The 80s were so Rad!

Today was Stroller Strides 80s class at West Town Mall.  We had 13 moms in class and we had 5 or 6 trooper moms who took the plunge and donned their leg warmers, flashdance sweatshirts, blue eyeshadow and teased up hair.  No 80s class would be complete without the appropriate Jane Fonda Jazzercise moves and some music from WHAM!  While we often do "maniacs" in class (running in place fast appropriately named after the move the movie Flashdance made famous), it felt so much more authentic today decked out in out 80s gear.  We only lacked the high-top brightly colored Reeboks  the 80s made so famous.  It made no difference what we were wearing to the kiddos!  They all laughed and giggled as we tickled their toes at each body toning station. We ended the workout with some cool 80s abs including the Ab Climber.  The difficult part of today was explaining why I looked so ridiculous to some friends I encountered in the mall who I had not seen in over a year!  Ha!  We had fun and we had a great workout and that's what counts!

Healthy Mamas Chillin' at the Spa

Last night culminated the first annual Healthy Mama Challenge for Stroller Strides, Knoxville It was also the February Moms' Night Out.  All the moms spent an evening at Natural Alternatives Salon & Spa's newest location in Western Plaza getting pampe

red!  For the last 30 days the moms have been accumulating points in three different categories - mind, body 

and spirit. The goal, of course, with the challenge was not so much the competition but to help the moms create new habits for bettering their health, mentally, physically and spiritually.  Being a mom can be hectic and it's easy to put your own personal well-being aside. The competition was tight!  We had some real competitors.  Prizes were awarded to the top three point earners.  Melanie Spurgeon, Stroller Strides playgroup captain scored third place and went home with a $25 gift card to Regal Cinemas.  Heather Davis, leader of the Knox County chapter of Hollistic Moms Network, came in second and won one month free of Stroller Strides valued at $45. 

 Here is what Heather had to say about the challenge, "I am definitely going to keep up what I {have been doing with this challenge}, I am thoroughly enjoying reading again and keeping a journal.  This was

 a great challenge!"  First place winner was Emily McCutcheon, who walked away with the $100 Mommy Makeover from Natural Alternatives!  We had a great time.  We even met a new mom who saw how much fun we were having and wanted to find out what we were all about!   

Stroll on Papas, Stroll on...

Always and forever crawling the web for interesting fitness and of course Stroller Strides related stuff, I came across these very funny posts from two different daddies who attended a Stroller Strides class in New York!  They are a must read!  Stroll on Papas!  Stroll on!  Click here for an excerpt from Brian's Blog!   Click here for an excerpt from Isabella Sage!

Nutrition for the whole family!

Registered dietitian, Siri Khalsa-Zemel of Women's Way Weight Management Coaching came to our Luna Moms playgroup at West Town Mall on Friday, February 8 to talk moms about practical, achievable ways to make yummy foods for the whole family.  Our moms were able to ask specific questions about food choices and how to talk to your children at an early age about making healthy food choices.   Something I didn't know is that children actually lose how to recognize the fullness feeling at about the age of five.  So, Siri stressed the importance of asking your kids if they are full at every meal so they can learn how to be conscious of it.  She also told us that it's not a good idea to reward your children with dessert if they eat everything on their plate.  Kids love treats, so this really sends the wrong message to keep eating even if you are full.  She encouraged us to talk to our children about what types of food are important why we need to eat - not for pleasure but for fuel!  Siri offers group or private nutrition counseling.  She is a mother of two and is very dynamic and friendly.  She is a joy to be around.  I think any mom would benefit from her services!  

Mm, Mm Good...

I recently discovered  Healthy Times baby food and snacks.  Healthy Times products are made from organically grown ingredients, no preservatives or artificial additives.  I LOVE knowing that I can give my son healthy snacks because so much of what's on the market is so unhealthy.  All the products are made with whole grains and no trans fat.  They taste great too and my son loves them!  I have only been able to find them at Earthfare.  I contacted the company and asked if they could get their products on the shelves of other more convenient grocery stores here in Knoxville.  

Mom Inventors Rock!

Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides is the featured "Mom of the Month on mominventor.com.  Read her profile.  Lisa was a new mom looking for a way to be home with her baby but still make a full-time income.   Because of her, hundreds of moms are pursuing that same dream.  Thanks Lisa!