Summer for my family officially began yesterday. We kicked it off with a trip to the splash pad, will be hitting the pool later today and already we have two beach trips scheduled for the weekend. So it should come as no surprise that I am in need of a couple new summer totes. Here are a few that I am absolutely loving…

Wide Sequin Stripe Tote at Ann Taylor Loft $69.50

I don’t see the navy available online but I did see this yesterday at the store. It’s gorgeous!

Billabong $39.50

Cute, simple and durable.

Cole Haan ‘Jitney-Kendra’ $198.00

Definitely a ‘splurge’ bag but how sophisticated would this look paired with a white cover-up and floppy hat??

Target Calypso Tote $24.99

Fantastic bargain bag and looks much better in person.

The Maine Tote from Seabags $120.00

My personal favorite because Maine is where this Florida girl would like to be for the next 3 months.

Tackle Box Tote by anthropologie $78.00

A classic tote. I like the little guppies charms.

Wine Tote by JCrew $45.00

A bag made solely to house my Pinot Grigio. Love it. It also coordinates well with my Maine tote.

Well, I do. And it’s only $20.

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

The fat doesn’t stop with the pregnancy weight.  These kids keep bringing it – just in sneakier ways. Usually, I can keep the extra pounds at bay through my daily cardio regimin.  But with summer break looming typical routines will likely change potentially leading to a few fattening habits. Children’s Health Magazine brought to light several parent fat traps many of us fall into without realizing it’s sabotaging our dieting efforts.

Fat Trap No. 1

You polish off your kid’s fries/scrape the last spoonful of chocolate pudding/lick the peanut butter off the knife.  I do all of these!

Skinny Fix
Don’t overload your child. In one sitting a typical toddler will eat just one-quarter to one-half the amount of food a grown-up will. If you keep servings age appropriate, that means fewer leftovers for you to pig out on. Your kid can always ask for seconds.

Graze on grown-up goodies. If you feed the kids separately (because who wants dinner at 5 p.m.?), have something healthy and filling to munch on while they eat, like a handful of almonds, hummus and baked pita chips, or edamame (in the pods, so you have to take time to pop ‘em out). Bonus: All of these snacks are high in the monounsatured fats that help melt belly flab.

Waste not. A triangle of PB&J, a couple of untouched chicken nuggets, even a handful of veggie chips can be saved for your kid’s snack the next day. Serve with fruit and some milk or greek yogurt.

Fat Trap No. 2

You cook to please your tot’s picky palate–which means a regular diet of starch plus dairy (mac ‘n’ cheese, grilled cheese, cheese pizza…).

Skinny Fix
Get rough(age): Use whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain breads, brown rice: They have more fiber, which speeds weight loss by binding with other foods and escorting them out of the body. It also helps you feel full longer.

Know your cheeses. Opt for  low-fat in sandwiches, on grass-fed beef burgers and in mac ‘n’ cheese.  White cheeses are typically lower in fat, calories and sodium.  We are big fans of Baby Swiss in my house.

Go halfsies. Make two versions of a dish–one they’ll eat, and one you’ll like. Serve your grilled chicken on a bed of steamed spinach; the kids can have theirs sliced with baby carrots and honey mustard for dipping. Or pimp your pasta with lots of veggies.

Fat Trap No. 3

You’re on the soccer/gymnastics/ballet/baseball mom diet: constantly caught empty-bellied and forced to succumb to the snack stand.  A recent study in the journal Obesity found that dieters consumed an average of 36 percent of their weekly calories on Saturdays.

Skinny Fix
Be prepared! Keep a stash of snacks on hand: a mix of almonds and dried apricots in a mini plastic bag, or an energy bar or protein drink with less than 200 calories.

Stay active.  Get out of the chair or bleachers and walk around. Fast.

Fat Trap No. 4
You barely have time to take a shower in the morning, much less shovel down breakfast.

If you regularly skip your a.m. meal, you might as well send excess pounds an engraved invitation to take up residence on your butt. Researchers know that morning fasters are more likely to be fat than morning eaters.

Skinny Fix
Always Eat Breakfast. Prep in the p.m.  Make yourself a peanut butter sandwich with sliced banana while you make school lunches at night.

Additionally, have some egg with that toast.  An all-carb (or very low-carb) diet will increase your carb craving and slow your metabolism, research has found, so be sure your morning meal includes a lean protein.

Fat Trap No. 5

Your pantry is stocked with kid-pleasers like cookies, chips, and soda.

Skinny Fix
Dump the junk.  Yes, I realize you have to have some treats around but severely limit the stock.
If I have potato chips hanging around I will eat them. Not one, all.  Limit decadent calories to around 150 a day.

WATCH OUT FOR THESE:

1 bite of a PB & J: 47 calories

1 chicken nugget: 46 calories

1/2 small order of fast-food fries: 115 calories

2 spoonfuls of chocolate pudding: 46 calories

3 spoonfuls of Kraft macaroni and cheese: 82 calories

1/2 hot dog in a bun: 134 calories

2 big swigs of 2% chocolate milk: 47 calories

*Remember, all it takes is 50 extra calories a day to put on five pounds in a year.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Name: Lisa Robins

Kids: Jade 9, and Levi 6

Occupation: Fitness Expert and Writer

Hometown: Scottsdale AZ

H&H Interview with Lisa:

1.  What advice do you have for moms to help them stay motivating with their fitness goals?

First of all, I know from experience that Moms are infamous for creating roadblocks that can and will stop them from believing that they can be fit. There are absolutely no boundaries or exceptions for Moms not to look as good as women who may be younger than them, or even women who have never gone through the unforgettable pregnancy body metamorphosis. Fitness is a lifestyle, not an expiration date.

My Fit Mommy Rules:

Make time for yourself:

You will be a better Mom when you are refreshed and feel good about yourself. Yes, our kids need to come first, but you are as important as they are. It is crucial to find your inner strengths, likes, dislikes and passions, so you grow internally as your kids grow to be little adults.

Be patient:

Shortcuts and spot training do not work. Make fitness a health part of your life and positive changes will reward you.

We are not girls, we are women:

Embrace your mature physique. Day in and day out, I cannot even tell you how I’ve become more and more impressed by the awesome maturity of the female physique and the sexiness age adds to our silhouette.

Work from the inside out:

Focus in empowering your way of thinking rather than obsessing on external imperfections. Once you internally become fit and strong, your exterior can and will take shape.

2.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Eggs

Fresh fruits/vegetables

Gluten-free grains

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?

Going on a date night with my husband and hanging out with our couple friends.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Your guess is as good as mine!  In all honesty, most of the time it’s a complete mess… action figures, snacks, workout music, my phone charger…

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Biggest Loser

6.  What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?

Sushi or Dim sum and of course chocolate chip cookies from Paradise Bakery.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

My family recently surprised me on my birthday with a generous lululemon gift card and when we arrived at the store, my son turns to me and says, “So you are just going to have your jollies and fun time shopping for fitness clothes why we sit and wait for you on your birthday?” and I said, YES I AM!

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

“Winners don’t care about failure, because they know in no time, they’ll be diving in their next chance for success.” – David ZincZenko

9.  How do you instill the importance of an active lifestyle with your family?

I instill the importance of eating right and being fit to my children by example. When I am not in my workout clothes, my kids ask why I am so dressed up, even if I’m in a T-shirt and jeans, which I happen to find so hysterical! I guess that image speaks for itself!

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Kelly Ripa

1-    She is super fit

2-    She is a smart business woman

3-    She is extremely confident

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I was a journalist and public relations professional, prior to following my heart into the fitness industry. When I am not training my clients, I write for many national fitness magazines, websites, as well as appear in infomercial / fitness DVD’s and local new segments. I feel extremely fortunate to be able use my education and experience in media relations to talk fitness, which is something that I am truly so passionate about. I get the most satisfaction working with Mom’s, who do comprise more than 95% of my personal training business.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Really just being myself and staying true to what I believe.

*Top Photo courtesy of James Patrick Photography*

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

It’s a party weekend! I’m sure most of you will at least be attending one cookout if not hosting one yourself. Here are a few ideas on how to make your menu simple, easy and super delicious…

Tuna Kebabs

• 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 serrano chile, seeded, minced
• Freshly ground white pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds 1 1/4 -inch-thick ahi tuna, cut into 1- to 1 1/4 -inch cubes
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 large sweet onion (such as Maui or Vidalia), cut into 1-inch squares
• 6 (12-inch-long) metal skewers
• Additional chopped fresh cilantro

Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend; season to taste with ground white pepper. Transfer 3 tablespoons marinade to small bowl and reserve. Add tuna to remaining marinade in medium bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes.

Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Alternate tuna cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion squares on each of 6 metal skewers. Grill to desired doneness, turning frequently, about 4 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to platter. Drizzle reserved marinade over; sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Tomato & Goat Cheese Salad

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 ounces fresh goat cheese
3 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced crosswise 1 inch thick

In a blender, combine basil, oil, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water. Blend until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

With dental floss or a warm knife (wiped clean after each slice), thinly slice cheese. Arrange tomatoes and goat cheese on a serving plate; drizzle with dressing to taste. Serve garnished with basil leaves.

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

The kiddos will love these ‘fries’ that definitely have more nutritional value than your standard potato. Make sure to cut down on the spice though for the younger palettes.

1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (the latter will make them quite spicy, so using according to your preferences)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds medium sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coarsely grind coriander, fennel, oregano, and red pepper flakes in an electric coffee/spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Stir together spices and salt.

Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1-inch wedges. Toss wedges with oil and spices in a large roasting pan and roast in middle of oven 20 minutes. Turn wedges over with a spatula and roast until tender and slightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Cupcakes

As previously stated, my goal this holiday weekend is to keep the cooking simple. I will be making red velvet cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting courtesy of Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines (it depends which one is on sale). The key here is presentation. Pick up the little American flags from your local party store and add some berries. No one will care they are boxed cupcakes when they look this cute.

Wild Berry Mojito

I realize I posted this last but please feel free to start drinking your mojitos today through the end of the day on Monday. Hey, it’s a holiday.

1-1/2 oz. Bacardi Light Rum
3-4 each of fresh blackberries, blueberries and red raspberries
8-12 fresh mint leaves
juice of one lime
1 oz. simple syrup
soda water
mint sprig for garnish

In a 12-oz. highball glass, muddle mint, simple syrup, wild berries and lime juice.

Fill glass with crushed ice – it is very important to use crushed ice, not cubed – then add rum.

Stir well until the ice is reduced by 1/3, then top with more crushed ice, stirring until the glass begins to frost on the outside.

Spritz with soda water and stir one last time to incorporate. Enjoy!

*Have a safe and fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment