fitsmi Radio: Curvy Teen Girls & Parents

Fresh Ideas for Healthy LunchBoxes with Kelly Lester

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Kelly's past struggle with weight control inspires her to teach and model healthy eating habits for her kids, and fuels her dedication to always send them off to school with a great lunch. But packing lunches for her three small girls was no picnic. Known as the "queen of efficiency," Kelly gradually grew more and more frustrated with fumbling for mismatched plastic containers, wasteful baggies, and different sized coolers every morning. It pretty much drove her nuts on a daily basis, and she was compelled to find a better way. When she hit upon her streamlined solution and found it was a huge time-saver, that's when she figured that other moms and families would appreciate it too. So, in Dec. 2009, she launched EasyLunchboxes.com. Armed with no advertising budget and only a non-stop drive to promote her "Eat healthy/Pack it fast" message, Kelly has successfully used social media to promote massive positive word of mouth for her EasyLunchboxes, now the #1 best selling lunchboxes on Amazon.com. In addition to running all aspects of her business, she is now an author. "Cooking with Trader Joe's Cookbook - Easy Lunchboxes", was published in published in September, 2012. It's filled with creative, delicious, and healthy ways to pack a kid's (or an adult's) lunch. Join Kelly on fitsmi Radio and learn some fresh new tips, tricks, and lunchbox ideas for your family!

The Food-Mood Connection: What's Really Eating You?

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:30:00 GMT

For teens who want to connect with the “in” crowd, food can be their best friend or their worst enemy. And, often the habits established as a teenager make their way into adulthood, and can lead to very serious health concerns. Jodi Krizer Graber, founder of Bravo! Wellness, knows this first-hand as a reliance on sugar in her youth led to an addiction and subsequent eating disorder in her early 30s. How did this happen? Jodi wanted so much to be perfect that she inadvertently sabotaged her health and well-being. During this broadcast, Jodi will share the lessons she learned while recovering from bulimia and empower teens and adults alike to take control of their food choices. Ultimately, she will explain the truth behind the food-mood connection so listeners will understand what drives their cravings and have the power to banish them for good! Don’t miss this enlightening, insightful and education discussion with Jodi on Thursday, August 30 at 3:30 pm EST.

Fitness Fun and Trying out for the Team with Aeshia!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:30:00 GMT

If heading back to school is on your horizon, Aeshia De Vore Branch, founder of TeenDiariesOnline.com, wants to tell you a thing or two about fitness and self-esteem. With three daughters of her own, Aeshia knows that fitness has to be fun -- and doesn't even require that you set foot in a gym! At the same time, she wants you to love and accept yourself exactly as you are. Join us on fitsmi radio this Thursday, August 23 at 3:30 pm EST when we chat with Aeshia about finding the fun in fitness, trying out for the team, and giving your self-esteem a boost all before setting foot in school next month. Don't miss this back-to-school special! -------------------------------------- Aeshia De Vore Branch is living her dream. The talented TV producer, writer, model, and mother of three daughters helps teenage girls develop into adulthood through her lifestyle website TeenDiariesOnline.com. TeenDiariesOnline.com is one of the only entertaining yet positive media outlets for young urban women.

One Word is All it Takes – Bullying and Rising Above

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:30:00 GMT

As a victim of bullying, Jessica Brookshire had a childhood marked by low self esteem and a constant struggle for acceptance from her peers. But despite those who were determined to bring her down, KARMA founder Jessica Brookshire blossomed into a woman with a vision, and the strength to get things done. As a former victim, Ms. Brookshire is able to relate to students and parents alike. And now she’s on a mission to end bullying once and for all. Today Ms. Brookshire is a nationally recognized expert on bullying. She founded the organization K.A.R.M.A., Kids Against Ridicule, Meanness and Aggression, in 2009 to help combat bullying in schools across the nation. Join us on Thursday, August 9 when fitsmi host Abby Ellin speaks with Ms. Brookshire about her incredible transformation from victim to activist and about the important work she’s now doing. Tune in at 3:30 pm EST!

Get Fit with Your Daughter - And Deepen Your Connection

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:30:00 GMT

No matter how old, overweight or out-of-shape you are, Angela Parker believes that you can make "astounding changes" to your life, health, and your body through fitness. And after training hundreds of adults as well as young girls in her LA boot camps, Angela discovered that young girls become super-inspired when their mothers work out too. What she observed was so magical that it inspired her to develop a whole 90-day program just for moms and daughters. "This program is not just about exercise," says Angela. "It's about moms and daughters actually getting to know each other better. Young girls LOVE learning that their own mom was once a young girl with fears, insecurities, dreams, and questions about life and growing up. When moms have the opportunity to share these things with their daughters...it changes their relationship forever." Learn about Angela's 90-day program for moms and daughters encompassing fitness, sharing & mutual inspiration, and nutrition. Find out how you can get in the best shape of your life while teaching your daughter how fun it is to get fit, and how you can inspire her to LOVE her body too. It's a win-win-win you won't want to miss!

Is Photoshop trickery trampling your self-esteem?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:30:00 GMT

It's no secret that the makers of magazines and advertisements bust out their best photoshop skills in order make their models look eerily...perfect. But what are all these unrealistic images of beauty doing to our nation's self-esteem? Katie Hedrick, founder of the Beauty is Sizeless Campaign, is on a mission to bring our perception of beauty back down to reality. Join us on Thursday, July 26 at 3:30 pm EST when our host Abby Ellin chats with Katie about that elusive 'perfect body' and how it's up to us to take control of our perceptions of beauty and our own self-esteem. Katie Hedrick is the owner/photographer of 707 Images and founder of the Beauty is Sizeless Campaign, an organization created to revolutionize the definition of beauty and raise self-esteem. The campaign's community has inspired many and has grown rapidly since its launch in June 2012. Beauty is Sizeless is just getting started, so follow the journey and join the community on Twitter: @sizelessbeauty.

Body Blues and Girls: Why So Self-Critical & How to Help

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:30:00 GMT

A high percentage of girls, teens, and women remain unhappy with their bodies, despite the many advances for girls and women in sports, education, and work over the past quarter century. Indeed, according to at least one study, body dissatisfaction has gotten even worse in recent decades. Why? Dr. Barbara Greenberg, Psychology Today's Teen Doctor and co-author of Teenage as a Second Language, has a lot of ideas as to why girls' body image remains poor and what we can do to improve it. The recent campaign, spearheaded by a teen girl, to push Seventeen magazine to no longer photoshop models, is a great example. How can we keep the momentum going and collectively change the nature and quality of media representations of the female body? Join us for a fascinating and rousing discussion with Barbara on the next fitsmi Radio show, Thursday July 19 from 3:30-4pm EST!

Making this summer's hottest trends work for YOU

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Melissa Walker and Anne Ichikawa know a thing or two about teen fashion. And it's no surprise given their history with publications like Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Girls’ Life, COSMOgirl!, Teen People, Yahoo! Shine, Conde Nast's Flip, and ElizabethStreet.com. Now they are flexing their fashion muscles as the co-founders of I Heart Daily, a daily newsletter about cool stuff for teen girls. This Thursday, fitsmi's Abby Ellin is chatting with these two dynamos about all things summer fashion. We're talking about their fave style bloggers, finding styles that compliment your body and personality, plus this seson's hottest trends (and how to make them look awesome on you!) Be sure to tune in at 3:30 pm EST on Thursday, July 12 and kick off your summer in style! Melissa Walker: This former ELLEgirl and Seventeen editor has written for Teen Vogue, Girls’ Life, COSMOgirl! and many women’s magazines. Walker is now a novelist with six published young adult books to her credit. Anne Ichikawa: This former ELLEgirl and Teen People editor has worked on the launch of digital teen and women's properties, such as Yahoo! Shine, Conde Nast's Flip and the newly launched ElizabethStreet.com, where she also acted as Editor for its iPad app. Her writing has been published inTeen Vogue, Venus Zine, and NYLON.

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods -- Wisely

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Too many diets require extreme sacrifices (no carbs! no dessert! no fat!) and complex schemes. Neither of which are sustainable in the long run. Enter Heidi McIndoo, a registered dietitian, spokesperson, author, and nutritionist who allows you to have your cake and eat it too, while still managing your weight. Heidi loves to undo the wreckage of bad dieting by helping people understand that eating nutritiously doesn't mean sacrificing flavor and pleasure. And, that giving up favorite foods is not a must. Heidi has a fresh take on weight loss with several tricks and tips up her sleeve -- arguing in her book When to Eat What that It isn't all just "what" you eat, but "when." And of course, she dishes up commonsensical advice about portion control too. Join Heidi on the next fitsmi Radio Show, Thursday, June 28, from 3:30-4pm EST!

Three easy steps to boost your self-esteem as a teen

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Join us on fitsmi radio this Thursday as we talk to Emily-Anne-Rigal, founder of WeStopHate.org. In this special episode, we're chatting about the three surprising secrets to boosting your self-esteem. Secrets like finding your passion, dressing for success, and spreading the love. Everyone can use a feel-good boost, so be sure to tune in this coming Thursday at 3:30 EST. Emily-Anne Rigal (@Schmiddlebopper – “the girl with the pink headband”) is the 18-year-old founder of WeStopHate.org, a nonprofit program created to raise “teen-esteem” through the power of online videos and social media. WeStopHate defines “teen-esteem" as giving teenagers the confidence to stand up for themselves, while also accepting who they are and not being afraid to show it! WeStopHate has received nearly a million video views on YouTube has impacted the lives of over 100,000 teens around the world. For more information on Emily-Anne, visit EmilyAnneRigal.com.

News flash! Cooking and healthy eating go hand-in-hand

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Rachael from KitchenCourses.com is one heck of a home cook...but she didn't used to be. In fact, she taught herself step-by-step and recipe-by-recipe to achieve her current level of culinary competence. But kitchen tips and tricks weren't the only thing she learned. Along the way, Rachael discovered that healthy eating and cooking at home go hand-in-hand, and that anyone can learn to do it! KitchenCourses.com was born. Now Rachael has some big ideas about what home cooking can do for the health-minded teen. Ideas like: "Cooking for myself, and the effort involved, is always worth it," "Cooking is the vehicle to make healthy taste amazing," and "Meal planning is the smartest thing for the planet, your wallet, and your waistline." Join us on fitsmi radio this Thursday at 3:30 pm EST when we talk with Rachael about how she got started cooking, how it's changed her life, and how it can also change yours.

The Secret to Permanent Weight Loss?

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Why do most diets fail? Why are so many of us eating ourselves to sickness and even death -- one donut at a time? Psychotherapist William Anderson has many of the answers -- and a solution, which he outlines in his new book, The Anderson Method. Willpower plus the best "diet" on earth won't help the average person to lose weight. But learning how to re-program your own brain through the cognitive behavioral techniques Anderson outlines in his book allows you to achieve the weight you've always wanted. Of course, you do have to work at it, and yes, you have to restrict your food intake, but Anderson shows you how to do this in a way that supports your success. Instead of battling your cravings and denying yourself treats, you will be working with yourself instead of against. Skeptical? Come join us for an interesting half hour and see what you think!

Obesity a Form of Child-Abuse? Yes, says MeMe Roth

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Outspoken media guest, founder of the non-profit "National Action Against Obesity," journalist, and mom, MeMe Roth is on a quest to wake up parents around the country and shock them into an awareness of how they are abusing their overweight kids with food. Quarrel with MeMe's brash tactics if you like, but there is no doubt that she is driven by a sincere and personal passion, having watched her own mother and grandmother suffer from morbid obesity when she was growing up. Recently admitting at the MDPA Communicating Childhood Obesity Prevention Conference (where she received an award for her activism) that she feels like a "failure" every time she sees another obese child, MeMe remains frustrated and angry about the sluggish pace of change when it comes to our kids' health. Where does MeMe see shifting dangers and opportunities today? How can we best reach parents and kids who need to make a change? Bring your questions to the next fitsmi Radio Show!

Healthy Snacking the Hungry Girl Way!

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:30:00 GMT

In the land of healthy snacking, one woman reigns supreme: Hungry Girl, also known as Lisa Lillien! When she's not sending delicious and expert daily tips to her 1 million + email subsribers, Hungry Girl is hard at work in her kitchen devising new ways to make our fave eats a little less guilt-inducing. We're particularly in love with her low-cal Turtle Cheesecake. (Impossible? She thinks not!) This week, Hungry Girl is joining us on fitsmi radio to talk teen-friendly snacking, easy substitutions, and surviving a weekend filled with junk food. Looking for inspiration to jump start your healthy eating plan? Then don't forget to tune in this Thursday, April 5th at 3:30 EST!

Best Thing She Ever Did: Lose Weight for Her Family

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Diane Carbonell is a mom who struggled with obesity for ten years, reaching a peak weight of 305 pounds. Since then, she's lost over 150 pounds and has kept it off for 14 years, through four pregnancies and numerous life changes. How did she do it? Listen in to the fitsmi Radio show and find out about "Fit to the Finish," a simple, do-able three-point program Diane developed which has helped her and many other moms lose weight and keep it off. Diane is currently a weight-loss coach in her community who has been featured in Shape magazine and the Dr. Oz national TV show. She is the author of an upcoming book, 150 Pounds Gone Forever, a devoted mom to seven (!) kids, and a passionate advocate for overweight moms to find the time to take care of themselves. We are delighted to share Diane's wisdom and experience with you!

fitsmi stars Amanda & Denise share their secrets to success!

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Getting healthy is no easy task, but these two rockin' teens are taking the plunge. fitsmi stars Amanda and Denise are joining us on fitsmi radio this Thursday to talk about what being a health-minded teen is actually like. Host Abby Ellin will ask why they're making the committment, what changes are in the works, what they're eating, how they're moving, and most importantly...how they stay motivated to do it all! Want to know how real teens make real changes? Then be sure to tune in this Thursday at 3:30 EST! These amazing teens have some inspiring stories to share!

Coaching Overweight Teens to Get Healthy

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Sonya Branch Johnson knows how hard it is to lose weight. A formerly 300-pound Mom who began to turn her life around when her doctor wrote "obese" on her chart, Sonya has lost 70 pounds and continues to struggle with her weight. She lost her own parents to diabetes and cardiovascular disease before they turned 50, and wants to turn the tables for her own kids, increasing the odds for a long life and being a healthy role model. But Sonya's passion extends beyond her own family. She is driven to help obese children get their lives on track through her job as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Personal Trainer at the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Center for Weight Management. "I'd do anything for these kids," Sonya says. "I just don't want them to be forty and figuring it out. And I want parents to know, you've got to be accountable! You've got to be an example for your kids." Learn about Sonya's coaching techniques and how parents can apply them at home on the March 15, 2012 fitsmi Radio Show!

“Too Fat for Fifteen” star lost 70 lbs! Her inspiring story

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Rachel, once weighing 250 lbs., regained control over her weight and health after discovering how bullying was behind her emotional eating. Since then, she has inspired many teens, as well as her own family, to get healthier. Her 70-lb weight loss certainly inspires us too! Host Abby Ellin is chatting with Rachel this Thursday about why she finally decided to go to Wellspring Academy, how being on TV affected her weight-loss journey, and how she’s stayed motivated and on track in the time since attending camp. Be sure to tune in!

#twitterdiet The Fat Away? Learn & Laugh w/ Rebecca Regnier

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Rebecca Regnier, an "always dieting" mom, lost 20 pounds by using twitter as a 24/7 support system. Instead of grabbing that doughnut, she tweeted about it instead! And she wrote an ebook, Your Twitter Diet, to help other women do it too. But wait, there's more! Rebecca is an award-winning journalist with a wicked funny bone who's been called "The Erma Bombeck of Dieting" (her twitter handle is @LaughItOff). Not only does she host an often comical ABC affiliate TV show, The Full Plate, and preside over her blog, www.doesthisblogmakeuslookfat.com, but she has produced some very amusing videos poking gentle fun at the weight loss industry and at our "always dieting" selves. She's sure to be an entertaining guest: meet Rebecca on the next fitsmi Radio Show and lose a little weight too (laughing burns up to 160 calories an hour)!

Change Anything: Escape the Willpower Trap

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Why don't diets work? Why is it so hard to stop eating junk food, get in shape, or stop an expensive venti mocha habit? Maybe because most of us fall into the "willpower trap," going it alone with nothing but our sworn resolution: I will lose 20 pounds! I will get in shape for spring break so I can wear a bikini on the beach! We start out on day one with impressive focus, energy, and enthusiasm, but before long, we slip, slide, or "forget" our way back to old habits. Why? Enter Al Switzler, a behavior change expert with 25 years of experience and the co-author of four NYT best-sellers: Change Anything, Crucial Conversations, Crucial Confrontations, and Influencer. Al and the Change Anything Labs studied five decades of social science research and 5,000 people working to change their behavior. What they found was that people fail to keep their resolutions because they incorrectly believe their ability to change is dependent on their willpower. The authors' research, published in Change Anything and MIT Sloan Management Review, shows our behavior is governed by more than willpower. Specifically, there are six sources of influence that shape our choices and habits. Those who use all six sources of influence as part of a change plan are 10 times more likely to succeed at changing their behavior. Meet Al Switzler and discover what the six sources of influence are and how to apply them to your own life (or your overweight child's) on the next fitsmi Radio Show!

Authors of 'The Fat Boy Chronicles' talk bullying & weight

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Whether you’ve been on the receiving end, you’ve watched helplessly as it happened, or you’ve even dished it out yourself, bullying has affected us all. And increasingly, bullies have enjoyed targeting those of us who struggle with our weight. In a brave new book (recently turned into a movie) entitled The Fat Boy Chronicles, authors Mike Buchanan and Diane Lang tell the story of student Jimmy Winterpock, who struggles to adjust to high school while facing daily torment from a group of mean-spirited classmates. While Jimmy’s situation may seem extreme, it’s unfortunately far from uncommon. Join us on fitsmi radio this Tuesday, February 7 at 5:00 pm EST when we chat with authors Buchanan and Lang about why they wrote the book, what bullying means to them, and how we can come together to end bullying once and for all.

Encouraging Your Kids' Healthy Habits

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Do you have kids who eat too much and don't exercise enough but roll their eyes whenever you start talking about health? Kids and teens typically don't "get it" when caregivers warn about diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other health problems linked with being overweight. So what DO they care about, and how can you use their natural instincts and ways-of-thinking to help motivate them to take better care of themselves? Dr. Lynne Kenney, practicing psychologist, family coach, and author of The Family Coach Method, will help parents structure family eating and activity to accentuate the positive, communicate more effectively, and get everyone moving in a better direction.

Meal Makeover Moms: Healthy Meals with Kid Appeal

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Are you stuck in a chicken-nugget, plain-pasta, or hot-dog rut with your kids? Do you wish they would at least try some of the healthier food you put in front of them? Meal Makeover Moms to the rescue! After surveying nearly 600 moms who identified “picky eaters who whine and complain” as the number one obstacle to getting their children to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, this mom-dietitian duo went into action. After the publication of their first cookbook, The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeover and the launch of their website, MealMakeoverMoms.com, Liz Weiss and Janice Bissex established themselves as two of the nation’s leading experts on family nutrition. With their recently published second book, No Whine with Dinner, the Mealtime Moms have more ideas and great recipes to share than ever before. Bring your questions and recipes-in-need-of-a-makeover to the next fitsmiForMoms Radio show with Liz and Janice, the Meal Makeover Moms!

Sneaky Fitness: Getting Your Kids Off the Couch

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

How many times a day do you see your kids slouched around a screen? They may be in the midst of an adrenaline-pumping epic battle, a fruit-ninja slice, or an angry bird slingshot, but besides a twitching thumb or two, their bodies are not moving. Larysa Didio to the rescue! Celebrity trainer, Parenting magazine fitness editor, and co-author of the book Sneaky Fitness: Fun Foolproof Ways To Slip Fitness Into Your Child's Everyday Life (Running Press, 2009), Larysa will discuss the best ideas from over 100 games and activities she developed to get any kid off the couch. Larysa's fitness facility, PFX, in Pleasantville, NY, has the distinction of being one of the first gyms to offer classes specifically tailored to kids. “Boot Camp, Baby!” and “Get Fit for Prom!” have attracted national sponsorships from Canyon Ranch and Lara Bar, among others. Along with her work with families, Larysa regularly trains celebrities as well as professional and Olympic athletes. In 2008, she created Get Fit with Larysa, an innovative fitness DVD for tween girls designed to build confidence and self-esteem. Because of her expertise in working with young girls, Larysa often contributes to Girls Life magazine and has become the “unofficial” fitness-badge trainer for the Girl Scouts of America. You can also see her starring in two exercise DVDs from Redbook.

National PTA's Healthy Lifestyle Program

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Join the National PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) Chair Betsy Landers to find out why PTAs nationwide are taking action to address childhood obesity by promoting good nutrition and regular physical activity in schools. Why do PTAs need to get involved? The reduction and elimination of recess in as many as 40 percent of U.S. school districts has limited students' physical activity during the school day. Furthermore, consistent findings show that obesity is often associated with poor levels of academic achievement. PTAs can play an important role in increasing physical activity and improving nutrition in the school community by engaging families, teachers, administrators, and students in programs and activities that encourage the school community to be active and to eat healthier foods.

Grab life by the curves with curvy yogi Anna Guest-Jelley

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever feel as though life would be wonderful if only you could lose those 10, 50, 100+ pounds? Maybe you avoid the gym or those group cardio classes because ‘everybody else looks perfect.’ Well we have a message for you: No matter what its size, your body is amazing just as it is, and it deserves just as much love, care, and exercise as any other body. Curvy girls face unique challenges when it comes to learning about and incorporating fitness into their routines. And Anna Guest-Jelley, founder of Curvy Yoga, knows just what these challenges look like. That’s why she founded a new community where people with all body shapes can learn and practice yoga in a way that’s comfortable for them. On Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm EST, we’re talking with Ms. Guest-Jelley about her journey to fitness in a curvy body and how teen girls like you can use yoga to get fit, get in touch with yourself, and get the confidence you need to build your life around your happiness. Be sure to tune in!

Worst Things Parents Unknowingly Do to Overweight Kids

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

When it comes to overweight kids and teens and their families, Dr. Kerri Boutelle has seen it all! A psychologist at UC San Diego who specializes in the causes, characterization, prevention, and treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity and eating disorders, Dr. Boutelle runs a clinical practice where she identifies innovative and cost-effective treatment strategies for obese children, their families, and their primary-physicians. Dr. Boutelle will discuss the worst things parents often do to try and help their overweight child -- followed by tips for what does work. What have you done to try and motivate your child to lose weight? Did it work? Bring your ideas and questions for Dr. Boutelle!

Fuel Up to Play 60 with TV news star, Alexis Glick!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What do you get when you cross pro football, body-loving food, and an active lifestyle? Fuel Up to Play 60, of course! This week, fitsmi’s talking with TV news star and GENYOUth Foundation CEO, Alexis Glick, who champions this awesome challenge. Ms. Glick became concerned about what America’s bad eating habits and couch-potato lifestyles were doing to the youth, so she’s challenging kids and teens everywhere to take their health into their own hands. That means learning about food, eating right, and getting at least 60 minutes of activity each day. Well, we’re game. Be sure to tune in on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm EST when we ask Ms. Glick why healthy food and exercise actually matter, and what it means to take the Fuel Up to Play 60 challenge!

Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Join us for an informative Q/A with Rachel Simmons, educator, coach, international speaker, and author of the recently re-released bestseller Odd Girl Out, on the hidden aggression of girls and the often brutal race to be popular. Find out why competitiveness and anger are so hard for many girls to own up to, and how they cope. How can parents help their daughters to manage their negative emotions without resorting to bullying, depression, or anxiety? The discussion will have a special focus on how being overweight or afraid of being "fat" affects girls' status and self-esteem. Find out the three meanings behind the coded term "I'm so fat" and what girls really mean when they say it to each other.

Treat yourself better today! Self-care tips for teen girls

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How does loving yourself just as you are right now lead to the very best self-care? Connie Sobczak, Executive Director of the nonprofit, The Body Positive, is joining us on fitsmi radio to talk it through. It's going to get personal, girls, so get ready for a bold discussion of things that matter to you. Questions like, 'what is self-care,’ ‘what does my body deserve,’ and 'what's the difference between self-care and instant gratification?’ Plus, you won't want to miss Ms. Sobczak’s specific tips for how teen girls can treat themselves better today. The Body Positive writes on it’s website, “True self-love, which includes all parts of your Self (even your body!), allows for the very best self-care possible. If you truly LOVE your body, you care for it by moving it regularly and feeding it foods that allow you to thrive. Loving your body means honoring the need for rest and rejuvenation. It means honoring when you get out of balance. Loving your body means forgiving yourself for times when your self-care suffers, and choosing in the moment (without guilt!) to change your eating and exercise behaviors to be more life-sustaining. It means listening on the deepest level possible to what your body needs in order to be healthy in the very best possible sense of the word.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Join us on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 pm EST for what will be an unforgettable show.

The Convenience Diet: Using Frozen Meals to Stay on Track

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The home-cooked, sit-down family dinner is still the ideal that most moms strive to achieve. But hey, maybe you don’t have time to shop, prepare and cook fresh daily. So what are the options? Fast food doesn’t cut the mustard, in terms of health, taste, or even your budget. Finer restaurant dining is too expensive and time-consuming for the average weeknight with kids. Supermarket cooked convenience foods are an option, but they involve a trip to the store and a pretty pricey cost-per-pound. But what about frozen meals? If you've overlooked this category in the last several years because of high sodium, artificial flavorings, and poor taste and texture, you might want to take another look. Today there are hundreds of options that satisfy in terms of nutrition, variety, taste and budget. And if you learn how to supplement these meals with vegetables and fruit, you can enjoy a very healthy, convenient diet that has the added advantage of automatic portion control. Find out how with dietitian Susan Burke March, author of Making Weight Control Second Nature and the new ebook, The Common Cent$ Diet for Busy Girls.

How did Miss South Carolina lose 110 lbs? The healthy way!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

At 17, Bree Boyce was 234 lbs and a junk food addict. Today at 22, Bree is 110 lbs lighter...and a crowned beauty queen. Her weight loss journey wasn't quick, and it certainly wasn't easy, but it was so worth it. Bree writes: "There were days that I wanted to give up on everything and just say ... forget it! But, I kept reminding myself of the person I wanted to be. I wanted to be the healthy, happy, and successful person I had always imagined myself to be. I couldn’t achieve those things by being unhealthy and that’s what motivated me to keep going. If you are ever in a situation where you want to give up just take two minutes to remind yourself: Why you are doing this, who do you ultimately want to be, and how will your life turn out if you don’t continue on the path toward success?" This week our host Abby Ellin is talking with Ms. South Carolina, Bree Boyce, about her inspiring journey to get healthy, lose weight, and achieve her dreams. Be sure to tune in!

Why Self-Esteem is Critical for Overweight Teen Girls

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Is your overweight daughter depressed, angry, or avoiding social scenes because of her size? Is she rejecting of her own shape, stuck on a "size zero" ideal? Does she have an unrealistic body image or weight loss goal? Does her weight get in the way of her enjoying her teen years in the way that you think she should? Judy Vredenburgh, the CEO of Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, has lots of ideas for how mothers can work with their daughters to build a healthier self esteem -- both in terms of her body but also her mind and spirit. A strong self-esteem is the ticket for taking care of oneself, eating well and exercising for a lifetime -- not falling prey to a quick fix diet. Through Girls Inc.'s original research and hundreds of workshops with parents and girls throughout the country, Judy is in touch with the trends affecting tweens and teen girls in entertainment, technology, and the social scene, and will be sure to enlighten parents looking for more information about how to help their overweight daughters build self-confidence and savvy.

Lunch Wars! "Angry Mom" Amy Kalafa's new book

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

On the front lines of a "school food revolution" that she helped to inspire with her acclaimed documentary, "Two Angry Moms," Amy Kalafa's new book helps to channel the ire and activism of the many parents aroused (and dismayed) by her movie who have asked the question, "What do I do?" and "How do I get started?" Bring your questions and concerns about YOUR school's cafeteria to this engaging half hour with a Mom who has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide a healthy school lunch for all kids. Find out what you can do and how to navigate around the many obstacles in your path.

Eddie Shapes Up! Former Mayor Ed Koch's New Book for Kids

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Join us for a lively conversation with esteemed three-term former NYC mayor Ed Koch to discuss his new book for kids, "Eddie Shapes Up," co-authored with his sister Pat, and how their overweight childhood inspired and influenced the idea and what they hope the book can achieve.

FAQs by Parents of Overweight Kids, with Dr. Kathie Jacobsen

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

"My Daughter Is Angry ALL THE TIME. How Can I Help?" "Help! My daughter says, 'You've been fat all your life what makes you think I should listen to you?'" "Should I tell my son he's 'obese'? It sounds so scary and negative, but I do want him to be motivated to make a change in his life" Join us for a round-up of FAQs from parents of overweight kids and teens on fitsmiForMoms.com, answered by our resident expert Dr. Kathie Jacobsen, a licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota who currently works with adolescents and their families in private practice. It's a half hour you won't want to miss!

Do food ads control what you eat?!

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Newsflash – you probably see about 15 food ads a day, and 5,500 a year! Crazy, right? Well, here’s something even crazier. Those food ads are telling you what to eat, drink, and buy, and you probably listen more often than you realize.

Dr. Jennifer Harris of Yale University studies these advertisements and how they affect YOU. And as it turns out, they are pretty powerful. Dr. Harris is joining us this week on fitsmi radio to talk about how food ads influence how much we eat, when we feel hungry, how we snack, and even what we think tastes good.

Tired of the food industry’s sneaky tricks? Be sure to tune in to find out how you can beat the food companies at their own game, and make eating decisions for yourself.

Mind Over Booty: Getting Kids & Teens to Eat Healthy

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Formerly obese teen and now 20-something foodie blogger Marisa Pochter lost 70 lbs in college by learning how to cook for herself and commit to a "really sweaty" workout regimen. Now she's rocking the blogosphere with her site MindOver Booty.com, where she shares delicious recipes, favorite exercise routines, and her continuing weight loss journey. Marisa comes to fitsmiForMoms to share some recipes and food strategies with real kid and teen-appeal, as well as advice for parents about how they can best help their overweight kids and teens, coming from someone who was recently wearing their shoes. You will enjoy Marisa's positive energy and infectious enthusiasm for healthy changes anyone can make! What are the main food issues with your kids -- pick eaters? vegetarians? mindless carb consumption? Come get inspired and call in with your questions for Marisa!

Can you be body-positive and want to lose weight? YES!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Alexa, aka The Curvy Nerd, is fitsmi's newest blogging idol! This L.A.-based 20-something is sassy, smart, and tells it like it is. Her blog, The Curvy Nerd, deals with her struggles with weight, body image and her new found journey to fitness. Plus, she often delves into tricky issues like the portrayal of weight in the media, fat characters on TV and topics such as fat shaming, food guilt and fat sexuality. Need we say more? Alexa is joining us on fitsmi radio to talk about how she balances her butt-kicking body-positive message with her own weight loss journey. You're not going to want to miss this! P.S. Want a little pre-radio show taste of her awesomeness? Just check out her vlog on finding the perfect bra!

African-American Teens, Body Image, and Weight Loss

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 GMT

African-American children and teens are at a 30% higher risk of being overweight compared to nonhispanic whites. But because they often see extra pounds as attractive -- overweight girls and boys are often seen as "thick," "endowed," or "built" -- doctors and others concerned about the health risks of obesity can encounter resistance. How can you convince kids and teens to take their health seriously if they don't think they have a problem in the first place? And how to protect what is an enviable positive body image from the too-thin standards of the media? Dr. Kemi Oguntala, the "Teen Doc," returns to talk about all of the above with her usual wit and wisdom!

Top five teen-friendly tips for feeding your body right!

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Marisa knows how hard it can be to eat right and lose weight...because she's been there. As a formerly obese teen, when Marisa went off to college she discovered the fun of cooking, the awesomeness of fresh food, and the joy of a really sweaty workout. And she slowly and deliberately lost 70 lbs in the process. Today, Marisa's a happy, fit 20-something who's rockin' the blogosphere with her site MindOverBooty.com, where she shares yummy fresh recipes, her fave exercise routines, and her continuing weight loss journey. She's joining us on fitsmi radio on Tuesday, August 2 at 5:00 pm EST to talk about it all - and to give us her top five teen-friendly tips for feeding your body right! Don't miss it!

Healthy Snacks 101 with Snack Girl Lisa Cain

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Tired of the same old chips and dips, carrot sticks, and peanuts? Lisa Cain, author of the popular Snack-Girl.com blog, has tons of fresh ideas and smart reviews of packaged snacks. An evolutionary biologist by training, Lisa is fascinated by the fact that Americans in the 1950's weighed on average MUCH less than they do now. Obviously the root cause of the epidemic is what we eat, and she wants to help people make better decisions about what they eat. Tune in with your questions for Snack-Girl this Friday! She'd love to hear from you.

Do Food Ads Change How Kids Eat?

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Every parent knows that food ads are effective. Emma sees an add for Cocoa Puffs and soon she’s tugging on her mom’s sleeve in the supermarket, begging her to buy a box: the “nag factor” that advertisers count on. This is, of course, bad enough, especially when the average kid sees 15 food ads a day, or 5,500 in a year. But experimental research by Dr. Jennifer Harris of Yale University and others shows that the effects of these ads go far beyond the desire to purchase a particular brand of cereal. Find out how food ads influence how much we eat, when we feel hungry, snacking behaviors, and even what tastes good!

True Story: I'm a Recovered Binge Eater

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Being a teen is already tough, but when your relationship with food begins to control your life, it gets tougher. Sound familiar? This week on fitsmi radio, we're talking with Sunny Sea Gold about her book Food: The Good Girl’s Drug: How to Stop Using Food to Control Your Feelings. It’s a painfully honest story of her battle with–and ultimate recovery from–Binge Eating Disorder (BED), which plagued her for fifteen years. Tune in on Tuesday, July 5, at 5:00 pm EST to hear her talk about her diagnosis and her long path to health and happiness.

Family Dynamics, Weight Stigma, and the Overweight Teen

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT

"Fatso!" "Hey Dunk!" "Are you really going to eat THAT?" Siblings and relatives teasing and bullying about weight can turn home into an unsafe haven for overweight teens. Parents need to empathize, intervene when needed, and understand how issues of weight affect teens' developing sense of self. Join us for our interview with Dr. Kemi Ogantala -- Dr. O as her patients like to call her -- a teen doctor, speaker and blogger from the Bay Area known for her energetic, hip and real approach to very difficult teen issues such as sexual health, parent communication and teen development.

A Father's Potential

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Triathletes or couch potatos, Dads have a huge influence on their son's and daughter's body images and lifestyle habits. Find out how to make the most of Dad's power with author and "Dad Man" Joe Kelly.

Loving life (and ourselves) without waiting to be thin

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Author Kim Brittingham joins us to talk about her new book, "Read My Hips: How I Learned to Love My Body, Ditch Dieting, and Live Large." She covers some totally awesome topics...everything from how she used to hate veggies, to her attempts at extreme dieting, to how she took her dating life into her own hands. Kim is a one-woman survival guide for the curvy teen. Be sure to tune in to pick up her tips on living life to the fullest, and rockin' the bodies we have, without waiting around to get 'thin.'

Teaching Daughters (and Mothers) to Love Their Bodies

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Author Kim Brittingham joins us to talk about her new book, "Read My Hips: How I Learned to Love My Body, Ditch Dieting, and Live Large," and how mothers and daughters can work towards loving their bodies and enjoying life now, without waiting for "thin".

Getting Fit? Spend the summer with Denise!

Tue, 24 May 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Denise Campbell is a rockin’ teen on a journey to get fit. She's calling us all the way from the Netherlands to talk about her experiments in healthy living and how she finally figured out that getting fit should be fun! Now Denise is ramping up to share her whole summer-long fitness adventure through a series of weekly videos – yeah, we’re excited too! If you’re looking for some great get-fit-tips and some summer inspiration, be sure to tune in as Denise talks shop with Fitsmi host Abby Ellin.

Setting House Rules Around Food with Dr. Kathryn Henderson

Fri, 20 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT

For the first time ever, parents are more worried about feeding their child too much rather than not enough. But many parents are afraid to say No. Kathryn Henderson, PhD, from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, talks about House Rules that any family can use to ensure healthy food habits.

Chat with Julie Qualley, Rachel's Mom on Too Fat for Fifteen

Fri, 06 May 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Rachel began gaining extra weight in 2nd grade, until at age 14 she weighed 250 lbs. Her mom Julie took her to several nutritionists and put her on many diets, but never understood why nothing worked until they discovered a secret history of bullying and emotional eating. Since then, Rachel's 70-lb weight loss on the Style reality show Too Fat for Fifteen has inspired many teens as well as her own family to get healthier.

Losing Weight: Change from the Inside Out

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Chat with author Nancy Makin, author of "703: How I Lost a Quarter Ton and Gained a Life." Homebound for 12 years due to the logistics and shame of obesity, Nancy was "reborn" by connecting with others on a computer and reaffirming her inner worth as a human being, losing over 530 pounds without any diet or exercise plan. Nancy has great advice for parents who are having trouble understanding or reaching their overweight child or teen.

Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Be Boring

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Brittany Mullins is a 20-something foodie with a popular blog, Eating Bird Food. She talks with host Abby Ellin about her overweight teen years and how she beat the "Freshman 15" in college and lost 20 pounds by making simple, fun, healthy changes to her lifestyle. She is full of tasty and planet-saving ideas for how we can all eat better! (Psst, if you don't know what kombucha is, or why empty peanut butter jars are great for cooking oatmeal in, you better tune in!)

Food Addiction, Emotional Eating, Bingeing

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

How to stop using food to control your feelings, with Sunny Sea Gold, author of Food, The Good Girl's Drug and founder of healthygirl.org.

Chat with Susan Basso, Scotty's Mom on "Too Fat for Fifteen"

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Should parents be blamed when their kids are overweight? Susan Basso has received a lot of criticism about her son and her parenting style on the Style channel reality show "Too Fat for Fifteen." Is it fair?

Send Your Teen to Weight Loss Camp this Summer?

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Fitsmi for Moms host Linda Frankenbach interviews author and former fat camper Abby Ellin about the pros and cons of weight loss camps. What should parents look for in a camp, how much do they cost, what are the top camps, and how to make the most of your child's time there?