One crazy week in Paris

7 days of meetings and interviews….7 days of madness…my feet do not touch the ground but it's all for a good cause!

My trip starts with a quick stop in Salt Lake City, and I arrive to beautiful blue skies in spite of the forecast. Still, it is a few degrees colder than San Francisco, but fortunately your coach always knows how stay warm...with EXERCISE!

On the program: just after arriving on Saturday, I go for a 5km walk in the sunny capital, not only to burn the calories from my terrible in-flight meal, but also to effectively fight the jet-lag and readjust my body clock :)

Sunday brings meetings and even more walking - 8 km!!! I love exploring Paris by foot, discovering small streets off the beaten path, to go to see Hotel du Nord, Canal Saint Martin, La Concorde, etc….and of course, the banks of the river Seine - there's nothing more relaxing!

As far as food goes, since I'm jet lagged I eat at very late hours, but rest assured that my hotel is so badly organized that they don't expect that tourists are coming from another timezone, so there's really nothing available to munch on at night. It is then that I realize I am not in the USA where food is available at any hour of the day and wherever you are ;).

I eat richer than at home, and I let myself go a little on some fries to indulge, but I walk nonstop between my interviews, so at the end of this week I haven't even gained an ounce ;).


On Monday, the French team meets for a day: we discuss 2011 achievements and new strategies for the coming year. Beautiful initiatives are taken....great things are in store. I really have a dream team! Gwen, who's been here since the very beginning, works with me through all the successes and dramas and manages the French team and international projects with an iron hand; Nicolas, our Global Marketing Director, who's transformed our old-fashioned site to a modern version, and whose strategic ideas are very exciting; Denis, our Corsican brain who implements these ideas with clever codes :) Of course, the day finishes off with an interview, and then dinner...finally a nap!


Between all of these strategic meetings, we have an M6 interview for 100% Mag to be published on January 2nd, two interviews on CHERIE FM, one on December 24th to talk about yummy Christmas menus (that's right, I do not like depriving myself during the holidays which arrive only once a year!), and then on December 26th, on how to handle weekend parties.

I also meet Nathalie Hutter-Lardeau of Atlantic Sante, who has accomplished tremendous things! She and I are the ones behind LeBootCamp Stop Cholesterol :). And quick chat with BigBen, producer of my MyBodyCoach game for Wii.


Many more meetings with partners and producers… in short, I cannot reveal everything here, but all in all it's been a packed week… and then, as fate will have it, my plane is delayed for 3 hours because of stormy weather just as we're ready for takeoff...

Time to prepare for the holidays and then we'll be returning to Paris again soon for all those projects to come!

LeBootCamp makes its mark in Phoenix!

Here I am in the desert for 2 TV shows tomorrow morning.

We fly on an older airplane - in general I get a bit anxious flying, but especially on a 737 (since my accident with a 737-400), and then the pilot proudly announces that this is the very last flight for this plane! We have a very beautiful view of the desert, LOVE! Plus I have the entire row for myself, so I am really comfortable :)

Breakfast: 2 crumpets with 2 slices of turkey ham + 1 lemon juice and 1 sobacha

Between the airport and going shopping to prepare for my shows tomorrow morning, I've accumulated approximately 10,000 steps.

While walking through San Jose airport, I see a lollipop with this translation in French for the Canadian market - sharing the humor here ;)

200 glute contractions in the taxi as always :)

No lunch, as there is nothing available onboard, neither anything at my hotel which is VERY isolated, so that by 5pm I am dying of hunger and resort to the only thing the hotel has - cashew pralines. A caloric bomb but I've got no other solution!

Dinner in a Tex Mex restaurant in the hotel: homemade guacamole and shrimp ceviche + green tea….and I cave in to a Mexican dessert called "tres leches"…a description intended to lure you in…I'll be paying for this with exercise tomorrow :) but for now I enjoy it :)

I do 200 abs in my room and call it a beautiful day!

Your Coach in Tampa, FL for 2 TV shows

Ah Florida...with winter setting in I was hoping to go there! But there are no direct flights from San Francisco to Tampa, so travel takes 9 hours via Detroit...on Delta Airlines old-fashioned planes…ha but your coach is not complaining ;) - I love doing shows so here we go!

The weather is quite hot in Tampa, 80 degrees to be precise, but the locals have their own idea - someone says to me in all seriousness that "it's too cold to eat outside"!

I planned a quick 24 hour trip with a morning show on NBC Wednesday morning. This one is a huge success so much so that FOX calls publicist to see whether I can stay one more day to do another show with them! Since the trip is so long I prefer to make the most of my visit so I stay on.
I make some efforts to go shop for my second outfit, because in the USA you don't want to appear in the same dress twice in a row ;)

Being that Tampa is popular for retirees, dubbed the city for old people, I have an hard time finding what I need! Fortunately Zara and H&M exist in all 4 corners of the world…when in doubt, these are surefire solutions! I finally find a nice dress at just $35 dollars!

As far as food goes, with all the jet lag, I don't have breakfast as I'm not hungry yet, but I get in lunch and dinner…seems whenever I'm on the East coast I end up skipping breakfast….

Fitness-wise, I get plenty of walking through the stores and shopping centers to find the perfect outfit :).

Join our brand new LeBootCamp Affiliate Program!

LeBootCamp members across the globe are constantly writing to me about promoting their favorite online diet - LeBootCamp :) and we have finally set up what so many have been waiting for: a brand new affiliate program, with a 6 tier commission structure and no upfront fees!

It's simple to join as an affiliate and all you need is internet access...just like the LeBootCamp program itself :)

Sign up TODAY and start earning from the comfort of your living room ;)

Read the full press release on our official launch here: Award-Winning Online Diet LeBootCamp.com Launches Affiliate Program

Your Coach in the San Francisco Chronicle

The long awaited...a full page spread in the San Francisco Chronicle! This interview was a fun opportunity to promote my favorite people and places in and around the San Francisco area. Being in the limelight is humbling and empowering, and I love sharing these special moments with others :).


The page was too large to scan but you can read it online here: Favorites of Valerie Orsoni, founder of LeBootCamp

A beautiful photo shoot to get back in shape!

I love looking up to see a blue sky…rather rare here these days! We often have endless fog :), but hey, good weather at home does not guarantee good weather in San Francisco, which benefits (or suffers) from a micro-climate which changes all the time! It can be 35 degrees in my area, and all of 15 degrees and gray in San Francisco, which is just 20 mins away!

All of this makes a difference when it's photo-shoot day with Weber, a super photographer!

I have my lemon juice + sobacha followed by a 30-min walk with my dog

Breakfast: 10 sprouted almonds + 1 buckwheat pancake with a little melted soy cheese + 1 yellow peach (yum!)

I head in the direction of Golden Gate Park for my photo shoot with Weber, who took my first photographs for Closer magazine years ago!

At home: great weather, blue sky and heat….but San Francisco has grey skies, fog and wind. Freezing cold! Not to mention I am wearing light sports gear…think skiing in a bathing suit!

After 2 hours in the cold we break for a quick and atypical lunch for your coach ;) - a hotdog without the bread...

And then as we near the end of the session, a ray of sun miraculously appears for a shot with my water bottle...I'll let the photo speak for itself :)

Off I go to prepare for a trip to Los Angeles for some big events which you'll hear about soon!

A long vacation from my blog

Hello from San Francisco!

I've received many emails from bootcampers asking me where my regular blog posts have gone - indeed we are going strong since 2006!! - replete with photographs, tips, funny anecdotes, recipes, media features and just some good chit-chat with my loyal followers….well, this summer I took 2.5 months off from blogging...but I am back and better than ever!

To be sure, when your coach breaks routine - like regular blogging - it's got to be for a worthwhile ideal! And just as well, because once in a while it's healthy to escape and rejuvenate so that when we're at routine, we're performing at our best! It's just like the plateau we reach when we're losing weight...at that point we need to make a change in our habits to surprise our mind and body :) so that we can leap to the next level of achievement!

So what have I been up to since my last post? Firstly, if you follow me on Facebook, you know it all (almost) but true, without all the details you get via my blogging :). I traveled to my home village of Corsica, spending time with friends and family under sunny blue skies, with plenty of fresh, healthy food, and space to clear out the mind! On my return to California, I spent some time coaching my celeb clients in LA - trust me, we burned every last summer calorie together! And lastly, a few days in faraway Alaska without any internet connection or telephone - the ultimate getaway to recharge and refresh!

Back to reality found me jet-setting to Saint Louis and Seattle for some super TV features! Oh, and not to mention working on 2 new books and the launch of a brand new LeBootCamp program...plus creation of new recipes, just for you! Well hey, now you know it all - or almost ;). I am back in full strength...more to come!

LeBootCamp honored in The 2011 International Business Awards!

I am excited and proud to announce that LeBootCamp has been awarded Stevie Distinguished Honoree medal for Company of the Year in Health Products & Services in The 8th Annual International Business Awards!

Our company will be honored live at a gala event at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, 11 October.

Plus, LeBootCamp is currently featured in the upcoming People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies where YOU get to vote for your favorite healthy living program!

Show your love and VOTE FOR LEBOOTCAMP NOW>>

On Celebuzz.com: Get a firm LeBootCamp booty!

Celebuzz.com is currently featuring a special bootylicious gallery with the crème de la crème of my signature glute exercises!

Don't miss out on this special summer feature to help you look great in your bikini when you hit the beach next >> Click here

LeBootCamp in South Africa!

We have exciting news here at LeBootCamp!

FAIRLADY, the "modern South African woman’s best friend and savvy shopping partner, offering honest advice about everything from how to spend money to what to eat tonight and wear tomorrow," has officially partnered with LeBootCamp, now offering our proven coaching program to a brand new clientele of women who want to lose weight with pleasure!

Check us out in the June issue of this fabulous magazine!

Do you live in South Africa? Join FAIRLADY LeBootCamp at www.fairlady.lebootcamp.com!

Presenting "Le Personal Coach" & LeBootCamp on Bay Area Vista

For once I don't have to go to the other end of the USA to share my weight loss secrets on a TV show! This time I go just 20 minutes away from my house - almost felt like going to visit a friend :)

So here I am in the KCSM TV studio! A great show with Emmy nominated producer Janice Edwards, Host of "Bay Area Vista": I present my latest book "Le Personal Coach" and some super simple weight loss tips.

To be in top shape for the show, I ensure that my morning is active and light on the stomach: freshly squeezed lemon in room-temperature water, green tea, my famous sobacha and then a 30-min walk with my faithful Nestle.

Raw breakfast: raw homemade granola + 1 small punnet of raspberries and homemade almond milk.

Walking for 1 hr while on the telephone, why sit on my butt when I have to talk for 1 hour....gotta keep moving!

A light lunch so as not to feel lethargic on set: homemade lentil soup with 3 tbsp brown rice (the combination gives me a good balance of amino acids, hence no problem on the protein front :) + the rest of the raspberries leftover from the morning

A small green tea and then I zip out to the studio

As usual I meet some interesting people who are on before and after me: an author of raw detox recipes (we will definitely keep in touch!), 2 rappers, and a marathon runner - great social dynamics!

You can watch the full show here:

With actress Michelle Rodriguez, celeb stylist Ivan Bitton, and more!

What a stay in LA, full of emotions, between Prince, and a great time spent with Michelle Rodriguez. It is very rare to see an A-lister whose fame hasn't gotten to her head, and Michelle is one of them: simple, adorable, personable, wearing her heart on her sleeve.

As you can see she loves my book :)

An active day, on the go, and filled with mystery and suspense as well, since we had no idea that at 5:00 a private screening was going to happen. We find ourselves in Soho House, a high-end members-only club.

Great meetings there, among them, my friend and celeb stylist Ivan Bitton; Pierre Dulat, a French actor who's made his mark in the USA; and Mallika Sherawat, styled by Ivan and Dalia.


A crazy evening in the VIP section at Trousdale (very private but also very amusing, we have to go through the kitchens to access it :), this is the hotspot for Los Angeles nightlife.


The music is great (DJ Michelle Rodriguez :), and I order some cheesecake lollipops and other little treats filled with sugar and fat :) Hey, if you work out and burn, you get to indulge!

Private Screening at Soho House with producer Mohammed al Turki

What a great event, and a very charitable as well.

Producer Mohammed al Turki organized a private screening for his most recently produced movie The Imperialists are still alive, with French Actress Elodie Bouchez, at the Soho House.

Business does not always mean dollars only in Hollywood and he was nice to tie this with Norwegian actress Natassa Malte's charity to support Japan in the aftermath of its catastrophic earthquake/tsunami.

I started the day with a freshly squeezed lemon as usual to keep a nice skin (with the "glow") followed by my sobacha. An all vegan day that led to some indulgences at night where chessecake lollipops were served :)

More photos to come......

Schifoodphrenic Nation - my latest contribution to the Huffington Post

Have you tried 7-Eleven's 64 fl.oz Double Big Gulp? (larger than the one pictured!) Starbuck's 31-oz Trenta?

BEWARE! These new mammoth drinks contain more fluid than your stomach can hold!

We are in a serious state of schifoodphrenia which could have very damaging repercussions for our health, and the health of our kids...Read all about it in my latest contribution to the Huffington Post and share it with your loved ones - we have got to make a change!

The day of a star with the stylist of stars...Ivan Bitton

As much as I am not fan of shopping, from time to time I recognize that being pampered like a star feels great! So on Friday, after several interviews, I find myself with THE celeb stylist in Hollywood (French, to make things even sweeter), Ivan Bitton, in his showroom, SHOWROOM 303, accompanied by Steve Haddad, his talented assistant.

I try on many dresses, each more beautiful than the next, from well-known designers like Gauthier and less known haute couture labels, from the USA, the Netherlands, and…Turkey! I don't have never-ending patience for these things, after 3 dresses, I am already past my limit ...how on earth do my friends spend entire days trying on clothing? It's a mystery to me!


Steve insists that I try on yet another dress….black…it looks decent on the hanger....I am already back in my regular clothes, but Melanie Molnar, the actress who is becoming more famous as I type, also insists. So I go and try on this jewel!!! I adopt it for the pre-Oscars party "Finding Hope" on Saturday evening.


Gosh! I cannot decide between two dresses: one blue from a Dutch designer and a green from a Turkish designer… I take both to decide on red carpet day!

Melanie also finds a very sexy dress which emphasizes her perfect body even more…I am jealous, she is at least 10 inches taller than me!

Melanie and I stop in to Katsuya, the Japanese restaurant where everyone goes! What a day...and this is just the calm before the storm….tomorrow promises to be much more intense.

Your Coach in Hollywood: Pre-Oscars

What a first day! A sleepless night, followed by a 7:00am departure.

A little walk in the airport but not as much as usual because I am burdened with my carry-ons + wearing high heels :) A very early breakfast on the plane: a slice of banana cake + 2 green teas

Upon arrival, I sink has my hotel, a little jewel that I've found in West Hollywood, where Penelope Cruz and Justin Bieber come when they are in town.


This hotel knows how to treat their guests well -- they allow me to use a wonderful suite all day long to get ready for my first TV segments until my very own room is ready.

A little rest, and some preparation for the afternoon which promises to be very busy. Then John, my gorgeous model friend turned make-up artist, arrives for my make-up appointment. My Blackberry does not cease to vibrate -- more than 40 emails in one afternoon….I am in my very focused bubble, and don't answer anything other that the subjects which are absolutely relevant. It's impossible to concentrate!


No time to be idle, the M6 team (Emma and Quentin) arrive with the dresses for the red carpet. Drama!!! I cannot fit into either of the 2 dresses...I would need to lose at least 1 inch around the waist to close the dresses. So either I starve myself until Sunday, which I'm not even sure will be enough, or I find another dress (which I will do :)

No time to waste, Mallika, the #1 Bollywood actress awaits us at the Four Seasons for an interview in an exclusive suite where the stars get their jewelry before the Oscars. As I go through the hotel I blow a kiss to Joan Collins and Nicolas Cage :).


The afternoon is very busy….we end off the day on the rooftop of my fave hotel, with a wonderful fireplace (it is chilly!) with Phillip Bloch, designer for Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Osbourne, etc., and a very dear friend of my own.


At 8:30, Emma and I head out (we walk, to burn some calories and de-stress) for a vegetarian dinner at my favorite place on Melrose. We try to avoid talking about work but of course we end up finishing off with discussing plans, interviews etc. With Kate von D who shares our vegan passion :)

To bed at midnight, after extinguishing a few last-minute urgent fires...

Toblerone & Pear Tart Recipe

A little piece of heaven! Here's a delicious recipe for you! It's very rich, so share your dessert :)

Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3.5 oz of Toblerone (that's the usual size)
- 1.5 oz butter or non-hydrogenated magarine to reduce the saturated fat content
- 1/2 cup condensed milk (unsweetened)
- 3 gelatin leaves
- pears in light syrup (drained)

Directions:
Bake the pie crust at 350 °F for about 15 min. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Using the bain-marie/water bath approach, melt the Toblerone with the butter, constantly stirring.
Dissolve the gelatin leaves in cold water for 10 min. At the same time, warm the condensed milk in a small pot, over low heat. After 10 min, add the gelatin to the condensed milk, stirring well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Add the gelatin/condensed milk mixture to the melted toblerone/butter. Stir well for 3 min.
Let sit for 5 to 10 min, and then pour into the pie crust.
Immediately add the pear slices in light syrup and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Remove from the fridge 10 min before serving. Serve very small portions so that you can enjoy your dessert and keep your dream body at the same time :)

Bon Appétit!

Discover more gourmet recipes at www.lebootcamp.com - the only weight loss program which lets you indulge!

My *NEW* book is out! Le Personal Coach + NYC

My book "Le Personal Coach" published by Reader's Digest is finally out! Read the full press release HERE

Voila - all my secret tips and tricks wrapped into one! You can get a copy on Amazon.com or better yet, head out to your nearest Barnes & Noble (and contract your abs while you walk :)

Even the little blizzard did not prevent me from walking the streets of NYC - and with a little extra cardio in my back pocket, I can allow myself to indulge a little at dinnertime, guilt-free :)


Get it in print, or on your favorite e-Reader, Kindle, Nook, iPad... >>

Now you can take me with you everywhere! So hey, if you thought you had an excuse not to exercise before, your coach has solved that one for good ;)

Interview on Martha Stewart Radio + lots of meetings

The famous Martha Stewart wants an interview with me, wow...this is great for my upcoming book launch!

After my morning tea, I do 30 min cardio at the gym, alternating with bodybuilding exercises

Breakfast: a Starbucks wrap (280 calories) + tea

40 min walk

Radio broadcast (I go to the studio by foot :) with Mario Bosquez who has prepared her subject very well and carries out my 30-min interview marvelously!


After the broadcast, I meet a bride-to-be bootcamper, who looks amazing thanks to LeBootCamp, and we share: a green tea + a miso soup + small sandwich (actually a half) + fruit salad at Pret a Manger, a chain that I love!



30 min walk

Snack: I find another bootcamper, Catherine, who is amazing - and we share: green tea + Japanese pastries


Meeting at Au Bon Pain (yum) with the Reader's Digest marketing team, Stacey Ashton and Veronica Gonzales.


40 min walking

Big dinner: Basque rice + some anchovies + 3 mushroom croquettes + small beetroot/arugula salad and 2 slices of bread...that would have been it if I had not caved in for dessert: french toast (yum!)

Your Coach on San Diego Living!

Here I am on the way to San Diego… a city that I love for its beaches, good-spirited people, great weather, and its airport surrounded by palm trees :)


Arrival day before to a small hotel - but never judge by appearances - it is amazing! I've never found anything like this for just $100/night! No noise, an amazing bed, unlimited tea 24/7, a super gym, in short - bliss! And an outstanding reception!


Wednesday morning, I slip in to the San Diego 6 studio after a small breakfast (free and included in the price of the room!): fresh fruit salad, a slice of wholegrain bread, toasted with philadelphia cream cheese + 1 apple

Renee Kohn, is adorable and entertaining, and makes me feel comfortable right away :) The good mood of the south :)
We do two segments together: one on nutrition and one on easy fitness (how to get in shape without sweating). Marc Bailey (their news journalist) also gives me an amazing welcome.

After our 2 segments, I grab my luggage and head to the airport. The midday flight is full, so I find myself with 5 hrs to spare in the city :). I enjoy a meal at the bay, in an adorable cafe over the water.


A healthy, antioxidant-packed menu: kidney bean puree (Tex Mex recipe) and shrimp tacos + salad


After a little touring, reading, and working in the sun, I then return to the airport. Dinner on board (I am a fan of Virgin America menus).