Last week celebrity chef, Nikki Shaw held a cooking demonstration for
kids from Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), a multi-cultural center that
offers fine arts, athletic and education programs for more than 1,400
underserved youth throughout the city. The demonstration was 
part of "Fit for Life with the Los Angeles Lakers", sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross. "Fit for Life with the Los Angeles Lakers"
is a program dedicated to educating Los Angeles area youth on the
importance of physical fitness and nutrition in an effort to fight
childhood obesity and encourage all fans to be fit for life.
"Chef Nikki", as she is known to her enthusiastic students, taught the kids from HOLA's health eating club how to be "Fit For Life"
by making Confetti Spaghetti. Each kid received hands-on instruction
and nutritional information as they cooked the delicious dish that
incorporates many healthy vegetables, lean turkey sausage and whole
wheat pasta. The demonstration was also a chance for Chef Nikki to
educate 
the
kids about the importance of nutritious eating habits and proper
techniques for sanitary cooking. One of Chef Nikki's best tips: Do not
eat meals in front of the television. When we eat and watch TV, our
attention is divided, which leads to over-eating even after our hunger
has been satiated. The kids from HOLA were quick learners and eager
participants, especially when the Confetti Spaghetti was served. For
"dessert" the kids got a special surprise from the Lakers Youth
Foundation… tickets to the Lakers - Bobcats game!
The Lakers and Anthem Blue Cross want to give special thanks to Chef
Nikki Shaw. Chef Nikki is the wife of Lakers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw
and owner of Flavor Caterer and host of "TODAY'S FLAVOR", a radio
segment heard daily on WBLS in New York, KBLX in San Francisco and
Sirius XM Satellite. She also works with the American Diabetes
Association, performing cooking demonstrations to help prevent and
control diabetes for children and adults.