to try it with veggies from my local farmer’s market.
I’m in the middle of Vinnie’s book right now and I’m loving it! His tips on how to work out are great, in addition to his food advice.
Sarah Hirsch
I like that it has humor to it
Joseph Gersch
Learning the truth
patty caradonna
I have been jogging and exercising for years. I have tried all the latest fad diets, but I am still heavy. Need some honest and tough motivation.
Kim Henrichs
It seems truthful, relateable and inspirational!
Lisa Brown
I am interest in reading the stories of his fitness work and challenges with celebrities.
Chris H.
Your review of this book intrigues me. Am going to find it today & get started on a new journey. Thanks!
Oh, & you had me at tomatoes & goat cheese ;-)
Wehaf
I want to read about how the industrial food complex is profiting off keeping consumers ill.
Janice Cooper
I would be interested in hearing more about how the diet industry is capitalizing on selling Americans false hope
Michelene Russell
I can taste the colors in that salad!
Amanda
I took a peek at the reviews on Amazon…I would definitely be interested to see his opinions and take on the industry itself. Sometimes I feel like we are just thrown all of these programs and advertisements. I would be curious to know what is “real” and what isn’t.
Malissa W
I definitely want to check out this book! He sounds amazing and I do believe that humor must be incorporated into dieting and weightloss! Thanks for the neat giveaway!
Michelle
This book would be a great read for me as I continue to fight the battle to reduce weight! Great backstory!
Melissa H
That tomato & goat cheese salad looks wicked good!
Adriane
A sense of humor and no bull!
meredith
I definitely need a motivational read right now – ive plateau’d in my fitness goals
Kyl Neusch
the Basil & goat cheese
janna johnson
hoping to learn about wellness in the face of illness
Tamar
I also like motivational stories on weight loss.
Nataly Carbonell
I find its uniqueness and honesty interesting
Elena Vo
This book promises some answers that I can’t find elsewhere. I am so tired of going around the same mountain and I’m ready for some solutions.
Mary Calabrese
I’m interested in how to get motivated to work out.
Geoff K
What intrigues me the most personally is reading what Vinnie has to say about how your “demons” affect your health and mentality and learning how he overcome his own as inspiration!
Karen D
I’m intrigued by the fact that not only is it an expose, but that it also teaches you how to get in shape
Erica
Book sounds great! Missyingling at gmail dot com
Sami
I definitely think this book would encourage me!
Stephanie Ann
i’m always wanting to learn more about fitness and diet!
Carolyn G
I think I want to get the inside skinny on what really works and doesn’t work when getting fit.
carla
Being motivated is key for me.
Wild Orchid
I am interested in gaining some motivation. Entered the rafflecopter as “Wild orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Susan P.
A good kick in the pants while being humorous sounds like it would be more motivating than just a cook book or diet plan.
rachel travis
I would be really interested in learning about the lies from the diet industry!!
Mary W
This is a book I would share with my cancer survivor, marathon biker and triathlete partner.
Christina Sparks
That he has struggled with weight loss as well and learning more about tips that can help with my diet.
Kevin E
I like that the author is truthful and does not try to sell “lose weight fast” gimmicks.
Monique Rizzo
This salad looks amazing.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
rich morris
I like how this a “real person” who accomplished all of this. You’re right…we so often here about the “self-made man” only to find out they inherited millions from their dad. He has to have such an interesting perspective.
Tabathia B
How he exposes myths that social media sells us about losing weight
Rebecca
This book sounds like an interesting read, and I’d love to learn more about this. So many buy into the “fat-free is best mentality” and others that have pushed their way into mainstream thinking over the past several years.
Katie Roch
What most interest me in this book is the story of overcoming obstacles to pursue greatness. I also like that humor is incorporated because laughter is a great medicine for any ailment.
Susan Christy
I like that it doesn’t make you feel bad – most make me feel terrible and i give up.
Suzanne K
zero bulls**t and humor, plus REAL help on eating healthy and losing weight!
Nadine L
I am interested in the idea of using fat to lose weight. I will admit, I love good, rich and yes, fatty foods. If this can show me how to keep fat in my diet and lose weight, that is a huge win, win for me
Diane Vandermast
I’d be interested in learning how he kept his sense of humor strong while going through what he went through. I have lots of chronic pain from severe arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, spinal issues, etc.; people have remarked on my sense of humor, so I guess I’m doing okay in that dept, but I’d love to get a few tips from somebody who’s had it rougher than I do.
Melanie Montgomery
I love reading about Cancer survivors.
Cheryl
I like the fact that it is a whole lifestyle program.
Thomas Murphy
I am interested in learning some new recipes from the book.
Amanda Sakovitz
Hearing peoples’ stories really interests me. I can def relate.
Terri K (@tkharmonic)
I think what interests me the most about the book is learning how to navigate through the BS that’s out that blocks me from being healthier. Everything is a struggle, first it’s all about fat, then it’s all about carbs, then it’s all about _____. I’m looking forward to the truth presented with humor and inspiration.
Ellen B
looks fun and motivating
Katherine
I would love the honesty and the humor
Kat B.
I would love to hear about what motivated him through his races. It seems like it would be a long time to be stuck in your thoughts.
Katie K
Love that the reviews make it sound super inspirational! I usually lack self motivation so this is right up my alley!
Ronda
Perfect! I already have the stuff in my fridge – I’ll be trying this tonight!
Susan
The salad sounds excellent, but I would tend to want to add a little balsamic vinegar to it – because that’s what I’m used to – and it goes really well with basil and tomatoes. I’m really glad to see that someone is trying to counter the fat phobia that our society seems to have. Fear of fat is crazy, as long as the kind and amount you consume are reasonable. Our bodies do need healthy fats!
I would love to win a copy of this book. It sounds like really worthwhile reading.
Stacie
I’d be interested in his humor and honest appraisal!
Sandy
I would be interested in seeing why you thought this was one of those books you can’t put down. Never saw a diet book that was in that category. Hope this is the one that will motivate me
Jessie C.
Love this recipe. How to STAY motivated during the process interests me the most.
Kim H
I like the idea that he writes no hype and just the real deal. We need reality in order to know what to expect and not give up when unrealistic goals can not be met
Greg Vick
Did you use Villa Cappelli? If not, you can go to http://www.vinnietortorich.com and use the coupon code “Vinnie” to get 10% off your order. ;-)
Anyway, recipe looks great …
Mackenzie
I am very interested in reading a good book about health and fitness!
Janet
The book sounds like it would not only be very useful for motivation, but also a fun read.
Adrienne Gordon
Im always interested in reading about weight loss struggles
Cindy Brickley
I am interested in the part where Vinnie is hilarious and extremely sarcastic. It sounds like a really good read.
Margot C
Because cycling is about the only exercise I can make myself do; maybe he can inspire me to do more.
Kiara
I need this so it can motivate me.
nickie
I love the salads, they look yummy
Stephanie V.
a diet plan that incorporates fat – very important!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Margaret Smith
This sounds like a wonderful book. I’d love to learn how to be even a bit more motivated than I am now. For someone facing illness and still being able to be so dedicated is amazing.
RUTH
I totally agree about the diet industry. Being a healthy weight is about self-control and determination. It takes hard work and real knowledge about what you are putting in your food and body. Advertisers are paid to sell us stuff no matter what it is and we need to stop falling for it.
Lisa
I like that he presents it with some humor – fitness isn’t fun to me
Julie Wood
I’m interested in how this book can motivate me. I need it!
Angie
I have been struggling with losing weight over the last year, and I think this could be an inspiration to getting those last pounds off.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
It’s going to be a zillion degrees this weekend…so this must be made! I am a sucker for goat cheese and heirloom tomatoes:)
Ashley - Baker by Nature
I just LOVE salads like this! Gorgeous job, lady love!
Liz DV
I have all these things in the house already except for the book :)
Hollie L.
I think what interests me most about the book and reviews from Amazon is the honesty and forthrightness, something that I feel like I don’t usually see in diet/exercise/health books.
I’m intrigued and I’m going to pick up the book purely on that I trust that there will be no lies in his book.
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
Sounds like a fun read Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
You’d love it my friend!!
Coty and Mariah
We can totally get on board for anything that includes goat cheese! Looks delish:)
Liz DellaCroce
I know right? Goat cheese is the best!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
I’ve been listening to Vinnie’s podcast for quite a while….it’s really great, absolutely hysterical and really makes you think about nutrition and the things you’re putting in your body. Can’t wait to read the book…..and try this amazing salad! Always love me some heirlooms!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s so great you’re familiar with Vinny!!! He was new to me and now I’m a huge fan!!
Ashlee @ The Crunchy Moose
Basil & goat cheese! I’m sold. Sounds fresh & yummy!
Liz DellaCroce
So simple but so good!!
Viviana
The salad looks delish. My favorite ingredients combined together mmm this is a must. The book looks very interesting and I would love to read it. Thanks a lot!!!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you enjoy it Viviana!
Shanna@ pineapple and coconut
Its refreshing to see a Hollywood type trainer to actually speak the truth about fitness than to pump out one day miracle fad diets or 6 minute toning routines.
I already gushed about this salad on twitter. It will be my lunch today. With chicken. Girls gotta have her protein to build her muscles!! ha ha
Liz DellaCroce
Exactly!!! I know you’d love his book, Shanna!!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
That does sounds like a good motivational book. Sometimes we just need a good kick in the butt to get us going.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes totally!! This book is just that!!
Mary Happymommy
I’m interested in reading about how he stayed fit through illness. I have a hard time even keeping up with working out when I have the common cold.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m not sure what Vinny’s thoughts on that are but I know I always just listen to my body. If I feel too weak or tired, I lay low. When in doubt, ask your doctor!
Kelly D
I would be interested in learning about more of lies the diet industry sells us.