Even if you've never heard of Reed Alexander, don't worry. Chances are, your teens and tweens are big fans from his days as Nevel Papperman on the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly.
These days, though, Reed has abandoned his role as a love-struck Internet fiend and is making waves in the kitchen. After struggling with weight issues during his teenage years, Reed decided to overhaul his diet and, in the process, fell in love with healthy food, which he now promotes through a website, KewlBites.com, and as an ambassador for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a project of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation.
And you can tap into some of the 18-year-old's boundless energy in a new cookbook, KewlBites, that translates his love of nutrition into recipes simple enough to make with your kids—and tasty enough to please them. Reed gave us a little insight into his personal wellness transformation and what he thinks are some of the biggest diet issues facing kids today.
What inspired you to want to write a healthy cookbook?
Several years ago, I was overweight, lethargic, and needed to make a change when it came to my out-of-control eating habits and nominal exercise regime. Spending long days on set and not feeling your best is not a winning combination! Plus, with a family history of diabetes and heart disease, I needed to grab the reins and take control of my health at a young age, not only to prevent any medical issues in the short term, but also to build a positive association with food and exercise in the long term.
I transformed my kitchen into a science lab—complete with a test-tube spice rack!—and began to discover things I could swap to lighten up my favorite recipes for the dishes I craved. I found ways to make exercise less of a chore and developed a library of tips and techniques that really worked for me. When I dropped 15 pounds and gained a wealth of new information, I was motivated to launch my website, KewlBites.com, a digital destination that would put a fun, upbeat spin on this serious topic.
Where and how did you first learn to cook?
I'm self-taught! I've always loved cooking and sharing delicious eats. From my early memories of holiday meals with my family to incredible dining destinations that showcased the skills of brilliant chefs, food has always been an important and dynamic part of my life. However, several years ago, when I was balancing my longstanding love of cooking with my newfound passion for nutrition, I brandished my whisks and tongs and dove headfirst into an exciting challenge: finding ways to lighten up my favorite meals and coming up with healthy, delicious new dishes! (Want to eat healthier without taking a big bite out of your wallet? Here's How to Eat Healthy on the Cheap.)
How do you find the time to balance your acting aspirations with cooking and health advocacy?
It's all about planning! Thinking ahead, strategizing, and developing a game plan are critical to living well and to staying on track. Balancing acting and entertainment with lifestyle and cooking is a dynamic and exciting equation—or, more appropriately, recipe—that I love experimenting with. I'm on the road or in the air so often that having healthy snacks on hand is key, and finding time to work out is another priority for me. Ultimately, it comes down to being committed to staying the course, and also incorporating a dose of flexibility and improvisation when necessary! (Don't let a trip derail your family's healthy diet. Try these 5 Tips for Feeding Kids Healthy Eats on the Road.)
Preorder Your Copy of KewlBites Today! Amazon• Barnes & Noble• Books-A-Million• Indiebound
Talk a little bit about your work with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and what it's been like to work with President Clinton.
It's a huge honor! I'm privileged to be an Ambassador for the Alliance, which is a partnership between the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundationand the American Heart Association. Together, we've had extraordinary opportunities to visit schools across America, meeting students and faculty one-on-one and learning about the innovative, healthy changes they've made on campus. From speaking and moderating panels at President Clinton's dynamic annual summits, which call together today's foremost thought leaders and luminaries, to creating a special menu of nutritious lunchtime recipes that have been "kid tested," "kid approved," and are served today in over 18,000 public school cafeterias to more than 30 million students everyday, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a spokesperson for this powerful organization and can't wait to see where we can take our partnership next.
What are some of the most unhealthy food habits you see amongst people your age?
In general, it's usually a smart choice to minimize how frequently we eat out of a box. I've noticed a bit of a generation-wide fast-food overload. I think it's important to approach the way we eat with "everything-in-moderation" in mind. However, because of our fast-paced lives (busy schedules with a full plate of homework, after-school activities, and a slew of other obligations) and the perceived difficulty of whipping up a three-course meal, we often succumb to the instant gratification of boxed meals.
Another habit I've noticed is that people skip meals entirely. Full disclosure: I'm guilty of this—I used to completely forgo having lunch at school because none of the options on the lunch line looked appetizing. But I've learned that it's essential not to do that. You can easily transition from hungry to starving, which can lead to binge eating and really spiraling out of control. So, stay full and fueled—that's my motto—and don't be afraid to pack a lunch ahead of time that you know you'll love.
Finally, there's a lot of confusion about portion control. How much should we eat? How many meals should we have? While that answer varies for everyone on a case-to-case basis, for me, it's three meals a day plus two snacks, and I make lunch my biggest meal. This way, I'm satisfied and ready to take on the afternoon, but I'm not ending the day by diving into a massive dinner, either.
Who do you think will get the most out of this cookbook?
Everyone! This book will please any palate and cater to any level of cooking experience. I especially feel that families will benefit from having a copy in their homes; whether it's back-to-school secrets or holiday treats, kids and parents alike will discover a treasure trove of recipes and ideas that will lend them a helping hand in the kitchen and in everyday life.