This is an exclusive interview with one of the new Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa Gorga, and her celebrity personal trainer, Kelly Giordano. Both ladies were kind enough to take time out of their super busy schedules to answer all the questions you want asked. Get diet, fitness, beauty, marriage, and mommy tips straight from the ladies! Also, please make sure to visit my personal website, www.joannagalli.com. There, you can connect to my Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube pages. Enjoy!
How did you two meet? When did you begin working out together?
Kelly Giordano: We met at my friend’s, her neighbor’s, “Tapas and Opera” party. They had invited about six couples and we were introduced there. I had mentioned that my husband and I were personal trainers, and Melissa mentioned that she was looking for one. We started training right before Thanksgiving.
What does Melissa’s workout routine consist of?
KG: Melissa works out for three hours a week. We focus on hitting all body parts, with multi-functional movements and core work. I always change it up and bring in different pieces of equipment to challenge her. She always loves the floor exercises we do for her glutes. I am all about making sure that someone is doing the correct movement to correct posture, that the movements are functional, and that the reward outweighs the risk. I train Melissa to prevent injury, correct posture, tone up and burn calories. She always works hard and her dedication and commitment has paid off. We have now been training together for seven months.
How did you eat and workout during your pregnancies?
KG: I have had four children and each one I pretty much ate whatever I wanted. My first three pregnancies, I put on twenty pounds, the last one, nine months ago, I put on thirty seven pounds. I had a lot of Braxton hicks contractions with my pregnancies, placenta previa and miscarriages, so therefore, I was discouraged to exercise while I was pregnant. As a trainer, I always had to demonstrate movements and one of my favorite training devices is the TRX. Because I already had a strong core from being a trainer and Pilates instructor, I had very easy deliveries. The doctor said I should make a workout video so that all pregnant women could deliver that easily. After I had each of my babies, I lost the weight by nursing them. Nursing your baby burns up to one thousand calories a day, provides them with immunities from you, and doesn't cost anything. I would just stay away from broccoli, can cause gas in babies, and that is not fun!
How do you manage it all—wife, mother, personal time?
Melissa Gorga: It's not easy; I'm still trying to figure it all out. My kids will always come first before anything.
What are the three ingredients you always have in the kitchen?
MG: Garlic, Onions, and Pine nuts.
What are some of your go-to recipes?
MG: Chicken cutlets (they are my children's favorite), escarole and beans, and homemade lentil soup.
Do you have any guilty food pleasures?
MG: I'm a junk foodaholic. I love desserts!
Besides my grandmothers and mother, my Italian role models are Sophia Loren and Giada De Laurentiis. Who are yours?
KG: Sophia Loren.
MG: My Grandmother. No other Italian role model.
What are your favorite pastimes?
MG: I'm a huge movie buff! I love to go to the movies and I love the beach!
What can we find in your makeup bag?
MG: Nars blush in orgasm, Mac lip gloss, and Almay mascara.
You have gorgeous skin. What is your skincare regime?
MG: Murad skincare line.
You have great personal style. Who is your go-to designer?
MG: Alice and Olivia.
How do you keep your marriage happy and fresh?
MG: I still flirt with Joe.
KG: We put God first in our marriage. Always make time for date night and put the cell phone away to give your husband your complete attention. Also listen to him, give him hugs, and of course always make time for the bedroom.
Any mommy tips?
MG: I'm a strong believer in teaching children early on to respect their parents and each other at a very early age. I make sure to reprimand my children every time they talk back to me.
KG: Give hugs and kisses every day and live by example.
In your opinion, how can an “everyday woman” or “everyday mom” feel more celebrity or posh?
MG: Put a heel on instead of a flat shoe. Put a little make up on when running to the store. Don't keep your favorite outfit in the closet for something special. Put it on and wear it, today!
What do you want people to know about you?
MG: I love my family; they will always come first to me, no matter what.
I have a brand called Healthy Italian. By definition, a Healthy Italian is a person who applies an Italian mindset to eating, loving, and living. We eat well, love well, and live well. How are you a Healthy Italian?
MG: I exercise three times a week with bodybykelly (Kelly Giordano). I don't sit much, hard to when you have three young children, and I don't watch much television. I'm always on the go and it keeps me healthy. I let myself indulge every once in a while on fabulous food, but I make sure to take just a few bites.
Where can we find more information about you?
