Fit Mom Angel vs. Fit Mom Devil

In church this morning the sermon was regarding "signs." Of course, it was re: finding your way in reference to God. However, it also made me relate the concept of "signs" to health and fitness. I have the gift of relating everything to fitness....oh and shopping.

Here is an image of my Fit Angel:

In movies, we see the "angel" and "devil" on the actor's shoulders, trying to persuade them what to do.

I hear these Fit Mom Angel and Not so Fit Mom Devil voices talking to me, especially when there is the last piece of uber rich, 7 layer chocolate cake on the plate at my favorite restaurant that is calling my name....

Fit Mom Angel vs. Fit Mom Devil

In church this morning the sermon was regarding "signs." Of course, it was re: finding your way in reference to God. However, it also made me relate the concept of "signs" to health and fitness. I have the gift of relating everything to fitness....oh and shopping.

Here is an image of my Fit Angel:

In movies, we see the "angel" and "devil" on the actor's shoulders, trying to persuade them what to do.

I hear these Fit Mom Angel and Not so Fit Mom Devil voices talking to me, especially when there is the last piece of uber rich, 7 layer chocolate cake on the plate at my favorite restaurant that is calling my name....

Here is the dialogue:

Fit Mom Angel:  "Take 1 tiny bite or none. Only if it's 1 tiny bite. But, you know how you are, Kiana, sometimes you take 1 bite and then it's all over and you eat the whole piece and then you'll feel so guilty.You are making such great progress and are looking leaner and stronger. Don't take that first bite. Just get up, walk away from the cake and no one gets hurt."

Fit Mom Devil: "Oh just eat it already. You know you want it! It will be so sweet and gooey. You look great, don't be so vain. You can workout harder tomorrow. Eating is one of the pleasures in life. Sugar gets a bad rap. I think anyone on their deathbed wishes they'd have eaten MORE chocolate. Oh, just eat it already, Fat Mom, Kiana."

My inner dialogue is harsh. Funny, but true.

Here is what I do when I am tempted by contradicting signs.

1. Distraction: when you are tempted to eat something that you will regret, distract yourself. Any way, any how. Put on lip gloss, people watch, have the waiter take the plate away, have your hubby eat it. Sometimes if I just look around the restaurant at the interesting people, I forget about it and the urge passes. I do the same thing with shopping. I put it on hold and if I am still obsessing about it 48 hours later, I'll buy it.

2. Out of site, out of mind: I don't keep junk food on the countertops, put it out of site.  In my family, they eat what is out: I will keep bowls of healthy colorful fruit, multi grain crackers, almonds, trail mix and pita chips on the counter. In the refrigerator, I always have hummus, mini carrot sticks, low fat fage yogurt, string cheese and sliced apples in the front mid way between "adult and kid eye level."

3.  Vanity: if I am going to a dinner party, work related or red carpet event or reception, I'll eat a substantial healthy snack that includes lean protein and a little fat; such as some string cheese, a few slices of grilled chicken and a piece of fruit. I will eat something substantial to fill me up with nutritious foods. This way when I get to the party, I am full and not tempted to eat all the fattening appetizers.   On a vanity level (hey whatever works), if you aren't eating messy foods, you won't mess up your lipstick.

So, FIT Moms, get a grip. Out smart that Fit Mom Devil voice. Put the Fit Mom Angel on a pedestal.

The 1 thing every Fit Mom needs....

What is the one thing Fit Moms don't seem to have? Enough TIME! One thing I have been trying to do is to spend as much time with my family as possible, but to also spend a little time with each of my little girls (and hubby) one-on-one. It is a completely different experience and I get to enjoy them so much more when I am not distracted. The energy is so much more focused and I get to really "see" each of my family clearly, if you know what I mean. Here is what I did this week...

Time. The 1 thing every Fit Mom needs

What is the one thing Fit Moms don't seem to have? Enough TIME! One thing I have been trying to do is to spend as much time with my family as possible, but to also spend a little time with each of my little girls (and hubby) one-on-one. It is a completely different experience and I get to enjoy them so much more when I am not distracted. The energy is so much more focused and I get to really "see" each of my family clearly, if you know what I mean. Here is what I did this week...

The other day, I took my 7, I mean now 8 year old to get our nails done. Normally, she and my 3 year old are fighting and bickering. This time, we were laughing, giggling, having the best time. Just the 2 of us. No drama, just smiles. Loved it and we felt closer even after a couple hours. Sounds silly, but I get so busy, I forget to spend 1-on-1 time.

My 3 year old and I got to spend an entire day together. My husband was at the Fire Dept. and my older daughter was riding her horses with her grandma at the ranch.

My youngest wanted to go to the movies and have popcorn. (We rarely go to the movies because as a Fit Mom, I find it too sedentary of an outing-when they watch TV at home.) But, it was her choice to plan our day, so we watched Despicable Me.

I watched "her" 99% of the time and loved the sparkle in her eyes that reflected from the screen, the endless laughs and smiles. It was so wonderful not to be distracted and to just sit in awe of her. I literally did not watch the movie, but watched her. I melted when she came over to me and offered me some popcorn then watched the movie sitting in my lap.

Hubby and I bribed my sister to babysit for us. I say bribe since she had a date that night she cancelled for us. No, I don't have Nannys-I always thought I would. Then after I had children I realized I don't trust anyone other than family with my kids. My husband and I had date night and went to our favorite Italian restaurant and shared a bottle of wine and a delicious, relaxing dinner. There were a few rules: No talking about household, business or kids!

So, I thought I'd share a little bit of my week with you. Love to all of you Fit Moms! More soon. I have a very important shoot next week and I am so excited to share it with you as soon as it is edited!

It's a surprise!

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

Flab to Fab!

Hi Fit Moms! Here is my 1st video workout for Fit Mom TV CBS Health! These are fabulous exercises to help you burn more calories and excess fat at home or on the beach! My 3 year old daughter, Baby Kiana, joined me on the shoot! What a fun day!

Flab to Fab!

Plyometric exercises are really fun. They incorporate leaping, bounding and jumping movements and increase muscle speed and power. They are easy to do anywhere-even at the beach! Best of all, they are fun to do and it's like being a kid again! Enjoy!

Video: CBS Health: Flab to Fab Workout

CBS Health: "Flab to Fab" Workout: Plyometrics: leaping, bounding and jumping movements and increase muscle speed and power. They are easy to do anywhere-even at the beach! Best of all, they are fun to do and it's like being a kid again! Enjoy!

Exercise 1: Jump Squat

Starting position: Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, core tight, shoulders pulled back and down, abs and butt tight. From this position, lower into a squat position until you upper leg is parallel to the beach.

The motion: Jump up and explode upward, jumping as high as you can, arms extending above your head. Land on your toes and round off onto your heels. Repeat 15 times.

Tip: Try and jump as high as you can. Exhale as you jump.

Exercise 2: Split Jump

Starting position: Stand with one foot in front of the other, core tight, shoulders pulled back and down, abs and butt tight. From this position, lower into a squat position until your front leg is parallel to the beach. Your upper and lower leg should be at 90 degree angle.

The motion: Jump up and explode upward, jumping as high as you can, arms extending above your head. Land on your toes and round off onto your heels. Repeat 15 times each leg.

Tip: Try and jump as high as you can. Exhale as you jump.

Exercise 3:  Split Switch

Starting position: Stand with one foot in front of the other, core tight, shoulders pulled back and down, abs and butt tight. From this position, lower into a squat position until you upper leg is parallel to the beach.

The motion: Jump up and explode upward, jumping as high as you can, arms extending above your head and switching your feet so that the back foot is not in front. Land on your toes and round off onto your heels. Repeat 15 times.

Tip: Try and jump as high as you can. Exhale as you jump.

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,

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!