Erica Ehm is one of Canada's most recognized personalities. Chosen to be the first female Much Music host, in the 1980's she became the voice of her generation.
Since then Ehm has remained in the spotlight as she's grown up with her fans, and her multi-faceted media career has blossomed in television, radio, film, theatre, journalism, song writing, and music publishing. Since becoming a mother in 2000, Erica has directed some of her energies into her children's world. As contributing editor for "What's Up Kids" magazine, Ehm delved into the world of parenting and literacy. She has also written three stage musicals for the family market. After her first play "Caillou's Big Party" sold out in soft seaters across North America, she was commissioned to write two other shows, "The Big Comfy Couch" and "Caillou's Big Book Club".
Four years ago, Erica created and hosted the TV series "Yummy Mummy", a parenting show for the music video generation, which airs on Discovery Channels in the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe. Erica created the Yummy Mummy Club website to inspire and entertain women with children. After only one year, it is currently one of the hottest "Mom" sites in the country.
In her spare time, Erica writes a Yummy Mummy column in the City Post Magazines. She also is the "voice of mothers" in her monthly column in the Toronto Star Wheels section. Erica also sits on the Sick Kids Foundation Community Advisory Board.
Erica's son Joshua is seven years old (already!), and little sister Jessie is four.
The Healthy Shopper’s Interview with Erica Ehm
- Savvy Question: How do you live a healthy lifestyle?
First, I'm all about exercise. I like to go for a run, sweat like crazy and feel great after. I don't go too far, just 5k, but it does wonders for my physical and emotional state. I'm also very conscious of my kids getting a lot of exercise. We're not a big TV family. I want my kids engaged and moving. We have a park behind our house and our neighbors let my kids use their trampoline. Also, my son is swimming, doing gymnastics and taking karate. My daughter is dancing and doing gymnastics.
Secondly, we all get the right amount of sleep. Without sleep I'm worthless and my kids are crabby and listless.
Thirdly, I consider myself a savvy shopper. I read labels and can spot a marketing come-on a mile away. I'm not fooled by products that make claims like low fat or 30% less sugar. I try to stay away from processed foods and try to eat as whole as possible. Lots of eggs, fruits, veggies, yogurt…and bittersweet chocolate. Yummy!
- Savvy Question: How do you maintain balance in your life?
I don't have balance. But I'm ok with that. I realize that life is a rollercoaster with ups and downs. There are times when I'm tired, and times when my kids eat pizza or something equally unhealthy, but I know the next day I'll sleep a few extra hours and my kids will eat a greek salad for lunch. It all evens out. I try to be conscious of what we put into our bodies, but I don't stress about it. I'm not perfect. Life isn't perfect. I try my best and so far we're all doing just fine.
- Savvy Question: What type of food do you feed your family?
We never eat fried foods. I try to serve my family as many "whole" foods as possible. I like to serve a meal that has a lot of different colours on the plate. Veggies, fruits, freshly cooked meats are high on our list. I try to buy local but if the fruits or veggies aren't seasonal, I will buy foods not grown here. I have green guilt for doing that but I like strawberries and blueberries in the winter.
- Savvy Question: How do some of the moms in your baby club keep their kids healthy?
I think moms today are too worried about feeding their kids. There is so much pressure put on moms to be perfect in every way, including feeding their kids only the healthiest food, that we can get neurotic about it. There is so much hype in the media about what is a balanced diet and food intolerances, that something so natural has become very confusing. My mantra is to think whole foods – not processed (although my kids LOVE Macaroni and Cheese which is the ultimate processed food) One thing some moms do which is a good idea (which I never did because it was too much work) is make their own natural baby food and freeze it.
It's important to instil a love of good food in your kids. One thing our family does is always eat supper together. There is no "kids" meal and then a parent's dinner. We all eat the same things so that my kids are expanding their palettes and not getting stuck in the rut of French fries and chicken fingers.
