Kristin Cavallari Swears by Her 'Checkbook' Diet–Plus, More Tips for Eating Healthy When You Have Kids

Kristin Cavallari says it’s time to get honest, and we're here for it. The TV personality turned entrepreneur, cookbook author and podcast host bares it all when it comes to her relationships, and not just the romantic type. With the launch of Cavallari’s new podcast, Let’s Be Honest, the mother of three and lifestyle influencer plans to open up about all the different relationships in her life, from challenging family dynamics and seriously dating for the first time in more than thirteen years, to evolving in the beauty and wellness space.

Kristin Cavallari is the host of the brand-new podcast Let's Be Honest. She's also a New York Times best-selling author, mother and founder and CEO of the lifestyle brand Uncommon James.

Ahead of her podcast launch (the first episode drops today, September 12), we got the *organic* tea on how Cavallari’s relationship with food has changed for the better, and healthy tips we can integrate into our own lives. 

“In my early 20s, I had a terrible relationship with food and dieting,” Cavallari confesses. “More than how it was affecting my body physically, my mental state was in such a negative place. I was a prisoner to it.” She adds, “It wasn’t until I became pregnant with my first son that I decided to give myself a break – and it was the healthiest and happiest I had ever been around food.”

Nowadays, Cavallari has a new attitude toward food. She tells us, “I look at my diet like a checkbook. If I indulge at a restaurant or on vacation, it’s no problem because the next day I’ll fuel my body with more salads and proteins to balance how I feel.” As a fan of the 80/20 approach (meaning 80 percent of the time making healthy choices and 20 percent of the time...you know, lava cake), Cavallari’s diet feels super attainable and, ultimately, like something we can commit to long-term—even with kids.

“It’s really important to me for my kids to see that I have a healthy relationship with food and fitness," Cavallari says. "They know firsthand how junk food makes them feel vs. nutritious alternatives, and that guides their own choices. Every week I make a dinner menu for the kids – it gets them excited to eat healthy and see what we’re making.” A recent favorite? “The Peruvian Chicken recipe from my book True Comfort. Even my daughter, who’s my pickiest eater, was obsessed!” As it turns out, Cavallari is onto something; studies show that when parents involve their children in the kitchen, their overall diets tend to be healthier, with a greater vegetable intake compared to parents who prepare their kids’ food solo. 

A healthy relationship with food while sharing delicious meals with family and friends? Sounds like a recipe for success.