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ByMeghan De Maria
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Jul. 12, 2022
Joanna Gaines
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 withour 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 toeat a lot of protein during the dayand then not too many carbs or I will crash at and not make it,” Gaines says during an interview forHealth. “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!
I wonder if I dip these in chocolate maybe the kids will eat them… 😉 #homesweethome #fromthegarden
A post shared by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
She frequently shares photos of what she and her family eat on Instagram, as well tips onhow 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!
20 of Joanna Gaines' Favorite Foods
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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.
Jamie Thrower for Taste of Home
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.
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The Ultimate Chocolate Chip CookieEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Check out the recipe for "Crew's Cookies" that appears in Magnolia Table, Volume 2.
Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Mac and CheeseJoanna celebrated the end of a weeklong cookbook photoshoot in the best way: by digging into homemade mac and cheese.
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We love Joanna's recipe for cheese balls, too.
Brownie PieCan't forget dessert! Joanna also celebrated the end of the photoshoot with decadent brownie pie.
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Roasted VegetablesTo balance out her love of sweets, Joanna oven-roasts vegetables at the beginning of every week. Bonus: her kids love 'em!
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Check out more tasty roasted veggie recipes.
Cinnamon RollsShe's been known to stay up late to whip up a batch of cinnamon rolls, a breakfast treat for Chip and the kids.
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Easy Pimiento Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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Check out Joanna's other pregnancy cravings.
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.
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The Best Pecan PiePecan pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my house, and I was on a quest to create the ultimate version. This might be it!—James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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This is the secret ingredient Joanna uses in pecan pie.
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
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.
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Best Chicken Potpie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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BiscuitsJoanna spent a whole year perfecting this biscuit recipe for her restaurant, Magnolia Table. Paired with sausage gravy, they make for a hearty breakfast.
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Find more delicious recipes inspired by Magnolia Table.
Taste of Home
Strawberry ButterThe perfect complement to her biscuits? Delicious strawberry butter.
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Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Pumpkin BreadJoanna knows that October 1st means one thing: pumpkin season! Make this bread year round for a fall-inspired treat.
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Check out Joanna's 3-minute bread recipe for another fast (and delicious!) bake.
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.
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World’s Best Lemon Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Lemon PieJoanna loves to make a homemade lemon pie for Chip and the kids as an after-dinner treat.
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Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Scalloped PotatoesJoanna's cookbook, Magnolia Table, includes her favorite recipes, including scalloped potatoes. Try our version of the stick-to-the-ribs side dish.
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Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Chocolate CakeA self-proclaimed chocolate lover, Joanna says chocolate cake is her love language.
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More chocolate cakes you (and Joanna) will love.
Homemade CandyJoanna shared her family's favorite Christmas candy recipes on Instagram, including this holiday classic.
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Learn more about the Christmas candies Joanna makes every year.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
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.
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Brussels Sprouts with BaconBrussels sprouts with bacon (like this recipe) are found in Joanna's cookbook, too.
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Taste of Home
Apple PieApple pie is a classic, down-home recipe. But Joanna's favorite version benefits from the sweet, sticky addition of dulce de leche.
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Next, make sure to check out this stunning Joanna Gaines stand mixer by KitchenAid.
Originally Published: June 28, 2018
Author
Meghan De Maria
Meghan is an entertainment and lifestyle writer with a soft spot for nostalgic snacks. 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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