Alison Sweeney has literally grown up on TV from her first commercial at the age of 5 for Kodak, various shows and then in 1987, she came to the soap opera, Days of Our Lives which she spent over 2 decades as Samantha Brady. She is also known for her roles as the host of NBC's Biggest Loser, Hallmark's Murder She Baked and more. This Daytime Emmy and Soap Opera Digest Award winner and nominee continues to share her love of life in Food Network's Kid's Sweet Showdown as a host (she has hosted and co-hosted various Food Network specials).
We took a moment to sit down to talk with this Soap Opera queen to chat about her Food Network special, how she keeps a healthy mindset, what she's up to for the holidays and her personal style.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours for a long time as we got our first glimpse of you as Sami! How have you crafted your career to take on so many roles and opportunities beyond those of just the Soap Opera world?
ALISON SWEENEY: Thank you for being fans! Growing up on a soap opera, where we learned so much dialogue each day, taught me how to be in the moment and how to plan. That upbringing has helped me throughout my life as I now tackle various roles. I make a point to continually push myself, but always to keep it manageable with a schedule and to only look at what’s next on the list. By focusing on what I’m doing in the moment, I’m able to give it my undivided attention before moving onto whatever is next. Plus, as my kids are getting older, I’m able to accomplish much more during their hours at school and with after school activities.
AM: We're Food Network fans for sure, how did Kid’s Sweets Showdown come about and what can we expect from this show?
AS: As followers of mine on social media know, I love to cook at home and I’m a big fan of Food Network. I’ve hosted several specials for the network so when they asked me to host Kid’s Sweets Showdown for the holidays, I jumped at the opportunity.
AM: Being healthy is a mindset, but it's also about making a time commitment, how are you able to do this during the holiday season especially with children and so many other responsibilities?
AS: My family and I are incredibly active and we view the holiday season as a time to get out and do so much more because we don’t have limitations with work, school and other responsibilities.
Whether it’s taking a hike or skiing down the mountain, it’s a great time of year for us to have fun while still being healthy
AM: Outside of the holidays how do you stay healthy from favorite meals, workouts, etc that you do?
AS: I love cooking at home and with my kids helping me. I think by making our own meals, we’re more aware of what we’re eating. Our go-to favorites are shrimp and veggie kabobs that my kids and I prep and my husband grills. For workouts, nothing beats a long run with good music and it’s a great way to explore neighborhoods or cities if I’m traveling.
AM: How did the partnership with Arm & Hammer Spinbrush come about and why are they a perfect stocking stuffer?
AS: I’m a big fan of Arm & Hammer products and believe in having a strong and confident smile so when Arm & Hammer approached me about working together to raise awareness of their Spinbrush and toothpaste, it was an organic fit as they’re products I already used and a daily routine my family and I are committed to. Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh toothbrush for the new year! It’s a great stocking stuffer and one that my kids look forward to each year.
AM: With the holidays, it's literally almost 6 weeks of so many activities - do you have any traditions and how will you be spending it?
AS: My family and I always disappear to the mountains for some time in the snow. We love being first on the chair lifts and last off the mountain before curling up by a fire.
AM: What's your holiday style suggestion from what you would wear to a holiday brunch, holiday activities with your kids, Christmas and New Year’s Eve - do you have any go to staples?
AS: I love to have a sparkly top or shoes to be extra festive over the holidays. I also learned a great tip years ago which is to carry a handbag so one hand is always full, providing less opportunity to
graze the food at holiday parties.
AM: When the holidays are over, how will you bring some much needed zen and centering back into your life as you embark upon the new year?
AS: My family and I are creatures of habit so the first day of school is the first day we return to our normal routines and get back in the mode of school and work. The holidays always give us a great time to take a break so when the day comes, we’re ready to tackle life again in the new year and to make every day count.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Food Network