Photo courtesy of Cooking Channel
It turns out that actress Tiffani Thiessen, well known for Saved by the Bell, Beverly Hills 90210, and White Collar, is also a genuine foodie. As host of the Cooking Channel's, Dinner at Tiffani's (the season finale airs April 29th), she blends friends, family and food, giving viewers a glimpse into her life though her dinner parties.
The idea for the cooking show came about organically: "My friends would come over and say, 'Let's have dinner at Tiffani's,' and then one day I heard it and thought, huh...that could be a fun concept for a show. So I went to the Food Network/Cooking Channel and pitched it. And, well, here we are." Thiessen also shares her insights on food, home and lifestyle on her new website, tiffanithiessen.com.
Now in her third trimester, Thiessen is expecting her second child with husband Brady Smith. Her daughter Harper is 4-years-old. I wanted to find out more about Thiessen's thoughts on parenting and the role food plays in her family.
What is the best parenting advice you have received?
To always listen to your gut.
How do you involve Harper in cooking?
Harper loves to help me in the kitchen. She has her own set of tools and her little step stool. We cook together a lot. It's quality mother daughter time for sure.
How will you instill your children with a healthy attitude toward food and mealtime in a world obsessed with dieting?
I think teaching them about balance; that eating healthy is important, as well as having a little fun every now and then.
How do you plan on dealing with body image issues with Harper?
Having self-esteem and teaching her that being healthy is what's most beautiful. Treating her body with care and kindness is what's most important. Not what size she is.
How do you get 4-year-old Harper to eat her veggies?
Harper has always been a veggie and fruit girl so we have never had a problem actually. And boy am I truly thankful for that.
What are your go-to foods during pregnancy?
I eat healthy normally and, of course, continue to while pregnant. But I will say that I have had more of a savory tooth than sweet tooth this time around.
What is your parenting style and how does it differ from your husband's?
I think men and woman are just very different when it comes to how they see the world and react. So there are many differences when it comes to parenting.
Is there something as a mom that you're doing that you don't see other mom's doing -- something that's unique to you?
I think all moms have their way that's unique to them. That's what makes us special.