outFit With Kit: Little Actress, Big Inspiration

We all have role models.  Typically, they are people who are much older than us. They share words of wisdom from their past experiences, which help us gain a greater perspective on our own lives.

As a fitness trainer, it is my job to not only inspire but to also be a role model. But in my years of training, it has become very clear to me that role models are everywhere—in all ages, shapes, and sizes. Personally, my clients have always been some of my biggest inspirations. It is a true symbiotic relationship, a real give and take. I’m inspired daily without them even knowing—simply being in their presence and witnessing their lives.

One of my biggest inspirations comes in a very small, unlikely package. She is actress Eden Sher, my client and star of the show “The Middle” on ABC. A tiny little thing,—not even able to legally drink alcohol—Eden is a force to be reckoned with.  

Eden has many Hollywood credits under her belt. Already a notable and recognizable face, she just finished filming and producing her first short film, is a motivational speaker for teens, and was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actress by Television Critics Choice Awards.
More importantly, apart from her career success,  Eden is a beam of light who refuses to ever give up on herself. Although I am older in age, her wisdom extends way beyond her years, and I am constantly baffled and in awe by her vibrant, wise, and determined spirit.

To watch Eden Sher exercise is a true testament to her willpower. She pushes hard but, at the same time, knows when to listen to her body. I just adore this little lady and even though she always asks me for health advice, I thought it might be a nice switch to get her take on the subject.

So here you all go! From her mouth to this page, read on to hear some of her fierce wellness advice and what it means to be truly healthy.

K: Eden, what motivates you to work out?

I have this fantasy of being able to kick anyone’s butt when I’m 100 years old. Which, by the way, I will live to be—no question. This thought consistently motivates me to work out and stay in shape.

K: What have been your biggest insecurities about your body and how did you overcome them?

My insecurities have spanned from my big boobs to my short height; to my hips to my legs; to my general body type. Unfortunately, anything there was to find dissatisfaction with, I was able to point it out. But honestly? I really believe my body is bangin’ now. But I did, at one time, fantasize about getting liposuction from my inner thighs. If I did that now, I probably would be unable to walk, and therefore unable to kick anybody’s booty…and that is not the ultimate plan!

K: How have you maintained perspective in body-obsessed Hollywood?

Hollywood can be a disgusting place if you let its standards and ideals get to you. But after awhile, after all the ups and downs, all you can do is be you. You have no choice really. You have to love you and most importantly, laugh! Laugh at all the goons trying to be someone else. I try not to look in the mirror for long periods of time. I also try not to look at pictures of the crazy skinny people in magazines. Or I try to do it as little as possible. It is important in my industry to gain self confidence from a deeper place. I maintain the idea that “I am awesome.” If someone in Hollywood would like to debate me on this, I am more than happy to open a discussion…or a real fight. I would win, especially in a physical brawl. But, I should probably say I’m not really a violent person and I actually have never been in a real physical fight. But still—I would win!

K: What is your favorite part of your body now and why?

I love my whole body now! It sounds cheesy but everything, from top to bottom, serves me every single day and I could not be more grateful for it. My boobs look great in dresses, my butt is super high now and looks awesome in jeans. The whole package is kind of something to be proud of.

K: Describe your typical daily diet—do you avoid any foods? Any food tips?

I eat pretty much whatever—minus dairy, because I’m allergic to it. But for emotional balance and general well being, I like to stick to whole foods as much as possible. Grains, vegetables, fruits and lean meats like chicken or turkey breast. I do love my occasional burger! But I am also the Green Smoothie Queen. A smoothie with greens and super foods such as açaí berries, a whole avocado, spirulina, chlorella, and nuts with blueberries, or any kind of berry really. I typically use grapefruit juice as my base instead of soy or almond milk. I also tend to eat one serving of meat/fish a day. I’m a big advocate of just eating what you love in moderation. Except chocolate ice cream of course—I LOVE THIS WITH ALL OF MY HEART—but the dairy makes me sick, so I have to avoid it entirely.

K: When do you feel the most beautiful?

I feel the most beautiful when I am in a Krav Maga class kicking my partner in the “you know what” or with you, Kit, jumping and leaping in the air. I look like a clown, but I feel SO glamorous. It’s my all-time favorite time of living.

K: You’ve been so successful with your career at such a young age, if you could give three pieces of advice to anyone trying to live their dream, what would they be?

Okay, I am going to go very cheesy/simple/cliche for this one. But these three rules are the things that I have found to be most true and live my life by. If you actually use these mantras, they can be incredibly powerful.

1. You can do anything. I repeat, ANYTHING.
2. “F” the haters.
3. You are good enough. Always. No matter what. For anything and everything.

Kit Rich is Los Angeles-based fitness trainer with endless exercise and nutritional know-how. Hollywood's hottest stars are addicted to Kit's unique, multi-disciplined approach that combines cardio, yoga, Pilates, and weight training. Kit's clients are immediately taken by her funny and honest approach to health and fitness. She treats her clients as she treats herself, "with a hard challenge, sensibility, sensitively, and a good laugh." Follow Kit on Twitter @kitrichfitness.