Joanna Gaines' everyday diet is all about finding balance.
Chip and Joanna Gaines just had Baby #5, but don’t expect the power couple to slow down anytime soon! The HGTV stars are hard at work on a new show, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, and they recently opened a Texas restaurant, Magnolia Table. (You can bring Magnolia Table home with our restaurant-inspired recipes.)
When Joanna Gaines talks about what she eats during her busy days, it sounds like she wants to stay healthy, without focusing too much on the small things. The specifics might be different for you, but the philosophy behind Joanna Gaines’ diet is super accessible.
“For the most part I just try to eat a lot of protein during the day and then not too many carbs or I will crash at and not make it,” Gaines says during an interview for Health. “So, I think just drinking a lot of water and being conscious of what I’m putting in my body and being conscious of what I’m doing to relieve stress, like walking and exercising, trying to find that balance.”
To get her protein, Gaines says that she always keeps protein bars or trail mix with her when she’s out and about. (For a burst of protein on the go, try this Nutty Berry Trail Mix recipe.) Gaines also cited bananas and oranges as two fruits she always keeps on hand.
And as far as less-healthy treats go, Gaines knows that it’s okay to indulge. “Typically with sweets, I go all out,” she says. “If you’re gonna make the cake, just make the cake.”
The key, of course, is moderation. Gaines does stress that most of her family’s food includes things like the nutritious vegetables and fruits that grow in their own garden—like this beautiful broccoli!
She frequently shares photos of what she and her family eat on Instagram, as well tips on how she does things like weekly meal prep. Her diet looks like it’s full of nutrition—with an assortment of treats in the mix, too.
Gaines’ diet isn’t revolutionary. Plenty of people will tell you that balance is key, or that it’s fine to have “everything in moderation.” Still, it’s nice to see that she makes room in her life for things like sweets now and then—life is too short to skip dessert!
It's no secret Joanna Gaines is a fan of cooking—with her restaurant, cookbooks and a whole line of kitchen goods, Joanna is as comfortable in the kitchen as she is overhauling 100-year-old farmhouses. Our reader-submitted recipes—plus a few dishes from Joanna herself—are the perfect way to enjoy some of her favorite foods in your own home.
Psst! Check out these things you didn't know about Joanna Gaines.
Peanut Butter BallsWhen Joanna shared this easy recipe on her Instagram page, we were instantly smitten. Six ingredients and a few minutes of rolling and dipping are all that stands in the way between you and PB-chocolate heaven.
Chocolate Chip CookiesJoanna has a well-documented love for chocolate chip cookies—they even make an appearance in her cookbook! Try this version from our readers.
Pimiento Cheese SandwichJoanna told her Instagram followers a 2:30 a.m. pregnancy craving had her wanting Fruity Pebbles, ranch dressing and a pimiento cheese sandwich, a classic Southern comfort food.
Chicken SpaghettiShe also craved comforting chicken spaghetti, which may have been too complex to whip up for a midnight snack! Try our creamy baked version.
Banana BreadWhen her kids head back to school, Joanna loves to whip up banana bread for an easy and filling breakfast. Her version is made in a 13x9 pan for quick and easy baking.
Chicken PotpieJoanna includes a recipe for chicken potpie in her cookbook, but while you're waiting for your copy to arrive, try this kid-friendly recipe. If you're looking for more recipes, then you must try Joanna Gaines' chicken enchiladas.
BiscuitsJoanna spent a whole year perfecting this biscuit recipe for her restaurant, Magnolia Table. Paired with sausage gravy, they make for a hearty breakfast.
DoughnutsJoanna has special memories of whipping up Syrian doughnuts with her grandfather—his recipe can be found on tea towels sold in the Magnolia shop. Here's a Taste of Home doughnut favorite.
Scalloped PotatoesJoanna's cookbook, Magnolia Table, includes her favorite recipes, including scalloped potatoes. Try our version of the stick-to-the-ribs side dish.
Blueberry Sweet RollsCinnamon rolls get a summery twist in this refreshing recipe. We're not sure what's better on a warm day, the gooey blueberry filling or the tart lemon glaze.
Meghan is an entertainment and lifestyle writer with a soft spot for nostalgic snack foods. Whether it's a new Pop-Tarts flavor or a new menu item at Taco Bell, there's nothing she won't try in the name of research... or just in the name of a junk food craving.
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Updated: Jul. 12, 2022
