Weight of the Nation: Obesity Prevention
Posted by: yourpowerfullife on: May 26, 2012
- In: Dancing | ENTERTAINMENT | Family | FITNESS | Health
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Our life’s values start with our family and what is valued by our parents.
I was fortunate to have parents that taught their nine children, “How to”… How to eat healthfully, How to be fit, How to have good work ethics, How to pray…
When I was growing up, every morning I saw my mom preparing natural foods and my father on the porch doing exercises. In the picture above, I am using dad’s exercise cables in front of the family trampoline that we enjoyed using while keeping fit. As Fathers Day approaches, I am grateful to my dad for his motivation that has inspired me all of my life. Also blessed to have a husband who is always on the job as dad to our daughter, now a young woman but still our baby.
What are your favorite memories of your dad? Our dads are important. How was your dad a motivation to you? Remember him on Fathers Day!
As many of my blogger friends know, I presently work as a Lifestyle Educator/ Fitness Instructor at Kaiser Permanente. I’m proud to be part of the Health Education department as they provide patients with the knowledge to have a better quality of life.
The Weight of the Nation: an HBO program partnering with Kaiser Permanente. The Weight of the Nation films include case studies; uplifting personal stories of people, families, and community members who are tackling weight issues; and interviews with our nation’s leading experts.
- Episode 1 — Consequences: Examines the scope of the obesity epidemic and explores the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese.
- Episode 2 — Choices: Shares scientific insights into how to lose weight and explores what needs to change in people’s lives, including where they work, eat, learn and play, while spotlighting individuals who are waging the battle successfully.
- Episode 3 — Children in Crisis: Tells the heart-wrenching stories of young people struggling with excess weight and facing serious medical complications at an early age, and examines how marketing shapes food choices.
- Episode 4 — Challenges: Examines the driving forces behind the obesity epidemic, including agriculture, economics, evolutionary biology, racial and socioeconomic disparities, and physical inactivity.
- Kaiser Permanente’s new The Weight of the Nation site for comprehensive information and ideas
- HBO’s site for community activation kits and more
Kudos to HBO, Kaiser Permanente and the many professionals who help launch Weight of the Nation, as well as our First Lady, Michelle Obama for her Let’s Move campaign and her good example of promoting fitness and stopping obesity in our nation.
Fitness: You can start being more fit by adding 15 minutes a day of exercise to your lifestyle. Do something you enjoy! Mix it up! Strengthen your muscles by doing resistance training and strengthen your heart by doing aerobic training. Exercise is a prescription for health!
Entertainment: Another season of Dancing with the Stars has ended. I must admit, the highlight for me was seeing the Chmerkovskiy Brothers, Maksim and Val break a sweat and strut their stuff! Dancing is a good exercise and entertaining too. Isn’t it time for you to move your body, break a sweat and have fun doing it? Dance like a star! (Past Dancing with the Stars moments etc…)
Sexy! Melissa Gilbert with Maksim Chmerkovskiy & Val Chmerkovskiy dance a Trio Samba in Week 8 of 2012:
Last but not least…
Memorial Day: Take a moment with me to remember those who have known the perils of combat… thinking of my father-in-law, Anthony Riccio who was awarded the purple heart.
God bless America and God bless you,
Maria Lauren – yourpowerfullife
(AKA: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
* To leave a Comment!… Go to the top of this post. Thank you for your feedback. 
Fitness and Entertainment, Contact: YGTPower@aol.com
- Keynote Speaker: “You Got The Power”
- Entertainer and Producer: “Showstoppers”
- Book Signings
- Singing or Fitness Coach…
Web site: www.MariaLauren.com
Book (Entertainment, Fitness…): www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maria-lauren-riccio/15/295/285;
http://www.chestercountynutrition.com/;
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria;
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mlaurenaalberici;
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal Blog, produced in my own time and solely reflecting my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.
Preparing for Mothers Day!
Posted by: yourpowerfullife on: April 21, 2012
My mom: Lillian Biro – Alberici (Stage name: Lee Richie)
Mothers inspire. Mothers teach. Mothers help. Moms are special and their children know why. A hug between a mother and child warms the soul. What’s special about your mom?
My mom had her domestic ways but as you can see by her picture above, she had a glamorous side too. She was a sought-after singer around the Philadelphia area. In between singing engagements, she gave birth to nine children. Both mom (Lee Alberici) and dad (Al Alberici) raised us as vegetarians and made sure we all ate a natural diet and exercised daily. A few times a week, mom used a machine to grind and press juice from raw vegetables and created special candy made out of raw nuts and honey. On Easter, our baskets were filled with home-made delights. I loved her Coconut Cream Eggs the best!
In the 60′s, mom appeared on American Bandstand as Lee Richie. I remember watching her singing on TV while fans cheered and danced. I was a young girl and seeing her like this was a curiosity. Was this the same mom who changed diapers and took care of us? Her performance took place before Dick Clark became the host. As I got a little older, I began watching Dick Clark charmingly host American Bandstand and I thought he was kind of cute! Little did I know I would be performing in several TV Specials for Dick Clark Productions when I became part of the Hollywood scene, myself.
“If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents very carefully.” ~ Dick Clark
Family has always been important to me and I was lucky to have a sister to join me in the Hollywood experience! My sister, Linda (Alberici) Eichberg and I wrote a book about our show biz journey called, Beyond Our Wildest Dreams. In our book, we describe our unusual family up-bringing and our entry into the world of entertainment where the Rat Pack ruled! It’s now selling on-line at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and contains over 300 pictures and lots of stories about the “Stars!” Here’s a book excerpt about watching our mom transform from “housewife” to “entertainer”:
“Maria: Who inspired us to be entertainers? Our mom was our first inspiration. I loved hearing about the stars and their shows from my mom. I especially remember my mom going on and on about Sammy Davis Jr. and how he sang, danced and played musical instruments. My mom seemed amazed at how talented he was and how hard he worked during his performances. I knew my mom was not easily impressed by entertainers, so I made a mental note. I wanted to be an entertainer and hearing about Sammy let me know at a young age that I had to do more than just sing to gain the respect of an audience, I had to be able to wow them too.”
“When mom put on a sequined gown she looked like Cinderella. She’d be around the house and just be mom doing the housework and then she would put on what we called her ‘equipment.’ She had a waist cincher, it made your waistline about four inches smaller, like Mae West. She had elegant gowns, and these hairpieces that she sometimes put on; it was definitely a startling transformation.” ~ Beyond Our Wildest Dreams (Copyright)
More book information: www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
My sister and I certainly learned glamour and practical values from our mom. Both my mom and dad taught us the value of family, hard work and a health lifestyle. Coming from a large family there was always lots of chores to do but this prepared us for the rigors of showbiz with the opportunity of singing and dancing on television and touring with celebrities like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Great ideas originate in the muscles.” ~ Thomas A. Edison
During April, we celebrate Earth Day! Will you recycle, plant trees, grow vegetables…? Doing some gardening is good exercise too. It’s the little things that add up like taking your own bag to the grocery store. What are you doing to keep our “Earth Home” healthy? Don’t forget to keep your “Body Home” fit and healthy too!
It’s also time to prepare for Mothers Day! Take a few moments to remember how important your mom has been in your life and share this legacy with your children.
“I love you mommy.” These words are music to a mothers ears. Growing in Love (That’s What a Women Does), is a song which starts out with those precious words. A few years ago, my daughter, Marianna Riccio and I wrote Growing in Love and did a TV performance. Here’s a video clip to get you in the Mothers Day mood.
For entire song, download Growing in Love: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria
Wishing my readers and my WONDERFUL MOM much love and happiness!
A special thank you to my family for your comments about our mom. I know some of you are very private people but I appreciate reading your sentiments and stories and participating in my Mothers Day blog party!
Maria Lauren, (aka: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Your Powerful LIFE – Living In Fitness & Entertainment
Maria Lauren’s entertainment and fitness website: www.MariaLauren.com
Contact: YGTPower@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maria-lauren-riccio/15/295/285; http://facebook.com/Maria.Lauren.Alberici.Riccio; www.facebook.com/BeyondBook; www.twitter.com/AlbericiSisters; www.LindaEichberg.com; www.TVparty.com; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria; www.cdbaby.com/cd/mlaurenaalberici; www.MariannaRiccio.com; http://www.chestercountynutrition.com
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal Blog, produced in my own time and solely reflecting my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.
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Nutrition & Family Recipes
Posted by: yourpowerfullife on: March 25, 2012
Alberici Family Reunion
My family is a buffet of personalities each with their own recipe for living that brings flavor to an Alberici family get-to-together. This usually leaves me with a “full” feeling, free from calories but not free from our differences or our love.
My mom and dad raised all their nine children to eat healthy foods and made sure that fitness was part of our daily regime. People thought my parents were fanatical and we were called, “health nuts” by our piers but my parents were ahead of their time when it came to a healthy lifestyle.
My sister and I wrote a book called, Beyond Our Wildest Dreams which describes how we grew up, our entry into the frenzy of show business and performing with iconic celebrities like the Rat Pack during the 70’s.
BOOK INFO: www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
Here’s a short book excerpt about our childhood diet: “Maria: We were vegetarians living in meat and potato land. It took a lot of courage to eat lunch in the cafeteria. I was the only one eating a sandwich made of brown colored bread with lots of green things like lettuce and sprouts hanging out the sides. I saw everyone staring at my lunch. I looked around at the other lunches made of bleached white bread, neatly enclosing processed cheese and bologna. It’s no wonder we didn’t mind walking a mile or more home for a hot lunch.” ~ Beyond Our Wildest Dreams, Copyright 2011; Authors, Maria Lauren and Linda Eichberg (Alberici Sisters)
During the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month and my birthday! This year was a BIG birthday for me and my mom baked my favorite cake. The recipe is non-gluten, easy to make and all my friends wanted the recipe!
Mom’s Walnut Cake with Whip Cream and Strawberries
(This non-gluten recipe was adapted from my Hungarian Grandmom’s Nut Cake)
This batter is mixed in a blender or food processor.
Bake: 20 minutes
Oven: 350°
Cool: 1 hour
Chill: 2 hours
Makes 8 servings
2 cups walnuts or pecans, (lightly toasted)
2 tablespoon flour (non-gluten flour)
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs
¾ cup brown sugar or fructose (honey or agave may be used but use a ¼ cup less)
- Preheat oven to 350. Grease the bottoms of two 8 by 1 ½ round cake pans. Line pans with waxed paper; grease and lightly flour pans. Set pans aside. In a medium bowl combine nuts, flour and baking powder; set aside.
- In a food processor or blender combine eggs and sugar. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pans.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cakes spring back when lightly touched (center may dip slightly). Cool cake thoroughly.
- After cake is cooled, spread strawberry jelly on each layer. Place thinly sliced strawberries over jelly.
- Whip ½ pint of heavy cream or whipping cream and vanilla flavor and sweeten to taste. Set aside. In another plate, lightly sprinkle sugar, agave or honey over whole or halved strawberries to be used for the top of the cake. Set aside.
- Place whip cream on top of strawberries and then layer the cake with more strawberries and whip cream. Cover sides of cake with whip cream and decorate the top with additional strawberries that were lightly sweetened.
(Our mom triples the recipe for our big family and uses two large sheet pans. Other fruit may be used if desired)
March 31st is Good Food LA Day, a citywide event dedicated to learning, celebrating and strengthening our local food system. At Kaiser Permanente, I’m pleased to work as a Lifestyle Educator with the Panorama City’s Health Education Department. We are excited to share three new websites for member to learn more about healthy eating and active living.
MOMS WEIGH-IN: kpmwi.org
TEENS TAKE-OFF: kptto.org
KP KIDS: kaiserpermanentekids.org
What are your favorite healthy recipes? How do you put fitness into your lifestyle? Write me a comment!
Best wishes for health and happiness,
Maria Lauren, (aka: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Your Powerful LIFE – Living In Fitness & Entertainment
Maria Lauren’s fitness and entertainment web site: www.MariaLauren.com
Contact for professional coaching and appearances at your next event: YGTPower@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maria-lauren-riccio/15/295/285; http://facebook.com/Maria.Lauren.Alberici.Riccio; www.facebook.com/BeyondBook; www.twitter.com/AlbericiSisters; www.LindaEichberg.com; www.TVparty.com; www.kaiserpermanente.org; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria; www.cdbaby.com/cd/mlaurenaalberici; www.YouGotThePowerStore.com; www.MariannaRiccio.com; http://www.chestercountynutrition.com
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal Blog, produced in my own time and solely reflecting my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.
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Women can be “Transformers”
Posted by: yourpowerfullife on: February 19, 2012
Maria Lauren (Alberici) & Linda Eichberg (Alberici) with featured stars of “Transformers”
Women are constantly transforming their lives. Women are versatile. Like the popular, “Transformers” movies and the car, “BumbleBee” women can cruise down life’s road as a well-traveled sports car but in certain situations can also turn into a warrior of steel!
This month, my sister, Linda Eichberg and I had the pleasure of appearing as the Alberici Sisters at the Hollywood Show with a variety of celebrities, which included Mark Ryan, the voice of “BumbleBee” and “Jetfire” of “Transformers” 1 and 2. At the show, we learned Mark Ryan is also a seasoned actor and did many musicals in London’s West End which included Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “Evita” and worked under the direction of Broadway legend, Hal Prince. He is also accredited for originating the character of ”Nasir” in the British TV series, “Robin of Sherwood”.
On February 11 – 12, the Hollywood Show displayed a buffet of stars: David Soul & Michael Glasser (Starsky & Hutch), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Martin Landau (Mission Impossible), Lanie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Davy Jones (The Monkees), John Diehl (Miami Vice), Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars), Valerie Harper (Mary Tyler Moore)… and us, the Alberici Sisters (Dean Martin Comedy Hour).
My sister and I had a great time doing photo opts with fans of the Rat Pack and sharing stories from our book, “Beyond Our Wildest Dreams”. We were blessed to perform with the greatest talents of the 20th Century when we were part of the singing/dancing troupe, The Dean Martin Golddiggers, so we wrote a book about it!
Here’s a radio link of my sister and I being interviewed by Ed Robertson of “TV Confidential”, where we tell some of our back stage stories about Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr… and being raised in health and fitness: http://media.podcastingmanager.com/9/3/5/3/3/142636-133539/Media/120211tvc115_2.mp3
Today, The Former Golddiggers keep digging for the gold that lasts. As women of purpose, we can transform our lives and the lives of others. Below is an example from one of our own, Robyn Whatley-Kahn:
“In my pursuit of health, I’ve been fortunate to travel and teach all over the world. Now, with my husband, I have settled down on the little Greek island of Ikaria. Interestingly, in the ancient days it was known as “the healing island” and today I host health retreats. www.healthretreats-greece.com My husband has a “honey of a job”… pun intended… He learned the ancient art of bee keeping and exports the famed “Blue Zone” Ikaria honey to the United States. www.ikariahoney.com It is famous in Europe for being the best honey in Greece. And then, when in 2010 best- selling author, Dan Beuttner, named Ikaria as one of the five “Blue Zones” for longevity in the world, our Ikaria honey became world famous for its medicinal and longevity benefits not to mention it’s exquisite taste. So, to stay sweet, be extra healthy, and to show that special sweetheart you’re “sweet” on him/her… think of Ikarian honey.”
I tasted the Ikarian honey and it was delicious! My parents gave all of their nine children honey instead of sugar and that may be the reason why none of us had cavities. On another note, consumers would be wise to support organic farmers and urge officials to be prudent about adding chemicals and pesticides to our fruits and vegetables. It is important for the balance of nature that we keep our bee population thriving.
“If the bee disappears from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live.” – Albert Einstein
As a Lifestyle Educator at Kaiser Permanente, I am proud to work with a company who cares about the health of our planet and our patients. We support our local farmers with a Farmers Market on our KP premises. Kaiser Permanente is also the world leader in green health care. That’s why media outlets like the Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle are spreading the news: “Kaiser Permanente Moves to Green Medical Supplies by Converting to Eco-Friendly IV Equipment”
How do you or your company help our environment to thrive? We all have to do our part! How have you transformed your life? Your story could inspire others so please leave a comment!
Many blessings,
Maria Lauren, (aka: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Your Powerful LIFE – Living In Fitness & Entertainment
RECOMMENDED WEB SITES:
For more information and updates about our book, “Beyond Our Wildest Dreams,” please visit us at: www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
Maria Lauren’s fitness and entertainment web site: www.MariaLauren.com Contact for professional coaching and appearances at your next event: YGTPower@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maria-lauren-riccio/15/295/285; http://facebook.com/Maria.Lauren.Alberici.Riccio; www.facebook.com/BeyondBook; www.twitter.com/AlbericiSisters; www.LindaEichberg.com; www.TVparty.com; www.kaiserpermanente.org; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria; www.cdbaby.com/cd/mlaurenaalberici; www.YouGotThePowerStore.com; www.MariannaRiccio.com; http://www.chestercountynutrition.com
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal Blog, produced in my own time and solely reflecting my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.
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Beyond Our Wildest Dreams: Present & Past
Posted by: yourpowerfullife on: January 16, 2012
ALBERICI SISTERS: Maria Lauren & Linda Eichberg
Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new! Only natural that I spent New Years Eve with family and friends but after the clock struck twelve, I was off to Jamie Foxx’s New Year’s celebration bash. That’s only natural too, since most of my life has been a balance between time spent with family and performing with celebrities.
As we drove on Jamie’s street in Westlake, it wasn’t hard to spot his home twinkling with Christmas lights at the top of the hill. Donning a goatee’, Jamie Foxx was not only the host for the evening but took the role as the DJ for the festivities, as well. When our family was able to steal Jamie away from his admiring crowd for a few minutes, it was an honor to give him our book with a personal message from my sister and myself. What a thrill to hear Jamie Foxx say our book looked “tite” and to find out he was a fan of the Rat Pack!
NEWS FLASH!!!
THE ALBERICI SISTERS’ FIRST EVER APPEARANCE AND BOOK SIGNING AT THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW!
They’ll be joining celebrities on Feb. 10-12, 2012: http://hollywoodshow.com/starDetail.php?id a=773
BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS is a book by the Alberici Sisters, Maria Lauren and Linda Eichberg. Now selling on-line at Amazon & Barnes and Noble! The Reviews are coming in…
“There’s a brand-new book that traces those magical years and what life was like, performing with show business legends: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Donald O’Connor, Louis Prima and similar legends… it also captures the fun and spirit of the era with more than 300 rare and unseen photos in a wonderful pictorial layout. Historian Billy Ingram produced this 340 page book with a unique way of story-telling using quotes and dialogue as if a room full of contributors were all communicating on a party line.” Neil T. Daniels, President DEAN MARTIN FAN CENTER (December 2011 magazine issue)
Neil T Daniels is a former network television executive, Dean Martin Fan Center founder and was closely associated with Dean Martin during his years on the Dean Martin Television Show. Neil was also the President of The Golddiggers Fan Club when The Alberici Sisters were in the group and co-wrote a book with singer /golfer Don Cherry called, Cherry’s Jubilee - ‘Singin’ and Swingin’ Through Life’.
“Maria and Linda have written a sublime book about their lives in show business… And it’s extremely engrossing. I was part of their lives, yet I was surprised and pleased to find a lot in their book that I was unaware of, things that I chuckled over and things I was moved by. The ladies have had a remarkable life, and it’s lovely to read about it.” Lee Hale, Producer DEAN MARTIN SHOW
Lee Hale has acted as a Producer, Associate Producer or Musical Director for the famed Dean Martin Television Shows and The Golddiggers from the 60′s and into the 90′s. Lee Hale’s work was nominated for five prime-time Emmy Awards. His long expertise in the entertainment industry evolved into Lee Hale authoring two books, Backstage on ‘The Dean Martin Show’ and most recently, The Lee Hale Story.
For more information and updates about our book, Beyond Our Wildest Dreams, please visit us at: www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
~~~
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! In the words of Mr. King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Growing evidence indicates that benevolent acts improve longevity, lower depression rates and reduce the risk of heart disease. I’m grateful to work as a Lifestyle Educator at Kaiser Permanente where I help patients put fitness in their daily routines. Teaching exercise classes is a win-win situation for both the teacher and the student.
Happy 90th Birthday to Betty White! She is still going strong returning to NBC to star in a new reality TV series, Off Their Rockers, a Candid Camera / Punk’d – type show where senior citizens play pranks on young people. On my blog in November, it was a privilege to write about this amazing and inspiring woman! http://yourpowerfullife.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/betty-white-golden-girl-inspires-golddigger/
Wishing you loving blessings in the new year,
Maria Lauren, (aka: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio) – Your Powerful LIFE
RECOMMENDED WEB SITES:
Author, Maria Lauren’s fitness and entertainment web site: www.MariaLauren.com Contact for Maria Lauren: YGTPower@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maria-lauren-riccio/15/295/285; http://facebook.com/Maria.Lauren.Alberici.Riccio; www.facebook.com/BeyondBook; www.twitter.com/AlbericiSisters; www.LindaEichberg.com; www.TVparty.com; www.kaiserpermanente.org; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariannamaria; www.cdbaby.com/cd/mlaurenaalberici; www.YouGotThePowerStore.com; www.MariannaRiccio.com; http://www.chestercountynutrition.com
