Food for thought. True story.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

TRUE STORY: AT THE MARKET THE OTHER DAY A YOUNG GIRL ABOUT 10, VERY VERY OVERWEIGHT WAS IN LINE TO CHECK OUT. SHE WAS ALONE WITHOUT HER PARENTS.

SHE WAS BUYING A JUMBO CONTAINER OF GENERIC ICE CREAM, 10 PACKAGES OF COOKIES, CANDY, SUGAR SODA...YOU GET THE PICTURE.

IT REALLY AND STILL UPSET ME (EVEN NOW AS I TYPE THIS.) MY KIDS WERE WITH ME. WE WERE ALL SILENT (AND FOR MY KIDS AGES 4 AND 8 TO BE SILENT, YOU KNOW IT WAS QUITE A SITE.)

AS A MOM, I WANTED TO TAKE THIS GIRL IN MY ARMS, SHE LOOKED SO VERY VERY SAD AND EMBARASSED. DO WE INTERFERE AND BUT IN? DO WE SIT BACK? I WAS FROZEN.

THE CHECKER LATER TOLD ME HER MOM AND DAD SEND HER IN ALL THE TIME TO BUY THE SAME ITEMS. WOW. SO SAD.

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF SHE KNEW BETTER AND TOLD THE PARENTS OTHERWISE? I COULD ONLY IMAGINE THE SCENARIO AT HOME OR WHAT THE PARENTS WERE LIKE BEING TOO LAZY TO EVEN GO GET THE JUNK FOOD....

LATER, IN THE CAR, MY KIDS TOLD ME THAT "THE GIRL SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN BUYING ALL THAT JUNK FOOD, IT IS UNHEALTHY." MY 4 YEAR OLD ASKED ME WHY HER MOMMY DIDN'T TEACH HER BETTER?

HMMM.

Wonderful Family Christmas

This was the first time in years that we decided to stay home for Christmas. Usually, we head to Aspen or to the local mountains for snow boarding and skiing. Sure glad we did since it rained for 4 straight days. The most rain we've had years.  I personally don't like to fly or drive in the pouring rain since too many LA people text and drive already, let alone do it in the rain!? Yikes!

We had such a nice time, but not relaxing at all! The kids sang on Christmas Eve at the Church, which was lit by candles. Imagine 100+ people holding candles while their children sang. Beautiful and really made my heart so warm. I made Christmas Eve dinner for my parents and sister, everyone came to the house and we sat by the fire, sipped champagne and talked for hours. It was so relaxing.



That all came to screaching halt when I was awakened at 4 am (yes 4 am) by our 8 year old wanting me to "get up and make everyone pancakes and open presents!" She had already scoped out the gits, new how many gifts Santa left for every member of the family including how many dog treats were in each dog's stocking. She told me how many bites of cookies Santa took "I think that is why Santa is so fat Mommy, cuz he is eating cookies all over the world!" (Makes sense to me, what a smart kid.)

I was able to sleep 1 more hour and then before I knew it I was buried in wrapping paper! My favorite Fit Mom gift I received from Santa was  a new Juicer. I have some delicious recipes I will share with you at the start of the New Year!  We made an amazing apple, carrot, celery juice this morning!


It was over so fast but I am more relaxed now being able to enjoy playing their games 1 at a time.  Yes, I am proud to say I am the Bop it and Wii Just Dance champ.  I still need to work on my Toy Story Yahtzee skills.  I would love to hear about your Christmas! Please share!

Quote of the Day

"Mommy said sugar is bad for you. You'd better take the smaller Christmas cookie." My 8 year old daughter to her 3 year old little sister.

Crazy 8 Exercise for Kids by My Crazy 8 Year Old!

The other day I was filming for FitMomTV and my 8 year old asked if she could do a workout "for the Fit Kids of the Fit Moms."  I was so proud of her and very surprised what she did on camera the first take. The show isn't edited yet but I am excited to share the exercise routine with you and your fit kids! Enjoy!

Goal: Do 8 of each movement and HAVE FUN!

1. Start with feet together, move the feet outward: heel toe heel toe to count of 8


2. Clap 8 times as you put both hands on the floor


3. Walk your hands forward to a count of 8


4. Do 8 push ups (I am so impressed she could do 8 real push ups!)


5. Walk your hands back in to count of 8


6. Clap 8 times as you stand back up


7. Walk your feet back together to a count of 8


8. Do 8 jumping jacks

Start with feet together, move the feet outward: heel toe heel toe to count of 8



Clap 8 times as you put both hands on the floor



Walk your hands forward to a count of 8

Do 8 push ups (I am so impressed she could do 8 real push ups!)

Walk your hands back in to count of 8



Clap 8 times as you stand back up



Walk your feet back together to a count of 8

Do 8 jumping jacks

Fruit Kabobs! Kiana’s Fit Cooking

Kiana, host and founder of Kiana's Fit Mom TV, brings a new episode to the Fit Mom TV lineup: Kiana's Fit Cooking! 10 minute healthy recipes that are fun to make and easy to clean up. Joining Kiana is Guest Fit Mom Executive Chef, Eldon Pico and their kids to make Fruit Kabobs with Exotic Dragon Fruit and healthy/sweet dipping sauce! Watch at www.fitmomtv.com

Healthier Piggy Cupcakes for Kids

What a crazy couple of weeks we've had. The days flew by so fast. My youngest daughter turned 4 last week. Her preschool class is learning about barnyard animals. She wanted cupcakes to share with her class on her birthday. I have to confess, this was the 1st time I'd ever made cupcakes. We don't eat many sweets so I modified a great recipe on Parenting.com for Piggy Cupcakes. I substituted stevia for sugar. They loved them!

Here are the cupcakes. They had pink marshmallows as the nose and I clipped them for the ears.

Halloween was terrific with the kids. Our youngest was Super Baby, our 8 year old a Rock Star Witch.  Took them trick or treating on a well known street that has haunted houses, lots of fun family parties. SUVs full of kids from around the county come to walk and get huge candy bars. The kids wore their costumes to school and had a big parade for all the parents. Of course....more candy! What's a Fit Mom to do?





Few days later, we Celebrated Hubby's birthday, my Mom's birthday and attended a wedding in LA at a beautiful Catholic Church.....balancing these fun nights out with the regular workouts, errands, kid's dance classes, homework, kids swimming lessons, brownie meetings, pre production for Kiana's Flex Appeal Fox Sports Network....quite a juggling act for me.



I am off to the beach now for a long walk with my youngest. She runs 1/2 of the way and then I push her in the stroller the rest of the way. Talk to you soon Fit Moms!

Free Kids Stuff! Great links

Hi Fit Moms! Wanted to share some great links to get Free Stuff for Kids. Enjoy! Share your links by posting below in the comments box. Thanks!

http://www.kiddierecords.com - Records online. Free kids classic books. Like books on tape. Free!

http://www.swap.com - swap used DVD's your kids have outgrown. 1 for 1. Recycle and Reuse!

http://www.kik.com - free texting for your smart phone. Did i say free?

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe - withOUT butter

My 3 year old and I had such fun making cookies the other day. She pronounces the word, "Oatmeal" as "Opa-meal." So I thought that was a good name for these cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup applesauce


• 1 cup packed light brown sugar


• 1/2 cup white sugar


• 2 eggs


• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


• 1 teaspoon baking soda


• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves


• 1/2 teaspoon salt


• 3 cups rolled oats


• 1 cup raisins - optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).


2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.


3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container. Make sure you get some, because they don't last long!

How to make French Toast Fingers

We've all seen the Frozen French Toast at the grocery store. Here is a healthier version that is more delicious and costs less, too. My kids love to dip the french toast sticks into honey, yogurt or syrup.

Directions:

Heat non stick pan. Spray with non stick spray.

Scramble 3 eggs (2 egg whites, 1 whole egg)

2 Tbs. milk

Dip 1 slice sour dough in egg batter and brown both sides in pan. Cool. Slice toast into "fingers" almost to the crust.

This will keep the toast from sliding into the toaster when you reheat it. And it's fun for kids to pull apart. Store in air tight containers in freezer to reheat on busy mornings.

I keep the freezer stocked with Ready to Eat French Toast, protein rich edamame, portioned 2 minute brown rice and lean ground turkey

Serve alongside Fage greek yogurt and berries.

Healthy Halloween Treats

I have done alot of things in my life: hosting tv shows, acting in major motion pictures, television dramas and comedies, commercials, producing, directing, writing and creating tv shows, interviews, music, art, sports and even accomplishing some of my travel dreams: hiking to the top of Machu Picchu in Peru, walking atop a glacier in Alaska and dining at the US Ambassadors home in Japan after performing in the City to name a few.

Discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The city is made of stones weighing up to 50 tons. How did they get up there? There weren't tractors back then.....

But, here is something I NEVER thought I would get to do. The other day I had the honor of leading my first born daughter's Brownie Troop in a fun Fitness and Food Class so they could earn their Badge.

From my point of view, for over 20 years, I've helped millions of people around the world learn about health and fitness. It's a whole new meaning to me when it's for my own children and their friends. Quite a significant part of my life.  It was a real treat.

My first born is now 8. Helping her Brownie Troop is so very special.
They grow up too fast.

What fun we had! Here is what we did.

Food:

Since Halloween is coming up, we made Spooky Snacks that were Apple Mouths with Straggly Teeth and Tongues.

Ingredients: Red and green apples, sharp knife (for adults only), almond slices and cheddar cheese.

Fit Mom bragging rights: I asked my daughter what the "tongues" should be made of and at first she said "Fruit Roll Ups." She quickly said, "No wait Mommy, those have too much sugar, let's use cheddar cheese slices and besides that tastes better with crunchy apples." (Sigh. This Fit Mom is so proud.)

After our Spooky Snacks, I taught them how to read the Nutritional Breakdown on packaged cereals and crackers. They quickly learned what to look for and all have fun picking the "healthier sweet cereal."

Fitness:

Then it was on to the Fitness part of the Badge. I led them through a fun Plyometric Obstacle Course that include jumping on a mini trampoline, hopping over hurdles and bunny hopping thru a fitness ladder.

They had so much fun cheering each other on as they took turns on the course. Little did they know they were doing Plyometrics that are done by highly trained professional athletes for training to increase muscle speed and power.

I have incorporated many Plyometrics into thousands of Kiana's Flex Appeal shows for ESPN. These exercises are a really fun way to lose fat and tighten your body FAST.

Here is a sample of a recent Plyometric workout I did for CBS Health, "Flab to Fab with Kiana."

Flab to Fab CBS Health

For another convenient workout to do at home, try the Fitness Band DVD to tighten your entire body. It's a wonderful workout using the Fitness Band as resistance.

Fit Moms Lead by example.

Our Day at the Ranch

Just got back from a wonderful weekend at the Ranch. I am one of the lucky ones since I get along with my mother-in-law. She is great with the kids, has lots of energy and she loves animals, esp. horses. She gave several horses to our girls. They named their horses: Salsa, Chico, Lily, Poco Loco.

We had such a fun time riding the horses, watching the baby horses nuzzle and roll on their backs sunbathing, feeding the goats, and playing with all of the dogs.  The girls love giving the horses showers and even had fun putting all the saddles and tackle away.

From a fitness point of view, riding horses is great for toning the inner thighs, since you are constantly using the adductor motion to hold onto the horse. It is a fun way to strengthen your core too, esp. when you cantor or lope the horses.

What a wonderful day!

How to Motivate Fit Kids and Family

Hi Fit Moms! Here are some tips for you that I do to keep my family fit, healthy and active!

Select toys and activities that require MOVEMENT: push/pull toys, balls, catching games, hula hoops as opposed to video games or DVDs.


Pantry Raid: I tossed out all candy, cookies, fattening chips and sodas years ago. My theory is that "if it's not in the house I/we can't eat it."


Get your crunchy (chip) fix with mini carrots, baked chips, baked tortillas, pita chips.

High-Low: Walk the dog and discuss the highs and lows of the day

Freeze dance-kids love this, you burn calories, you can dance as silly as you want since no one is watching you!

Do productive things together that are active and fun and get chores done: wash the dog, the car, see "who can put away 10 things the fastest."


Keep sliced veggies and hummus in the 'frig for easy-eat snacks.

Always eat breakfast. No exception.

Eat healthy snacks in between meals.

My kids love to paint and color. I tell them to choose foods like you're painting a picture: colorful with lots of texture.

New Foods Game at the Market: I let my kids pick a new fruit or veggie at the market to try. We eat it that night and discuss why we like (or don't like it.)

I use soda, chips and cookies as "once in awhile treats." Not a regular choice.

Bottled water is always the first choice for drinks.

I cook large quantities of whatever the meal is, I portion it up and freeze for later. This way I have healthy food that is easy to reheat on those busy days.

It's amazing what you will eat when you are starving. If you make healthier options available to you, it will be easy to feed your body with nutritious foods.


I serve sliced zucchini and mini carrots with low fat ranch dip to the kids for appetizers, while I am preparing the rest of the dinner. They eat it up!

Every Sunday I will make 2 dozen whole wheat pancakes with an added scoop of steel oats and/or trail mix pre chopped in the food processor.  I put the pancakes in an airtight container to reheat in the toaster on busy mornings. This is a much healthier and more economical option to the brands you by in the grocery store.

I chop of several types of fruit and put them in labeled containers. This is a healthy addition to yogurt for breakfasts or after school snacks.

Hard boil 2 dozen eggs and put them back into the carton. I write "Hard Boiled" directly on the carton. My kids love them in their lunch box and after school.

How to Prepare for Busy Mornings

Hi Fit Moms!

Hope your kids (and you) are in the school routines. Mornings are so crazy. It seems I sign a little of relief when I get them to school on time, homework and healthy lunches in their back packs, hair and teeth brushed and ready for the fun school day.

Here are a few of my personal Fit Mom Prep tips to make your mornings go a little more smoothly:

Every Sunday I will make 2 dozen whole wheat pancakes with an added scoop of steel oats and/or trail mix pre chopped in the food processor.  I put the pancakes in an airtight container to reheat in the toaster on busy mornings. This is a much healthier and more economical option to the brands you by in the grocery store.

I chop of several types of fruit and put them in labeled containers. This is a healthy addition to yogurt for breakfasts or after school snacks.

Hard boil 2 dozen eggs and put them back into the carton. I write "Hard Boiled" directly on the carton. My kids love them in their lunch box and after school.

It's amazing what you will eat when you are starving. If you make healthier options available to you, it will be easy to feed your body with nutritious foods.

Enjoy!

Fit Mom Kiana Cereal Cookies

If your family is anything like mine, for some reason there are "almost empty boxes of cereal" in the pantry. It's as if they eat the last bit they will have to physically do "extra work" and "throw the boxes away!?" Aggravating... but that's another blog altogether. lol.
Here is the recipe:

Here is what I do with the "left over" cereal.  I Make Fit Mom Kiana Cereal Cookies! It's a "healthier" alternative to cookies and is a real treat with "less guilt." It's a good basic recipe that you can add anything to! Enjoy!


Fit Mom Kiana Cereal Cookies Recipe




Mix together:
1 cube butter of margarine - cream in bowl
Add 1 cup Splenda or Stevia equivalent
Add 1 egg
Add 1 tsp. vanilla


Sift together in separate bowl:
Add 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Add 3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Add to flour and baking soda / dry ingredients:
2-3 cups leftover cereal (the healthier the better!)

Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Mix well.

Add Optional:
bits of dark chocolate 70% cocoa bar (yummy anti oxidants), raisins, almonds (extra protein), walnuts, trail mix, dried cranberries...

Bake: 350 degrees
12-15 minutes

Where are her parents?

I am sooooo upset. I have to share this with all of you, my millions of Fit Moms. I hope you can help me make sense of what I saw today at the market.

The scene: I was at the grocery store with my kids. Buying a few things for Taco Tuesday: Extra lean ground turkey, whole wheat tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. The grocery store was very crowded  and we tried to find the line with the least # of people. We went to checkout #4.

As we walked up to the checkout stand,
I looked to see who was in front of me, it was a little girl about 9 years old.  She was shopping alone. She was very over weight.  When she raised her arms to lift her cart up to the the checker, her shirt pulled up to reveal her tummy that hung way over her shorts. She was 9.

On the checkout stand, she put the following "foods:"

• XL 2 gallon generic brand ice cream chocolate


• 3 cans of whipped cream


• 3 Pizza Pockets


• 2 bags frozen Mashed Potatoes


• 2 bags generic brand frozen pigs in blanket


• 3 bags frozen french fries


• 4 packages of chocolate chip cookies


• 3 liters of regular Coke

She looked very unhappy, very self conscious and lonely.  Why was she at the market alone, unsupervised?  She could be kidnapped!? I envisioned her "parents" leaving her money on the counter and leaving her all alone for the day. Very sad.

My daughter asked me if I thought the little girl was "going home to eat all of that food or if her mommy told her to buy it for the family?"  I told her I hoped it was for a big party for lots of people but that I had a bad feeling she was going to eat it all herself. To make matters worse, the grocery clerk told me that girl comes alone all the time and buys similar junk food all the time.

So many thoughts filled my head at once: Did she live alone? Her happy childhood is filled by sweets? Were her parents obese and unable to get off the couch or bed to go to the grocery store? Did they tell her to buy those foods? Would she end up a diabetic? What kind of life would she have? I thought of all the activities she would miss out on as child.

I took this opportunity to explain to my kids that they are so lucky to have parents who look out for them and care enough about them to say "no." This blog was meant to support Fit Moms who say "no" with love to protect our kids and teach them the proper foods to eat. And what foods are to be enjoyed a little at a time.

Hug your kids-they are so lucky to have you Fit Mom!