Healthy Hollywood: Fab Food Friday — ‘General Hospital’s’ Vanessa Marcil’s Healthy Eating Plan!

Vanessa Marcil has figured out the secret to getting her son to eat healthy! After all, what parent hasn’t shed a few tears or stormed off in frustration when their child refused to try their veggies or even worse, scraped them off the dinner plate? I know I’ve been there.

Vanessa’s secret is quite simple. Instead of making mealtime an active combat zone, she lets her 8-year-old son join her on the front lines in the kitchen.

“I try to instill healthy eating in my son, such as eating organic, by making sure he’s involved and feels a part of the healthy eating process.” Vanessa adds, “For example, I involve him in the seeding our garden in Los Angeles and upstate New York so that he understands and sees where his food is coming from.”

Let’s face it: most of us aren’t lucky enough to have our own garden, but we can let our kids into the kitchen. Let ‘em chop veggies or be in charge of mixing. These little prep tasks might just make them more apt to try their ‘culinary masterpieces.’

The 42-year-old actress also makes sure to take care of her own eating and fitness regimen – especially during the holidays.

“I honestly hate to workout with all my heart. I don’t like structured exercise and I’ve never belonged to a gym. However, I am super active. I love to race motorcycles, surf, and I coach my son’s little league.”

As for watching her weight during the holidays, Vanessa tries not to stress. The actress, who recently married “CSI: NY” actor Carmine Giovinazzo, tries to keep their diet organic and makes sure they drink lots of water mixed with cranberry.

“Being a working mom, I’m always looking for ways to make my day a little bit easier, especially during the holidays. Between the shopping, family activities, and the normal buzz of the season, it can be challenging to find the time to do everything I need to keep myself healthy,” explains Vanessa.

But, the one thing she won’t skimp on is the spirit of giving. Vanessa teamed up with Oral-B’s “Glide Into The Holidays” program, which benefits Operation Smile. Operation Smile helps children worldwide with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities. It’s an awesome way to give back this holiday – even if it’s a dollar. For more information, check out www.glidefloss.com.