Being a longtime entertainment news journalist and TV show host, I have asked a lot of questions -- about nerves before the Oscar telecast, about a cha cha or foxtrot routine, or even about a celebrity's favorite activity to do with her kids. Well, I also get asked a lot of questions -- about everything from my experience performing on Broadway to my exercise regimen. But some of the most difficult questions I've had to answer weren't from any reporters. In fact, some of my more challenging questions have been from a source a little closer to home:
"Mom, what's for dinner?"
"Mom, why can't I have soda?"
"Can I have a snack?"
"Mom, I'm hungry... what can I have to eat?!"
Ask any mother and you'll know, always having food on the table, and healthy food at that, can be a challenge to say the least. Just like any family, ours revolves around food. As a mother of two little girls, I'm always looking to satiate their bodies with healthy, filling meals and energizing snacks. I live for that 'I'm full, and that tasted great' smile I usually see after dinner. A mother's work is never done, and with constant looping thoughts of our next meal, I'm always looking to prepare a great-tasting dinner. I also discovered that having a constant supply of non-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese and lots of fresh fruit in the house has become a must. Pair that with lots of physical activities -- from swimming to running around playing tag -- and there you have it: a few ways I help to keep my family happy and healthy. Good protein, fresh fruit, and exercise -- the Samantha Harris Mommy Secret!
What does being a mom mean for me? It means I would do anything to provide fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins and the occasional sweet treat for my husband and our two sweet girls. It means I make sure they wash their hands before dinner, put a great healthy snack in their lunchboxes and fight to prevent rumbling tummies throughout the day. It also means I find a way to somehow serve a plate that has both their favorite baked chicken nuggets or healthier mac 'n' cheese and asparagus (shocking, but yes lately they have been devouring this long green vegetable) all while trying to find a healthy dessert to reward them for their good eating. (Side note: Dark chocolate-covered raisins do the job well!).
My family may not always know what is coming for dinner, but they do know that dinner is coming. Unfortunately, for nearly 49 million Americans, that's not always the case. Today, one in six people in America and more than one in five children don't know where their next meal is coming from. As a mother, I feel so lucky to have been able to provide my girls with nutritious meals that enable them to thrive physically, developmentally and emotionally. I can only imagine the stress that so many Americans face, especially mothers who are unable to provide solid meals to their family every day.
As a member of Feeding America's Entertainment Council, I urge you to take action during this Hunger Action Month. Join me this September by giving a voice to the millions of families struggling with hunger in silence. These families live in our communities; they are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends, yet their struggles go unheard. It's up to us to Speak Out Against Hunger&™. Update your status, share a video, or a visit local food bank and share your story. By simply lending your voice, you can do your part in the fight against hunger. Visit HungerActionMonth.org to find even more ways to help. Together, we can speak out against hunger and help put an end to all those rumbling tummies.
Watch Samantha Harris Speak Out Against Hunger: