Name: Ivy Larson
Kids: Blake Larson, 10 years old
Occupation: Author, “Clean Cuisine” Cooking Instructor & Recipe Developer, Fitness Instructor & Publisher of CleanCuisineandMore.com (The Clean Cuisine book will be published by Penguin in Jan 2013.)
Hometown: North Palm Beach, FL
H&H Interview with Ivy:
1. What advice do you have for families looking to start eating clean?
So many people have an “all or nothing” mentality and I think that sort of thinking really sets the stage for failure. Instead of striving for “perfection” I think moms should strive to boost nutrition whenever and wherever possible. Instead of focusing on “counting food” (in the form of calories, carbs, fat grams, etc.) it is best to focus on making food count nutritionally—-load up on nutrient-dense foods at the grocery, especially fruits and vegetables. If it is too overwhelming to revamp your family’s eating habits all at once then start by making a commitment to serve one fruit and one veggie with every meal. Then move on to revamping just dinner and do that for 1 month. Commit to making a “Clean Cuisine” dinner for one month and the 2nd month revamp breakfast. But most importantly ditch the “all or nothing” mentality!
2. What are your top 3 go-to Clean Cuisine recipes?
For Family Meals: Healthy Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with Veggies Galore
For Chocolate Cravings: Dairy-Free Chocolaty Healthy Cupcakes with Vegan Frosting
For Quick, Easy & Nutritious Kid-Friendly Snack: Garbanzo Bean Bread Triangles
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?
Getting a massage or pedicure. I really think it is very important to take time for yourself, relax and recharge. I make it a point to get a massage or pedicure once a week (alternating weeks) and it really does wonders for my mood—and energy levels!
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
Green Vibrance individual greens drinks packets, Costco brand Kirkland green tea & a Lara Bar (favorite flavor is Carrot Cake)
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
When it comes to TV the joke with my friends is that I live in outer space…I never watch TV, except for in the mornings I have the Today Show on while making coffee and breakfast or the Food Network on while making dinner. I have never liked TV (I do like movies though! Just last night watched Eyes Wide Shut with my husband—strange movie, but good!)
6. What is your favorite cocktail of choice? You can still drink when you eat clean, right?!
Ha ha, YES! You do not need to be a teetotaler to “eat clean”. Although I don’t really drink cocktails I do have a glass of wine on a nightly basis. People are always SO surprised that wine doesn’t make you gain weight but there is solid research that it doesn’t. Here’s a link to an article I wrote a while back with references: Does Wine Make you Fat? (note: wine does increase risk of breast cancer, so I wouldn’t recommend it on nightly basis if you have a strong family history of breast cancer)
But, on the occasion when I do make cocktails my absolute favorite is my watermelon concoction which is so easy to make—just put 3 cups of chopped super cold seedless watermelon cubes in a blender and process until smooth. Add vodka to taste. Pour mixture into a pitcher and add 1 cup chopped fresh mint. Put pitcher in freezer for 20 minutes. Drink ice cold.
7. What is the funniest thing your son has said or done lately?
Hmmm….the funniest thing Blake said a while back was that “Daddy is very smart at doing operations on people, but mommy is super smart at cooking.”
8. What is your favorite quotation?
“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”—Anonymous
9. How do you instill the importance of an active lifestyle with your family?
Lead by example. There really is no other way. You can’t preach healthy living…you just have to do it. You can mention at the dinner table why vegetables are healthy and you can talk to your kids while you are jogging with them how running will make them strong and healthy—but you can’t preach about these things unless you are DOING them. My son is now 10 years old, he is incredibly athletic and healthy (he’s been on antibiotics just once in his life)—at this age he now totally “gets” that the whole healthy living thing has made a difference. I don’t need to preach to him!
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
I don’t have a favorite and to be honest I don’t know a whole lot about them…but it seems like Kelly Ripa, Gwyneth Paltrow, Heide Klum and Gabrielle Reese are all very loving and devoted moms who seem to approach fitness and nutrition in a healthy positive manner.
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm….I think most people probably know just about everything! I’m pretty open!
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
I definitely don’t think of myself as “hot” but I do think I look good for my age (35 years old). I have several habits that I think have helped me keep youthful-looking skin and keep excess pounds off:
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables (fruits and vegetables have phytonutrients that help protect the plant, but they also help protect YOU, the plant-eater and many phytonutrients act like antioxidants that combat the free-radicals that accelerate aging)
Strength Training. Ever since I was in high school I have done some form of strength/ resistance training exercise—you just can’t stay tight and toned as you age (especially after having a baby!) if you don’t strength train.
SLEEP!!! I get a solid 8 hours every night. I make sleep a priority because I know nothing is more rejuvenating than a sound sleep.
Drinking a “Greens” Drink once a day for flood of nutrients and anti-aging antioxidants. Here are two of my favorites.
*Thanks, Ivy!*
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Name: Camie Cragg-Lyman
Kids: 1 Son- Bodee Ikaika Lyman
Occupation: Advanced Fitness Trainer/Life Coach/Group Class Instructor/Mamapreneur/Fitness Column Writer
Hometown: Reno, NV
H&H Interview with Camie:
1. What advice do you have for moms to help them stay motivating with their fitness goals?
To all the moms that are eager to make their dreams a reality I suggest to set deadlines for your goals! It is always a great idea when you know what you want to accomplish by puting a date on it, tell all your friends & family so you have a huge sense of accountability along with a serious consequence if you don’t reach that goal by the desired time. Putting actions to you goals mentally, spiritually and physically is the hardest thing to do with out some sort of structure and accountability. No matter how many lbs you are looking to lose 20,50,100 fat lbs focus on the first 5, then move to the next. It is so nice to feel success in small increments opposed to never feeling it because you gave up too soon cause the 50 lbs didn’t come off as quickly as you wanted.
A) Set a goal timeline
B) Have a source of accountability
C) Stop Talking about it & put your life into action
D) Feel Success as you will want more of it
2. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?
Old Fashion Quaker Oats Oatmeal, Halibut or Tuna, Avocado
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Weekend getaways with my husband & friends. Not that they happen too often since family & fitness has a high ranking in my life but when they do I miss him like crazy. I am very good at convincing myself that he needs everything that I see for him because we aren’t together…. I have gotten better over time as he is now 4 and his room looks like a mini Toys r Us store! Bodee has amazing grandparents where he does many travels to Gold Beach Oregon. I don’t worry about him, I just think about me missing out on his journey, smiles, laughs, tears, etc! Although I do get a lot more done around the house and simple chores for our family!
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
First aid kit & knife
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
Hands down I am proud to be an American and watch American Idol! This past season I fell for Steven Tyle,r that I too put in a pink leather feather for the whole season in my hair. I wore it proud and took it out when Scotty won!
6. What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?
Yogurt Beach: Oatmeal with sliced almonds
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
Bodee is and has been funny with us since he was young! He dances, he laughs really loud at his jokes, he tells us that he loves us 30 times a day, he just has so much personality. Well the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree right? I think that I am pretty funny too so I told Bodee a joke while we were driving in the car and started laughing at myself as Bodee looks at me in slight disappointment and says, “I don’t get it!”
Famous lines from Bodee:
“I don’t get it”
“What you talking bout Willis?”
“I love you”
“Come on Jingo” his nickname to anyone and everyone is Jingo which I still don’t know what that truly means!
8. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
Kelly Ripa! She is a very busy mom and has no shame at all to talk to the world about her life…a lot. Her life primarily revolves around her picture-perfect, adorable family. We know what she and hubby Mark Consuelos had for dinner; we know what happened at daughter Lola’s school; we saw pictures from their family vacation, all as if her followers are her long lost friends. I don’t get to watch her much any more but when I do she has me laughing out loud at her motherhood mishaps and connecting with her normal daily activities. She seems balanced with her family, spirituality and body! As her priorities are caring for her children/hubby and then for herself. My connection with her is strictly from her silly humor, compassion, love for fitness and being the best mom that she can be & having no shame throwing it out their so just maybe one person can connect to her and say,”Yeah, that happens to me too!” Stiff moms make me sad and this celebrity mom isn’t stiff!
9. What is your favorite quotation?
The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. – Vincent Lombardi
10. How do you instill the importance of an active lifestyle with your family?
By living it everyday and not allowing negative people or actions into our lives. It’s a quick separation if we do collide with negativity which we all do at times in our life even with ourselves. Walt and I buy, prepare and consume the healthiest foods that we know of. We truly understand that we are leading by example to our son and niece. We can’t crave the bad if we don’t live the bad! We live in a seasonal city which allows our lives to stay busy with our beach cruisers, running events, motorcycle riding, skiing, boating, etc. I go to the gym everyday because it is passion to help others as I believe that is the most important installment that I am making in my sons life. He gets to see first hand how to communicate, eat healthy, workout, set goals, ignite friendships, etc I find it very hard to deviate from an active healthy lifestyle when we are around it all the time by choice!
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I grew up on as a ranch girl before I ventured off to the city ‘normal’ life of athletics & hustle n bustle. My mom would pick me up from school with our horses as we wouldn’t go home we would ride straight up to Virginia city or some other trail ride for a thrill. My brother and I hunted for blue belly lizards, arrowheads and Horney toads and always named them Spike! I was an Elite Equestrian, Trail and Western Quarter Horse Rider. I helped with many births of horses, cows, sheep and dogs. Loved tricking the wild horses to come into our backyard and jump on them and see who could ride it bareback the longest! I am prideful of my childhood because that is where I learned my active life along with homemade meals!
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
My secret to staying Hot and Healthy is consistency when it comes to these key elements.
Eating Frequently
Eating small portions
Eating Healthy
Drinking Water
Getting enough Rest
Spending time on me
Stellar workouts
I like to break my theories down in a kindergarten level… not everyone relates to SCIENCE! I want to lead by example but on the other token I want to be able to convey it to the one that really needs my help without scaring them away! Staying Hot & Healthy can and will be YOU just as long as you set yourself up for success with goals, accountability and action!
To contact Camie follow her on Facebook & Twitter or email her at Camie@camiecraggfitness.com!
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Name: Tiffany Robyck
Kids: Sydney 13, Madelyn 11 & Michael 9
Occupation: Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor, Owner of Ballston Spa Boot Camp
Hometown: Ballston Spa, NY
H&H Interview with Tiffany:
1. What advice do you have for moms to help them stay motivating with their fitness goals?
My advice is to surround yourself with positive people who have similar goals. Also, buddy up! It’s always more motivating when you have friends or family members to be active with. We are social creatures!
2. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?
Eggs
Chicken (anti-biotic free, of course!)
Avocados
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Massage! I teach 10 classes a week plus try to get in a few workouts that are just for me. So when I get a break I definitely try to treat myself to a massage, ahhhh!
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
A newspaper clipping reminding me to check out a local boxing gym. I love to box!
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
The Biggest Loser. I love seeing the contestants transform mentally & physically.
6. What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?
Pizza
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
My son asked me if I was famous.
8. What is your favorite quotation?
“If you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” ~ Authour Unknown
9. What songs are top on your iPod playlist right now?
I Can Transform Ya’, Chris Brown
Til’ the World Ends, Britney Spears
Give Me Everything, Pitbull
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
Jennifer Nicole Lee. I discovered Jennifer after the birth of my 3rd child. Her positive attitude and electric energy really inspired me to get my take control and get my body back in shape.
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was not athletic in grade school or high school. I’m a late bloomer!
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
The secret is….There is NO secret. I tell my clients all the time, there is no secret and no magic pill. Don’t fall for any of those taglines at the grocery store checkout. Give yourself the gift of time to make the changes you wish to make. Consistency is key in both diet and exercise.
*Thanks, Tiffany!*
Written by Lea Barlow •
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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 •
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