Inspiration Gallery

Hi Fit Moms! Thought I'd share some favorite photos and added some inspirational phrases for you. Enjoy!

Please email us YOUR picture(s) and inspirational words/phrases to make the next Inspiration Gallery: info@fitmomtv.com

:60 Tip: The best time to workout and burn the most fat is....

When is the best time to workout? In general, the best time is "any" time. But, if you're looking to maximize your time spent and burn the most fat, encourage healthier choices all day long, I suggest working out first thing in the morning.  Being a busy mom of 2 young children, I don't like to waste 1 minute of time or energy for that matter. After 20 years in the health and fitness biz, I make sure and workout in the mornings. I like being active when I first wake up.

Why?

• If you're looking to lose fat (who isn't/) do cardiovascular exercise as soon as you get up, before you have breakfast. I love to get up and go for a 30-40 minute jog.  Some studies show that up to 300% more fat is burned when cardio. is done in a fasted / depleted state. The reason for this is because all night you haven't eaten. You wake up with depleted glycogen and lower blood sugar / a good scenario for burning fat instead of carbs.


• Working out first thing in the morning, ensures you will get your workout in and done, before the day gets away from you.


• You will feel accomplished and productive early on in the day, which sets the positive tone for the day.


• You will rev your metabolism and burn calories more efficiently all day long.


• You will feel happier all day, due to releasing those "exercise / feel good / endorphins."


• The key to a successful workout routine is consistency. Working out in the a.m. means less chances of your not having the energy to workout or something else coming up.

40 Things You Don't Know About Me / Kiana Tom

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.

What makes you happy? Sugar Junkie Blog.

January 10, 2011

What started out as a simple question turned into a weeklong discussion between my girlfriends and me. “What makes you happy?” The reason I asked the question is that I think if we can get in touch with what makes us happy, then we may be able to turn to things (other than food) to enrich our lives.



I started the discussion with, “What makes me happy is spending time with my husband, Tom. Whether we’re out and about doing something really ‘fun’ or just hanging out in our apartment reading books or watching movies, I always feel happy, content and relaxed when I’m with him.”



I’m also happy when I’m ‘creating something’ whether it’s a book, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story, a Jib-Jab or this blog. When I’m working on a ‘project’ it’s the only time the question of ‘what am I doing here/ what’s the meaning and the purpose of my life’ quiets down in my head.

I’m also happy when I’m eating brownies…oops did I really just say that!?! Yes, unfortunately I did…a week ago today one of our Curves members rushed into the club and with all the aplomb of a great conspiracy leaned over my desk and said, “I need your help with something” as she slipped me a brown paper bag and whispered, “My brother gave me 2 brownies. I just ate one and I need to get rid of the other one. Can you help me?” I said “Sure.” and thought to myself “This is going in the trash the minute she walks out the door.” But as I was throwing it away I decided to peek in the bag “just to take a look” and it was a BIG, amazing, homemade brownie and (needless to say) it never made it to the trash. I counted the minutes until the club closed, pulled the blinds down, turned off some of the lights and ate the brownie. And it did make me happy…temporarily. Temporarily is the keyword –we’re not looking for things that make us happy “temporarily” –we’re looking for things that really feed our soul whether we need to be calmed down, inspired or invigorated. So, here’s what my girlfriends had to say in terms of what makes them happy:



My favorite yoga teacher in the world, Wendy, said she is truly happy, “When I am committed to my morning meditation, (even if that means only 5 minutes of sitting) I take inventory of my emotions and choices of the day before. This helps me fine tune what is working and what needs evaluation. My blood sugar is a major factor to how much my mind wants to monkey around. When I slow down carbohydrates after 3pm daily, I notice how much easier it is to get up the next day and not talk myself into a negative habits.”  Wendy also looks like she’s pretty happy when she’s hula hooping!



Maureen, who is an amazing singer and performer said, “I have worked very hard to create a life where I do what I LOVE for work AND play. By day I am a LMFT/Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; nurturing, supporting and helping children and families; it’s the greatest job in the world!  At night, I am a performer; singer/dancer/musician. I made sure that my ‘day job’ AND my ‘night/weekend’ job nurtured my soul.  I never ‘sold out’ for money.  My first priority was to ‘be happy’ and I was blessed to have parents who instilled in me the importance of never chasing money, but chasing happiness. What makes me happy is waking up each day and knowing that what I do will influence, affect and touch the life of another person.  That is true happiness!”



My girlfriend, Mea said, “Being out for a walk alone with only nature and my thoughts makes me happy.  Feeling like I give each day my all and accomplished a lot makes me feel happy. Seeing joy on my child's face and being in the moment so that I can appreciate it for everything it’s worth makes me the happiest.”



And my girlfriend Heather said, “That's a loaded question. In no particular order...not just smelling the ocean air but breathing it.  Knowing I had a productive day and leaving my tiny little place in the world a little better than how I found it.  Doing something unexpected for someone and having it be appreciated (and they don't even have to know it was me).  The uninhibited feeling I have with my family and friends where I can say whatever comes to mind no matter how silly or how unflattering and knowing that they will unconditionally love me and always have my back even if they do not always agree with me. Fireworks. Wearing flip-flops makes me happy. Holding hands with someone I love. Daisies….daisies make me happy!”



Susan, who owns the Bed & Breakfast Hotels I work at, said, “Lots of things make me happy but a blue sky and clean cool air when I run and listen to rock music or guitar suites make me happy.”  “When my grandchildren run to greet me - kissing their sweet brown heads makes me happy, and walking into either hotel makes me happy. So good exercise, good family and good work should do it - and a hot bath for me.”





My sister-in-law, Cindi said what makes her happy is, “Taking action and accomplishing a goal! Be it fitness (a good workout that initially I didn't want to do but always feel SO good after) or a creative project at work (coming up w/a good design that I am proud of). Also a walk in my neighborhood on a beautiful day makes me happy. It puts me in such an appreciative mood ... of nature, wildlife, fresh air, blue skies, being healthy. I feel like I am in paradise and I consciously savor that.”



One of my very fittest friends (besides Kiana) is Liz. Liz said she’s happy when she’s, “Had a good workout…or more honestly the feeling I get AFTER a good workout; a pair of jeans that fit perfectly because of the workouts! I’m happy knowing that I am surrounded by family and friends who love and accept me for me. I also love dancing around the living room and singing with my 3 yr old niece, the giggles, the french fries…”



Wait, did Liz just say “french fries”!?! Yup, she sure did. So, maybe food can be a small part of what makes us happy. We are human after all and food is one of the pleasures of life. Given that two of my fittest friends do on occasion indulge in french fries, perhaps a treat every now and again is okay …as long as we know (really know and get in tune with the fact) that a brownie or french fries will never satisfy our souls like the company of good friends and family and that there are some pleasures that go further than food. Like Susan said, one of the true pleasures in life is “A hot bath!” I’m all for “ a hot bath” – believe it or not, I’d actually choose it over a brownie!



How about you? What makes you happy? We’d love to hear your thoughts and have you share your feelings too…what makes YOU happy!?!

:60 FIT TIP: SUMO SIDE KICK EXERCISE

Got a minute? Do an exercise. The benefits of fitness are cumulative. Do a little throughout the day!

All of the upcoming exercises in Kiana's Fitness Minute Video Tips are easy to do right now. So get up from the computer for 1 minute and do this terrific exercise and get moving....
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Fit Moms Around the World

Every day, all day long, we get email notifications when new visitors come to FitMomTV.com. It's especially exciting when the visitors are from different countries around the world.

I am excited to share with you where some of the visitors came from today:  Taebaek, Republic of Korea; Nürtingen, Germany; Pardubice, Czech Republic; Boissy-saint-léger, France; Montréal-nord, Canada.

It is wonderful that we all share the passion for healthy living. I would love to eventually create a Fit Mom Community where we could share stories, pictures, videos and more - with Moms around the world. Wouldn't it be fun to chat with Moms on a Global level and hear their challenges, accomplishments, recipes, tips and types of workouts they do too? I would love to see their photos of their local Fit Moms.




Well, if you know of any computer-savvy Moms who want to help out, please have them email: info@fitmomtv.com to help us grow this project faster!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

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Kiana :60 Fit Tip: EZ Portion Control

I always use salad or dessert plates instead of the larger entree dinner plates. That way, I automatically use smaller portions.  It's much better to eat 6 small "Mini Meals" instead of 3 LARGE meals. Bon Appetite!

Kiana :60 Fit Tip: Easy Portion Control from Kiana Tom on Vimeo.

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Kiana :60 Tip: Juicer

I love fruits and vegetables. I love juice. So you can imagine how excited I was when one of my gifts from Santa was a brand new, top of the line, Juicer! I love to get all types of fruit and veggies: kale, spinach, apples, carrots, ginger…and make new juices to try….it is such a yummy way to add more vitamins and greens to your daily food intake. I recommend juicing as an addition to eating whole fruits and veggies. My whole family loves it!



Here is what I will be juicing tomorrow morning:
Kale, spinach, apple, carrot, celery, lemon.

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Kiana :60 Fit Tip: My go-to breakfast

Mornings are always rushed. However, it is so very important to eat breakfast every day to kick start your metabolism. Here is one of my favorite and easy breakfasts that takes 1 minute and has complex carbs and protein.



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Sugar Junkie Blog. by Rebecca Hill

Hello Fit Moms and Friends!

Unfortunately I've had a bad cold for the past week and I'm still under the weather. I'm excited for what I'm sure is going to be a fantastic New Year but for now I need to stay low and rest and recover so let's touch base next week. In case anyone else is suffering with this cold, Kiana told me she recommends the homeopathic (natural) cold medicine Ostencillin. She said she "discovered it at a health food convention, it comes in tubes and you dissolve the pellets in your mouth as soon as you feel a cold coming on. May be good to get some and leave in the medicine cabinet for you and Tom."



Be well, Fit Moms - talk to you next week! And Happy New Year! I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be a very good year!

Fit Tip: Bye Bye Mayo

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Kiana Fit Tip: Before every meal...

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Happy New You!

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FIT MOM VLOG: FRUIT / INCREASE SERVINGS EASILY

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3 Secrets to Sticking to Your Health & Fitness Resolutions in 2011

1.  Realistic Fitness Goals:

If you don't exercise regularly now, your goal should be to simply GET MOVING as opposed to trying to workout for 1-2 hours per day.  Try and do something active each and everyday.

2. Exercise Early:

Be active 1st thing in the morning before the day gets too busy.  Often, if you wait to workout, you may never do it. Early exercise means you will feel more productive and make healthier choices all day long.

3.  1, 2, 3 Fitter Foods:

Replace 1 not-so-healthy foods with a healthier option: i.e., Pita chips or mini carrots for chips.  Once that becomes easy, increase it to 2 and so on.

Countdown to 2011. This Fit Mom’s Resolutions. Kickstart the New Year & Join Me for Online Weekly Workouts

Happy New YOU everyone! 2011 is almost here.....What are your New Year's Resolutions?

What a roller coaster ride this year has been, just last year at this time.....after taking time off to start a family, I decided to re-enter the tv and fitness biz.  Trying to juggle 3 businesses, start 2 new ones, caring for the kids, taking care of the house...etc.....and the kids now 8 and 4 are needing more and more of my patience each day.

So that is my 1st resolution:

• To be more patient. More deep breaths and self induced time outs when the kids get to me.

More resolutions (I am ambitious, I know!?)

• To try a new fresh juice recipe once per week using different fruits and veggies (I'll share these with you and post the videos & blogs online - so you can try them too! Besure and join my email list and check back often for the videos & posts!)


• De-clutter. Toss anything we haven't used in a year and donate it to charity. I believe that if your space is cluttered, so is your mind.


• Not to be so hard on myself when I don't finish 150% of my "to do list." and...NOT to add more to my "to do list" when I do finish it!? I need to realize that I can only do my very best and need to be very proud of myself when I do it


• To get to bed by 10 pm every night and sleep until 6am. (this will be a real challenge. I seem to get the most done for my work when the kids are asleep and the chores are done.)


• To hug and kiss my kids and hubby more than I already do


• To walk and run my loyal dogs 3 times per week


• Film the remake of "Kiana's Flex Appeal" for Fox Sports Network,  write a Fit Mom Book and develop 2 new Video Blogs


• Lastly...To workout more, eat healthfully and drink lots of water..... Oh wait, I already do that one...YES! (a little Fit Mom humor)


• and...Bring weekly workouts to FitMomTV.com so millions of Moms worldwide can get on a regular workout schedule and train with me online!

As I was typing this blog, the kids asked me what resolutions were. I explained it to them and asked them to share theirs with you. Here they are:



My 8 year old's resolutions are:

• to remember when my Mommy says to do something


• not argue with Mommy, Daddy & my sister


• not be so bossy


• keep my room cleaner


• eat more healthy fruit


• remember to do my chores without Mommy asking me 5 times (okay I added the "without Mommy asking me 5 times part")

My 4 year old's resolutions are:

• to remember to feed my dog and give him water


• keep my room clean


• take my dishes over after dinner


• not argue with my sister


• pick up my toys after I play with them

What are your resolutions this year? I'd love to hear!

Suggested New Year's Resolution #1:

Workout with Kiana & FitMomTV.com online!

Weekly Workout videos & posts will be uploaded for you at www.FitMomTV.com.

You will be able to workout with me using the following suggested gear.

My Weekly Workouts will help you:

• improve your entire body and mental well being


• get on a regular workout program


• incorporate fitness into your daily routine


• make healthier choices


• burn fat & calories


• tighten and tone your entire body


• flatten your stomach


• shape your arms

Sound good? Then get ready because 2011 is going to be GREAT!

Here is the Fitness Gear I will be using in my Home Workouts. Click on the links in the pictures to be taken directly to each product.

• Gymboss Interval Timer: Perfect for busy moms to stay on track and maximize your time working out.


• Sandbag: Order the USB Power Package, it's ideal for women. Psst...If you want to get one for your hubby get the USB Strength Package for men. (the Burly package is for strongmen and competitive athletes.)


• Reformer: This is a versitile piece of gear for core strength

Get yours today so you will be ready! See you in 2011!

 

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Sugar Junkie Blog by Rebecca Hill. New Year's Resolutions

Okay, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions!

But before I go in to that, I want to apologize to my friend, Mamatha, for quoting her incorrectly in last week’s blog. In my desire to understand the things that have happened in my life recently, I projected. I wrote that Mamatha told Santa she wanted to learn “patience and understanding.” This morning I happened to look at her photo again, and saw that what she actually said was that she wanted to learn “patience and ACCEPTANCE.”

Understanding vs. Acceptance; there’s a big difference in those two words and I’ve been thinking about it for hours as Tom and I did 9 loads! of laundry today. UNDERSTANDING means that you’re still seeking to comprehend a situation so it makes sense on a logical level. ACCEPTANCE means being at peace with a situation, whether you understand it or not.

With all of the changes that have happened in my life, I really contemplated that today. And I’m going to borrow (okay, flat out steal) part of Mamatha’s “Santa wish” and turn it into my New Year’s resolution.

So, my New Year’s resolution is to learn to find acceptance even if I don’t understand a situation. Acceptance – that “what is” …is. That’s resolution #1.

Resolution #2 is EVEN HARDER! In 2011, I vow to learn to love the squat machine at Curves!

I asked some other women what their New Year’s resolutions were:

Careen from Atlanta said, “My resolution is to start exercising and eating better. I bought my husband and myself a 2-month membership on Groupon to a gym. For $35 we get 8 personal training sessions, a meeting with a nutritionist and access to the gym for 2 months. I figured that was a GREAT deal for $35. I think it's all about getting into a routine.”

Here in Los Angeles, Griffin said her New Year’s resolution is “to run a half marathon!! And volunteer more :)”  (Griffin has already done some volunteer teaching in Africa so cheers right back at you, Griffin!)

Cynthia said, “I resolve to take better complete care of myself - physically and psychologically.  I plan to consider "Me First".  Not in a selfish way, but in a way that will help those I come in contact with on a daily basis.  If I take better care of myself, I can be better to all those I care for and interact with (esp. my beloved David).  I plan to give myself good nutrition, loving encouragement, and time for myself.  I believe positive happiness is contagious.   (Just as negative feelings can run rampant too.)  Why not start, foster, and nurture the inside first and bubble over to the everything else?!”

And Suzanne said, “I don’t usually make resolutions - but I do take stock of the year behind and think of ways I want the next year to look - I keep the things that worked well for the year and think about shifting other things that didn’t seem to benefit my life. Last year I did something different with my friend Emily- we thought up 3 resolutions for each other which was fun too- one of hers for me was to do another gardening class- which I did and loved!”

I love that: assigning New Year’s Resolutions to each other! Kiana, can you kick off this conversation by “assigning” a New Year’s Resolution to all of us? Something obtainable but that would definitely benefit our lives? (And while you’re at it, what’s your New Year’s Resolution?)

Anyone else? We’d love you to share your New Year’s resolutions with us so we can be inspired, awed or amused. (I hear you laughing at my resolution but I really do think I can learn to love that darn squat machine! I think I can…I think I can…I think I can…I KNOW I can!)  ;-)

Happy New Year y’all! I hope 2011 is a good year for all of us!

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!

Fit Tip: Vitamins

Hi Fit Moms! I had to share this Vitamin Tip from a well known Doctor.... Here is what I just bought that he recommended.

It's a busy busy time of year! And from all the coughing I hear in town....it's also flu season.

I am a firm believer that we should get most of the necessary nutrients from whole, natural foods. Basically, I feel we should eat our vitamins by eating a wide variety of natural foods. However, we are all very busy and don't eat as healthfully as we'd like to, so that is where a good solid vitamin comes in to the picture.

Just got back from the store and stocked up on vitamins. Here is what I bought:

• Centrum Multi Vitamin


• Vitamin C 1000 mg.

Last week, I had my annual check up at the Doctors and had a nice visit with him too. It seems everywhere I turn, people are coughing and are sick, they cannot get rid of the cough. I asked my Doctor if he often got sick, since his patients are sick.  He told me he hadn't been sick in 30 years and only took antibiotics 1 time. This was amazing to me, considering the fact that he sees dozens of very sick patients who come to his office with the flu and worse.

I asked him how he stayed so healthy. I told him I hadn't been sick for years until I had kids (they bring home all types of new germs from school!)

I thought I'd share his advice with you:

My doctor said he has been taking "Centrum" vitamins for decades. 1 per day. He said he also takes 1000 mg. vitamin C per day and if he is going to be around sick people, he increases that to 3000 mg. I had never taken Centrum vitamins so I thought it was worth a try. They have a large selection of vitamins for "performance," "cardio," "multi-vitamins" and "for kids" too! No, I don't professionally endorse Centrum vitamins, but I do buy them.  I just thought it sounded like simple, doable and realistic advice.

Old School? It may seem old school, especially that there are dozens of vitamins to pick from.  I believe that "old school" is often the best, since the fact that it has been around for a long time, is proof in itself that it works. It's not a gimmick or fad.

To your health!